Zero-to-One Builder

I take things that don't exist yet and make them real.

Architect turned agency founder, operator, and AI builder. 35 years, three exits, now building three AI ventures and advising select companies as a fractional growth leader.

Portrait of Benjamin Douglas Ray

Where I'm Strongest

Tech, venture, architecture, advertising, wellness, products. To me they're the same job.

Take something that doesn't exist yet, and make it real. That's the zero-to-one stage. It's messy, it's ambiguous, and most people hate it. I'm strongest there.

  • I see patterns others miss.
  • I connect ideas before I can explain how.
  • I build fast, because waiting feels worse than not being 100% right.

It also has a cost. I'm not built for a maintenance role, and I get restless when the work is only repeating itself. I've stopped apologizing for that, and I've started designing my work around it.

  • 35 years building companies
  • 3 exits: Forum 21 Integrated Communications, Xylem CCI, Jett Brand Companies
  • 72 person agency across Denver, NYC, Chicago, London
  • 20+ founders helped raise capital or restructure
  • 1 patent application (PCT/US2025/030020)

Building now.

AI for Construction

Built for people who build.

AI for Venues

Real-time demand and attribution.

AI Intelligence Hubs

Financial, Insurance.

Assembling partners. Start a conversation

Fractional

Work with me.

Fractional Growth Leadership

GTM design, demand generation, revenue architecture, launch to scale.

AI Product & Commercialization

AI-native products from concept to revenue, with human decision governance built in.

Capital & Investor Readiness

Board-facing narratives, financial planning, fundraising support.

Selective. Founder-led and PE-backed teams. Denver, Las Vegas, Remote.

Track Record

35 years of zero to one.

  1. 2011–PresentFounder, CXO Advisor and Fractional AI Growth
  2. 2023–2025SVP, AI & Digital Transformation, Spotsurfer
  3. 2018–2023Founder and CEO, Eight Saints Organic
  4. 2019–2021CMO, Tread Global International
  5. 2016–2017VP Sales and Marketing, Forum Real Estate Group
  6. 2015–2016Founder and CEO, Jett Brand Companies
  7. 2001–2009Founder and CMO, Xylem CCI
  8. EarlierFounded Forum 21 Integrated Communications 10 years as a design architect in San Francisco and Denver. B.F.A., Colorado State University.

Writing and Speaking

Executive intelligence for leaders building what's next.

AI Horizons: Navigating the Innovation Economy is my monthly newsletter on where AI is creating real value, and I bring the same lens to keynotes, panels, and the Against The Grain podcast.

Get in Touch

Building something from nothing? Let's talk.

Get past the noise.

A warm introduction is the best way to get my attention. If you don't have one, I'm still happy to hear from you. For fast and thorough consideration, send a concise note with:

  1. What you're building, or the problem you're trying to solve
  2. Stage, timing, and what kind of help you need (fractional, advisory, or build partner)
  3. Your location and the team involved