SHOPIFY FRACTIONAL CTO

Hands-on CTO leadership for Shopify brands that want to scale smarter

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At Ambaum, we don’t just take development tickets, we ask why before we build. Our team acts as your strategic filter, helping you choose the most efficient path, whether that’s custom development or a smart off-the-shelf app. With experience across hundreds of high-growth Shopify brands, we know what works, what scales, and when to say no. From filters to headless builds to backend integrations, we guide your tech stack with long-term success in mind.

WHY AMBAUM

More than just

‍development services

Shopify Strategy
Development Strategy
We help roadmap the right development investments: prioritizing impact, scalability, and speed to market. From theme choices to headless builds, we guide you through what to build now versus what to build later.
App Guidance and Trade Offs Cover
App Guidance and Trade-Offs
We evaluate whether to build or buy, helping you avoid unnecessary custom work and reduce long-term tech debt. With deep Shopify app ecosystem knowledge, we find solutions that fit your stack and your budget.
Operations and Workflows
eCommerce Operations and Workflows
We connect the dots between your storefront and the systems behind it: ERPs, 3PLs, subscriptions, CRMs, and more. Whether you’re scaling processes or integrating new tools, we ensure it all works together.
OUR PROCESS

Turning tech complexities into
business growth

Discovery & Assessment
Tech Stack Strategy
Implementation & Optimization
Ongoing Support & Iteration

Frequently asked questions

How is a Fractional CTO different from a development agency for Shopify brands in the U.S.?

TLDR - You need more than developers. You need strategic Shopify technology leadership in the U.S.

A Shopify Fractional CTO ensures your stack is efficient, scalable, and aligned with business goals. Unlike a task-based dev agency, we guide architecture, platform choices, and roadmaps so U.S. Shopify brands reduce costs, avoid tech debt, and grow faster.

What types of Shopify brands across the U.S. benefit most from a Fractional CTO?

TLDR - We don’t just execute, we strategize, prioritize, and optimize Shopify for growth.
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Scaling merchants (B2C, B2B, and hybrid) benefit most—especially those juggling multiple apps, custom integrations, or replatforming. We lead investment decisions, minimize tech debt, and keep your Shopify Plus foundation future-proof in Seattle and nationwide.

Do you handle both front-end and back-end Shopify development for U.S. businesses?

TLDR - Yes, we cover both front-end and back-end Shopify development.

Front-end (themes, UX/UI, Online Store 2.0, Liquid) and back-end (custom apps, APIs, integrations, automation). Whether you’re in Seattle or elsewhere in the U.S., we build for performance, reliability, and growth.

How do you help Shopify merchants in the U.S. decide between custom development and using an app?

TLDR - We weigh cost, scalability, and long-term value for Shopify merchants.

We evaluate requirements against Shopify’s app ecosystem first, then recommend custom only when it delivers clear ROI, control, or performance. Our approach lowers total cost of ownership while keeping room to scale.

What does an ongoing Shopify engagement with Ambaum, a US-based Shopify Plus Partner, look like?

TLDR - Strategic partnership with a US-based Shopify Plus Partner, not just project work. Strategic partnership, not just project-based work.

We operate as an extension of your team, owning roadmap, optimization, and ongoing support. Engagements flex from monthly retainers to dedicated leadership, giving U.S. merchants continuity and measurable outcomes.

Shopify Fractional CTO work

all case studies
509
Ambaum partnered with 509 on a Shopify Plus 2.0 upgrade that boosted conversion and laid the foundation for global growth with improved personalization and merchandising.
DMAXStore
With a modern Shopify infrastructure and brand-aligned design, DMAXStore is positioned to scale and strengthen its role as the leading ecommerce destination for GMC and Chevy Duramax Diesel truck parts.
Green Acres
Green Acres Nursery & Supply partnered with Ambaum to build a single Shopify Plus store with state-specific products, pricing, and content for California and Texas. A custom geolocation framework delivers a seamless, localized shopping experience while reducing errors and enabling easy multi-state expansion.
No pitch. No pressure. Just perspective.

Get the strategic input you’ve been missing

Book Your Complimentary Call
Book Your Complimentary Call
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Ambaum is a hands-on Shopify Plus Partner agency built by merchants for merchants, providing strategy, development, and senior-level leadership and support for complex eCommerce brands in parts and manufacutring, wholesale and B2B, retail, and food and beverage.