Gregg Carlson
Senior Financial Leadership When Your Business Needs It Most
I partner with founders, business owners, and institutional investors to raise capital, navigate complexity, and build companies worth acquiring — without the cost of a full-time executive.
A career built on complex situations that demand more than accounting
I work with founders preparing for a capital raise or sale, private companies navigating rapid growth or restructuring, and institutional investors who need CFO-level analysis without a full-time hire.
I am a CPA and CFA Institute member with more than 25 years of senior finance leadership across publicly traded and private companies. I have served as CFO for a multi-state cannabis operator securing $75.5M in debt financing, led financial operations for publicly listed companies navigating SEC reporting and rapid revenue growth, and managed eight-figure liquidity for casino and hotel operating businesses.
My career spans the full spectrum of corporate finance — from early-stage fundraising models to $290M acquisition audits. I bring institutional-grade financial analysis to every engagement, regardless of company size.
Contact Information
gregg@gregg-carlson.com
Justice Grown · Cannabis · 2020–2021
Chief Financial Officer
Secured $75.5M in debt financing from a publicly listed cannabis REIT to fund multi-state dispensary and cultivation expansion across Pennsylvania and New Jersey.
CLS Holdings USA · Public Co. · 2019–2020
Chief Financial Officer
Led financial operations during 41% revenue growth in FY2020 and 60% in FY2021. Managed all SEC filings, investor relations, and quarterly earnings communications.
Luzich Partners · Family Office · 2024–2025
Controller
Oversaw liquidity management and reporting for a nine-figure-asset family office with complex international and domestic alternative investment strategies.
Comparison of Traditional CFO vs Fractional CFO - Gregg Carlson Financial Advisory
| Dimension | Traditional CFO | Gregg Carlson Fractional CFO |
|---|---|---|
| Cost | $250K–$500K+ annually including salary, bonus, benefits, and equity | Typically $5K–$15K/month — a fraction of full-time cost with no long-term commitment |
| Time to Engage | 3–6 month search and onboarding process | Operational within days to weeks — no lengthy recruitment cycle |
| Scalability | Fixed capacity — difficult to scale without re-hiring | Scope and hours adjust dynamically to match business needs |
| Breadth of Experience | Deep expertise in one industry shaped by a single career path | Cross-industry experience spanning start-up, growth, distressed, and institutional environments |
| Capital Raising & M&A | Depends on individual background; often supplemented by outside advisors | Debt, equity, private and institutional fundraising plus exit readiness and M&A support built in |
| AI & Advanced Analytics | Variable — often requires a separate digital transformation hire | AI application development, ROIC, CFROI, and EVA analysis integrated into every engagement |
| Controller Support | CFO and Controller typically separate roles requiring two hires | Interim and fractional Controller services available as an integrated offering |
| Key Person Risk | Departure creates disruption, severance exposure, and a costly restart | Flexible engagement structure; transition managed proactively with minimal legal exposure |
Practice Areas
CFO Services
Business is evolving rapidly due to AI, economic volatility, political instability and complexity. I support client growth, change and restructuring by providing services that include:
Interim, project and fractional CFO services
Budgeting and forecasting
Liquidity and cash management
Consolidation and external financial reporting
Exit readiness and M&A support
Debt and equity private and institutional capital fund raising
Financial modeling and valuation
FP&A that includes ROIC, CFROI, and EVA analysis
AI application and process development
Controller Services
Successful entrepreneurs grow and scale their business via a reliable accounting function that is quickly adaptable and supportive of all stakeholders in industries that are constantly in flux. Key services I provide include:
Accounting system development and implementation
Account reconciliations and financial reporting
State, local and U.S. tax compliance
Compilation, review and audit support
Interim, project and fractional Controller services
Blog
Insight for Business Owners
& Institutional Investors
