“Everyone—from the engineer to the CEO—should take part in supporting customers. It changes how we build everything.” 

That insight from fractional CTO Brian Childress isn’t just memorable—it’s a blueprint for building better tech businesses. In this episode, Brian shares how embedding customer support into every role improves product development, team alignment, and long-term growth. Whether you're a SaaS founder, solopreneur, or future CTO, this episode is full of sharp, actionable advice.

Brian Childress is a seasoned software architect and fractional Chief Technology Officer. With deep experience leading software engineering teams and scaling tech infrastructure, Brian helps startups and growth-stage companies make the leap from “just launched” to “ready for real users.” His superpower? Balancing deep tech know-how with customer-first strategy.

WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT
What a fractional CTO does (and how to become one)
The hardest part of shifting from employee to business owner
How to prepare your SaaS platform for real-world users
Why every team member should experience customer support
Creating company culture without making it a “project”
How AI agents can act like super interns
Protecting your intellectual property while using AI tools
Why understanding your team’s cultural background improves collaboration
Systems and frameworks that keep solo consultancies running smoothly

Tune in now for a candid conversation full of practical strategies and lightbulb moments.


Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business: https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter

&ldquo;Everyone&mdash;from the engineer to the CEO&mdash;should take part in supporting customers. It changes how we build everything.&rdquo; 
That insight from fractional CTO Brian Childress isn&rsquo;t just memorable&mdash;it&rsquo;s a blueprint for building better tech businesses. In this episode, Brian shares how embedding customer support into&nbsp;every role improves product development, team alignment, and long-term growth. Whether you're a SaaS founder, solopreneur, or future CTO, this episode is full of sharp, actionable advice.
Brian Childress is a seasoned software architect and fractional Chief Technology Officer. With deep experience leading software engineering teams and scaling tech infrastructure, Brian helps startups and growth-stage companies make the leap from &ldquo;just launched&rdquo; to &ldquo;ready for real users.&rdquo; His superpower? Balancing deep tech know-how with customer-first strategy.
WE ALSO TALKED ABOUT
<ul>
<li aria-level="1">What a fractional CTO does (and how to become one)</li>
<li aria-level="1">The hardest part of shifting from employee to business owner</li>
<li aria-level="1">How to prepare your SaaS platform for real-world users</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why every team member should experience customer support</li>
<li aria-level="1">Creating company culture without making it a &ldquo;project&rdquo;</li>
<li aria-level="1">How AI agents can act like super interns</li>
<li aria-level="1">Protecting your intellectual property while using AI tools</li>
<li aria-level="1">Why understanding your team&rsquo;s cultural background improves collaboration</li>
<li aria-level="1">Systems and frameworks that keep solo consultancies running smoothly</li>
</ul>
Tune in now for a candid conversation full of practical strategies and lightbulb moments. 
Get regular access to tips, techniques and advice from experts about growing your business:<a href="https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter"> https://onlinebusinessliftoff.com/newsletter</a>

This podcast is for new and emerging online business owners who are determined to do what it takes to reach their financial goals, help people along the way and learn a bunch of useful new skills. Have a love/hate relationship with the tech? We talk about that. Not sure you have what it takes to achieve success? We talk about that, too, plus how to deal with mindset challenges. Trudy Rankin, Founder of the Online Business Program, shares actionable tips that will help you really get your business growing, as well as interviews with experts and inspiring stories so that you can grow your online business with confidence.

This podcast is for new and emerging online business owners who are determined to do what it takes to reach their financial goals, help people along the way and learn a bunch of useful new skills. Have a love/hate relationship with the tech? We talk about that. Not sure you have what it takes to achieve success? We talk about that, too, plus how to deal with mindset challenges. Trudy Rankin, Founder of the Online Business Program, shares actionable tips that will help you really get your business growing, as well as interviews with experts and inspiring stories so that you can grow your online business with confidence.

Online Business Launchpad | Start An Online Business | Online Business Growth

The Online Business Launchpad podcast shares tips, techniques and stories from small business owners who have solved problems and challenges like the ones you face.  This podcast is for you if you want to increase revenue and profits without burning out so that you can have more time for yourself and your family and more choices in how you live your life.

The Online Business Launchpad podcast shares tips, techniques and stories from small business owners who have solved problems and challenges like the ones you face.  This podcast is for you if you want to increase revenue and profits without burning out so that you can have more time for yourself and your family and more choices in how you live your life.

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