The CPA sees
Profitability weakening. Cash flow problems. Margins deteriorating. Financial controls struggling.
For professional advisors
Sometimes your client needs help beyond your professional role.
You may see the problem before the business owner does.
- Profits are slipping.
- Cash is getting tighter.
- The management team isn’t performing.
- Growth is creating complexity.
- Too much still depends on the owner.
You don’t have to be the operating expert. You simply need to know one.
Let’s get acquainted
You may recognize the warning signs first.
Different professionals see different symptoms. Often, the same underlying problem.
The banker sees
Borrowing increasing. Liquidity tightening. Covenant pressure. Financial reporting weakening.
The attorney sees
Ownership issues. Leadership conflicts. Business complexity. Important decisions being delayed.
The wealth advisor sees
Too much family wealth concentrated in one business. The owner approaching a transition without preparation.
The business broker / M&A advisor sees
A potentially valuable company that is not yet ready for the market.
The insurance professional sees
Key-person dependency. Business continuity exposure. An organization too dependent on one individual.
One client. Three distinct roles.
Business owner / CEO — the pilot
Vision. Company knowledge. Leadership. Final decisions.
Erich Stolz — the Co-Pilot
Operating experience. Financial discipline. Constructive challenge. Execution support.
You — the trusted advisor
Professional expertise. Independent counsel. Long-term relationship. Client trust.
Different roles. One objective. A stronger client company.
Your reputation goes with every introduction.
When you introduce someone to an important client, you put part of your own reputation behind that person. I understand that.
- I work alongside your client—not around you.
- I respect professional boundaries.
- I do not compete for your role.
- I do not undermine your advice.
- I do not attempt to take control of the relationship.
- And I never forget who made the introduction.
Your client gets help.
Your relationship stays protected.
Sometimes the best advice is knowing who else should be at the table.
What happens when you introduce Erich?
Introduction
You make a simple email, telephone or personal introduction.
Conversation
I listen to the owner and determine what appears to be happening.
Clarity
We determine whether there is a problem I can help solve.
Next step
If there is a fit, we agree on what happens next. If there isn’t, we stop there.
No complicated referral process. Just professionals helping a business owner.
15 minutes. Owner to operator.
Before you refer a client, get to know me.
I wouldn’t expect you to introduce me to an important client simply because you visited my website. Let’s get acquainted first. Give me 15 minutes. Tell me about your practice. I’ll tell you how I work with business owners.
Let’s talk for 15 minutes
Erich Stolz, CTP
832-372-5419
CFO@1CFOcenter.com