Remember hyperdrive in the movies?
It's like that for your business.
Fractional CMO Expertise for the
Packaging & Processing Industry
John Eklund, Your Fractional CMO
John Eklund is the founding Principal of 221A, devoted to helping you strengthen your brand, your demand, and your sales by bringing high-level marketing leadership and marketing strategy – Big “M” Marketing – to your business.
With nearly 30 years of experience leading global marketing at packaging giant ProMach and other B2B companies, he helps small B2B packaging and processing manufacturing companies transition into medium-sized companies by growing revenue and making meaningful connections with prospects and customers alike.
During John's tenure at ProMach, he helped drive their growth into a $2 billion industry leader and was part of the core team that integrated over 45 acquisitions. Additionally, he led CRM and Business Intelligence initiatives, rolled out a global unified branding strategy, directed annual strategic planning, drove cross-team collaboration and cross-selling through a variety of channels, and managed a sophisticated marketing technology stack.
He understands the challenges of the industry because he's worked with more companies in the space than any other marketing leader out there. He's done it before and he's ready to help you do it as well.
What is a Fractional CMO?
A Fractional CMO (Chief Marketing Officer) is an external executive that provides services to companies on a part-time basis. They are experienced in their field and bring expertise in leading marketing and business strategies, sales development, and general leadership to drive company growth.
With a Fractional CMO you get CMO-level expertise at a fraction of the cost of bringing in a full-time CMO.
What Do You Get With 221A?
Marketing Leadership
Bringing C-level marketing leadership to your entire marketing operation while partnering with the offices of the CEO, COO, and CFO to drive overall business strategy.
Marketing Strategy
Developing business transforming marketing and commercial go-to market strategies, from branding to advertising to CRM/BI to digital to aftermarket and beyond to fuel explosive growth.
Our Services
E
Engaged
Level
Strategic Leadership:
10 hours/week of dedicated CMO-level guidance
​
Full-Service Management:
Lead your marketing team, vendors, and contractors
Coaching:
Mentorship for new marketing staff and rising stars
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3-month minimum commitment
A
Advisor
Level
Long-Term Partnership:
Strategic guidance and campaign oversight
Flexible Support:
Quarterly planning, bi-monthly sprints, resource prioritization
Resource Access:
Marketing SOPs and campaign templates
​
4-month minimum commitment
S
Strategic
Workshop
Intensive Planning:
4-hour custom strategy session
Actionable Deliverables:
Marketing roadmap, campaign planning, and tactical priorities
Rapid Implementation:
Execute within 3-6 months of session
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One-time commitment