city building during daytime

About David Bryden

Growth Consultant | Fractional CFO | Executive Coach | Board Advisor

city building during daytime

For over 20 years, I've built, scaled, and transformed organizations—from scrappy startups to nationally recognized brands. I've worn nearly every executive hat: Founder, CEO, CFO, CRO, COO, Chief Strategy Officer, and active board member across multiple companies. This 360-degree view has taught me exactly what creates lasting enterprise value: financial precision, operational excellence, and leadership that inspires.

Through Clarus Effect, I partner with CEOs, founders, and private equity groups to accelerate growth, fortify leadership teams, and build businesses that win—financially, culturally, and long-term.

A Track Record of Real Results

My foundation started in software development at Boeing, working on mission-critical military systems for the C-17 flight controls. That early training in precision, systems thinking, and high-stakes problem-solving still shapes how I approach business scaling.

I founded SpamSoap, which grew into a market leader in corporate spam filtering. Pioneering security solutions for thousands of businesses. Addressing a critical pain point in the early days of widespread email threats and establishing a strong foothold in the emerging cybersecurity space.

I founded StoneHill Technical Solutions and grew it into a CRN and MSPmentor recognized market leader, earning Inc. 5000 honors before a successful exit at a strong EBITDA multiple.

Later, at TechMD, I held nearly every C-suite role—CFO, COO, CRO, CSO, and ultimately CEO. Key achievements include:

  • 5x+ increase in enterprise value through strategic planning, operational alignment, and aggressive market expansion

  • Engineered a strategic sale years ahead of schedule

  • Built award-winning cultures ("Best Places to Work," "Top Workplaces")

  • Designed and executed strategic plans, new-market launches, and seamless M&A integrations

These experiences crystallized my core belief: Exceptional companies thrive at the intersection of great cultures, sharp financials, mature leadership and disciplined operations.

My mission is To Help Others Thrive.

Ready to Build What’s Next?

If you're a CEO, founder, executive, or private equity partner seeking a strategic partner who's sat in every seat—and delivered outsized results in each—I'd love to connect.

city building during daytime

Follow me