Each company is unique, but we have found in our many years of experience that we can help multiple types of companies:

• High Growth companies:
  

  Companies experiencing greater than 50% growth annually.
  Profits are high, and cash flow is tight. For a small and medium sized business "Cash is King." Often, high growth companies are blind-sided by the risk of becoming cash poor. It has been said that sixty percent of the businesses who go into bankruptcy are profitable, but failed because they did not have enough operating capital to continue day-to-day operations.
  
  We find, in many cases, that external funding is needed to smooth out the cash-flow related issues, and yet many companies are not prepared to secure this funding. Many have no external funding relationship to work with at all. Our expertise in this field can help tell a meaningful story in the financial language that a financier understands.

  Client example:
  

  The WillowHill Group represented a new company that was growing at a rate of 147% per year in the equipment service industry. The company was expanding rapidly and outrunning its cash flow. The owners and key managers could not agree upon an action plan. After an initial assessment and meeting with the Board of Directors, we developed financial forecasts that would support a growing line of credit with a commercial bank. We then introduced them to a commercial bank and obtained a line of credit that eliminated the cash flow problem they had been experiencing. We created a buy-sell agreement and a funding mechanism for the agreement that was very flexible and provided a tax advantage to the owners. Because of our advice, the owners now have an effective cash managment and strategic plan, with an exit strategy, a business continuation plan, and a line of attack for the continued growth of the company.

• Good Revenue, looking to ascend to the next level:
  
  Companies experiencing around 15-45% growth annually.
  

  There are many of these companies alive today, but as it is said, "If you are not growing, you are dying." These companies are looking for a boost to push themselves to the next level, and they are eager to make it happen. Since things are generally good in these businesses, it can be difficult to identify an area to concentrate resources for improvement. Because there are so many areas to choose from, many of these companies do not do anything at all and remain at status quo.

  Client example:
  

  The WillowHill Group represented a sales & marketing organization that had to revamp their retirement plan to better recruite, retain, and reward the talent needed for financial growth, and to reflect the owners' vision. After listening to the company's unique needs, we worked with various financial specialists to craft a retirement plan that solved the problem, allowing the owners to better concentrate on business growth and increasing company value -- financially and culturally.  

• Positive Revenue, looking for more growth:
  
  Companies with around 0-10% growth annually.
  

  These companies might have been operating without new direction for years and have one major thing in common with the "Good Revenue" companies: they want to see change and they are willing to do what it takes to get to the next level as quickly as possible.
  
  Some of these companies are just emerging from start-ups, but many of these companies were once either "High Growth" or "Good Revenue" companies, and they fell into the trap that so many do: they don't successfully evolve with a changing environment. Although their growth might be stagnant, these companies can grow, and we can help make that happen. Contact us now if you want to better manage your financial resources while increasing your profits and lowering your risks.

  Client example:
  

  The WillowHill Group represented a Twin Cities businessman who wanted to change careers and invest in a business on the North Shore of Lake Superior. We helped that individual create a business plan and model for a successful startup business that allowed the owner to earn the living he wanted, do the things that he was passionate about, and fulfill his vision for a full and happy life.
  

• Underperforming, Wants Help:
  
  Companies with negative annual growth for one or more consecutive years.
  

  Nobody sets out on a mission, such as starting a business, with the intention of failing, and yet it happens all the time, and it can be very deflating. There are many ways to turn a business around; and we do it organically.

  Our expertise in this field allows us to work successfully where many turnaround institutions fail. We do NOT do hostile take-overs. Unlike other turnaround experts, we do an assessment to analyze how to save the company from within.

  Our process remains true towards reaching organic excellence and financial stability as we strive to maintain the integrity of the corporation, and promote a healthy personal and professional life balance. It is NOT an easy task, but with our guidance, and our client's ability to react quickly as part of a team, good things happen.

  Because of its serious nature, these situations require immediate action. Acting now may prevent a catastrophe and may even turn a profit right away. Contact us immediately for a complimentary consultation.
  

  Client example:
  

  As a stand-in CFO, The WillowHill Group assembled the team, and set the strategy and goals for a domestic manufacturing company struggling with international competition. This leadership led to an increase of external financing from $2.6 million to $5.2 million while reducing monthly cash outflow by $27,000. The company grew over 150% from $3.15 million to $8 million in less than three years. Simultaneously, gross margins were moved from 18% to 28% in their core business, while the overall atmoshpere/culture improved from low morale to confidence and enthusiasm for the future, which increased productivity.  

Although these four types of companies have different needs, they have one thing in common: they want to make a change, and they are willing to commit resources to make it. Also, these companies know when to use help from the outside.

The WillowHill Group promotes Win/Win solutions for all of our clients. We advocate a healthy personal and professional life balance because we believe that wealth is created through the enjoyment of life. Businesses create value for others; it should create value for the people in the business too. If you have a passion for getting to the next stage of growth, and you want to have fun doing it, we can help.