The Week Across the Portfolio
One line per brand on what moved
Weekly newsletter
Done It Ten Times
Lessons from operators who've done it ten times, and one who's still doing it.
One email a week from inside the build. What moved across The Proper Group and every Michael Ryan Betz venture, what the numbers say, what we're learning, and what an operator would do next.
What's in every issue
Operator Notes
A real lesson from TPG engagements and the bench, clients anonymized
The Number
One data point that matters, with its source
Built and Shipped
What went live this week
What's Next
What's coming up across the brands next week
Ranch Notes
Monthly, from the farm
Portfolio pulse
One newsletter. Every brand.
The Proper Group
Fractional and interim executive leadership.
The Proper GroupSightline Briefs
Executive intelligence on what changed in your market, and what to do about it. Presented by The Proper Group.
Visit SightlineThe Relationship Barometer
A light weekly check-in that reads the pressure in a relationship before the storm, so couples, families and teams can talk while it's still easy.
Take the Pressure CheckData Center Development Watch
Weekly briefing on US and Canadian data center development, with regional tracks.
Data Center Development WatchRepute Reply
AI review replies for local businesses.
Repute ReplyAI, Finally.
Practical AI for everyone.
AI, Finally.Half Off Cincinnati
Local deals and discovery.
Half Off CincinnatiOverheard Goods
Culture-driven apparel.
Overheard GoodsInfluenceOS
Local creator campaigns for businesses.
Rookie Runway
A launch system for new real estate agents.
Front & Hall
Websites and internal hubs for growing companies.
Front & HallHobby Farm Hub
Independent buying guides for hobby farm life.
Hobby Farm HubThe Lakehouse List
Independent buying guides for lakehouse living.
The Lakehouse ListElevated Travelers
Independent buying guides for travelers.
Elevated TravelersCaring for Parents
Independent buying guides for caring for parents.
Caring for ParentsComfort Tail Co.
Small-batch pet products from independent makers, built for the senior years.
Comfort Tail Co.Done It Ten Times
The weekly newsletter across every Michael Ryan Betz brand.
Subscribe freeResearch desk
The numbers behind the work
of US small businesses use AI in some form, but only 14% have fully integrated it into core operations.
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Voicesof small businesses say more training and resources would help them implement AI.
Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses VoicesSMB AI adoption, up from 55% a year earlier.
Thryv AI and Small Business Adoption Surveysmall business workers now use AI for work tasks.
U.S. Chamber of Commerce Foundation, Main Street AI Monitorof consumers would use a local business that responds to all of its reviews; 19% now expect a same-day reply, up from 6%.
BrightLocal Local Consumer Review SurveyUS CEO exits in the first half of 2026, after 2,032 in all of 2025.
Challenger, Gray & Christmas CEO Turnover Reportglobal CEO departures in 2025, the second straight record year.
Russell Reynolds Associates Global CEO Turnover Index, via PropertyCasualty360estimated global fractional executive market, growing about 14% a year.
Industry estimate via International FinanceData note: Market-size figures for fractional work mostly come from firms that sell it. We flag estimates as estimates and link every number to its source.
From the author
Michael Ryan Betz
Michael Ryan Betz is Founder & CEO, The Proper Group, a Cincinnati-based collective of 200 vetted fractional and interim executives. He hosts In The Making with Michael R. Betz, authored In The Making, and builds consumer and local-business brands. His career spans corporate America, startup hypergrowth, and founding his company.
Issue format preview
Format preview
Done It Ten Times
The Week Across the Portfolio
Three things that moved this week
Operator Notes
A lesson from inside the work
The Number
A data point and its source
Built and Shipped
What went live this week
What's Next
Two to watch next week
Ranch Notes
Monthly, from the farm
FAQ
- How often?
- Weekly.
- What does it cost?
- Free.
- Who is it for?
- Founders, CEOs, operators and anyone building something.
- Is this a sales pitch for The Proper Group?
- No, no house ads; you'll hear real operator stories.
Weekly newsletter
One email a week from inside the build.
Lessons from operators who've done it ten times, and one who's still doing it.
Make the next conversation count.
Keynotes. Firesides. Workshops. Real perspective from the work of building.