About

Finding Clarity in Continuous Motion

I'm Brian O'Riordan, and I navigate a vessel named Samsara—a beautiful boat whose name reflects a key truth of business: everything is a continuous cycle. "When I first arrived in Southport, I had an unexpected moment of clarity—I was living the story I'd written in Prepare to Tack. The marina, the business owners navigating seasonal tides and economic headwinds, the tight-knit community of entrepreneurs who understand that success here requires both strategy and adaptability.

I realized this wasn't just a beautiful place to drop anchor; this was where my work belonged. The fictional consultant in my book could have been sitting at any marina from the Cape Fear to the Grand Strand, because the challenges facing Coastal Carolina business leaders are the ones I understand intimately."

I founded Three Degrees Consulting after guiding organizations large and small through transformative shifts. My focus: strategic planning, leadership development, and continuous improvement. The core challenge never changes, regardless of company size—maintaining focus and executing your plan when conditions shift.

In my book Prepare to Tack, I share that every business, like every vessel, must be ready to adjust its sails. Tacking isn't a retreat; it's a precise, necessary maneuver to harness the wind and keep moving toward your goal.

At Three Degrees Consulting, we believe the difference between drifting and thriving often comes down to the smallest adjustment—a shift of just three degrees can get you back on track or redirect your course entirely.

Complex business challenges don't require complex solutions. They require clarity, commitment, and a personalized roadmap. Based in Brunswick County, NC, we build community by focusing on the success of the businesses and leaders who define it.

“Coming Home”

"As I write this, Samsara is still in Virginia, and my slip in Southport sits empty—waiting. That empty slip represents something every business owner understands: the gap between where you are and where you're meant to be. The journey from Virginia to Southport requires planning, preparation, and the willingness to navigate whatever conditions arise. That's exactly what I help businesses do—bridge the gap between current state and desired destination."