What kinds of businesses should retain The Development Group? Families needing assistance to resolve sensitive internal conflicts and guidance in building consensus; families and businesses confronting leadership transition; those that are considering the sale of a business or real estate or a part interest in either or facing a financial crisis.
Why would a client hire The Development Group? We are professionals who get intensely involved with our clients. We provide diplomatic assistance in resolving internal conflicts because we always work to develop consensus on key issues.
How do you assist clients in realizing value? Creating a strategy to achieve value is an art not a science so it always begins with an assessment of what our client wants to achieve and why. That understanding guides all of our subsequent work to create a specific strategy to realize value. We have developed a diagnostic tool and process checklist to guide us and you in our joint effort.
Who is normally your client – the business, the board of directors, a shareholder or shareholder group or an individual owner? There is no hard and fast rule. Sometimes, we represent the company itself, but we have also represented the Board of Directors, individual shareholder/owners, shareholder groups, financial institutions or the CEO. It is, however, important that there be clarity regarding exactly who we represent within the organization.
My family is very dysfunctional and difficult. Can you still deal with them and be effective? Yes. There is not much we have not seen or dealt with in family client situations.
Do you restrict yourself to any types of businesses? No. Because our expertise is in process rather than in any specific industry we find that we work well with virtually all business models.
Why do you list real estate as an area of your practice? Our clients often own significant real estate assets in the family or closely held business. These are frequently under-performing and can provide a significant liquidity vehicle.
Do you advise clients who are in financial trouble or in bankruptcy? Yes.
Do you perform traditional "workout" services? Yes. These services are described in the Services page under Serious Financial Crisis.
GEOGRAPHICAL COVERAGE
Can you assist families in all parts of the United States? Yes. We have worked in most parts of the US.
REFERENCES & CONFIDENTIALITY
May I check your references? Absolutely. Since we work in confidence we have a process that protects our clients' identity and yours, but we are pleased to have you talk with clients and others with whom we have worked.
How do I know that my information will be kept confidential? Confidentiality is essential so our documentation is very specific. Beyond that, we stake our reputation every day on keeping quiet. We would not be in business otherwise.
HISTORY
How long have you been in business? The firm began in 1991, but the Principal has been working in this area of business since 1988.