ABOUT MAX | Entrepreneur, educator, Startup Engineer

Hi, I'm Max Stern. I'm a Lecturing Fellow at Duke University and Startup Engineer for hire. For nearly a decade, I have been helping competitive startup teams win – first as a founder, then as an executive, and now as a university educator and hands-on consultant.At Duke, I work with founders and teams across all industries to help them identify best-in-practice strategies, engineer tactics, and implement solutions to attain predictable growth. My students have raised millions in venture funding,1 exited their companies,2 and taken leadership roles at the world's fastest growing startups.3 In 2024, my co-instructed course with Jamie Jones was ranked "The Favorite Course of MBAs" by the leading business school website, Poets & Quants.Prior to Duke, I was the founder and CEO of Closure – a funeral-industry, document-processing software company – which grew to 25 employees and $8MM ARR before its sale.4 I also launched venture-backed companies through a personal venture studio,4 led the Melissa & Doug Entrepreneurs program,6 and gained a unique, hands-on perspective on what it takes for competitive startups to build, scale, and win.Today, outside of Duke, I work as independent Startup Engineer. I help B2B SaaS founders and teams save time and secure a competitive edge by designing, implementing, and empowering go-to-market systems.

LET'S ENGAGE | FAQs

OVERVIEW
I typically engage with software founders and teams with a minimum investment of $4,000/month. All engagements are customized to the problem at hand and the expected outcomes.DELIVERABLES
Deliverables are customized to your specific needs – they often include the direct implementation of technical solutions, strategy development for breakthrough organization-wide solutions, and empowered, aligned teammates capable of tackling similar problems going forward.FORMATS
Every engagement starts with a quick phone call to discuss your specific needs. From there, we determine the best format for accomplishing the job, which can include a combination of one-on-one sessions, facilitated group sessions, full organization audits (of technology and capabilities), software/tool development, ongoing technical support, or something else entirely.BOOK SERVICES
Every engagement starts with a quick phone call to discuss your specific needs. From there, we determine the best format for accomplishing the job, which can include a combination of one-on-one sessions, facilitated group sessions, full organization audits (of technology and capabilities), software/tool development, ongoing technical support, or something else entirely.GETTING STARTED
Every engagement starts with a conversation to better understand your needs and situation. For the fastest response, please text +1.914.471.6852 – let’s talk today.

CLAY QUICKSTART | SERVICE

"I should be using Clay, but don't know where to start."OVERVIEW
This is a rapid 1-week implementation of industry-standard Clay strategies. It costs $4,500.It costs $4,500. You get the following:You get all of the following:
•This services is for B2B startups who want a fully-functional Clay engine setup quickly.This B2B startup needed a fully functional Clay system – quickly. They had been experimenting with Clay on their own, piecing together outbound enrichments. The result was a Clay "supplement," providing occasional useful insights but lacking real signals for their sales team. They weren't getting the required value, were burning through credits, and their reps needed a direct path to sales ramp-up.
Over the course of 1 week, I transformed their system and team. I created 30 custom automations – with optimized credit usage – for their team to use.PROCESS
This is a rapid 1-week sprint.j I'll begin with a comprehensive audit of your existing GTM stack and your current Clay automations. I will then design and rebuild your core prospecting engine from the ground up, engineering 30+ custom Clay Plays and automations. The process includes a collaborative work session, where we ensure seamless integration with your CRM and tech stack, followed by a hands-on training workshop for your team.
DELIVERABLES
This system delivered hyper-personalized prospecting at scale, a seamless integration with their existing CRM, and an actionable pipeline for their sales team.

1:1 Advisory | SERVICE

"I should be using Clay, but don't know where to start."OVERVIEW
This B2B startup needed a fully functional Clay system – quickly. They had been experimenting with Clay on their own, piecing together outbound enrichments. The result was a Clay "supplement," providing occasional useful insights but lacking real signals for their sales team. They weren't getting the required value, were burning through credits, and their reps needed a direct path to sales ramp-up.
Over the course of 1 week, I transformed their system and team. I created 30 custom automations – with optimized credit usage – for their team to use.This system delivered hyper-personalized prospecting at scale, a seamless integration with their existing CRM, and an actionable pipeline for their sales team.

PROJECT-BASED WORK | SERVICE

"I should be using Clay, but don't know where to start."OVERVIEW
This B2B startup needed a fully functional Clay system – quickly. They had been experimenting with Clay on their own, piecing together outbound enrichments. The result was a Clay "supplement," providing occasional useful insights but lacking real signals for their sales team. They weren't getting the required value, were burning through credits, and their reps needed a direct path to sales ramp-up.
Over the course of 1 week, I transformed their system and team. I created 30 custom automations – with optimized credit usage – for their team to use.This system delivered hyper-personalized prospecting at scale, a seamless integration with their existing CRM, and an actionable pipeline for their sales team.

SUMMARY

Max is a Lecturing Fellow at Duke University, where he teaches MBA, graduate, and undergraduate courses for student founders across all stages and industries. He is also an advisor to Melissa & Doug Entrepreneurs, Duke's premier accelerator for student entrepreneurs, and an independent strategy advisor for startup founders and teams.

Executive Profile

Max Stern is an educator, entrepreneur, and strategy advisor at the intersection of theoretical optimization and actionable capabilities in business.In 2022, Max joined the faculty at Duke University as a Lecturing Fellow in Innovation & Entrepreneurship, where he teaches courses through The Trinity College of Arts & Science, The Pratt School of Engineering, The Graduate School, and The Fuqua School of Business.In 2024, Max's course, co-instructed with Jamie Jones, was named Favorite Course of MBAs by the leading business school website, Poets & Quants. He is the only faculty member to instruct New Ventures I, II, and III, Duke's flagship courses for student entrepreneurs, and previously served as assistant director of Melissa & Doug Entrepreneurs, Duke's venture accelerator for undergraduate founders.Prior to his time at Duke, Max spent 5 years as Founder and CEO of Closure, a funeral industry software company based in Durham, North Carolina, before its sale in 2022.Max received his BS in Mathematics from Duke University in 2017. He lives in New York City.

OVERVIEW

All of my work is at the intersection of theoretical optimization and actionable capabilities in business.

This approach often looks like solving complex business problems by answering key "Macro, Micro, Action" questions:

  • What does a best-in-class solution look like?

  • What are we actually capable of accomplishing?

  • What should we specifically invest in next – and why?

As a result, this framework ensures that breakthrough solutions are not only theoretically sound – they are creative, achievable, and truly implementable.

This approach to work is concentrated on our core work domains: Go-to-Market Systems, AI Implementation, MVP Development, and Early Employee Success. Our full case studies are under development. Please check back soon for our latest insights or connect with Max to learn more.

OVERVIEW

A collection of reflections, notes, and short-form content that provides a window into our daily work and domain strategy development. Coming soon.

OVERVIEW

How can I help? I typically engage with startup founders and teams across core work domains in one of three ways – as an educator, as an engineer, or as a strategy advisor. Please use the form below to start a custom engagement.

ENGAGEMENT FORM

FAQS | ADVISORY ENGAGEMENTS

TYPES OF ENGAGEMENTS

Every engagement is customized. Formats include a combination one-on-one sessions, facilitated group sessions, full organization audits (of technology and capabilities), and ongoing technical support.

TYPES OF DELIVERABLES

Deliverables are customized to the problem at hand – they often include the direct implementation of technical solutions, strategy development for breakthrough organization-wide solutions, and empowered, aligned teammates capable of tackling similar problems going forward.

PRICING

Advisory engagements have a minimum investment of $4,500/month. Custom quotes are dependent on the expected engagement and problem at hand.

FAQS | SPEAKING ENGAGEMENTS & WORKSHOPS

ENGAGEMENT DETAILS

ENGAGEMENT DETAILS

Book an on-site, full-day workshop on our core domains that is designed to energize, inspire, and motivate your startup team. Minimum engagements begin at $13,500, and all engagements include full follow-up engineering and advisory support to ensure the insights are applied and sustained across your organization.Satisfaction is guaranteed – all engagements are 100% refundable.

FEEDBACK FORM

Help me iterate and improve by giving me honest, anonymous feedback.

Engineer a Best-in-Class
Go-to-Market System

Get answers, templates, and engineering support to accelerate your team's GTM success. Best suited for startups with immediate needs.

Deliverables include:

  • Direct implementation of GTM workflows (in Clay, Apollo, n8n, or tools of choice)

  • Strategy development for breakthrough organization-wide GTM

  • Empowered, aligned teammates capable of tackling similar problems going forward

THANK YOU!

Your request has been received.

Last Updated: July 20, 2025

This Privacy Policy describes how Max Stern ("I," "me," or "my") collects, uses, and protects your information when you visit and interact with my personal website, mbstern.com.I am committed to protecting your privacy and handling your data in a transparent manner.1. Information I Collect
I collect information to provide and improve my services to you.Information You Provide Directly:When you fill out a contact form, schedule a meeting, or send an email, you may provide personal information such as your name, email address, phone number, company name, and details about your business needs.Information Collected Automatically:Like most websites, my site may collect certain non-personally identifiable information automatically, such as your IP address, browser type, operating system, referring URLs, and pages viewed. This data helps me understand website traffic and improve the site experience. This is typically done through standard web analytics tools (e.g., Carrd's built-in analytics).2. How I Use Your Information
I use the information I collect for the following purposes:To respond to your inquiries and provide the information or services you request.To schedule and conduct meetings or workshops.To deliver consulting and engineering services.To improve my website and services.To communicate with you about updates or relevant offerings, where you have expressed interest.3. Sharing Your Information
I do not sell, trade, or otherwise transfer your personally identifiable information to outside parties.Your information may be shared with trusted third parties who assist me in operating my website, conducting my business, or serving you, provided those parties agree to keep this information confidential (e.g., scheduling platforms like Calendly). I may also release your information when I believe release is appropriate to comply with the law, enforce my site policies, or protect my or others' rights, property, or safety.4. Data Security
I implement a variety of security measures to maintain the safety of your personal information. However, no method of transmission over the Internet or method of electronic storage is 100% secure.5. Your Choices and Rights
You have the right to request access to the personal information I hold about you, or to request that your personal information be corrected or deleted. If you wish to exercise these rights, please contact me using the details below.6. Changes to This Privacy Policy
I may update this Privacy Policy from time to time. Any changes will be posted on this page with an updated "Last Updated" date. You are encouraged to review this Privacy Policy periodically for any changes.7. Contact Me
If you have any questions regarding this Privacy Policy, you may contact me using the following information:Max Stern
Email: [email protected]

Last Updated: July 20, 2025

These Terms of Service ("Terms") govern your access to and use of my personal website, mbstern.com, and any services I offer. By accessing or using the website, you agree to be bound by these Terms. If you do not agree with any part of these Terms, you must not use the website.1. Acceptance of Terms
By using this website, you confirm that you are at least 18 years of age and agree to comply with these Terms and all applicable laws and regulations.2. Services Offered
I provide consulting and engineering services related to Go-to-Market (GTM) strategy, AI, automation, and RevOps for B2B SaaS companies. Details of these services are outlined on the website. Engagement for specific services will be subject to a separate written agreement.3. User Responsibilities
You agree to use this website only for lawful purposes and in a way that does not infringe the rights of, restrict, or inhibit anyone else's use and enjoyment of the website. You must not misuse the website by knowingly introducing viruses, trojans, worms, or other malicious or technologically harmful material.4. Intellectual Property
All content on this website, including text, graphics, logos, and images, is my property or the property of my licensors and is protected by intellectual property laws. You may not reproduce, distribute, modify, or create derivative works of any content without my express written permission.5. Disclaimers
This website and its content are provided "as is" without any warranties, express or implied. I do not guarantee the accuracy, completeness, or usefulness of any information on the site. Your use of the website is at your sole risk.6. Limitation of Liability
To the fullest extent permitted by law, I shall not be liable for any direct, indirect, incidental, consequential, or punitive damages arising out of your access to, use of, or inability to use this website or any services offered.7. Governing Law
These Terms shall be governed by and construed in accordance with the laws of [Your State/Country, e.g., North Carolina, USA], without regard to its conflict of law principles.8. Changes to Terms
I reserve the right to modify these Terms at any time. Any changes will be effective immediately upon posting on this page. Your continued use of the website after any such changes constitutes your acceptance of the new Terms.9. Contact Information
If you have any questions about these Terms of Service, please contact me:Max Stern
Email: [email protected]