8:00 – 9:00 am - Initial interview with the owner(s). 

This is an important question and answer dialogue that focuses on company history, structure, sales, profits, and marketing. (Owner involvement)

9:00 to 9:30 am – Owner presents documents to analyst

Typically the owner will provide sales history with type of client, bid sheets, cost control reports, four years of financial statements, organizational chart and job descriptions, list of key employees, and sample of marketing materials. (Owner involvement)

9:30 to 10:00 am – Analyst administers employee questionnaires

A confidential employee questionnaire with cover letter will be distributed to employees.  Completed questionnaires are returned to the analyst by 4 pm.  Results are discussed with owner, with no knowledge of source.

10:00 to 12:00 pm - Analyst inputs financial information

The analyst will input and analyze financial information including balance sheets and income statements.  Trend analysis, optimization, and break-even analysis will be performed.

12:00 to 12:30 pm – Lunch

12:30 to 1:30 – Interviews with key employees

Analyst will interview key employees in person or by phone if in the field.

1:30 to 2:30 pm – Analyst will review all bid and promotional materials.

This information will already have been provided.  The analyst will also interview any employees involved in the process.

2:30 to 3:00 pm – Analyst and owners discuss company goals

A pre-printed Company Goals form will be emailed in advance to facilitate an exchange of important information. (Owner involvement)

3:00 to 3:30 pm – Analyst prepares for Findings Meeting

3:30 to 4:30 – Analyst presents findings to owners

This is an organized oral presentation broken down into all key areas but will focus on areas that need improvement. (Owner involvement)

4:30 to 5:30 – Analyst presents costs and benefits of improvements

The analyst will recommend or prescribe specific corrective measures based upon findings. It will include specific projects with costs, benefits, resources needed, and time to make necessary corrections. (Owner involvement)