FAQ
Questions, answered.
What a fractional IT director does, how working together works, and what it costs.
What Middlebrook does
What is a fractional IT director?
An experienced technology leader who works with your organization part-time. You get the strategy, judgment, and vendor management of a senior IT director without the cost of a full-time hire. I help set direction, make the big calls, and keep major projects on track.
Do you fix computers or provide help desk support?
No. Middlebrook focuses on decisions, not desktops. Day-to-day support (laptops, passwords, printers, networks) is best handled by an IT support company or an internal person. If you don't have good support in place, I can help you find and evaluate a provider.
Who do you work with?
Small and growing organizations without a full-time technology leader: associations, nonprofits, and privately owned businesses. The common thread is an important technology decision or project and no one in-house with the experience to own it.
We already have an IT provider. Do we still need you?
Possibly, and if so I work alongside them, not instead of them. Your provider keeps things running. I make sure the bigger picture (systems, spending, vendors, and plans) is heading in the right direction, and I can be your advocate when their recommendations need a second opinion.
Working together
What does the first conversation look like?
A free, no-obligation call of about 30 minutes. You tell me what's going on, I ask a lot of questions, and we figure out whether I can help. If it's a fit, I'll follow up with a short written proposal covering scope, timeline, and cost.
How much of your time would we get?
It depends on what you need. A technology assessment or defined project is scoped up front. Ongoing advisory is sized to your organization and agreed before we start, so there are no surprises on either side.
Do you work remotely or on-site?
Mostly remotely, by video call, phone, and email. On-site visits can be arranged when they make sense, such as kickoff meetings, workshops, or board presentations.
Will you sign a confidentiality agreement?
Yes. I'm glad to sign an NDA before we discuss anything sensitive, and I treat your systems, data, and vendor contracts as confidential either way.
Cost and independence
How much does it cost?
Assessments and defined projects are quoted as a fixed price. Ongoing advisory is a monthly retainer. Either way, you'll know the cost in writing before any work begins.
Do you take commissions or referral fees from vendors?
No. I don't resell hardware or software, and I don't accept commissions, referral fees, or incentives from vendors. When I recommend a platform or a partner, it's because it's the right fit for you.
Why not just hire a full-time IT director?
If you need senior technology leadership every day, you should. Most small organizations don't, and a full-time salary plus benefits is a big commitment for a part-time need. Fractional leadership gets you the experience now. If you grow into a full-time role later, I can help you define it and hire the right person.
Have a question that isn't here?
Ask away. I'm happy to talk it through, even if we never end up working together.