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The problem facing most startups
Does this sound like you?
Execution feels chaotic and inconsistent
We set goals and rarely hit them
I want to be challenged in my thinking
I don't want a bunch of "yes men" around me
My business can do more than it's doing
I need more people I can trust in my business
Our Services
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Executive Advisory
Founders don’t need another echo chamber — they need a trusted partner who pushes their thinking further. At Circle Forward, we work side by side with founders at high-growth startups to tackle tough challenges, refine strategy, and keep leaders focused on what drives real results.
Meet the partners
35+ Years of Experience at
Venture-Backed, High-Growth Startups
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Jon Katz: 2X CMO/SVP, MBA
Jon is a seasoned executive with over 15 years of experience driving growth for startups. As a 2X CMO and SVP in NYC, Austin, and Florida, he has helped scale brands to over $40M in revenues across CPG, B2B SaaS, and Financial Services. As a Principal Partner at Circle Forward, Jon delivers go-to-market strategies, metrics-driven management, and executive advisory for tech startups.
Jon brings a metrics-driven mindset and data rigor to right marketing strategy. Well versed in principles of business systems management, Jon advises startup founders on defining vision, setting goals, tracking KPIs, all in a disciplined meetings-framework. Upon an exiting Amia (health and wellness food brand), he's founded and captaining Dynasty Club, scaling revenues for sports team through innovative fan experience technologies.
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Russ Briscoe: 2X CRO/VP Sales, MBA
Russ' 20 years of sales and leadership experience spans Fortune 500s to startups. His career has been built on selling value and leading transformational growth, all while listening more than talking. Before fractional CRO and executive advisory work, he served as VP Sales, scaling a high-growth FinTech business through 3 capital rounds, from 3 employees to 110+, 0 to 30M+ ARR (100M+ in enterprise value).
Russ is a serial entrepreneur with deep experience in business systems management theory and the rigors of real-world execution in scaling revenue at startups.
His MBA from UT McCombs and BA from Georgetown University underscore a high capacity for problem solving and his strategic acumen.
What Our Clients Have to Say
"Jon has been our Executive Advisor for over six years, and I can honestly say he’s been instrumental in our growth and success. He’s not just an advisor — he’s a true challenger. Jon pushes us to question assumptions, sharpen our strategy, and make decisions with confidence. Cornbread Hemp wouldn’t be where it is today without his support."
Eric Zipperle
CEO, Cornbread Hemp
"Russ has been a true challenger and partner in shaping our growth at Trayd. He calls balls and strikes. Not only has his guidance on sales strategy been invaluable, his executive support has helped me navigate some of the toughest decisions I've had to face with confidence. Having Russ in our corner has made a huge impact."