Build. Reboot. Rightsize.
Phoenix.co is an execution partner for founders and leadership teams who need momentum or a reset. We bring pattern recognition, operators, and proven playbooks to launch, fix, or refocus businesses.
Led by Marc Smookler — founder, operator, investor. 25+ years. 100+ ventures launched, scaled, invested in, or rescued.
Operator-led execution, not commentary from the sidelines
We solve problems, close gaps, and reduce how much capital a business actually needs.
We launch, relaunch, or rightsize businesses that need traction, clarity, or a hard reset.
Over 100+ projects and two decades, we have made the mistakes and found the shortcuts.
We move fast, cut waste, and make execution more predictable.
We position businesses to scale, pivot, exit, or stabilize — depending on what the moment requires.
From idea to launch to repositioning, we bring structure to chaos and traction to noise.
Selected work
Companies we've built, rebooted, and backed. Tap any to visit.
The Universal 80
80% of building a business repeats across industries. Phoenix owns that 80%. For the final 20%, we plug in specialists where needed.
We get inside the business fast and find the real constraint — not the symptom.
Install the operators, systems, and playbooks the moment actually needs.
Push what works, cut what doesn't, and open the next set of options.
Simple system. Aggressive execution.
Founder. Operator. Investor.
25+ years · 100+ ventures launched, scaled, invested in, or rescued.
Minnesota-born. JPMorgan NYC-trained. Austin-based.
I built Phoenix to do the work inside the build — next to founders, close to decisions, and accountable for outcomes.
Today I manage family office investments via Phoenix.co, serve as a Partner at Brilliant Marketing Ventures, and write from the front lines on what actually works.
Execution is everything.
View LinkedIn
Frameworks from the front lines
Lessons from building, relaunching, and rightsizing companies. No fluff. Just what works.
Let's make something happen.
Pick a lane. Give the one-sentence version. We'll know quickly if there's a fit.
Phoenix HQ
823 Congress Ave #300
Austin, TX 78701