The Impact of Small Inefficiencies
Small business owners are working 50+ hours a week, not because they lack discipline or vision, but because inefficiencies are silently draining 20-30% of their revenue. Meanwhile, 87% of business owners who adopt technology see major efficiency gains, yet many don’t have the time or resources to implement the right solutions.
58%
of SMB owners work +50 hours per week
20-30%
of Revenue = Cost of Operational Inefficiencies
87%
of SMB owners confirmed a notable increase in operational efficiency with tech adoption
$1.2B
Value of U.S. No-Code Automation Market (25.7% CAGR by 2030)
About Us
ClearOak Consulting was founded after seeing firsthand how small business owners struggle with time, stress, and inefficient systems. Too much energy is spent on repetitive tasks and firefighting, leaving little room for strategy or what truly matters. Through our experience, we recognized this problem and built high-ROI solutions that streamline operations, reduce errors, and free up valuable hours—so owners can focus on growth, strategy, or simply reclaiming their time.
ClearOak Consulting is focused on helping small service-based businesses generating $1M–$12M in revenue.
Our Services
At ClearOak Consulting, we solve the biggest challenge small business owners face—time lost to inefficiency, stress, and broken systems. Our step-by-step approach meets you where you are, offering quick wins and long-term solutions that free up your time, reduce headaches, and drive sustainable growth.
Discovery & Efficiency Assessment
Identify What’s Holding You Back
Your time is leaking away in hidden inefficiencies. We uncover bottlenecks, diagnose weak spots, and provide a clear roadmap to reclaim lost hours and reduce daily frustrations.
Quick-Win Automation & Process Fixes
Immediate Relief, Instant Results
We implement simple, low-cost technology solutions that quickly remove manual work, reduce mistakes, and free you up to focus on higher-value activities.
Full Business Process Optimization
Fix What’s Slowing You Down
We identify the most frustrating and inefficient processes and redesign them with smarter, streamlined systems that eliminate wasted effort and keep your business running smoothly.
Advanced Business Automation & Custom Solutions
Work Smarter, Not Harder
We build custom technology and automation systems that integrate seamlessly with your operations, eliminating tedious work so your team can focus on growth.
Continued Optimization & Business Support
Stay Efficient, Stay Ahead
Efficiency isn’t a one-time fix—it’s an ongoing advantage. We provide long-term support, system monitoring, and process improvements to ensure your business stays streamlined and stress-free.
Who We Help
ClearOak Consulting helps busy service-based business owners generating $1M–$12M in revenue who are stretched thin by inefficiencies and manual processes. We streamline operations, automate time-draining tasks, and implement practical solutions that free up your time, reduce stress, and boost profitability—without adding complexity and complication.
Drowning in Admin & Busywork
If your business relies on you for everything, you’re spending hours on scheduling, invoicing, and admin work that should run itself. We identify time-draining tasks and implement strategic processes or automations that reduce errors, free up hours, and keep your business running smoothly.
Business Falls Apart Without You
If stepping away means everything slows down, your business isn’t built to scale. We design smart workflows and automation so your operations run smoothly whether you’re there or not.
Need Efficiency Without Complexity
You don’t need more tools, more learning curves, or more headaches. We implement simple, no-fuss automation that eliminates wasted time, boosts profitability, and makes running your business easier—without unnecessary complexity.
Why Choose Us
Tailored Solutions & Results
We help small business owners reclaim their time by identifying and eliminating inefficiencies, automating repetitive tasks, and optimizing workflows—without long contracts or heavy time commitments.
Immediate Impact
Our solutions start delivering results in months, not years.
High ROI, Short Payback
Simple, cost-effective fixes that pay for themselves quickly.
Effortless for You
Minimal disruption, zero wasted time, and no complex implementations.
Results-First Model
You don’t pay until you receive clear, measurable value.
Meet Your Strategist
"As an entrepreneur and business owner, I’ve experienced the long hours, inefficiencies, and daily challenges of running a small business. After eight years working alongside service-based businesses, I’ve seen how the right systems—whether automation, AI, or process improvements—can streamline operations and drive long-term value. I founded ClearOak Consulting to help owners build more efficient, scalable, and sellable businesses—without the added complexity."
John Baker, Your Strategist & Consultant
John Baker is an entrepreneur and business strategist with a proven track record of scaling businesses, driving double-digit revenue growth, and optimizing operations. He helped start and grow a healthcare real estate brokerage, built a consumer product company with nationwide and international sales, and held roles at major corporations like Amazon and Target, developing deep expertise in strategy, operations, and business development.
Through Red Oak Trust, he worked closely with small business owners, gaining firsthand insight into the inefficiencies, outdated systems, and manual processes that drain time and mental energy—keeping owners stuck in daily operations. Inspired by the need for practical, high-impact solutions, he founded ClearOak Consulting to help service-based businesses streamline operations, automate workflows, and eliminate unnecessary tasks—giving owners their time back, reducing stress, and allowing them to focus on what truly matters.
John personally leads every client engagement, bringing his strategic insight and experience to each conversation. For implementation, he collaborates with a trusted network of partners, enabling ClearOak to execute projects of nearly any size with precision and speed.
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Client Testimonials
" John consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of market dynamics and client needs. His ability to craft and execute innovative strategies was instrumental in us closing over $100 million in transactions, a testament to his effectiveness and expertise. "
Sam Greely, Managing Partner, HG Real Estate Partners, Inc.
"Working with John has been a game-changer for DealsX. His deep knowledge of small businesses and the M&A landscape is evident in every conversation. What truly sets him apart is his practical, no-fluff approach to enhancing operations. He has been an invaluable asset to our growth."
Sam Singh, Partner, DealsX
"John is a wizard—his ability to quickly and strategically optimize and enhance workflows and processes is second to none. He's relentlessly creative, always learning, and every conversation with him leaves you smarter and better equipped."
David Lovejoy, Founder & CEO, Horizon Search, Inc.
"Coming Soon"
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