Case Study:
Tower Communications Experts
The Challenge
Tower Communications Expert (TCE), led by CEO Laura, faced one of the toughest periods in its history. A prolonged industry downturn drove three successive quarters of losses, with revenue declining and crews underutilized.
The leadership team was operating with limited data and spent most of their time “firefighting” rather than making informed, proactive decisions. Inconsistent work volume meant quality and efficiency were slipping, creating customer risks. With overhead locked into fixed labor costs, profitability was eroding fast.
The Engagement
Beau Scott, a member of the ScaleUpExec team, joined TCE as fractional COO to stabilize operations, restore profitability, and position the business for future success. Key steps included:
- Rapid assessment & alignment: Analyzed financial and operational data, gathered leadership input, and prioritized opportunities. Built a joint action plan combining immediate wins with long-term fixes.
- Rebalancing labor costs: Shifted labor spend toward revenue-generating activities and introduced more variable cost structures to match volatile industry demand.
- Rebuilding data & reporting: Implemented a company performance tracker focused on the right KPIs. Established weekly leadership routines to drive disciplined decision-making.
- Tech-enabled process redesign: Streamlined processes and rebuilt the tech stack from field service management to payroll and CRM to eliminate inefficiencies and improve compliance.
- Leadership development: Provided coaching to reorient the team toward performance, accountability, and engagement.
THE RESULTS
Revenue Growth
30% revenue growth from Q2 2024 to Q2 2025.
Gross Margin Improvement
66% gross margin improvement from 15% to ~25%
Overhead Reduction
25% reduction in overhead: From ~$425k/month to ~$320k/month
Cashflow Control
Improved forecasting and liquidity management.
Profitability Restored
From 4 negative quarters to achieving positive net income.
Operational Efficiency
Integrated payroll systems, stronger compliance, and real-time visibility into profitability by site, project, region, and customer.
Faster Financial Visibility
40% increase from restructured client agreements.
Team Health Maintained
Improved engagement, sustained safety standards, and turnover rates below industry averages.
Conclusion
Through disciplined execution and leadership alignment, TCE achieved a complete turnaround—regaining profitability, strengthening operational control, and restoring confidence across the organization. What began as a crisis became a case study in how data-driven leadership and the right fractional partnership can stabilize and scale a business. Today, TCE operates with sharper visibility, stronger margins, and the momentum to move confidently into its next chapter under new ownership.
If your business is navigating similar challenges, ScaleUpExec can help you turn complexity into clarity and momentum. Partner with experienced operators who know how to build scalable systems, drive accountability, and deliver measurable results.
