Operator mindset.
Marketer's edge.
Fractional CMO and COO with 20+ years leading marketing, brand, websites, and growth systems across hospitality, CPG and grocery retail, dental and healthcare, fitness, and events. Serves as CEO of Carey Kidd Group and Brandside Digital while leading marketing, brand, and operating work for growing companies. Builds go-to-market strategy, performance marketing, conversion-focused websites, and CRM automation that ties activity to revenue. 50+ companies and 1,000+ projects delivered.
I’m Carey Kidd. My work spans marketing, websites and operating systems.
Start with the business problem
Three ways to get unstuck.
Launch a business
Turn the early idea, offer, and go-to-market decisions into a practical launch plan your team can use.
Explore startup consulting 02Fix stalled growth
When activity is high but momentum is not, align marketing priorities, leadership decisions, and the customer journey.
Explore fractional CMO leadership 03Build systems that scale
Connect the tools, handoffs, reporting, and operating rhythms that let growth hold together after the campaign.
Explore digital transformationActive right now
Work informed by the operating seat.
Companies Carey owns, runs, or leads as an executive, alongside Carey Kidd Group.
VegSouth Initiative
Owner
Built and operated a portfolio of plant-based hospitality concepts, including Element Gastropub, The Dirty V Plant-Based Noshery, Marian Cocktails & Kitchen, De Plantas, VegSouth Catering, Southern Roots Meals & Juicing, and ChowPow.
See the work CPG, DTC, Brick & MortarBe Free Craft Ice Cream
Chief Operating Officer & Brand Director
Jun 2026 to Present. Virginia Beach, VA (hybrid). Lead the brand's next stage of growth as it expands from hospitality into CPG and grocery retail, including go-to-market strategy, grocery launch plans, retail activations, and shopper marketing.
See the work HospitalityHibernian Hospitality Group
Director of Marketing & Business Development (contract)
Lead marketing and business development across Hibernian hospitality brands, including HopShots Mini Golf.
See the work Marketing / AIMission Forward Group
Co-Founder
Modern marketing, scalable growth systems, and AI automation, with strategy and execution under one roof.
See the work HospitalityElement Gastropub
Co-Owner
Co-owner of Element Gastropub in downtown Raleigh since May 2020.
See the workCarey Kidd Group brings that operator's lens to marketing leadership and business systems.
How engagements workAs featured in
“It's hard to watch what's happening to downtown Raleigh.”
My op-ed in the News & Observer reflects 20+ years invested in Raleigh and its business owners.
Read the press coverageA practical next step
Talk strategy with Carey.
Bring the growth question, operating friction, or launch decision you're carrying. The conversation is for getting clear on the problem and the next useful move.
Talk Strategy With Carey (919) 623-3820Tell me what you’re working through.
Share your business goal and what is getting in the way. I’ll review your request so we can discuss fit and next steps.