Clarity. Execution. Traction.

Next Gear Group — partnering with business owners and CEOs at key inflection points to shift gears and gain traction

Fractional services with immediate payback: executive coaching, traditional CFO services, and strategic implementation of the Next Gear Operating Model. Customized tools that drive execution and performance to get you traction forward.

At an inflection point?

When growth starts working against you

Most businesses hit a wall at the same points. The signs are familiar, and they rarely fix themselves.

01

Growth has created complexity, and cash is always too tight.

02

The team is busy, but execution and accountability are inconsistent.

03

Decisions are not translating into results.

That is where Next Gear helps

Not a system.
A partner.

You don't buy an off-the-shelf program that every business gets handled the same way. The Next Gear Operating Model is a toolkit. We understand your business first, then pull only the tools it needs, starting with what is holding you back most.

  • Lived the pressure

    Senior, hands-on leadership that has lived growth, change, cash flow and accountability firsthand.

  • Your business first

    We customize the tools only after understanding how your business actually runs.

  • No cookie-cutter consulting

    No rigid model to bend your business into. You get only the parts of the toolkit that fit.

Just practical leadership, with tools built for your business to get traction.

How we work

The Next Gear Operating Model

Six gears that move a business. We start with executive coaching around the model, then pull in the parts your business needs first, not all of it at once.

The Next Gear Operating Model: Vision, People, KPI Measures, Priorities, Process, Execution

Tap to enlarge

01

Vision

Ensuring everyone is committed to where the business is going.

02

People

Having the right people in the right roles.

03

KPI Measures

Accountability around the numbers that drive performance.

04

Priorities

Focusing on fixing only the key problems first.

05

Process

Repeatable ways of working that reduce chaos and drive efficiency.

06

Execution

Turning plans into action and accountability, gaining traction.

Where we focus

The focus areas

The fractional CFO and leadership disciplines we work across, pulled in as the business needs them, not all at once.

01

Cash clarity

A clear, forward view of cash so decisions stop being a guess.

02

Growth planning

A plan for the next level, actually supported by specific, strategic, accountable actions.

03

KPI rhythm

The few key measures that matter, forward-looking and reviewed on a steady cadence.

04

Execution cadence

A rhythm that turns priorities into finished work.

05

Capital readiness

Ready for financing before you need it, not scrambling after.

06

Process discipline

The systems that hold as the business doubles and doubles again.

07

Leadership alignment

A leadership team that's aligned on the priorities and owning the outcomes.

When to call

If any of this sounds familiar

Growth feels stuck
Cash feels tight
Priorities keep shifting
Execution keeps slipping
Results keep surprising
Accountability feels soft
Financing is coming
You need traction
In their words

Results, not theory

Measures / Financial Clarity
“What stood out was how quickly Kevin connected the numbers to the real issues in the business. That clarity helped us see the risks, prioritize, make decisions, and move forward to maximize the business potential that far exceed my expectations”
Jeff Silver, Co-CEO & Owner, Silver Crystal Sports
Team / People
“Kevin has an exceptional ability to evaluate people, leadership capabilities, and team dynamics. He helps owners build the leadership structure and culture needed for the next stage of growth.”
Taha Shafiq, Founder & CEO, Aviro Talent Solutions
Growth & Execution
“Kevin helped us connect strategy to execution, clarifying what mattered most, creating clear goals, and building the rhythm and accountability needed to move the business forward. He was a trusted partner and key to helping us scale revenue 4x over four years.”
Adam Crystal, Founder & Co-CEO, Silver Crystal Sports / Commercial Director, Avery Dennison
Operational Performance
“Kevin combines financial insight with practical operational improvement. His collaborative approach and strategic mindset allow him to quickly understand complex situations, identify opportunities, and implement sustainable solutions that improve both performance and financial results.”
Kjeld Van Heijningen, Global Director Process Engineering, Avery Dennison International
Let's talk

Ready to shift gears?

If you are at an inflection point and want senior help that starts by understanding your business, get in touch.

Kevin Carkner
Fractional Strategic CFO & COO