About Ken
From Building Teams to Technology Strategies. 20+ years of leadership - a Fractional CTO who understands that great technology serves people, not the other way around.
I’ve spent over two decades building and leading engineering teams, managing complex technical projects, and bridging the gap between business strategy and technical execution. But my approach to technology leadership was shaped somewhere unexpected: on an obstacle course.
Two paths, one mission
My career has followed two parallel tracks that ultimately converged:
The Technical Track:
- 20+ years in software engineering and technical leadership
- Led large teams of engineers and project managers at enterprise scale
- Built complex systems integrations that connected business-critical platforms
- Architected solutions that scaled from startup to enterprise
The Entrepreneurial Track:
- Founded and scaled Two Labs LeadGen, a digital marketing and integration agency
- Co-founded CrossFit TEF (The Endurance Factory), a HYROX and CrossFit affiliate in Maryland
- Successfully exited CrossFit TEF in January 2025 (I continue as advisor, technical consultant, and athlete)
- Learned firsthand what growing businesses need from their technology leaders
These experiences taught me something crucial: companies don’t need more technology—they need smarter technology decisions.
What I Do Now
Today, I serve as a Fractional CTO for growing companies that need experienced, actionable technology leadership without the enterprise-level price tag. I work with:
- Startups scaling their engineering teams and infrastructure
- Growing SMBs transforming technology from cost center to growth engine
- Private equity portfolio companies needing technical due diligence and post-acquisition integration
My specialization is systems integration and technical architecture—connecting the platforms, tools, and data that modern businesses depend on. But more importantly, I help leaders make million-dollar technology decisions with confidence.
Not Your Typical CTO
Most fractional CTOs come from one of two backgrounds: pure consulting (lots of strategy, minimal execution) or pure engineering (lots of code, minimal business context).
I bring both – and something else.
The Technical Credibility:
- 20+ years hands-on engineering and leadership experience
- Built and managed teams of 50+ engineers and project managers
- Architected integrations connecting CRMs, ERPs, marketing automation, and custom systems
- Actually write code and review architectures (not just PowerPoints)
The Business Perspective:
- Scaled multiple businesses from zero to profitability
- Understand P&Ls, CAC, LTV, and the metrics that actually matter
- Experienced the pain of bad technology decisions (and expensive fixes)
- Speak both “engineering” and “executive”
The Human Element:
- CrossFit Level 2 Trainer who knows how to coach through difficult challenges
- HYROX athlete who understands persistence, systematic improvement, and how to win
- Believe that great teams solve hard problems – and great CTOs build great teams
Technology Should Enable, Not Complicate
I’ve seen too many companies:
- Spend $500K on integrations that don’t work
- Build engineering teams that can’t ship
- Implement “solutions” that create more problems
- Make technology decisions based on vendor sales pitches instead of business strategy
My approach is different:
Strategy First, Tools Second Before recommending any technology, I ask: What business outcome are we trying to achieve? What’s the ROI? What happens if we do nothing?
Build vs. Buy Decisions That Make Sense Not everything needs custom development. Not everything needs an enterprise platform. I help you invest where it matters.
Integration Architecture That Actually Works APIs break. Vendors change pricing. Requirements evolve. I design integrations that are maintainable, documented, and won’t wake you up at 3am.
Teams That Scale The right CTO doesn’t just hire engineers – they build a culture where great engineers want to stay, grow, and solve hard problems.
Beyond the Resume - The Obstacle Course Mindset
People often ask why I include my fitness background on a professional site. Here’s why it matters:
In obstacle course racing (OCR), you face walls you can’t climb alone, rigs that demand technique over strength, and distances that test mental resilience as much as physical capacity. Success requires:
- Strategic planning (which obstacles can you attack aggressively, which require patience)
- Technical skill (efficiency beats effort)
- Community support (the best athletes help others over walls)
- Adaptive thinking (your plan won’t survive first contact with the course)
Sound familiar? That’s technology leadership.
As a coach, I’ve helped hundreds of athletes overcome their “impossible” obstacles. As a CTO, I help companies overcome theirs. The mindset is the same: break down the problem, build the capability, execute with discipline.
Where You'll Find Me
Professionally:
- Fractional CTO for multiple growing companies
- Technical advisor and consultant for CrossFit TEF (formerly CEO, sold January 2025)
- Systems integration architect for Two Labs clients
- Speaker on technology leadership and business strategy
Athletically:
- Active HYROX competitor and training athlete
- CrossFit Level 2 Trainer
- Regular contributor to fitness and obstacle racing communities
- Training location: CrossFit TEF (Savage, MD)
In the Community:
- Maryland tech and startup ecosystem participant
- Mentor to early-stage founders navigating technical decisions
- Advocate for sustainable, strategic technology investment
Off the Clock:
When I’m not solving integration challenges or reviewing system architectures, you’ll find me:
- On the training floor at CrossFit TEF (where I still coach, train, and inevitably get smoked by athletes half my age)
- At HYROX competitions testing my conditioning and mental toughness
- Writing about business, technology, and the parallels between athletic and entrepreneurial obstacles
- Spending time with family in Columbia, Maryland
- Probably debugging something that “should definitely work”
Articles
Spartan Race: 4 Best Exercises to Do When You’re Injured
Publications
Published on December 19, 2023 by Ken Peluso
Media Mentions
Maryland Daily Record: Movers and Shakers | Planit
The Business Journals: How I coach people to overcome obstacles
WMAR 2 News: New obstacle course gym opens in Savage
Baltimore Sun: ‘Ninja Warrior’-inspired gyms usher obstacle racing into Howard County
Mud Run Guide: Facility Review – The Endurance Factory
Digital Journal: Press Release – Two Labs LeadGen
Let's Talk Technology Strategy
If your company is facing technology decisions that feel like obstacles—team scaling, system integrations, architecture planning, or strategic technology investment—I’d love to help.
I offer a complimentary 30-minute Discovery Call where we’ll discuss your current challenges and explore whether fractional CTO support makes sense for your business.