Brand Narratives

Are you a business leader seeking to disrupt your status quo and grow your business and yourself? Welcome to Executive Forums, a safe place for leaders just like you to unload, to confide, to learn and to energize. Our members, speakers and coaches inspire and empower each other, no matter where you are on your journey. No leader should operate in isolation, and everyone needs objective advice to succeed. “If you want to go ​fast​, go by yourself. If you want to go ​far​, go with others. “

My name is Glenn Perkins. I have been leading and building teams for 2 decades. I work with owners, entrepreneurs, executives and CEOs whose companies range from dozens to hundreds of employees. From growing up in poverty in Iowa, to completing an MIT and Harvard education, I started as a manufacturing engineer, struggled to succeed in a technology startup and rose to the top as a VP-GP at Northrop Grumman, leading a team of 1500 employees. My life journey exemplifies how growing businesses can transform lives.

[fusion_button link=”” title=”” target=”_self” alignment=”” modal=”content_exec” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” size=”medium” stretch=”default” shape=”” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]Read More[/fusion_button]

(For Video #1: What Does Voler Stand For?) Electronic design and firmware consulting is all we do at Voler Systems. We specialize in wearable and IoT devices. We help companies of all sizes create medical and consumer devices. We deliver quality products on time, on budget, our design process mitigates technical risk, AND the products are easily manufactured. We’re known in Silicon Valley as the “Engineer of Engineers.” No one is better at electronic design and software on hardware. Hi, I am Walt Maclay. In 1979 I founded Voler Systems out of my love for both engineering and helping people by providing them with highly successful solutions. Voler’s engineers average 30 years of experience. Our 4 decades of electronic design expertise AND project management make you successful. As one of our happy customers said, (Jeremy:) “Voler stands for engineering acumen, customer service, and integrity.” Voler in French means to fly. We make your design fly. We have specific knowledge about sensors, wireless communication, power management for battery operated devices, and medical devices. We are the ones who get called in when the projects are tough. We succeed at projects that other consultants previously failed to complete. We save you problems in manufacturing that can cost more money than all you have spent on product development.

My name is Len Marsh. For 35 years I have been a consulting Chief Financial Officer helping CEOs solve cash-flow problems. Once the cash flow problem is resolved, I continue to take care of a company’s financial health, to ​prevent​ life threatening situations, as your long term partner, trusted strategic advisor, and problem solver. I work with privately-held manufacturers, distributors, contractors, and service providers with annual revenue over $2 million.
Cash flow:​ In this regard, view me as an emergency room doctor treating companies with cash flow symptoms such as:
1. Unable to pay bills on time
2. Turned down for credit
3. Failure to raise money
4. Recurring losses
5. Ballooning receivables
6. Excessive inventory
7. maxed out capacity to keep up with growth
To facilitate CEOs’ needs for raising funds and projecting future financial needs, I provide spreadsheets to model growth scenarios, and test assumptions to raise money ahead of need, that will reduce cost and stress. For example: A manufacturing company was selling a lot of products but was losing money. I discovered that their cost of production was higher than their sales price. We fixed that and grew the company exponentially.
Long term partner, trusted strategic advisor and problem solver:​ As an entrepreneur myself and a Silicon Valley CFO, I have successfully grown several businesses, so I understand CEOs’ mindsets and strategies, more than an operational CFO’s compliance and controller’s duties. Recently, upon my advice, we added hundreds of thousands of dollars per year to a company’s bottom line. We designed a new pricing strategy that rewarded loyalty and attracted new clients.
Rapidly growing companies often suffer anemia for cash to support its growth. For example, a distribution company with increasing sales was running out of cash to keep up with infrastructure. To avoid diluting founders’ original share value, I was able to leverage bank financing to avoid raising equity. That bought us two extra years to build company value, while I was constantly monitoring bank covenants, receivables and inventory levels. This financing strategy paid off when we sold the company at 4 times of its original value, as one of the fastest growing INC 500 Companies.
Teamplayer, frontman, strategic partner:​ When CEOs face internal conflicts or complex situations, I offer unbiased and insightful advice from a consulting CFO’s perspective. I give confidential and candid feedback, unattached to a company’s internal departmental interest. As CEOs’ frontman, I have negotiated solutions with vendors and relevant parties that have saved both money and key relationships without resorting to legal actions.
I believe in 1 + 1 = 10. Combining everyone’s unique skills as a team can accomplish great things. As an active participant on your C-suite, with my analytical and CFO skills, I provide clarity, peace of mind and optimism. With my experience and entrepreneurial mindset, I am also your sounding board. I am always in the trench with you, growing your business and achieving your dreams. Please call: (650) 533-5300, or email: ​len@lenmarsh.com​, or visit my website: www.lenmarsh.com. Thank you.

[fusion_button link=”https://10plusbrand.com/wp-content/uploads/2019/06/Stingray-Executive-Summary-2019.05.08.pdf” text_transform=”” title=”” target=”_blank” link_attributes=”” alignment=”” modal=”” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” size=”medium” stretch=”default” shape=”” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]Read More[/fusion_button]

Sample: Stingray Therapeutics Pitch Deck

(Lisa:) Hi, I’m Lisa Bryant, founder and owner of Bryant Elder Law, ​“Compassionate Counselors Empowering Families.” ​We take a holistic and balanced approach to estate planning and end of life issues. We work with seniors, their families and other professionals to improve quality of life for EVERYONE.

(Sara:) We help families save money, protect their homes and give them peace of mind. We have a unique focus on MediCal planning. Additionally, we provide services in estate planning, trust administration, and special needs trusts. We support seniors and adult children with caring for their loved ones.

(Michelle:) We help clients turn stress into relief. We lift them out of hopeless situations.

[fusion_button link=”” title=”” target=”_self” alignment=”” modal=”content_bryant” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” size=”medium” stretch=”default” shape=”” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]Read More[/fusion_button]

(Lisa:) Hi, I’m Lisa Bryant, founder and owner of Bryant Elder Law, ​“Compassionate Counselors Empowering Families.” ​We take a holistic and balanced approach to estate planning and end of life issues. We work with seniors, their families and other professionals to improve quality of life for EVERYONE.
(Sara:) We help families save money, protect their homes and give them peace of mind. We have a unique focus on MediCal planning. Additionally, we provide services in estate planning, trust administration, and special needs trusts. We support seniors and adult children with caring for their loved ones.
(Michelle:) We help clients turn stress into relief. We lift them out of hopeless situations.
(Sara:) We are an industry disrupter. We have transformed the billable hour into a flat fee approach, so our clients are not afraid to talk to us. We navigate our clients, end-to-end, through a complicated system of hospitals, nursing homes, doctors, Medicare and Medi-Cal, that can be frustrating to everyone.
(Lisa:) (Caption: Empower You) I empower people in life’s hardest moments. I know what it is like to be in your shoes. I live with genetic bone disorder that makes daily tasks challenging, such as climbing stairs and lifting ordinary objects. I was devastated when my brother passed away at age 28. I earned my law degree through night school while working full time and raising a 7-year-old daughter. I never bought into a victim mentality. It is my passion to help others overcome their challenges. I spent every summer with my grandparents. I saw their personal journeys and decline. I believe every senior should feel valued at the end of their life.
(Sara:) (Caption: MediCal) For Medi-Cal, we handle the whole process from the application, interfacing with the County, to getting benefits. This can make the difference between running out of money and having nursing home care paid for by Medi-Cal. We also do the annual redetermination application, and the state recovery claims after death.
For example, Sue’s husband has dementia, they’re both in their 80s. She can not afford $20,000 a month to take care of him and MediCal denied them benefits since they own two homes in California. We went to court and got her husband’s care fully paid by Medi-Cal, and Sue was able to keep all her assets. When she passes away there will be no repayment to the state so they can leave an inheritance to their children. We have helped many aging couples, widows, widowers & adult children preserve assets and get Medi-Cal.
(Lisa:) Everyone’s situation is unique. We take the time to fully listen to our clients’ stories. Then we present a game plan. We put all pieces together from a legal and practical perspective. (Caption: Special Needs Trust) For example, Judy is terminally ill, and she has two children, both with special needs. She wants to leave them an inheritance without losing the government programs her children has depended on. We’ve created a special needs trust for each child, which ensures Judy’s children will receive BOTH their inheritance AND the government’s benefits.
(Michelle:) We are the champions for elder law. We are a resource for all things senior–we know the assisted living facilities, the Medi-Cal Programs, adult day programs and caregiving groups. We give simple explanations, not a lot of “legal talk.”
(Sara:) When we get a call from a hospice worker ,we will prepare an estate plan and have it ready in less than 24 hours. We go out to see the client either at home or in the hospital to support the client’s family in
1
difficult moments.
(Lisa:) It is our vision that all people are empowered to leave this earth with peace of mind and dignity. Our mission is to be the voice for everyone in estate planning and Medi-Cal, statewide. We love what we do. We practice law with heart because we are caregivers ourselves. We are fearless advocates for seniors and their families, for life’s hardest transitions.
(Lisa:) Bryant Elder Law,
(all 3:) “Compassionate Counselors Empowering Families.”
(Michelle:) Please call our Silicon Valley Office, at: (408) 286-2122, or our Orange County Office, at: (714) 276-2788, or email us at: ​admin@SanJoseElderLaw.com​, or visit our website at: www.SanJoseElderLaw.com
(all 3:) Thank you!

Sample: OPS A La Carte, Engineering Success with Reliable Products Video Script

We are a leading reliability engineering consulting firm since 2001. We have helped many companies create robust products and elevate them to great success, even become the leader in their industry. We are known for providing the whole gamut of reliability lab testing, consulting, and training. With over 25 reliability engineer-experts around the world, with diverse backgrounds and experience, we serve both domestic and global businesses in all areas of reliability, in depth and width. Hi, my name is Jay Muns, owner and CEO. I have more than 30 years of experience in engineering and business operations. ”OPS A La Carte have produced very high-quality results for us, with fast turnaround times. Their engineers are the best in their field, are a pleasure to work with, and their work is of the highest standards available. This has helped us obtain critical product approvals…” We help companies see from outside of their forest and understand what they didn’t know before. Companies come to us out of three scenarios: First, when their products fail. We help put out the fire by identifying problems and providing solutions. Second, after a product is designed, to check the box and move on with getting their product into the marketplace. The best is third: to get engaged early, by including reliability as a part of their initial product design goals. This will save time, money and energy. It is much better to have a worry-free product that addresses reliability issues upfront, than dealing with deficiencies after a product is developed, or worse, already manufactured and sold to the end users. Being proactive with reliability engineering will save a business tons of money and trouble. In all scenarios, you receive professional expertise with integrity and at a fair price. Many of our clients are repeat customers for years because of the value we consistently deliver. Our ENGINEER-consultants each have over 20 years of experience and perform lab testing, consulting and training based on actual reliability science. They follow well established industry standards, such as “HALT” (highly accelerated life test,) and “HASS” (highly accelerated stress screen.) These engineers evaluate, make recommendations and validate results based on highly relevant lab data, co-relating to real world data. Whether your company has a reliability department or not, you can take advantage of our entire testing-consulting-training package, or any portion of it. We also offer Failure analysis and safety certification services such as UL, CE, and other environmental testing services, like solar, UV, SALT spray testing, ESD (electro-static discharge,) and EMC (electro-magnetic compatibility.) “Ops A La Carte trained us to use HALT methodology as a proactive tool, to root out key failures in our early and advanced prototypes, and that made it possible for us to deliver dependability that our customers demand, in pilot and production units.”“…OPS has played a key role in our evolution from a research company to a manufacturer of ‘mission-critical’ components.” A couple of companies describe our HALT/HASS training as “highly informative, engaging and exciting.” “The benefit far exceeds the price.” 1 Our mission is to enable companies to create their happy customers, with a well-engineered product. By helping our clients understand the real problems and the real solutions, we help improve their careers and reputations. Achieving the win-win-win results for our clients and their customers is our ultimate satisfaction. We have a family-like company culture with positive energy and great teamwork. An improved and reliable product is our own small way to contribute to a better humanity and a slightly better world. Call us at (408) 654-0499, or email us at info@opsalacarte.com, or visit our website www.opsalacarte.com. Thank you! 2

(For Video #1: What Does Voler Stand For?) Electronic design and firmware consulting is all we do at Voler Systems. We specialize in wearable and IoT devices. We help companies of all sizes create medical and consumer devices. We deliver quality products on time, on budget, our design process mitigates technical risk, AND the products are easily manufactured. We’re known in Silicon Valley as the “Engineer of Engineers.” No one is better at electronic design and software on hardware. Hi, I am Walt Maclay. In 1979 I founded Voler Systems out of my love for both engineering and helping people by providing them with highly successful solutions. Voler’s engineers average 30 years of experience. Our 4 decades of electronic design expertise AND project management make you successful. As one of our happy customers said, (Jeremy:) “Voler stands for engineering acumen, customer service, and integrity.” Voler in French means to fly. We make your design fly. We have specific knowledge about sensors, wireless communication, power management for battery operated devices, and medical devices. We are the ones who get called in when the projects are tough. We succeed at projects that other consultants previously failed to complete. We save you problems in manufacturing that can cost more money than all you have spent on product development.

[fusion_button link=”” title=”” target=”_self” alignment=”” modal=”content_voler” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” size=”medium” stretch=”default” shape=”” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]Read More[/fusion_button]

(For Video #1: What Does Voler Stand For?) Electronic design and firmware consulting is all we do at Voler Systems. We specialize in wearable and IoT devices. We help companies of all sizes create medical and consumer devices. We deliver quality products on time, on budget, our design process mitigates technical risk, AND the products are easily manufactured. We’re known in Silicon Valley as the “Engineer of Engineers.” No one is better at electronic design and software on hardware. Hi, I am Walt Maclay. In 1979 I founded Voler Systems out of my love for both engineering and helping people by providing them with highly successful solutions. Voler’s engineers average 30 years of experience. Our 4 decades of electronic design expertise AND project management make you successful. As one of our happy customers said, (Jeremy:) “Voler stands for engineering acumen, customer service, and integrity.” Voler in French means to fly. We make your design fly. We have specific knowledge about sensors, wireless communication, power management for battery operated devices, and medical devices. We are the ones who get called in when the projects are tough. We succeed at projects that other consultants previously failed to complete. We save you problems in manufacturing that can cost more money than all you have spent on product development. (Jeremy:) “We are an international startup in AI software technology. We needed electronic design for AR glasses that could be easily manufactured. This project involved major risks, such as a high speed processor with complicated power management, high speed video processing, 3-D camera technology, and fitting the equivalent of a cell phone into a very small space, all on a short timeline. Voler coordinated closely with the mechanical and optical teams to get everything to fit. Voler delivered on budget and on time for the Consumer Electronics Show. Few other firms could have done so well.” For another mid-sized corporation, we designed all the software for a heart pump, a Class III medical device. We wrote and executed the verification protocol, and wrote the documentation submitted to the FDA. The device was approved with no questions about the software, which is unheard of. A year later, we did the same process for a revision of the software; again, no questions from the FDA. (Rio:) “We are a billion dollar cosmetics company, we needed a heating and ultrasound device that applies anti-aging cream to the face. In just one of many design decisions, Voler cut the cost by $1 per device, which saved us $500,000 in manufacturing, that’s far more than what we paid them for the whole design! As a result of cutting $1, the firmware became critical, since the device would fail if not written correctly. Out of half a million devices manufactured in 6 month, 99.9% worked. This device continues to receive 5-star reviews from consumers worldwide, thanks to Voler’s superior design.” We pride ourselves in being the best in electronic design and software that runs on hardware, especially on wearable and IoT medical and consumer devices. However, we are not a jack of all trades. To complete an entire product we refer clients to the best mechanical design firms and other partners. In 40 years we have developed deep relationships with these partners. Voler provides overall project management among all collaborators to ensure your products’ success. (Caption:) Engineering + Serving Others + Successful Solutions = Voler Systems. Voler stands for these four values: 1) The Best in electronic design & firmware consulting. 2) Project-management insight to ensure design success. 3) Design to be manufacturable. 4) Help ensure the success of our customers and & employees. Your success is our only measure of success. In the next video, we will share how we ensure success. To contact us, Please call: ___ or email us:__ or visit our website: 1 (For Video #2: How We Ensure Success) In our 1st branding video, we stated that Voler stands for these four values: 1) The Best in electronic design & firmware consulting. 2) Project-management insight to ensure design success. 3) Design to be manufacturable. 4) Help ensure the success of our customers and employees. Now we share with you how we ensure success: (Caption) (1 )The Best in electronic de sign & f irmware for medical & consumer wearables and IoT devices Most people come to us with these concerns: 1) Cost – “Are you going to make projects longer and bigger than necessary?” 2)”How fast can you deliver?”, and 3) Can you make the design work well, and be mass producible?” A client wanted to pay us extra, for an unnecessary part of their product design, that would’ve cost them an extra $60,000. I advised them from experience that what they wanted to add was not necessary. After much persuasion, they got it, and they were deeply thankful. Our design engineers provide all relevant skills, or just what you need. We always look for ways to reduce cost, shorten schedules, or improve quality. Our clients’ trust in us is our highest payoff. (Caption) (2) Project management insight This is how we manage successful projects: 1) Requirements: define scope and details at the start, with complete requirements. 2) Plan: detailed schedule and budget. 3) Communication: Weekly meetings and reports on risks, schedule, and budget. 4) No bureaucracy: Clients communicate directly, one-to-one, with our engineers. “We were delighted with Voler’s professionalism and capabilities, characterized by a consultative understanding of our needs, frequent communication of progress and challenges, and delivering our project within cost and time expectations. Voler fixed and delivered a prototype that two prior firms failed to complete.” (Caption) 3) Design to be manufacturable A great design is not enough to get you anywhere, without knowing every nook and cranny about what’s further down in production. After 40 years, we know ahead of time the swamps, the curves, and the rapids down the stream, and how to design for manufacturing (DfM), which is essential to ensure your success. One customer said, “The FPGA code has not required revision since you released the design.” Another said, “The diagnostic device you designed for us is working extremely well.” ( Caption) (4) help people create THEIR success Our goal is to always make customers successful. Our passion is improving people’s lives with great products. I spend time helping where I see it is needed, even if the customer does not see it. “Their design worked the first time, and has been working reliably for years. They made a difference in my company’s growth from a 12 people company to a mid sized company.” Here are just a few of a growing list of highly satisfied customers, from startups to multi-billion dollar global corporations: Abbott, Boston Scientific, Nevro and other medical device companies; Rokid, an up and coming AR company, Jawbone, a consumer and wearable products company, Faraday Bikes, an electric bicycle company, and many more. We do analog and digital circuit design, schematics, circuit board layout, engineering prototypes, software and firmware, Motion control, Home health, Instrumentation circuits, computer interfaces and transfer to production. (Caption:) Engineering + Serving Others + Successful Solutions = Voler Systems. Your success is our only measure of success. Please call us: __________ Email us:_________________ Visit our website: 2 (Caption at the end:) Walt McClay, Owner, CEO, Chief Engineer of Voler Systems: ● PATCA president, 2008-2010 ● IEEE Senior Member, 2010 ● IEEE Life Member, 2016 ● Reviewer for National Science Foundation Small Biz Innovation Research grants( ) ● Advisor to dozens of startups ● A speaker on new technology at various events ● A judge, panelist, invited speaker, and a mentor to others in the field.

Sample: Len Marsh,

My name is Len Marsh. For 35 years I have been a consulting Chief Financial Officer helping CEOs solve cash-flow problems. Once the cash flow problem is resolved, I continue to take care of a company’s financial health, to ​prevent​ life threatening situations, as your long term partner, trusted strategic advisor, and problem solver. I work with privately-held manufacturers, distributors, contractors, and service providers with annual revenue over $2 million.
Cash flow:​ In this regard, view me as an emergency room doctor treating companies with cash flow symptoms such as:
1. Unable to pay bills on time
2. Turned down for credit
3. Failure to raise money
4. Recurring losses
5. Ballooning receivables
6. Excessive inventory
7. maxed out capacity to keep up with growth
To facilitate CEOs’ needs for raising funds and projecting future financial needs, I provide spreadsheets to model growth scenarios, and test assumptions to raise money ahead of need, that will reduce cost and stress. For example: A manufacturing company was selling a lot of products but was losing money. I discovered that their cost of production was higher than their sales price. We fixed that and grew the company exponentially.
Long term partner, trusted strategic advisor and problem solver:​ As an entrepreneur myself and a Silicon Valley CFO, I have successfully grown several businesses, so I understand CEOs’ mindsets and strategies, more than an operational CFO’s compliance and controller’s duties. Recently, upon my advice, we added hundreds of thousands of dollars per year to a company’s bottom line. We designed a new pricing strategy that rewarded loyalty and attracted new clients.
Rapidly growing companies often suffer anemia for cash to support its growth. For example, a distribution company with increasing sales was running out of cash to keep up with infrastructure. To avoid diluting founders’ original share value, I was able to leverage bank financing to avoid raising equity. That bought us two extra years to build company value, while I was constantly monitoring bank covenants, receivables and inventory levels. This financing strategy paid off when we sold the company at 4 times of its original value, as one of the fastest growing INC 500 Companies.
Teamplayer, frontman, strategic partner:​ When CEOs face internal conflicts or complex situations, I offer unbiased and insightful advice from a consulting CFO’s perspective. I give confidential and candid feedback, unattached to a company’s internal departmental interest. As CEOs’ frontman, I have negotiated solutions with vendors and relevant parties that have saved both money and key relationships without resorting to legal actions.
I believe in 1 + 1 = 10. Combining everyone’s unique skills as a team can accomplish great things. As an active participant on your C-suite, with my analytical and CFO skills, I provide clarity, peace of mind and optimism. With my experience and entrepreneurial mindset, I am also your sounding board. I am always in the trench with you, growing your business and achieving your dreams. Please call: (650) 533-5300, or email: ​len@lenmarsh.com​, or visit my website: www.lenmarsh.com. Thank you.

As Founder of ProMentor CFO, my passion is to ​help good leaders build great companies. We assist business owners, ​CEOs, and investors in small-to-mid sized companies break through ​to the next level. ​ There are three types of CFOs. The first focuses on accounting and tax, typically a CPA. The second is a “Wall Street” CFO who raises money and specializes in IPO or M&A.

ProMentor CFO belongs to the third category, the Operational or Strategic CFO — internally focused on building value as an inside powerhouse. As a battle-tested CFO for over 25 years, a CFO consultant for over 7 years, and CEO for a $30 million company for 6 years, I can move the needle. I’m also a sounding board for CEOs and a mentor for junior financial staff to prepare them for bigger responsibilities.

[fusion_button link=”” title=”” target=”_self” alignment=”” modal=”content_garypotts” hide_on_mobile=”small-visibility,medium-visibility,large-visibility” class=”” id=”” color=”default” button_gradient_top_color=”” button_gradient_bottom_color=”” button_gradient_top_color_hover=”” button_gradient_bottom_color_hover=”” accent_color=”” accent_hover_color=”” type=”” bevel_color=”” border_width=”” size=”medium” stretch=”default” shape=”” icon=”” icon_position=”left” icon_divider=”no” animation_type=”” animation_direction=”left” animation_speed=”0.3″ animation_offset=””]Read More[/fusion_button]

As Founder of ProMentor CFO, my passion is to ​help good leaders build great companies. We assist business owners, ​CEOs, and investors in small-to-mid sized companies break through ​to the next level. ​ There are three types of CFOs. The first focuses on accounting and tax, typically a CPA. The second is a “Wall Street” CFO who raises money and specializes in IPO or M&A.

ProMentor CFO belongs to the third category, the Operational or Strategic CFO — internally focused on building value as an inside powerhouse. As a battle-tested CFO for over 25 years, a CFO consultant for over 7 years, and CEO for a $30 million company for 6 years, I can move the needle. I’m also a sounding board for CEOs and a mentor for junior financial staff to prepare them for bigger responsibilities.

Here is my track record: As a CFO for a startup computer company, our team grew annual revenue from $2 to $60 million over 7 years, and posted record sales and profits over 16 consecutive quarters. We shared a winning vision, motivated each other, sold the business at its peak, and became life long friends.

I helped a startup company raise their first venture capital money, and they went on to be a huge success worth over $2 billion market capitalization, trading on NASDAQ today.

After working as both COO and CFO at another technology company, I was promoted to CEO. I led the company through a management buyout from its Japanese parent, moved manufacturing from Japan to California, and retained high profile customers.

As one of the top consulting CFOs at a Silicon Valley firm for over 6 years, I guided a number of early-stage companies. I managed a $400 million private equity spin-out of a business unit to a strategic buyer. I wrote a 40-page “CFO Best Practices Guide” used by two leading venture capital firms as a resource for CFOs of their portfolio companies.

I helped a CTO form a wholly-owned subsidiary in India and hire 80 local software engineers in 18 months. I was recognized as the “most valuable corporate resource.”

Most recently I was the CFO for 6.5 years at a leading residential HVAC company, playing a vital role in transforming a family business to a professionally managed company. Revenue scaled up organically by 250% during my tenure. We posted 20% annual growth for 4 consecutive years while expanding service areas from 2 to 5 locations in California.

I can save a company growing pains, time and money, with the wisdom gained from both success and “the school of hard knocks”. Building a company parallels one of the proudest moments in my personal life. While walking my daughter down the aisle, I recalled her growth from a premature baby to a wonderful young woman. The joy and fulfillment is in the process over time. If given a choice of winning a $10 million lottery, or creating $1 million by my own hands, I will take the $1 million every time.

ProMentor CFO’s value proposition is built on four pillars: (1) financial guidance, (2) strategic planning, (3) process improvement, and (4) mentorship.

(1) Financial Guidance:
● Raise venture capital, private equity, bank loans and asset-based debt financing as life blood for a growing business.
● Track daily, monthly and quarterly expense and cash flow.
● Provide deal support for buy or sell-side M&A, startups, strategic partnering and joint ventures.

(2) Strategic planning:
● Identify the most and least profitable products and activities. Evaluate strengths, weaknesses and opportunities.
● Setup key milestones and deliverables to hit long term goals.
● Lead annual budgeting and business planning.

(3) Process Improvement:
● Simplify complex data, spot key patterns and issues, analyze and extract important info for CEOs.
● Track the ​right​ KPIs (key performance indicators) and provide ​new​ insights for decision-making.
● Negotiate key business contracts.
● Coordinate accounting, internal controls, reporting, HR, and SEC compliance.

(​4) ​Mentorship:
● Coach young people​ to think long term, and independently.
● Being unbiased, approachable, ​fact-based and transparent, ​respectful regardless of rank/position. Improve collaboration.
● I ​listen to diverse points of view, with ​high EQ and great people skills.
● Display ethical behavior and lead by example.

These four pillars can help you transform your business and accelerate growth, as your team member, financial guide and trusted advisor.​ ​ProMentor can serve you on a part-time, full time, retainer, or interim basis. Call (510) 334-9950 or email ​Gary@ProMentorCFO.com​, or visit our website: ​www.ProMentorCFO.com​. Thank you!

Sample: Brauer Insurance

(Steve:) Brauer Insurance is the recognized expert in group health insurance for small businesses with 1-100 employees. We are an independent benefits broker, we ONLY do group health insurance. (Bonnie:) If you have a heart condition, do you go to a general practitioner, or to a cardiologist? What if I tell you that they cost you the same? (Steve:) Health insurance is always changing, super-confusing, and it’s a niche field demanding focused expertise. No broker can be an expert at everything. There are just not enough hours in a day. We choose to focus ONLY on group health insurance, and we are pretty good at it. (Bonnie:) We provide the best, personalized service for health insurance, dental, vision, disability, group life insurance. My dad taught at college level about Obama Care, and was on local TV Channel 5 as their invited expert. (Steve:) As the owners, we have vested interest in serving you with the highest level of integrity and value adds. We are also the outsourced HR Dept for companies with over 20 employees.

We actually offer MORE services than what the larger agencies offer. Services like an online HR platform, ERISA documents and other compliance paperwork. Our clients not only get a true expert in Group Health Insurance, but also the personal attention and accountability, instead of an invisible “Account Manager”. (Bonnie:) We don’t need fancy schmancy downtown office, to protect and serve you. We return your calls or emails within hours, not days. We treat our clients like family. We guide small business out of the legal maze. We are always on the cutting edge, or try to be. (Steve:) We customize each company’s strategy, to give you the maximum benefits at the best pricing, rather than using some cookie-cutting forms. I understand quite a bit about small businesses. I founded and managed the U Bake Pizza in San Jose for about 14 years, so I know how hard it is to attract and retain good employees with benefits, to stay profitable after paying rent, payroll, taxes, health care. I have been there, done that. It all started when I was recovering from an on-duty injury as a detective in 2002. The dysfunctionality of health insurance intrigued me. I was a Undercover Narcotic Agent for 10 years during my 25-years on the job, and I have a knack for solving problems. Most people run away from chaos, cops run towards it. There are so many problems with the health insurance industry….and I love to problem solve..so it was a natural fit! (Bonnie:) Even though my Dad could have retired in 2008, he chose this career to have a purpose in life while spending time with family. Many small businesses are paying much more than they have to for their health insurance, and are out of compliance with all the ObamaCare laws. (Steve:) When it comes to putting together benefit plans for companies and saving them lots of money, we love to be creative and strategic. To keep business owners trouble-free, we get all the necessary documents filed on their behalf, so you can focus on what you do best, – running your business!. (Bonnie:) Yeah, my Dad is very OCD about this! Nothing falls through the cracks! He is a kick-ass guy who does things right!

(Steve:) Most employers don’t even know they’re spending too much on their Group Benefits. They have a broker who does not specialize in Group Benefits. I want you to know that we “have your backs”. We pay for multiple services for our clients, such as Federal COBRA and Section 125 plans. We also have an HR attorney on staff to help small businesses with legal questions. Here is a story of how we saved a company $35,000: A Technology company came to us for a second opinion to look at their Group Benefits Plan that was costing them $55,000 a month for several years. We worked with the CFO, CEO,and HR Director to strategize a plan that gave the group better benefits and saved almost $35,000 a year in Health Insurance premiums. We calculated that they had wasted almost $250,000 over several years with their previous policy. (Bonnie:)This client was so pleased that they’ve referred us to many other companies…they’ve become our family friends. (Steve:) We protect and serve small businesses with the best benefits at the lowest cost. We’d be happy to take a look at what you have now with no expectations of doing business. If you decide to keep your current policy, no problem. No matter who 1 your broker is…just make sure they are an expert in Group Health. This is a VERY expensive and complex area of insurance. (Bonnie:) Please visit our website: www.brauerinsurance.com, or call us: 408-421-5555. Thank you.

Sample: Rolf Neuweiler, Founder & Principal of a2z CFO

My name is Rolf Neuweiler, consulting CFO, both the right and left hands to businesses. As your “right Hand”, I am your navigator, keeping a company on course, charting its future, with financial strategies and information. As your “left Hand” I keep businesses in good health like a “family doctor”, serving as a liaison to professional advisors, management and employees. In crises, I come to your rescue as a financial “Fireman”. In turbulent waters, I give leadership a sense of peace and control, and the feeling that their financial house is in order. I improve and manage financial and administrative areas, so the owners are free to focus on leading their businesses. They also get more free time.

Sample: BH Tech Connection

Is IT about people, or about computers? We at BH Tech Connection focus only on small businesses with fewer than 10 employees. We care about you. We care about your success. We take care of your computers.  We are known for speedy, personalized, and long term IT support.

(Customized & speedy services)  We don’t put you into a ticketing queue that assigns a different IT person each time, which is inefficient and makes you feel ignored and frustrated. We match you with an IT consultant  as one point of contact. We customize service to each client’s needs. For example, a three-person law firm’s computer infrastructure was too slow. They were told by a larger IT company to spend $10,000 on a new server. We recommended cloud solutions that sped up their network and saved them at least $7,000.

Sample: Bay Area Traffic Solutions (B.A.T.S.)

BATS: Bay Area Traffic Solutions. Backbone. Accountable. Trustworthy. Safety.

“BATS leads the traffic control industry. With both professionally trained employees and advanced technology, we have contractors’ backs. We are the backbone of their security.”

“BATS is known for being accountable and reliable, 24/7, always there when needed.”

“BATS has earned the trust of contractors, clients, and employees, with superior service and professionalism.”

“BATS’ top priority is safety: safety for those we protect is top priority, for contractors, workers, pedestrians, vehicle drivers, general public, and our own employees. We focus on your safety, so you can focus on your jobs near traffic, and reduce accidents. Safety is part of BATS’ culture.”

Sample: Pacific Diversified Commercial Insurance

My name is Rick Callaway. My passion is to protect businesses, by insuring employers, employees, and business properties. for 30 years, with a team of 60 professionals, we insure restaurants, hotels, night-clubs, and commercial real estate such as office buildings and multi-family dwellings. I safeguard my clients with better coverage at lower costs. If your passion is running and growing your business, and you are looking for a trusted and experience insurance expert, then let’s talk. We are also your advisor and hands-on caretaker for all insurance needs. Call us “The Extra milers.”