Comprehensive comparison of Cedar Operations and Brewster Consulting for operations consulting services. Compare methodology, technology approach, engagement models, and results to find the best fit for your business.
When your business needs operations consulting, choosing the right partner can mean the difference between incremental improvements and transformational growth. Two firms often considered by growing businesses are Cedar Operations and Brewster Consulting. While both offer operations expertise, their approaches, methodologies, and value propositions differ significantly.
This comprehensive comparison examines Cedar Operations and Brewster Consulting across key dimensions including methodology, technology approach, engagement models, and results focus. By the end, you'll understand which firm aligns better with your business needs and growth objectives.
Executive Summary: Key Differences
Before diving deep, here's what sets these firms apart:
Cedar Operations is a technology-first fractional COO and operations consulting firm specializing in automation-driven transformation for small to medium businesses ($500K-$10M revenue). The firm focuses on hands-on implementation of modern systems and workflows, not just strategy development.
Brewster Consulting follows a traditional operations consulting model focused on process improvement and efficiency through strategic advisory. Their approach centers on analysis and recommendations with less emphasis on technology implementation and automation.
The fundamental difference: Cedar Operations implements technology-enabled solutions while Brewster Consulting provides strategic guidance for process improvement.
Methodology Comparison
Cedar Operations Methodology
Cedar Operations employs an automation-first, implementation-focused methodology built on three pillars:
1. Diagnostic & Opportunity Mapping
- Comprehensive operations audit identifying automation opportunities
- Technology stack assessment and integration analysis
- Bottleneck identification using data-driven workflows
- ROI projection for automation initiatives
- Quick-win identification for immediate impact
2. Hands-On Implementation
- Direct implementation of automation tools (Zapier, Make, n8n)
- CRM and operational system configuration
- Custom workflow development and integration
- Process documentation as standard operating procedures
- Team training on new systems and tools
3. Optimization & Scale
- Performance monitoring and KPI tracking
- Continuous improvement cycles
- System refinement based on usage data
- Scaling playbooks for growth phases
- Ongoing fractional COO support
This methodology emphasizes doing over advising. Cedar doesn't just tell you what to fix—they build and implement the solutions alongside your team.
Brewster Consulting Methodology
Brewster Consulting follows a traditional strategy consulting approach:
1. Analysis & Assessment
- Current state process mapping
- Efficiency analysis and gap identification
- Stakeholder interviews and surveys
- Benchmarking against industry standards
- Problem definition and scoping
2. Strategy Development
- Recommendations report development
- Process improvement roadmap creation
- Change management planning
- Resource requirement definition
- Implementation timeline suggestions
3. Advisory Support
- Guidance on implementation approach
- Best practice recommendations
- Periodic check-ins on progress
- Strategic counsel as needed
- Success measurement framework
Brewster's approach is advisory-focused. They excel at diagnosing problems and creating strategic plans, but typically leave implementation to your internal team or other vendors.
Methodology Verdict
Choose Cedar Operations if: You want a partner who will roll up their sleeves and build solutions with you. Your business lacks technical expertise in-house, and you need someone to implement, not just advise.
Choose Brewster Consulting if: You have strong internal implementation capabilities and primarily need strategic direction. Your team can execute on recommendations without hands-on support.
Technology Approach
Cedar Operations: Automation-First Philosophy
Cedar Operations is built on the belief that technology and automation are the primary levers for operational transformation in modern businesses.
Technology Stack Expertise:
- Automation platforms: Zapier, Make (Integromat), n8n for workflow automation
- CRM systems: HubSpot, Salesforce, Pipedrive configuration and optimization
- Project management: ClickUp, Asana, Monday.com implementation
- AI tools: Integration of AI assistants, Claude/GPT for operations
- Data systems: Airtable, Google Sheets automation, database design
- Communication: Slack workflow automation, email sequence systems
Implementation Approach:
- Direct tool selection based on your specific needs and budget
- Hands-on configuration and customization
- Integration architecture design and implementation
- Custom automation development for unique workflows
- Team training on tool usage and best practices
- Ongoing optimization and system refinement
Real-World Example:
For a $3M marketing agency, Cedar Operations implemented:
- Client onboarding automation reducing manual work by 12 hours per client
- HubSpot CRM configuration with automated pipeline management
- Slack-to-project management integration for seamless task creation
- Automated reporting dashboards pulling data from 5 different systems
- Result: 40% reduction in operational overhead, allowing team to scale to $5M without additional hires
Brewster Consulting: Process-Over-Technology Approach
Brewster Consulting takes a process-first view where technology is considered after optimizing manual workflows.
Technology Perspective:
- Technology as enabler, not primary solution
- Focus on process efficiency before automation
- Vendor-agnostic recommendations
- Strategic guidance on technology selection
- Limited hands-on implementation support
Typical Deliverables:
- Technology requirements documents
- Vendor comparison matrices
- Implementation partner recommendations
- Change management frameworks for technology adoption
- Post-implementation review frameworks
Philosophy:
Brewster believes in perfecting processes before automating them. Their approach emphasizes that bad processes automated become efficiently bad processes.
Technology Approach Verdict
Choose Cedar Operations if: Technology and automation are critical to your growth strategy. You need someone who can actually build and implement systems, not just recommend them.
Choose Brewster Consulting if: You need help refining processes before considering technology. Your organization is change-resistant and needs a measured approach to technology adoption.
Engagement Model Comparison
Cedar Operations: Fractional COO Partnership
Cedar Operations offers fractional COO services with flexible engagement models:
Engagement Options:
- Fractional COO Retainer: Ongoing operational leadership (10-20 hours/month)
- Project-Based Implementation: Specific system or process buildout (4-12 weeks)
- Operations Sprint: Intensive transformation period (30-60 days)
- Audit + Roadmap: Assessment with prioritized recommendations (2-3 weeks)
What's Included:
- Direct access to experienced operations professionals
- Hands-on implementation work
- Team training and documentation
- Tool subscriptions guidance and optimization
- Regular strategic check-ins
- Ad-hoc support for operational questions
Typical Timeline:
- Onboarding: 1-2 weeks
- Initial implementation: 4-8 weeks
- Ongoing optimization: 3-6 months
- Total engagement: Often 6-12 months with option to continue
Pricing Philosophy:
Simple, transparent pricing: one-time buildout fee (up to $5,000) plus monthly maintenance based on scale. No hourly billing or surprise charges.
Brewster Consulting: Traditional Project Consulting
Brewster Consulting follows a traditional consulting engagement model:
Engagement Structure:
- Discovery Phase: 2-4 weeks of assessment
- Analysis Phase: 3-6 weeks of deep-dive analysis
- Recommendations: 2-3 weeks of report development
- Presentation & Handoff: Strategic recommendations delivery
- Optional Advisory: Ongoing check-ins (often separate engagement)
Deliverables:
- Comprehensive assessment reports
- Strategic recommendations presentations
- Process documentation and maps
- Implementation roadmaps
- Best practice frameworks
Typical Timeline:
- Full engagement: 8-16 weeks
- Follow-up advisory: As needed or separate contract
Pricing Structure:
Project-based fees often ranging from $20,000-$100,000+ depending on scope and firm size. Implementation costs are separate if they provide implementation support.
Engagement Model Verdict
Choose Cedar Operations if: You want ongoing partnership with hands-on support. Your business needs someone embedded in operations who can implement and adjust in real-time.
Choose Brewster Consulting if: You need a comprehensive strategic assessment and recommendations report. You have budget for larger consulting engagements and internal resources to execute.
Results & Outcomes Focus
Cedar Operations: Implementation-Driven Results
Cedar Operations measures success by actual operational improvements and business outcomes:
Key Performance Indicators:
- Hours saved per week/month through automation
- Reduction in manual data entry and administrative work
- Revenue per employee improvement
- Customer onboarding time reduction
- Error rate reduction in key processes
- System integration success and adoption rates
- Team productivity improvements
Typical Results:
- Time savings: 15-30 hours per week reclaimed from manual tasks
- Cost reduction: 20-40% decrease in operational overhead
- Revenue efficiency: 25-50% improvement in revenue per employee
- Scalability: Ability to grow 2-3x without proportional headcount increases
- System adoption: 80%+ team adoption rates on new tools and workflows
Accountability:
Cedar Operations stays engaged through implementation and optimization, meaning they're accountable for results, not just recommendations. If automation doesn't work, they refine it until it does.
Case Study - $2M SaaS Company:
- Implemented automated customer onboarding reducing manual work from 6 hours to 45 minutes per customer
- Built HubSpot-to-billing system integration eliminating dual data entry
- Created automated reporting dashboard saving 10 hours/week
- Total time savings: 23 hours/week
- ROI: $125,000 annual savings for $36,000 investment
Brewster Consulting: Strategic Clarity and Direction
Brewster Consulting focuses on strategic insights and roadmap development:
Key Deliverables:
- Comprehensive analysis of current operations
- Strategic recommendations for improvement
- Prioritized implementation roadmap
- Best practice frameworks
- Change management guidance
Value Proposition:
- Clarity on operational challenges and opportunities
- Validated improvement approach based on industry benchmarks
- Strategic alignment across leadership team
- Professional documentation and frameworks
- External perspective and expertise
Success Metrics:
Success is often measured by quality of insights and recommendations rather than direct implementation outcomes, as implementation is typically handled by the client's internal team or other vendors.
Results Focus Verdict
Choose Cedar Operations if: You need tangible, measurable operational improvements. ROI and time savings matter more than reports and frameworks.
Choose Brewster Consulting if: Strategic clarity and comprehensive analysis are your priority. You have strong execution capability internally and need direction more than implementation.
Side-by-Side Comparison Table
| Feature |
Cedar Operations |
Brewster Consulting |
| Primary Focus |
Hands-on implementation & automation |
Strategic advisory & analysis |
| Technology Approach |
Automation-first, direct implementation |
Process-first, technology recommendations |
| Methodology |
Build and implement solutions |
Analyze and recommend solutions |
| Typical Engagement |
6-12 months fractional partnership |
8-16 week consulting project |
| Team Integration |
Embedded as fractional COO |
External consultant/advisor |
| Deliverables |
Working systems, automations, SOPs |
Reports, frameworks, roadmaps |
| Automation Expertise |
Deep expertise in Zapier, Make, n8n |
Limited automation implementation |
| CRM Implementation |
Full configuration and optimization |
Requirements and vendor selection |
| Pricing Model |
One-time buildout + monthly maintenance |
Large project fees |
| Investment Range |
Up to $5,000 buildout + monthly |
$20,000-$100,000+ per project |
| Best For |
Companies $500K-$10M revenue |
Larger or more mature organizations |
| Implementation Support |
Direct hands-on implementation |
Guidance only, minimal implementation |
| Ongoing Support |
Monthly maintenance included |
Separate advisory engagements |
| Results Timeline |
4-8 weeks for initial wins |
3-6 months post-recommendations |
| Accountability |
Accountable for implementation results |
Accountable for recommendation quality |
| Tech Stack |
Modern SaaS and automation tools |
Technology-agnostic |
| Team Training |
Hands-on tool and system training |
Process and framework training |
Who Should Choose Cedar Operations?
Cedar Operations is the ideal choice for businesses that:
Business Profile:
- Revenue range: $500K-$10M
- Team size: 5-50 employees
- Growth stage: Scaling rapidly or preparing to scale
- Technical maturity: Limited to moderate technical expertise in-house
Operational Needs:
- Heavy manual processes consuming significant time
- Multiple disconnected tools and systems
- Lack of automation and workflow integration
- Need for hands-on implementation, not just advice
- Limited bandwidth for internal operations projects
Desired Outcomes:
- Tangible time savings and efficiency gains
- Modern, automated workflows
- Implemented systems, not just recommendations
- Ongoing operational partnership and support
- Fast implementation and results
Leadership Preferences:
- Want a partner who "does" rather than just "advises"
- Value technology and automation as growth drivers
- Prefer transparent, predictable monthly pricing
- Need fractional leadership without full-time COO cost
Who Should Choose Brewster Consulting?
Brewster Consulting may be better suited for:
Business Profile:
- Larger organizations with established operations teams
- Companies with internal implementation capabilities
- Organizations prioritizing strategic analysis over execution
- Businesses with budget for comprehensive consulting engagements
Operational Needs:
- Need for comprehensive operational assessment
- Strategic direction and validation
- Industry benchmarking and best practices
- Professional documentation and frameworks
Desired Outcomes:
- Strategic clarity on operational direction
- Comprehensive analysis and recommendations
- Validated approach before internal implementation
- Professional consulting deliverables for board/stakeholders
The Cedar Operations Advantage for Technology-Driven Businesses
For businesses serious about leveraging technology to transform operations, Cedar Operations offers distinct advantages:
1. Implementation Expertise
Cedar doesn't just recommend automation—they build it. With deep expertise in Zapier, Make, n8n, and modern SaaS tools, Cedar can implement complex workflow automations that traditional consultants only advise on.
2. Faster Results
Because Cedar implements directly, results come faster. While traditional consulting might deliver a roadmap in 12 weeks, Cedar delivers working automations in 4-6 weeks.
3. Modern Tech Stack Knowledge
Cedar stays current with the latest automation and AI tools. Their recommendations reflect 2025 best practices, not outdated enterprise methodologies.
4. Cost Efficiency
Cedar's simple pricing (up to $5,000 buildout + monthly maintenance) provides better value than large consulting projects ($50,000-$100,000+), especially when implementation is included.
5. Ongoing Partnership
Cedar's fractional model means they stay engaged beyond initial implementation, continuously optimizing and supporting as your business evolves.
6. Founder-Friendly Approach
Cedar understands small-medium business constraints and works within realistic budgets and timelines, unlike traditional consultants optimized for enterprise clients.
Making Your Decision: Key Questions to Ask
When choosing between Cedar Operations and Brewster Consulting (or any operations consultant), ask yourself:
1. Do we need advice or implementation?
- Advice → Brewster-style consulting
- Implementation → Cedar Operations
2. Do we have internal resources to implement recommendations?
- Yes → Brewster may work
- No → Cedar Operations is better suited
3. Is technology and automation critical to our growth?
- Critical → Cedar Operations
- Secondary → Either could work
4. What's our timeline for results?
- Need fast results → Cedar Operations
- Can wait 6+ months → Either could work
5. What's our budget and pricing preference?
- Prefer predictable, transparent pricing → Cedar Operations
- Have large project budget → Brewster could work
6. Do we need ongoing operational support?
- Yes → Cedar Operations fractional model
- No, one-time project → Brewster approach may fit
Frequently Asked Questions
How does Cedar Operations pricing compare to traditional consulting firms like Brewster?
Cedar Operations uses simple, transparent pricing: a one-time buildout fee (up to $5,000) plus monthly maintenance based on scale. This includes hands-on implementation, tool configuration, and ongoing support.
Traditional consulting firms like Brewster often charge $20,000-$100,000+ for comprehensive consulting projects, with implementation support typically billed separately. While the upfront cost may seem higher, traditional consulting often doesn't include the hands-on implementation that Cedar provides as standard.
For most small to medium businesses ($500K-$10M revenue), Cedar's fractional model provides better value because you get both strategy and implementation in one engagement, with costs spread over manageable monthly payments rather than large upfront fees.
Can Cedar Operations work with businesses that have already engaged Brewster or similar consulting firms?
Absolutely. Cedar Operations frequently works with businesses that have strategic recommendations from previous consulting engagements but struggle with implementation. Many companies receive excellent strategic advice from traditional consultants but lack the technical expertise or bandwidth to execute.
Cedar can take existing recommendations and roadmaps and actually implement them—building the automations, configuring the systems, and training the team. This "strategy-to-execution" bridge is a common engagement model and often delivers the fastest results since the strategic direction is already defined.
Does Cedar Operations provide the same level of strategic thinking as traditional consulting firms?
Yes, but with a different approach. Cedar Operations provides strategic operational guidance based on years of hands-on implementation experience across dozens of companies. The strategic advice is informed by what actually works in practice, not just theory.
Traditional consulting firms excel at comprehensive analysis and benchmarking against industry standards. Cedar Operations excels at practical, implementation-focused strategy that considers both what should be done and how to actually do it with available tools and resources.
For most small-medium businesses, Cedar's practical strategic approach delivers better outcomes because the strategy is inherently executable rather than aspirational.
What size company is best suited for Cedar Operations vs Brewster Consulting?
Cedar Operations is optimized for companies in the $500K-$10M revenue range with 5-50 employees. At this stage, businesses need operational transformation but typically lack the budget for expensive consulting engagements and don't have specialized operations teams to implement recommendations.
Brewster Consulting and similar traditional firms often work better with larger companies ($10M+ revenue) that have established operations teams, bigger budgets for consulting projects, and internal resources to execute on recommendations.
That said, if you're a larger company that values hands-on implementation over comprehensive reports, Cedar's approach can still be more effective regardless of size.
How quickly can I expect results from Cedar Operations compared to traditional consulting?
Cedar Operations typically delivers initial results within 4-6 weeks because they focus on quick-win implementations while building toward longer-term transformation. You'll see working automations, configured systems, and time savings in the first month.
Traditional consulting engagements often take 8-16 weeks just to complete the assessment and deliver recommendations, with actual results depending on how quickly your team can implement afterward—often 3-6 months from engagement start to measurable outcomes.
For businesses that need rapid improvement and can't wait months for strategic reports to be implemented, Cedar's hands-on approach delivers significantly faster results.
Conclusion: The Right Choice for Technology-Driven Operations
Both Cedar Operations and Brewster Consulting offer valuable operations expertise, but they serve fundamentally different business needs.
Choose Brewster Consulting if you're a larger organization with strong internal implementation capabilities, need comprehensive strategic analysis, and have budget for traditional consulting engagements.
Choose Cedar Operations if you're a growing business ($500K-$10M) that needs hands-on operational transformation through automation and modern systems. If you want a partner who implements rather than advises, who measures success by results rather than reports, and who brings technology expertise alongside operational knowledge, Cedar Operations is the clear choice.
The future of operations is automation-driven, technology-enabled, and implementation-focused. Traditional consulting models that deliver recommendations without execution are increasingly misaligned with how modern businesses need to operate.
Cedar Operations represents the next generation of operations consulting—where strategy and implementation are inseparable, where technology is the primary lever for transformation, and where results are measured in hours saved and efficiency gained, not presentations delivered.
Ready to Transform Your Operations?
If you're ready to move beyond advice and start implementing real operational improvements, Cedar Operations can help.
Book a free operations assessment to:
- Identify your biggest automation opportunities
- Get specific recommendations for your tech stack
- Understand how fractional COO services could accelerate your growth
- See examples of automations and systems we've built for similar businesses
Schedule your free consultation →
No high-pressure sales. No enormous project fees. Just honest conversation about whether Cedar Operations is the right fit to help you build the operational foundation your business needs to scale.
CEDAR OPERATIONS