About John Flanagan
Experts by Design is not a large consulting firm. It is a personalized, one-on-one engagement where I work directly with you. Whether you are an early-stage startup, a growing small business, or a company adjusting post-acquisition, my goal is to help you build a business that works for you, not the other way around.
From an early age, I have been building businesses that scale, evolve, and adapt over time. What started as small entrepreneurial ventures grew into a portfolio of businesses spanning media, technology, and consulting. At 31, I sold my government website business to a privately held software company, where I continued in an executive role. When the company was later acquired by private equity, I formally joined the executive leadership team, overseeing significant growth within my division, achieving 100% year-over-year client retention, and scaling our client base sixfold over five years.
Through these experiences, I have learned what it takes to turn an idea into a thriving business. I have also learned that perpetual growth does not always need to be the goal. While may programs focus on growth, I focus on build a business that is sustainable, giving the owner the ability to scale with purpose.
Many business owners are experts in their craft but struggle with turning their expertise into a scalable, well-structured business. That is where I come in. My role is to bridge the gap between skill and strategy—helping business owners refine their operations, establish clear processes, and create a sustainable foundation for success.
That philosophy is what led me to launch Experts by Design. I work directly with business owners, providing one-on-one consulting and coaching to help them structure and refine their operations while setting long-term goals that align with their growth plans. Operations are the backbone of any business. When they are strong, everything else follows. A well-designed operational framework enables businesses to scale efficiently, onboard employees seamlessly, and deliver exceptional customer experiences. More importantly, it prevents issues before they arise.
I take a strategic, hands-on approach to consulting. My role is to provide clarity, structure, and a roadmap for business owners who are too deep in the day-to-day to see opportunities for improvement. Whether the goal is long-term stability or aggressive expansion, I help ensure that businesses are not just growing but operating efficiently and effectively.