How do I know if you will be able to help me with my problem?
Prior to taking on a consulting assignment, we take time to listen carefully to your needs, then present a proposal that spells out the scope of the assignment, how are we going to do it, what the deliverables are, how long the assignment will take to be completed and what the investment will be. This proposal becomes our "work order".

What is your expertise?
We provide a wide range of general consulting services, but our specific expertise is in strategy, sales, marketing and succession planning. We also have solid expertise with organizational development and executive coaching. For other functions such as operations, production, finance, human resources, executive search, IT and other specialized fields, we have alliances with carefully selected consultants that we refer clients to. For members of our team PLEASE CLICK HERE.

What type of businesses have you worked for/with?
We have worked on a good variety of businesses including start-ups, businesses in the Growth Stage and Turn-Arounds (businesses in trouble). We specialize in small and mid-size businesses with annual sales ranging from as low as $1 million to $30 million.

Where are your clients located?
Most of our clients are in the GTA and Southern Ontario. We have some international clients.

What is an Advisory board?
An advisory board consists usually of a representation of the ownership and management of a company with one or more external advisors. The advisory board meets on a regular basis to advise the CEO (owner – President) on strategy, business policies, remuneration etc. The advisory board is like a board of directors in public companies. For more on boards and corporate governance PLEASE CLICK HERE.

What type of industries have you worked with?
We have done assignments with manufacturers, wholesalers, distributors, retailers, business services and technology companies. For a sample of assignments, see below.

Can you briefly describe the process you follow in advising a client?
Let’s assume that ABC Company has come to you because their sales and profits have been down for the last three years. They have been unable to grow their business. What do you do?

This is a typical assignment. We interview the senior management team. We review the management’s previous work, analysis, research, actions etc. We review the market place dynamics including customer needs and competitors and conduct our own research. We discuss with management possible solutions and alternative actions to re-ignite the company’s sales engine. Together, we establish a plan that usually spells out the objectives, the milestones and the resources needed to get the job done. We usually also put an incentive plan to reward the achievement of the desired objectives.

While this is the usual plan, many issues or curve balls surface during the process. Here is a sample: Managers in the wrong place or with the inappropriate set of skills, office politics, family issues, bickering and rivalry between managers, lack of team play, greed of owners etc.

These and other problems represent obstacles to the proper execution of the plan. We deal with these problems as best as possible, while keeping our independence and objectivity. Our experience and diplomatic skills come into play to suggest practical solutions that can overcome these obstacles effectively.

Aren’t large consulting companies better equipped to render service vs. a small firm like you?
We provide a comprehensive range of services without the overhead of large consulting firms. What you see is what you get. You have experienced senior consultants working with you rather than recent business school graduates. Our consultants have proven their expertise and achievements in their respective fields. You do not get academic and intellectual suggestions but practical and down-to-earth advice and counsel. Our battle-tested expertise emanates from hard-won experience rather than academic knowledge. For team members profiles including their academic achievements and professional designations PLEASE CLICK HERE. 

How can I be sure that your consultants are ethical and professional?
Our small consulting practice takes pride in our code of ethics, integrity and adherence to the highest professional standards. Our consultants are chosen carefully, and their ethics come before their expertise and field of experience. In fact, I write about this very issue of good character being the first step to business success in my book Maverick Leadership. Our reputation and track record speak for itself. For our code of ethics, see above. For testimonials and clients feedback PLEASE CLICK HERE.

Are you affiliated with other companies?
Our firm is a member of several professional associations including The EXPERION Group, The Canadian Federation of Independent Business, The Toronto Board of Trade, King Chamber of Commerce, BDC Advisory and The Canadian Professional Sales Association.