Consulting

Consulting is a defined project that solves one strategic, commercial, operational or organizational problem, scoped in writing with clear milestones and a clear finish.

Who is it for?

Leadership teams with one defined problem to solve, in growing and founder-led companies and in businesses that operate under heavy regulation. It suits teams that know what needs to change and want an experienced operator to design it and help put it in place.

When does it fit?

• "We need to build a B2B or wholesale sales channel from scratch."
• "We have no operating rhythm. Meetings, numbers and accountability are all ad hoc."
• "We're preparing for an equity or debt raise and need to be investor-ready."
• "We're acquiring a company and need help with diligence and integration."
• "Sales, operations and finance aren't working from the same plan."

What's included?

Every project starts with a written scope, milestones and deliverables. Typical projects:

• Building a B2B or wholesale sales channel from scratch: the go-to-market or channel plan, team structure, account targets and the reporting to run it.
• Installing an operating rhythm and KPI system: a KPI scorecard and dashboard, a monthly, quarterly and annual review cadence, budgets and forecasts, and the SOPs and workflows behind them.
• Preparing for an equity or debt raise: investor-readiness materials, a board or investor reporting package and a plan investors can follow.
• Diligence and integration for an acquisition: diligence support, an integration plan and the org chart and role definitions for the combined business.

Formats and typical length

• Strategic Projects: scoped per project, with defined milestones.
• Executive Strategy Intensive: often used as a first step to scope the project.
• Performance or transaction fees: for select engagements, part of the fee can be tied to agreed results or to a transaction, by separate written agreement.

Every engagement is scoped and priced in writing after a first conversation.

Who does the work?

I lead every consulting project personally. Depending on the scope, the M2 Ventures team carries out parts of the work under my direction, and I review every deliverable. All engagements are contracted and billed through M2 Ventures.

How does an engagement start?

1. You send a short note about the business and what you need.
2. I reply within two business days, with times for a call.
3. We talk for 30 minutes, at no cost, about whether and how I can help.
4. If it's a fit, I send a written scope and proposal.

Relevant experience

• Built a wholesale sales team from zero, serving 100+ retail accounts, 60+ of them every month.
• Installed an operating management system of monthly, quarterly and annual reviews, budgets and KPIs.
• Led five M&A transactions, from diligence and valuation through negotiation.
• Led a company's licensing, compliance and operations through a major regulatory transition.

See it in practice: Running regulated operations through change.

Frequently asked questions

What kinds of projects do you take on?

Most projects fall into four areas: building a B2B or wholesale channel, installing an operating rhythm and KPI system, preparing for an equity or debt raise, and acquisition diligence and integration. If your problem is different, describe it and I'll tell you honestly whether I'm the right fit.

Do you work with companies in highly regulated industries?

Yes. I've run licensing, compliance and state track-and-trace systems, and led a company through a major regulatory transition. That experience carries over to other businesses where regulation shapes how operations run.

How long does a consulting project take?

Each project has its own timeline, set by its scope and written into the proposal with milestones and a defined finish before work begins.

How are consulting projects priced?

Projects are priced per project, based on scope and complexity, and agreed in writing before work begins. For select engagements, part of the fee can be tied to agreed results or a transaction, by separate agreement.

Do you help implement the recommendations?

Yes. The work is designed to be put in place, not left in a report. If you want me to lead the implementation, that becomes a Management & Execution engagement; if your team leads it and you want it tracked and kept on schedule, that's Implementation Oversight.

Ready to talk? Discuss an Engagement