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Nashville Business Owners Urged to Tighten Reins on Cybersecurity Sooner Rather Than Later

In Uncategorized on October 12, 2021 at 12:32 pm
ImageQuest

CRUCIAL: Are you currently a local Nashville business working with a publicly-traded company? If so, it’s time to hunker down on your cybersecurity. 

There have been multiple Nashville businesses that had an experience of being hacked due to a lack of cyber-security. If we continue to see this issue, there’s no doubt there is a need for severe changes in each business. It is not a casual conversation; it deserves attention and action. 

What is the SEC changing?

We have seen the SEC continue to make changes within the cyber-security industry. These changes are for the safety of each business and its vendors. While most files are digitally stored and kept, there is a desperate need for a complete safety measure. In this article, you can see how the SEC is describing what they are changing for the benefit of your business. 

How can your business use this information? 

First and foremost, there has to be an acknowledgment that this should be a top priority. Start asking hard questions with your IT team. Ensure that all of your investors, clients, and employees can trust your business by keeping updated with any cyber-security information. Start by doing your research, look through what you are doing now and what you need to start doing. 

How can I make sure our clients trust our cybersecurity?

Here at ImageQuest, we have seen many of our clients in Nashville become more aware of cyber-security issues. As a business, especially with client data entry in their technology, it offers a considerable trust asset to know cyber-hacking is being prevented at all costs. There are many ways you can prove to your investors, clients, and business partners that cyber-security is one of your top concerns:

  • Regular and thorough completion of Risk Assessments
  • An incident response plan – and proof that you’ve tested it
  • Detection and Response monitoring in place
  • Secure access measures followed with no exceptions
  • Assessment of your vendors’ security practices
  • Documentation that you’ve taken these steps

These are the steps your business can take internally for the protection of your data and essential information. Another area you need to consider would be how you continue to update each of the clients. There is always a lot to say about a proactive business in these measures, and that is what we want you to understand. Go out of your way to continually update each client by ensuring they know that you continue to serve them by updating all security measures. It may not be a topic they think about, but seeing a business that has the drive to protect their data and information will bring a new trust they never knew they needed. 

You can never be too careful. 

Cyber-hacking is far too common for businesses today. It happens every day and can be prevented a lot of the time if cybersecurity is highly considered. As a company that holds important information, data, and security, it is never a mistake to be diligent and extremely cautious with what protection you choose. 

If you are getting letters from your largest customers demanding to know your cybersecurity measures, we can help you respond. Our experts are familiar with the standard security steps accepted as best practices – including NIST, ISO, COBIT, etc.

We can also help you update your risk assessments and vendor management plans to meet your customer’s expectations. Reach out to us for expert help today – before you lose that top client.

Contact us HERE today!

Learn From An Experienced Garage Door Repair Company Located in Franklin, TN

In Uncategorized on August 8, 2021 at 8:49 pm
Franklin Door and Dock

When should you have a garage door replaced?

Garage door repair is one of those tasks that property owners usually put off for later until it’s too late. Garage door repair expert Franklin Door & Dock answers your questions about garage door repair and maintenance. 

Q: Do I need a garage door? 

A: You more than likely have been holding off this project for a while because the money that can go into getting a completely new garage door is nothing to laugh at. There’s likely a chance that your garage door doesn’t need a complete replacement. Instead, there is probably something that is broken which can be fixed. At Franklin Door and Dock, we would love to come to see what is wrong with your garage and give you a full explanation. This process could save you a ton of money and frustration if you hire someone who does this for a living! 

Q: How do I know the garage door that I need? 

A: What a difficult and frustrating process! From specific designs to materials, you have a plethora of options for which garage door to choose from. Franklin Door and Dock have a system in place where we listen to your budget, design ideas, needs, and together we will find the perfect garage door. 

Q. Can I do it myself? 

A: Most people love DIY projects- but when push comes to shove, there are times when money is spent that ends up being wasted because something didn’t go right in the project. We recommend saving the heartache, money, and annoyance by letting professionals get the job done! This will be at a price that fits within your budget and a timeline that you can rely on. 
Located in Franklin, TN – Franklin Door and Dock offers garage door repair for any of your needs. These issues are to be handled with care, expertise, and to save money. If you are located near Franklin, TN give Franklin Door and Dock a call to see how we can cater to your needs, budget, and desires! Call us at 615-857-3667 or visit our website: https://franklindooranddock.com/

The Big Pivot: Technologies to Support a Fully Remote Workforce

In Uncategorized on June 26, 2020 at 10:21 am

ImageQuestIn this day and age, people expect to be able to work from anywhere. This requires an easy and secure way to access their files and accomplish their jobs. Moreover, remote working will be the norm for at least as long as COVID-19 remains a threat, or even longer. A Gartner survey of Chief Financial Officers revealed that 74 percent expect to shift some of their employees to permanent remote work.

VPN may soon be a technology of the past

Often defined as private gateways to the Internet, organizations have long relied on Virtual Private Networks (VPNs) to access their in-house network from remote locations. VPNs encrypt and decrypt data traveling between two endpoints, such as an employee’s laptop at home to a server in the office.

The increased amount of people working remotely has brought to light the limitations of this 30-year old technology. Files don’t load as fast as needed when there are a lot of users connecting to it, creating frustration and workflow breakdowns. VPNs can also be out of date and pose potential data security risks. 

The time has come for organizations to explore new solutions.

Ensuring remote work productivity with DaaS and Microsoft Cloud

Cloud-based solutions offer more secure ways to access networks remotely: Desktop-as-a-Service (DaaS) and Microsoft Cloud. Access to servers is provisioned per worker and is not controlled by a VPN bottleneck.

With DaaS, all business applications, data, processing, and storage are hosted in the Cloud. There are no on-premise servers; these reside in a secure data center. Nashville-based Cloud computing service provider ImageQuest recommends DaaS for companies with massive data processing requirements such as insurance companies or healthcare institutions. A remote worker logs on to a data center through a laptop with DaaS access software. All functions take place at the data center and not on the device. Because files and software are in the same location as the data center, data processing is just as fast as when a corporate desktop is used.

Ideal for companies accessing software via the internet, Microsoft Cloud stores all documents and data on the Cloud. Excel spreadsheets and PowerPoint presentations, for example, are stored securely in Microsoft data centers spread across the United States and are constantly updated. Workers can download files to their devices and collaborate in real-time using Microsoft’s Cloud tools.

Communication and collaboration tools essential for remote work

The prevalence of remote work has led to the popularity of video technology, which is now the go-to for meetings and webinars; and Voice Over Internet Protocol (VoIP), which provides remote workers with an office number that routes calls to their mobile phones, delivers voicemails over email, and keeps them connected wherever they are. Additionally, collaboration tools like Teams, Trello, and Slack enable teams to communicate internally and stay on top of ongoing projects.

Cloud-based solutions optimize business operations

Cloud data centers provide automatic patching and software updates – teams can be sure that they are using the most updated version. 

Storing data on the Cloud is an effective business continuity strategy. Measures such as Multi-Factor Authentication, system-wide updates, regular security patching, and stringent access controls reduce the threat of hacking, malware, and cyber attacks that could wipe out company and client data. In the event of a disaster, businesses can easily access and restore all data from any device with little or no downtime.

A Cloud data center can help meet regulatory data compliance requirements. Located in Nashville, Cloud computing service expert ImageQuest uses data centers with a SOC 2 Type 2 attestation, which means their data practices and policies are audited annually to ensure they follow best practices in data security and data privacy compliance.

Moreover, Cloud usage can be reduced or expanded depending on current operational requirements. This gives businesses the agility to adapt to changes in the economic landscape as they are not burdened with unnecessary equipment or outdated (and taxable) legacy systems. The Cloud offers on-demand IT capability at a lower cost compared to investing in an in-house IT infrastructure.

Bear in mind that the implementation of these solutions requires thorough assessment and planning. Remote workers must have access to broadband internet, which is currently defined by the Federal Communications Commission as 25 Mbps download annd 3 Mbps upload. Internet speeds slower than that will hamper productivity and defeat the purpose of the intended technological upgrades.

Businesses also need to consider the worker’s home internet security. What devices are used for work? Are these devices shared among family members? What security apps are installed on these devices? Teams might have to be provided with company-issued devices to ensure data security.

Being on the Cloud will be just as essential as having a business website. This will ultimately help grow your bottom line and keep you a step ahead of the competition.

If you are looking for a Managed IT company that’s in the best position to provide counsel on Cloud computing services in Nashville, Louisville, or Bowling Green, visit ImageQuest online or call 888.979.2679 for more information.

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All You Need To Know About Asphalt and Sealcoating

In Uncategorized on January 3, 2020 at 8:47 am

Hargrove SealcoatingIf you have an asphalt driveway or own a business or apartment community with a parking lot in Franklin, sealcoating is a service you can not afford to forgo. According to Hargrove Sealcoating, this simple and inexpensive maintenance task can save you thousands of dollars in repairs and replacement costs as well as enhancing the look of your exterior.

So what, exactly, is sealcoating? The Franklin-based company explains that this is the process of protecting asphalt pavement. It is done by applying a thick coat of coal tar or a resin-based mixture to the top of an existing asphalt structure. Its purpose is to form a protective coating for the driveway’s top layer. 

How asphalt is installed 

To better understand how sealcoating works, you should first know how an asphalt surface is laid onto the ground. Even though it is flush with the surrounding terrain, the black driveable area you see is supported by multiple layers. First, the natural subgrade is smoothed out. This is followed by adding a layer of thick granular material, usually compacted gravel 4-6 inches thick. Finally, the surface layer is poured on top. This is a mixture of aggregate (usually small gravel and sand) blended with crude oils and other filler materials. These layers are compacted and smoothed out by a rolling machine.

When to apply sealcoat

It is best to wait six months to one year before sealcoating a new surface. Because Franklin and the surrounding area get heavy rain and snow during the fall, it is usually advised to postpone until spring before sealcoating for the first time. This is because the emulsion, which seeps into the surface and strengthens the bond of the aggregate top layer, must have time to dry. Rain and ice wash away the binding agent, leaving the surface vulnerable to the elements. Sealcoating is recommended every two to three years after the initial application.

If you are unsure of the maintenance history of your asphalt surface, there are a few signs that it is time for attention. First, look at its condition. Small cracks, an uneven plane, and dull color (old asphalt turns grey when it needs to be sealcoated) are all good indications of neglect. If you are not comfortable assessing this on your own, and you live in Franklin, Spring Hill, Murfreesboro, Brentwood, or Nashville, Hargrove Sealcoating can help you make the determination and provide a quote.

Keep in mind, however, that sealcoating cannot be applied when temperatures are below 50° and when rain is on the horizon.

Before and after

There are things you can do to ensure the sealcoating process goes smoothly. Start by removing all vehicles, equipment, and toys from the driveway or parking lot. Because the surface must not be driven on for at least 24 hours, make other arrangements for these items, and park in another location. If you typically fertilize the grass, do not do this for at least seven days before your sealcoating crew arrives. Turn off your sprinkler system, even if it does not typically spray toward the asphalt. Do not clean the driveway or parking lot with water. Hargrove Sealcoating’s team will prep the surface. 

After the sealcoat is applied, do not mow or turn the sprinklers on until the next day.

Tips on choosing a sealcoating contractor

  • Avoid door-to-door solicitors. A reputable sealcoating contractor will not show up on your doorstep with a bucket of blacktop and a push-broom asking if you need your driveway resurfaced. (An exception to this is if they are already at your neighbor’s home.)
  • Check their rating and reputation. Look at your preferred company’s website for testimonials and check their rating with the Better Business Bureau.
  • Ask to see their license and insurance. Hargrove Sealcoating is fully licensed and insured for customer protection. Any business claiming that neither of these is necessary is not someone you want to do business with.
  • Request a written estimate and contract. While sealcoating in Franklin is affordable, make sure your contractor provides a written estimate that includes information on their warranty.

When applied correctly and at the right time, sealcoating every few years can double the life of your asphalt surface. The hundreds of dollars spent on this process can save thousands (possibly tens of thousands) in repairs and replacement costs associated with asphalt neglect.

For more information on sealcoating in Franklin, Nashville, Murfreesboro, Spring Hill, Brentwood, Thompson’s Station, and Lewisburg, visit HargroveSealcoating.com.

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C. Frederick Wehba Considers Real Estate Options of Buying vs. Selling

In Uncategorized on July 24, 2014 at 11:52 am

C. Frederick WehbaC. Frederick Wehba, a real estate leader with four decades of experience in his field, has a deep understanding about the various complexities related to buying a property. For Americans today, this process carries with it an extraordinary financial responsibility, notes C. Frederick Wehba. In this recent interview with Presentation Solutions, C. Frederick Wehba explains the different activities required before completing a real estate purchase.

Presentation Solutions: Welcome – thanks for calling in today!

C. Frederick Wehba: I appreciate the opportunity, and you are welcome.

Presentation Solutions: Here’s the million-dollar question: Should people rent or own?

C. Frederick Wehba: Well, there are a distinct set of advantages and disadvantages to each option.

Presentation Solutions: That’s a broad answer…

C. Frederick Wehba: It is! Each individual must ask a number of important questions before making his or her decision.

Presentation Solutions: What are some of the major costs?

C. Frederick Wehba: Business persons should consider their long-term prospects before purchasing a new property.

Presentation Solutions: How so?

C. Frederick Wehba: A significant down payment is often required in most cases, not to mention property appraisals and early-stage renovations.

Presentation Solutions: For what is the property owner responsible?

C. Frederick Wehba: Purchasing a property commits the owner to a variety of tasks. In the event of business growth requiring workplace changes, it may be difficult to make adjustments when property ownership is involved.

Presentation Solutions: What other considerations are important in this decision, in your opinion?

C. Frederick Wehba: It’s the owner’s responsibility to take care of any waste products resulting from activities at the property.

Presentation Solutions: Could you talk about the possible consequences of poor maintenance?

C. Frederick Wehba: If the business releases contamination into the local ecosystem, legal authorities require that the business owner address the issue.

Presentation Solutions: What might be necessary in that scenario?

C. Frederick Wehba: Financial reparations are often necessary to fix the problem. And they can be quite costly.

Presentation Solutions: It seems that purchasing may not always be the right fit, then.

C. Frederick Wehba: Although it offers plenty of rewards, it is also a tremendous obligation and must be carefully considered before plunging ahead.

Presentation Solutions: Does the final decision depend on the specific neighborhood of the property?

C. Frederick Wehba: Location is always a vital aspect of the selection process, whether it is for the purchase of a personal home or commercial property.

Presentation Solutions: In more attractive areas, is leasing or purchasing the best option?

C. Frederick Wehba: Properties located in desirable regions are often easier to lease than to purchase, yes.

Presentation Solutions: Very interesting…

C. Frederick Wehba: The most prudent solution is to seek out the counsel of a top-level real estate professional who can offer invaluable guidance.

Presentation Solutions: This has been a highly educational chat. Thanks again!

C. Frederick Wehba: It has been my pleasure.

Los Angeles business expert C. Frederick Wehba is a trusted advisor in the real estate market, answering a series of questions for would-be lessors and property owners who are confused about these complex processes. We appreciate C. Frederick Wehba taking the time to share powerful information that sheds light on the various aspects of these transactions.

 

Business Entrepreneurs Benefit from Art of Networking

In Uncategorized on March 16, 2014 at 1:46 pm

3.14.14 - NetworkingRunning a business is a difficult task and it can feel lonesome and isolating at times. In order for an organization to grow, professional development is important. Although it often pays to be independent, there are numerous advantages to working in tandem with other top executives and thought leaders. These prominent figures can end up having a positive impact on a business.

Networking is the most powerful marketing strategy to build and maintain success for any organization. Networking means making mutually beneficial connections that can serve as a launching pad for each member’s particular mission. Relationships are a proven catalyst that can help other people succeed and serve as a valuable resource. In a world constantly with sales pitches, status updates, tweets, emails and advertisements, messages can easily get lost. Professional relationships enable an organization to cut through the clutter and remain foremost in the minds of industry leaders.

Networking is critical to the success of any business entrepreneur. By meeting new people with similar ambitions and interests, an organization can succeed, an entrepreneur can uncover new opportunities for growth and renewal.

Networking does not have to be reserved for a professional event. Having similar hobbies or interests can be an enjoyable way to meet potential friends and business partners. At first, it’s advisable to perform some general research and see what organizations share the same core values and beliefs. Joining the local Chamber of Commerce is a prime activity for many businesses. It brings visibility and credibility to a business while more contacts. The various attributes involved with becoming a member include publicity and promotion, chamber events, community presence and a voice in government. Exchanges with like-minded individuals can lead the way towards more innovative ideas while providing moral support for both parties.

With more businesses expanding globally, online forums and social networks have made it much easier for professionals to stay in touch with business contacts in their local community and beyond.

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Developer Richard E. Dover Sells Items from Historic Alexander Inn Ahead of Renovations

In Uncategorized on July 26, 2013 at 8:55 am

Richard-E-Dover-PresentationSolutions-Alexander-Inn-SaleRichard E. Dover is a real estate developer based in Knoxville, Tenn. A Tennessee native, Richard E. Dover has previously worked as a project manager for General Homes of Houston, Texas, as well as for its parent company CBRE. Richard E. Dover was also a self-employed real estate developer until taking the helm of Family Pride Corporation in 1993, a company primarily involved in developing high-quality assisted living facilities.

Presentation Solutions: Mr. Dover, please tell us about your renovation of the historic Alexander Inn.

Richard E. Dover: We are preserving this Oak Ridge historic property by renovating it and converting it into an assisted living facility.

Presentation Solutions: How is it historic?

Richard E. Dover: It was built in 1942, known then as the Guest House, when the Manhattan Project was starting in Oak Ridge. It housed some of the top scientists working on the atomic bomb such as Robert Oppenheimer and Enrico Fermi.

Presentation Solutions: How long will the renovation take?

Richard E. Dover: It’s a nine-month process. If you walk along the outside façade of the building today, you can see that there are lots of things that need work.

Presentation Solutions: Such as?

Richard E. Dover: All the windows have to be updated. But since we are committed to a historic renovation, the wood will need to look the same as it originally did.

Presentation Solutions: Your company is called Family Pride Corporation, correct?

Richard E. Dover: That’s right. We’ve done this before and we know we’ve got our work cut out for us. But people have waited a long time for this and we’re ready.

Presentation Solutions: Where are you in the process?

Richard E. Dover: We’ve just finished demolition, removing anything that’s hazardous to our crews. Despite the dilapidated appearance, the building could be a lot worse.

Presentation Solutions: How’s that?

Richard E. Dover: The general structure is in great shape and the areas that are bad, we’ll just start from the ground up and build anew.

Presentation Solutions: Will it be restored to look just like it did in the 1940s?

Richard E. Dover: Yes. As a protected historic site, the inn will be preserved to its original form. We think it’s great any time you can save a historical building like the Alexander Inn that has such a history in Oak Ridge.

Presentation Solutions: We’ve learned that the public has had a chance to own some of this history.

Richard E. Dover: That’s right. During demolition, we found all kinds of furnishings that were just going to be thrown away, so we wanted to give people a chance to have some things from the building.

Presentation Solutions: What about the historical pieces?

Richard E. Dover: All furniture and architectural pieces of real historic value have been removed and placed in several local museums, but there were still many other items for sale.

Presentation Solutions: What kinds of items?

Richard E. Dover: Mirrors, dressers, bed frames, old upholstered armchairs, and more. Volunteers removed all the remaining furniture and items from the dozens of rooms and held an estate sale.

Presentation Solutions: Were the items expensive?

Richard E. Dover: The items were mostly from the ’60s and ’70s and priced below $50.

Presentation Solutions: Who benefited from the sale?

Richard E. Dover: The funds benefited the East Tennessee Preservation Alliance.

Presentation Solutions: That sounds like a really great opportunity!

Richard E. Dover: There was some really neat stuff just sitting there and in great shape; it just took knocking the dust off it.

Presentation Solutions: Thanks for talking with us.

Richard E. Dover: My pleasure.

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New Options in Corporate Finance | Q&A with Aldo Todini

In Uncategorized on February 5, 2013 at 4:26 am

Aldo Todini

Aldo Todini

Aldo Todini, an Italian businessman and consultant, answers questions about the corporate finance and why the European financial crisis means businesses must look away from banks to fund operations.

Q. Why do companies seek external funding?

Aldo Todini: As a means to inject money into their product lines. This may be to research new revenue streams or to fill a deficit caused by recession across the continent.

Q. What funding options are available?

Aldo Todini: The most common is borrowing from banks but bonds are another solid way to finance.

Q. What benefits do selling corporate bonds have over taking out a loan?

Aldo Todini: The main benefit is they do not restrict the company from trying new things to create revenue.

Q. How are bank loans restrictive?

Aldo Todini:  Banks have a set risk level they are willing to take. They may not allow for the funding of new product lines, which is a major risk but also has the most potential reward for a company or its investors.

Q. What exactly is a bond?

Aldo Todini: A bond is essentially a piece of debt that a company owes. The debt is repaid by investors, which frees the company up to use liquid funds for other purposes.

Q. How much do bonds cost?

Aldo Todini: Bonds are typically sold in units of $1,000 – this can vary, however, from company to company. Bonds are held for a set time period then repaid with interest.

Q. Do bonds carry risk?

Aldo Todini: Each bond opportunity will afford certain benefits and risks. Bonds are graded according to the seller’s anticipated ability to repay the borrowed money.

Q. If a company selling bonds goes out of business, how to investors recoup their losses.

Aldo Todini: If the company liquidates its assets, which is common among failing businesses, the monies raised will be recovered for investors. Bond holders take priority over stockholders.

Q. Why should a business employ a third party consultant prior to selling bonds?

Aldo Todini: A consultant, specifically one familiar with business process reengineering, can first identity area of waste and help plan for more efficient manufacturing. This offers the potential bond investors more piece of mind, thus encouraging more sales and ultimately more funds.

About Aldo Todini

A native of Turkey, Aldo Todini moved to Italy early in his life and has been active in the country’s business and commerce for over 20 years. As a 1997 graduate of the University of Rome, Aldo Todini has both the education and experience to guide companies to success. Aldo Todini has worked with the Italian Parliament and countless corporations in the areas of technology and business reprocess reengineering. He is an independent consultant with expertise in industrial promotion, finance, marketing, and international staff training.

 

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Le nuove opportunità nel Corporate Finance | Botta e risposta con Aldo Todini
Aldo Todini, imprenditore italiano e consulente di management, risponde alle domande sulla corporate finance e sul perché la crisi finanziaria europea vuole dire che le aziende devono dimenticarsi delle banche per finanziare le proprie operazioni.

Perché le aziende cercano finanziamenti esterni?

Aldo Todini: Cercano finanziamento come mezzo per iniettare denaro nelle loro linee di prodotto. Questo può essere per ricercare nuovi opportunità di reddito o per colmare un deficit causato dalla recessione in tutto il continente.

Quali opzioni di finanziamento sono disponibili?

Aldo Todini: Il più comune è rivolgendosi alle banche ma le obbligazioni sono un modo in crescita per finanziare le proprie operazioni.

Quali sono i vantaggi delle obbligazioni rispetto al chiedere un prestito al mercato bancario?

Aldo Todini: Il vantaggio principale è che con le obbligazioni non c’è vincolo sull’utilizzo dei fondi e quindi le aziende possono utilizzarli per “scommettere” su nuove strade per generare reddito.

In che modo i prestiti bancari sono restrittivi?

Aldo Todini: Le banche operano sulla base di un determinato livello di rischio che sono disposte ad assumersi. In questa fase economica non possono consentire ad esempio a finanziamenti di nuove linee di prodotto – che sono un grande rischio ma anche il sistema principale per le aziende per trovare nuovo business.

Che cosa è esattamente un Bond?

Aldo Todini: Un bond/obbligazione è essenzialmente un “pezzo” di debito che una società ha nei confronti di terzi. Il debito viene venduto agli investitori dall’azienda che quindi può utilizzare i fondi derivanti da questa vendita per crescere, svilupparsi, creare nuove opportunità di business.

Quanto costano le obbligazioni?

Aldo Todini: Le obbligazioni sono in genere vendute in unità di $ 1.000 – questo valore può variare, tuttavia, da azienda ad azienda. Le obbligazioni sono detenute per un periodo di tempo impostato poi ripagato con gli interessi.

Questi titoli presentano dei rischi?

Aldo Todini: Ogni opportunità obbligazione offrirà alcuni vantaggi e alcuni rischi. Le obbligazioni sono classificate in base alla capacità prevista del venditore di restituire il denaro preso in prestito.

Se una società che ha emesso obbligazioni cessa l’attività, come faranno gli investitori a recuperare il loro investimento?

Aldo Todini: Se la società liquida il suo patrimonio, cosa comune tra le imprese in difficoltà, i fondi raccolti saranno distribuiti agli investitori. I detentori di obbligazioni hanno la priorità rispetto agli azionisti.

Perché un’azienda ha bisogno di un consulente esterno prima dell’emissione di obbligazioni?

Aldo Todini: Un consulente, nello specifico con familiarità con business process reengineering, può identificare e risolvere inefficienze nella produzione e quindi migliorare l’efficienza. Questa maggiore efficienza permette un maggiore appeal aziendale e quindi una maggiore appetibilità delle obbligazioni. In ultima analisi può incidere positivamente nella fase di collocazione del debito obbligazionario.

 

Nato in Turchia da genitori italiani, Aldo Todini si trasferisce in Italia nei primi anni della sua vita e dopo il suo percorso scolastico e accademico è attivo nel mondo economico industriale e commerciale da oltre 20 anni. Diplomati nel 1997 all’Università di Roma, Aldo Todini ha il mix giusto tra competenze ed esperienza per guidare le aziende verso il successo. Aldo Todini ha lavorato con il Parlamento Italiano e con innumerevoli società nei settori della tecnologia e del BPR. E ‘un consulente indipendente con esperienza nella promozione industriale, finanza, marketing e la formazione del personale.

 

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Rich Von Alvensleben – Corporate America: Built on Uneven Ground

In Uncategorized on December 22, 2012 at 3:20 pm

Rich Von Alvensleben

Rich Von Alvensleben

Rich Von Alvensleben, CEO of One Up Construction, a California Licensed General Contractor and Operations Manager of Von Vesting, Inc., a real estate investment firm focused on distressed property, says corporate America isn’t built on a straight and narrow path. Instead, it’s fraught with high peaks and deep valleys – and both are vital to its continued operation.

Imagine, says Rich Von Alvensleben, the great Pyramids of Egypt, Mount Fuji, and the Eiffel Tower–three very different sights with one undeniable common trait. All three of these structures, both man-made and naturally occurring, are pyramidal, with an expansive base and a definite point. According to Rich Von Alvensleben, businesses – successful businesses – are built with this same schematic in mind.

There Has to Be a Valley in Order to Have a Mountain

Rich Von Alvensleben says that a pyramid structure in the workplace allows each individual to harness his or her natural talents most effectively. According to Rich Von Alvensleben, having fewer people at the top opens up the opportunity for more business leaders to start their own dynasties instead of living in someone else’s shadow when they know they are top tier material. So then, asks Rich Von Alvensleben, why are there so many people who start at the bottom and stagnate in the middle?

Growing up, most people are instilled the values of hard work and loyalty to “the hand that feeds” them. Rich Von Alvensleben notes that 97% of Americans work for someone else. The remaining 3% are the ones who start off on the pedestal and build their businesses from the sky down. These few with the entrepreneurial spirit understand what they bring to the table and know a good support team only makes them stand a little higher, explains Rich Von Alvensleben. These are the founders of businesses like Microsoft and General Motors. These are the ones who turned their backs on conformity and took a chance. According to Rich Von Alvensleben, these are the people who became the hand that feeds the populace.

Ride the Wave

Businesses are built by leaders. They are created by those with the ideas and the inner strength and courage to face adversity against all odds to make their dreams a reality, says Rich Von Alvensleben. The most successful leaders are the ones who can find the perfect “right hand man” to extend their reach. Rich Von Alvensleben says that successful companies are built because these leaders also know how to build a support system that strengthens the foundation for those at the top. According to Rich Von Alvensleben, the ability to recruit talented individuals is a gift all executives must have.

As a business grows, so must its base. The leaders of today must have many generals who can each recruit their own wave of talent layers. Take the military as an example. Rich Von Alvensleben points out that if the Commander in Chief was the only one calling the shots, the nation would be in a sad state. The President of the United States has a layered system of command, with each area lead by a trusted official. Each of these units of the military, from the Army to the Coast Guard to the Air Force, all have Generals, Lieutenants, Sergeants and so on and so on until the ranks exhaust at Private. Rich Von Alvensleben notes that each of these positions is vital to the nation’s safety but not each is rewarded the same way. The higher-ranking officers are the ones calling the shots and therefore earning a higher wage – just like on Main Street and Wall Street America.

Rich Von Alvensleben believes that only by filling each wave of new recruits does the military function as a whole. So it is with business. Each “commander” must possess a talent for knowing which men and women will fit best in their organization and at what level. Each position is important; just as each piece to a clock is necessary to its continued accuracy.

From atop his or her “mountain,” a leader must be able to see beyond the horizon and anticipate what comes next. Corporations are the same, says Rich Von Alvensleben. He asks his new employees/partners/workers, “where do you want to start?” The 97% start at the bottom and stop in the middle because it’s just too hard, too frustrating, to fraught with politics to get to the top without being a visionary, without being the one that begins there, concludes Von.

Rich Von Alvensleben is a respected real estate investment professional. As Operations Manager of Von Vesting, Inc. and CEO of LKT Inc (d.b.a. OneUP Construction), Rich Von Alvensleben specializes in acquiring, rehabbing and re-selling distressed properties. Over the past 12 years, he has profitably managed a $48 million real estate redevelopment (or flip) fund. In 2008 alone, Rich Von Alvensleben bought and sold (“flipped”) a record 450 homes.

Rich Von Alvensleben began his career as a commercial diver for the United States Antarctic Research Program; at USARP, Von Alvensleben was stationed abroad for four months. Rich Von Alvensleben was also founder/co-owner of the Associated Drilling Company, and helmed World Concepts LLC as co-founder and sales manager.

Rich Von Alvensleben also contributes to Del Oro High School and other volunteer activities in his Northern California community. Currently residing in the Sacramento area, Rich Von Alvensleben enjoys outdoor activities with his family. Rich Von Alvensleben’s hobbies include hiking, bicycling and camping.