What It Looks Like When It Works

Situation

A 22-year-old engineering consultancy where every client relationship ran through the founder. The business was profitable and well-regarded — but entirely unsaleable at a premium. A prospective buyer's LOI came in at 3.2x EBITDA. The founder believed the business was worth 6x.

Our Work

We spent 14 months restructuring client ownership across a newly built leadership team, documenting institutional knowledge that had never been written down, and installing a management operating system that let the founder step back from day-to-day decisions without the business losing altitude.

Outcome

The business sold 26 months after engagement at 5.8x EBITDA — a $4.1M improvement over the original offer. The founder remained as a non-operating advisor for 12 months post-close.

Situation

A regional staffing firm with a dominant position in its home market. The owner had tried twice to open a second location and failed both times — not because the market wasn't there, but because the original location couldn't run without her.

Our Work

We rebuilt the operational core of the original location: defined roles, installed reporting, promoted two internal managers into genuine leadership positions, and created the decision-making framework that let the owner operate at a strategic level rather than a tactical one.

Outcome

The second location opened 18 months into the engagement and reached profitability in month seven. The original location grew 11% in the same period — without the owner's daily involvement.

Situation

A second-generation manufacturer whose founder was ready to step back but whose son — the designated successor — had no credibility with the management team or the company's largest customers. The transition was stalled.

Our Work

We structured a 24-month leadership transition plan, worked directly with the successor on operational credibility, rebuilt the customer relationship infrastructure so it was institution-owned rather than founder-owned, and facilitated the difficult conversations the family had been avoiding for three years.

Outcome

The transition completed on schedule. The successor is now in his third year as CEO. Revenue has grown 18% since the transition. The founder plays golf.