How a Construction Firm Transformed Its Finance Department and Graduated to a Full-Time CFO

"The impact you've had on this company cannot be understated. You have made all of our jobs easier, and it was a great experience to work with you."

—Unified Construction Systems, Ltd.

The Situation

Unified Construction Systems brought on fractional CFO Richard Burns during what its leadership later described as "some of our most trying times." Over a two-year-and-four-month engagement, Burns served as mentor, coach, and strategic leader — guiding the company through a meaningful transformation and positioning it for continued growth. The engagement concluded with Unified ready to hire a full-time CFO.

What We Did

Embedded within Unified's leadership team during a critical period, their FocusCFO CFO:

• Stabilized the business and guided leadership through complex, high-pressure decisions
• Challenged the ownership with disciplined, probing questions to drive accountability and growth
• Transformed the culture and operating standards of the organization
• Positioned the company for a successful future exit through sustainable financial and operational improvements
• Supported the transition to a full-time CFO, leaving the company stronger than he found it

The Result

Unified Construction emerged from a difficult period as a financially mature, operationally sound business — and one that the team described as fundamentally changed for the better. Burns received a rare send-off: a heartfelt letter of gratitude from the entire organization.

"Through your ingenuity and passion, you have changed the way we do business. We are forever in your debt. It's now time for you to leave your mark on another company. Your new colleagues are going to be in for a treat."

— Unified Construction Systems, Ltd.