News Articles

By Deb Mills-Scofield on August 1st, 2013 Diversity is finally getting beyond discussions of race and gender to include experiences, talents, and ways of thinking. I’d like to add another type of diversity to the conversation — virtues. More than 2,500 years ago, Aristotle “created” the Virtues as a guide to leading a “happy life.” They still... read more

By Jim Grebey, March 17, 2014 Takeaway: Understand the role of due diligence as an M&A and business analysis tool. It’s been a year since my book “Operations Due Diligence – An M&A Guide for Investors and Business“was first published by McGraw Hill. In that year, I have had the opportunity to speak with many investors and business... read more

By Jim Jeffries In my last blog, I pointed out the value of certainty in M&A.  As increasing levels of scrutiny are applied to deal success by stakeholders, there is a requirement that growth by acquisitions become more of a core competency for active buyers just like other competitive advantages within the company.  There is... read more

Published: 02.05.13 Produce Grower Magazine Matt McClellan, February 5, 2013 In a downtown Cleveland neighborhood, a seed of renewal is growing in the midst of urban decay. Green City Growers, a 3.25-acre greenhouse, was built in the economically depressed Central neighborhood, surrounded by shuttered businesses and abandoned warehouses. The hydroponic greenhouse will produce leafy greens and... read more

By KELLY KEARSLEY Updated Jan. 10, 2013 9:15 a.m. ET The owner of the manufacturing company was in a bind. He was ready to retire in 2009 and wanted to sell his remaining company shares to his employees. But the company’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan didn’t have enough cash to buy him out.”He wanted to see... read more

Valuing a Work in Process Inventory Friday, March 7, 2014 1:00 p.m. Central time (CT) and 2:00 p.m. Eastern time (ET)Program Content This webinar is a review of two case studies which the presenter has personally been involved in that included one, inventories of livestock and produce products and, two, employed accounting systems that did not include all costs and,... read more

By Paul Bardaro on Aug 18, 2011 It’s an ongoing challenge for many small business owners in virtually every sector of the economy: figuring out how to motivate and retain employees who are essential to the company’s success without granting them an actual ownership stake. During the recent recession, you probably moved consideration of long-term... read more

KIM BENEDICT Contributed to The Globe and Mail A recent North American engagement survey conducted by Gallup found that 70 per cent of the work force is actively or passively disengaged. Only 41 per cent of employees clearly understand what makes their employers’ brands more unique than the competition. Combine the high costs of training... read more

A  long term Business Ownership Transition Plan has been completed by Gee Asphalt Systems, Inc. Gee Asphalt Systems, Inc. is the ONLY GSB applicator with 40+ years of continuous experience traveling to projects nation-wide.   Representation of Gee Asphalt Systems, Inc. in completing this long-term Business Ownership Transitioin Planning Process proudly provided by In conjunction with its team of... read more

By Gretchen Rosswurm on October 14th, 2013 I can’t believe I’m going to do this. I’m about to share my secret weapon for change communications. When I tell you my methods you’ll say, “Right, I knew that all along.” But the real question is, do you apply what you know? Early in my career, I worked at... read more

BY ANDREW SILVER One type of  buyer for your company offers more money. The other acquirer is more likely to let you keep running the show. The private equity fund was interested in my deal. The partner said they’d looked at 48 companies in that market sector, and this was the first one they liked. They... read more

on September 25, 2013 by Billy Fink Last night, Axial hosted a panel discussing exit strategies for portfolio companies. The panel — which was moderated by Jon Marino of theDeal.com — included John S. Castle of Branford Castle, Tim Shanley of Huron-backed Victoria Fine Foods, and Elgin Thompson of Marcum Cronus. Using their experiences as a buyer, operator, and intermediary respectively,... read more