Advisory services

Include farm business analysis and business planning topics covered, but not limited to:

Balance sheet

Current assets and liabilities
- Current ratio
- Working capital
Long term assets and liabilities, Equity
- Debt/Equity ratio
- Debt/unit (if applicable)

Income / Expense statement

Operating expense ratio
Cashflow versus Income/expense statement to the balance sheet

Connecting the income / expense statement to the Balance sheet

Debt Service capacity
Return on assets

Highlight financial risks and mitigation measures

**Facilitate open dialogue to build trust and improve communication**

**Provide frameworks for problem solving and decision making**

**Provide support in managing sticking points**
**Multidisciplinary approach to bring in expertise and share best practices**

Why would I need another advisor? I already have a lawyer, an accountant and a banker.

A Family Enterprise Advisor:

Understands family dynamics
Understands that there are human and social considerations when addressing conflict
Understands that the process (How) is just as important as the (What)
Is neutral and objective

How will this type of advising help? What if it causes more harm than good?

Every family has conflict, it’s normal. Communication breakdown and lack of trust are the causes of 60% of the transition failures, 25% is because the next generation isn’t ready. What steps are taken that prevents your business from becoming another statistic?

I’ve gone this far without an advisor, why do I need one now?

Fair enough. Seeking honest, objective feedback from advisors is not easy and applying change is even harder. It doesn’t hurt to check in with the next generation and your other advisors. Here are some thoughts to consider: How do I know that everyone is being heard? How do I ensure my advisors are objective?

I’m stuck and overwhelmed, where do I start?

It’s difficult to ask for help and I often think about a quote by Albert Einstein. “Problems cannot be solved with the same mindset that created them.” When we are in a rut with a reoccurring issue, sometimes we need to look at a situation differently. Facilitation is a neutral, structured process that uses tools to help the business & family move forward.

Everyone is in my wallet.

Consider a coordinator among your advisors, someone who is there for the business & family to avoid preventable costs and to move change along using a fair process. The person who communicates the family vision to others, keeping the message consistent and the goal in sight.