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FuelRod Gains Financial Strategy & Growth With Fractional CFO Leadership

FuelRod Portable Charger kiosk and a family purchasing a rental from Preferred CFO case study on Fractional CFO help

Industry

Consumer Electronics

The Challenge

When global travel came to a standstill during the pandemic, FuelRod (a leader in portable charging solutions) faced an immediate and dramatic revenue decline. With airports and major entertainment venues closed, leadership had to make rapid decisions to conserve cash and restructure operations.The company’s financial team, once led by a full-time CFO, had been scaled back to survive the downturn. As the economy recovered, FuelRod needed high-level financial strategy to rebuild growth, pursue new capital opportunities, and create a long-term exit plan. Leadership wanted a partner who could bring the expertise of a seasoned CFO without the cost or commitment of hiring full-time.

The Results

With Preferred CFO’s fractional CFO leadership, FuelRod gained the financial insight and structure needed to move confidently from recovery to growth.The company strengthened its balance sheet, secured new banking partnerships, and developed forecasting models to guide future investment. With improved visibility, clear capital planning, and a roadmap for a four- to five-year exit, FuelRod emerged stronger, more resilient, and positioned for long-term success.

Key Services

Fractional CFO, Financial Strategy, Capital Raise

www.fuel-rod.com/

"We had vision, product, and partnerships — we just needed the right financial strategy to tie it all together. That’s what Preferred CFO helped unlock."

Chi Yau

Chief Executive Officer (CEO) @ FuelRod

FuelRod swappable power stick being inserted into a kiosk and Preferred CFO

About FuelRod

FuelRod is an innovative provider of portable charging solutions designed to keep travelers connected wherever they go. With convenient swap-and-go kiosks located in airports, hotels, theme parks, and entertainment venues across the United States, FuelRod makes mobile power accessible and sustainable. The company’s reusable charging system helps reduce electronic waste while offering a simple, on-the-go solution trusted by millions of travelers each year.

FuelRod's Challenges

FuelRod, a leading provider of portable charging solutions for travelers, was on a steady growth trajectory before the pandemic of 2020. With a strong presence in airports and major entertainment venues and theme parks, the company had built a recognizable brand and consistent revenue stream.

When COVID-19 halted travel worldwide, FuelRod’s business model was tested overnight. The company entered survival mode just as many successful companies were forced to, cutting costs and scaling back its financial team to preserve liquidity. Once travel rebounded, leadership recognized the need for strategic financial expertise and leadership to rebuild operations, pursue capital funding, and prepare for an eventual exit.

FuelRod wanted more than basic accounting oversight. They needed a fractional CFO partner capable of delivering high-level forecasting, capital strategy, and board-level financial leadership; without the cost of hiring an in-house Chief Financial Officer.

The Solution

FuelRod engaged Preferred CFO to lead their financial strategy and planning, as well as to provide the experienced oversight needed to position the company for renewed growth.

Working closely with FuelRod’s internal leadership and account teams, Fractional CFO Brian Gore and the Preferred CFO team implemented:

Rather than rebuild an entire finance department from the ground up, Preferred CFO worked alongside existing team members and departments, elevating financial leadership, introducing new tools for financial visibility, and providing the roadmap to scale efficiently.

The Results

Preferred CFO’s fractional CFO partnership helped FuelRod transform financial challenges into a position of strength and the strategic clarity the company was after.

With new visibility into cash flow and future capital needs, leadership gained the insight to make faster, more confident decisions. The company strengthened its banking relationships and funding sources, improved financial reporting accuracy, and positioned itself for profitable long-term growth as the world continued to shift and change.

FuelRod now operates with a clear financial strategy and has built a sustainable plan for expansion and exit. Preferred CFO continues to provide strategic leadership as the company scales, ensuring that FuelRod’s financial systems, forecasts, and capital structure remain aligned with its long-term goals.

"“The promise when Preferred CFO came in to help us was to provide the forecasting strategy and capital needed to move FuelRod forward, even during one of the most difficult fundraising environments in recent history. They delivered on that promise.”

— FuelRod Leadership Team

Looking Ahead

FuelRod continues to rely on Preferred CFO for strategic financial oversight and capital planning as it expands across airports, travel hubs, and retail locations nationwide. With a scalable financial infrastructure and trusted CFO partnership, FuelRod is positioned for continued innovation and long-term investor success.

At a Glance

Client: FuelRod – provider of portable charging solutions for travelers across airports, theme parks, and major entertainment venues.

Partner: Preferred CFO – trusted provider of fractional CFO and outsourced financial strategy services.

Industry: Consumer Electronics and Travel Technology

Services Provided: Fractional CFO leadership, financial strategy, capital raise advisory, and exit planning.

Key Outcomes: Strengthened financial forecasting, secured new funding relationships, improved capital structure, and developed a four- to five-year exit roadmap.

Location: United States

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