Case Studies

Case Study 1 | A small plastics manufacturer was in an ownership transition from father to son. As the son took over the company, he realized that to achieve additional growth the infrastructure would need to be strengthened. The company needed experienced financial assistance to keep up with the day to day and to build the processes that would help them achieve future growth. Owl was able to get them caught up, implement new processes and controls, and develop a business plan. They continue to use an Owl bookkeeper once a week for routine activities and an Owl CFO once a month for financials and strategic planning.

Case Study 2 | The controller of a small retail chain left with short notice. An Owl CFO was hired to get them caught up and also to improve operating systems. This ranged from organizing clerical flow on up to being involved in financing activities. As the situation demanded a full time in- house solution, Owl was instrumental in helping find and train the correct candidate. This consultant continues to help them on an as-needed basis.

Case Study 3 | A $10-million advertising company had a two member accounting department. Both of these individuals fit in perfectly with the corporate culture and were extremely intelligent. However, as the company grew, the staff members' skills were stretched. Subsequently, the owners had no sense of what was really happening with the company's money. Owl evaluated the staff members and the company situation, determined that the staff members needed some training and the company needed some processes and systems put into place. The Owl CFO mentored the two staff members, ensured the accuracy of financial reporting, re-organized the internal tracking system for client profitability, and developed five-year forecasts that assisted the owners in developing a harvest strategy.

Case Study 4 | A manufacturing firm in the last month of its fiscal year had its Controller position suddenly vacant. An Owl CFO stepped in and immediately took charge. The Owl CFO closed the books, led financial planning for the next year, successfully coordinated the year-end audit, wrote the department's first procedure manual, and cleaned up some messes left by the previous controller. For three months the Owl CFO worked closely with the management team and ensured the financial operations ran smoothly. Owl helped find and train a permanent controller. The Owl CFO continues to assist on an as-needed basis.

Case Study 5 | An automobile detail shop wanted to add a car wash to its operations. The bank required a feasibility study before it would loan the necessary $1.7 million. Owl conducted an impartial study of the industry and area, developed the necessary financial forecasts, and presented the findings to the loan committee.