FAQ

FAQ

Robert L Webb and Associates offers financial, operational and organizational services. These include business turnarounds, due diligence, divestitures, relocations, corporate integrations, operational analysis, lean manufacturing and lean accounting implementations and capital restructures with private equity investments.

Why does my firm need the services of a Transition Manager?

Most firms, particularly family owned and privately held businesses, may not have the in-house experience or outside perspective that a professional transition manager brings. The unique dynamics of these firms require transition managers that can respond quickly and implement multiple solutions simultaneously, while preserving the positive attributes of the company.

When does my firm need a Transition Manager?

Any time a major change in ownership, financing, growth, key supply chain, pricing, product development, quality, manufacturing plant layout or reorganization, or some form of distress is known or foreseen, it is good idea to discuss the situation with a transition manager. Many times a change can be planned and implemented with minimum disruption to the business. In addition, many changes are opportunities in disguise and can be leveraged to benefit the enterprise in ways not readily apparent to the owner or stakeholders.

Where do these services take place?

Many times the initial review and analysis can be done off-site with minimum travel expense. Normally, at least one site visit is required to meet the key players and see the actual dynamics in place. For more intense situations, increased on-site time is necessary and actually reduces the total time of the engagement due to more effective communication. For short-term high impact engagements where a senior management role is filled, Robert L Webb and Associates will actually perform the engagement “live” at the client facility full-time. These are usually 90 day events.

Who is Robert L Webb?

Robert L Webb is the founder of Robert L Webb and Associates, a transition management firm. He has 28 years of experience, having served in a variety of roles at two Fortune 500 companies and subsidiaries, and has held senior management positions in privately-held firms, as well as leadership positions in transition management assignments during the last 10 years, including distressed situations. He is a graduate of the University of Tennessee with a BS in Business Administration and is a licensed CPA in Tennessee. Robert L Webb and Associates is an assumed (trade) name of Lean Management Solutions, LLC, which is wholly owned by Robert L Webb.

What is the value to be gained by using transition management services?

The value is the potential avoidance of business interruption or failure in a distressed situation. In less intense engagements, the benefits of good planning and execution are the continuation of smooth operations and increased profitability.

Is Robert L Webb and Associates a consulting firm or an accounting firm?

Neither. A traditional consulting firm normally is engaged for a specific problem or issue. Robert L Webb and Associates is engaged to address all of the issues involved in a transition. These can be complex, intertwined and sometimes complicated by a family dynamic. Also, a transition management firm may uncover and remedy issues that were not known or disclosed at the start of the process. In addition, Robert L Webb and Associates does not provide traditional accounting or CPA services. We choose to represent management and assume a leadership role in the client’s business, as opposed to being an independent third party rendering an opinion on financial statements or providing tax advice.

What is the cost of transition management services?

Transition management services are priced similar to other professional services such as legal and financial. Also, the scope and duration of the assignment are considered factors, as well as the risk / reward to the business. Generally, the value added services generated are a five to ten multiple of the direct cost, meaning the benefits accruing to business quickly cover the cost of the engagement.

What if other professionals are needed?

Due to the diverse background and prior experiences, Robert L Webb and Associates has access to several professionals with strong performance histories in manufacturing, finance, operations, marketing and general management. We can recommend professionals as needed, and also manage their services on any engagement.

How long is the normal on-site engagement?

For most of the intense and on-site engagements, the length is 90-120 days. Our goal is to achieve what would normally take one-year and utilize our high impact, high value, short-term intensive process. This also works extremely well for the client, since the issues are remedied quickly and the positive impact starts much sooner.