Our business model is simple: we do not succeed until the company succeeds. We work with ownership, management, and outside professionals, as needed, to improve shareholder value. Although businesses vary by industry, our typical financial goal is to double revenue and increase profitability tenfold. In doing so we develop a strategic plan with milestones and projections, and then track performance of this plan quarterly.
At Dream Big Exit, our diversified approach focuses on the full spectrum of operating a business from strategic planning to seizing market opportunities & optimizing business operations while minimizing risk. Leveraging our comprehensive financial and operational background, Managing Principal Ed Lasak has repeatedly earned recognition for his analytical skills in charting-the-course of what could be possible.
Value Proposition
We would like to partner with CEOs & business owners of privately held companies with the common mission of increasing shareholder value. Professional consulting services include:
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- Business valuations: deploy generally accepted business valuation methods in valuing your business.
- Profit improvement plans: develop a strategic roadmap to grow the business and benchmark progress quarterly.
- Plan for the optimal exit strategy: allow ownership to exit the business at their desired price and on their terms.
- Independent Board Member: provide advisory services for company oversight and compliance with the Department of Labor and Internal Revenue Service requirements for ESOP defined benefit plans.
Dream Big Exit bases our fees on results and performance, not by the hour.
Professional Services
We provide the following services to support CEOs in driving our value proposition:
- Fractional Chief Operating Officer (COO)
- Fractional Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
- Outside Board Member: ESOPs and Privately Held Companies
You will be able to add ongoing, experienced management and financial leadership to your team. This at only a fraction of the cost and based on realized financial improvements. Likewise, with our ongoing involvement, CEOs and their management teams will have another experienced viewpoint. In addition, we provide the support necessary to allow them to focus on what they do best. Finally, this small investment will add incredible value to your bottom line by growing the business, optimizing the balance sheet, and minimizing risk. This is the formula for increasing the valuation of your company.
Business Valuation
The cornerstone for creating value through effective strategic planning is knowing what your business is worth. We deploy the latest valuation methods and invest our time in fully understanding your business and industry to accurately appraise the value of your business. Likewise, we update valuations annually to measure and track the added value created by your strategic plan. This process can incorporate meaningful management incentive plans that reward employees for measurable improvements. Furthermore, better understanding the company’s valuation model enables the CEO to pinpoint meaningful strategies and realign resources accordingly to optimize shareholder value.
Optimize Value
Profitable revenue growth and reduced risk drive company valuations. These are metrics that a high-performing Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer focus on in growing shareholder value. Unfortunately, most small-to-moderate sized privately held companies cannot afford to hire qualified professionals for these critical positions. Consequently, the CEO and/or business owner is required to assume these responsibilities. However, they often do not have the education, experience, or time to effectively provide these essential services to the company. Moreover, this added burden over time burns out management, causing fatigue as well as restricting the company’s performance. A fractional CFO/COO offers the greatest benefit to these organization at the lowest cost. This investment repays itself many times over by significantly increasing the value of the business.
Exit Strategies
We identify viable exit strategies through a collaborative process with business owners. These strategies allow them the opportunity to exit the business on their terms and at their price while ensuring the business’s continued success. The exit decision varies by person. So, identifying the right strategy for each business and owner is critical for accumulating wealth and assuring the future success of the business. We develop a detailed plan to carry out the owners’ wishes. We then coordinate this plan with your outside professional, ensuring an orderly transition.
Dream Big Exit explores the benefits of the following alternative exit strategies and selects the optimal one for our partners’ goals and objectives.
Sell to existing partners- Onboard newly qualified partners who add strategic value to the business and additional capital to the business
- Transfer ownership to the next generation, including preparing family members for a successful transition
- Transfer ownership to operating management
- Sell to employees through an ESOP
Many businesses are severely crippled or go out of business due to the untimely death or incapacitation of the owner. Often, there is no plan in place for the company to succeed and the inheriting family is not prepared to run the company. Act now to ensure that your company and family have a bright future.
Board Positions
As an independent board member, we provide objective insights and financial perspectives that are indispensable in directing a business. We are experienced in chairing audit and compensation committees, complying with the corporate governance requirements of an effectively operating board of directors. Typically, we provide this service on a quarterly basis. Moreover, we are well versed in meeting ESOP company requirements established by the Department of Labor and the Internal Revenue Service.
Independent board members provide a critical balance for meeting the fiduciary responsibilities of the board of directors in order to protect the financial interests of ESOP employees. We are experienced in chairing necessary board committees such as audit, compensation, and governance, and our advisory services are critical for growing and directing the company. Learn more
