Stonehill

BACKGROUND

Introduce your business and what you do there.

I’m the CEO of Restaurant Magic Software, which is an independent software vendor that provides enterprise software to chain restaurants, specifically for back-office management of all cost centers.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What challenge were you trying to address with Stonehill?

We engaged them on many levels. We first engaged them for strategic planning.

SOLUTION

What was the scope of their involvement?

Stonehill consolidated us into a one-page strategic plan, which is useful because it functions as a key communication tool around our organization. Everyone's on the same page—literally. In our organization, we have strong opinions and I try not to dominate discussions so that everyone can voice their opinions. Their team mediated discussions, which is one of their greatest strengths. When we came to a final conclusion, no one felt like their ideas were discounted. Since they create the initial document, their team helped to update the strategic plan. Now, their team works on marketing to position us in the industry predominately. Their team assists us in preparation for tradeshows and helps with media preparation too.

What is the team composition?

We worked with five people from Stonehill.

How did you come to work with Stonehill?

I knew Doug (CEO, Stonehill) from a prior company that he owned. I had a working relationship with him, but it was through Stonehill that he became tightly integrated with our business. I came to know Stonehill through their reputation and chose to engage them. I looked at several other consultants but decided to work with Stonehill.

How much have you invested with them?

Up until this point, we’ve spent around $500,000.

What is the status of this engagement?

We started working together around 2017. Their team completed the one-page in 60 days. We continue to engage with Stonehill, so there hasn’t been a cessation in their work.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What evidence can you share that demonstrates the impact of the engagement? 

Feedback has been positive. We maintain the strategic plan that Stonehill created and the team remains aligned around it. That’s the most valuable feedback. Their efforts are working as promised.

How did Stonehill perform from a project management standpoint?

I deal with Doug directly. Otherwise, our marketing group will engage their team. They’re proactive and get things done on time and on budget. The mode of engagement depends upon the particular project. Their team was great to work with and really creative. They’re efficient and get stuff done. Projects don't linger. That's part of the reason that I like working with them.

What did you find most impressive about them?

Stonehill has a great ability to consolidate ideas into doable steps. They think clearly and incorporate a wide set of ideas both within and outside the organization. Then, they're able to consolidate them down to a plan that we can actually do. I’ve dealt with consultants in the past that come in with a 20-page deliverable and none of which can be accomplished.

Are there any areas they could improve?

I’m drawing a blank.

Do you have any advice for potential customers?

This isn’t applicable only to Stonehill but know what you’re looking for going into the engagement. Be sure about what you want because if you don’t, you’ll get into scope creep. Be prepared to engage with an organization like Stonehill because they’ve got a broad set of skills. The more that you ask, the more that they can deliver.