It seems appropriate with the launch of our e-newsletter to explain who we are, what we hope to accomplish, our values and our priorities. Northstar Business Resources LLC is an independent, Kansas City-owned and based mergers and acquisitions consulting firm. We seek to provide our client companies and their owners as well as aspiring business owners with the benefits of our 19 years of experience and knowledge of and personal relationship with exceptional resources, nationally and locally. Northstar is strategically partnered with ABC Advocates Business Consultants, an affiliation of more than a dozen offices across the U.S., whose principals have started and successfully grown businesses in a variety of industries and now bring experience and expertise in many areas, including financing larger transactions, establishing and valuing ESOPs, and manufacturing.  The “Northstar” of our name refers to the pole star used since ancient times as a point of reference in the heavens by which travelers navigated their way home safely and successfully. For you, Northstar represents a dependable and seasoned guide for the journey into, through, and finally, out of the somewhat unknown, challenging and complex world of business ownership.  Our common logo, E4, signifies the four primary stages of ownership. E1 or Evaluating is the process of appraising or valuing a business to help determine the timing for a sale or assist in making an acquisition. E2 or Entering refers to buying a business, whether for the first time or acquiring as part of a growth or diversification strategy. E3 or Enhancing involves improving operations, increasing business value and where possible, marketability. E4 or Exiting is the stage of planning and action leading to the sale of the business or a transfer of ownership by one of several options. Northstar is the expert and experienced partner you need to gain the most from your years of business ownership. What sets Northstar apart is our willingness to work with clients and future clients in a long-term relationship and with respect for your confidentiality and privacy. We will meet business owners wherever they are in the cycle with an honest interest in addressing their needs and objectives and in identifying a response uniquely crafted for their situation. “Advocate” noun 1: one that pleads the cause of  another. 2:one that defends a cause or a proposal. - Webster The term “Advocate” best describes the uncompromised and ethical professional services we deliver to our clients. It is the strongest word we could find to express our relationship to you as we place your best interest above every other in the process or the transaction. Whether you are an Exiting or Entering client, we recognized our fiduciary duty to you, your family and your business. We understand both the importance and seriousness of what we are about to help you do. Drawing on our own experience and the resources of others with complementary experience and expertise, we pledge to be responsive and accountable and act in your best interest wherever that may lead.  I hope that you will find real value in this e-newsletter. We welcome your comments and any ideas you have to improve it. I want to especially thank two colleagues - Tony Wayne and Joel Krichiver who contributed articles to this inaugural issue. Both draw on many years of experience as CFOs in corporate America and as independent consultants with companies in different industries to challenge our thinking about “the end game” and offer practical steps and tools to enhance business value and prepare for a successful and financially rewarding exit. Thanks also to John Licata of Notabout Software, LLC. who provided process and technical support for this initiative.  Sincerely, Randall Oestreicher   <<Click here>> to download a printable copy of this article.