Strategic Advisor | Technology & Operations Innovator | Growth Accelerator

Brian is a proven leader with over 30 years of global experience driving growth, operational excellence, and technology innovation. As a former Chief Information Officer and Chief Operations Officer, he has become a trusted advisor to entrepreneurs, investors, and high-growth companies, guiding them through critical inflection points to scale businesses, commercialize technology, and optimize operations.

With deep expertise in M&A integration, enterprise technology modernization, process automation, AI, and digital transformation, Brian has consistently delivered increased EBITDA, sustainable growth, and investor confidence across diverse industries. His strategic approach focuses on aligning business models with market opportunities, refining investor narratives to enhance capital readiness, and leveraging technology to create competitive advantages.

Brian’s leadership track record includes driving enterprise-wide transformation initiatives at Accenture, IBM, Tommy Bahama, Puretech Scientific among many others, while advising private clients on scaling operations and navigating complex business challenges. He specializes in:

As a strategic partner to entrepreneurs, venture funds, and private equity firms, Brian bridges the gap between strategy and execution. His hands-on leadership ensures businesses are equipped to scale efficiently while fostering long-term success through innovation and operational excellence.  Whether supporting capital raises, scaling operations, or driving technology innovation, his experience ensures that businesses are well-positioned for long-term success.

He holds a Master of Business Administration in Technology and Operations from North Carolina State University’s Poole College of Management and a Bachelor of Science in Biochemical Engineering from North Carolina State University. Brian is passionate about helping individuals and companies thrive, driving continuous improvement, and bridging the gap between strategy and execution to ensure long-term business success.

John Michael Harlow

Founder

John Michael is a successful executive and one of Harbright’s three founding partners. John Michael holds both JD (LSU) and MBA (Duke) degrees. As Chief Administrative Officer and General Counsel, he helped build Affordable Care from 65 dental practices in 16 states to 175 offices in 38 states with 1,400 total staff. Affordable Care exited to private equity in 2011. John Michael is Harbright’s managing partner and conducts the firm’s legal and regulatory affairs.

John Michael has raised three wonderful daughters with his wife, Donna. They reside in Clayton, NC.

×

    ×