solve for (x), llc

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the CEO of JogAlong Stroller LLC

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

JogAlong Stroller developed an ergonomic stroller with elliptical-like arms enabling proper running and walking form.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire solve for (x), llc to accomplish?

• Prepare a pitch deck, business plan and executive summary
• Develop an extremely robust financial model that is easy to use by a non finance person
• Provide fractional CFO service relating to start-up strategy and fund-raising

SOLUTION

How did you find solve for (x), llc?

Other

Why did you select solve for (x), llc over others?

High ratings

What was the size of solve for (x), llc’s team?

Stuart is the lead, but does not hesitate to pull in others when appropriate.

What was your primary form of communication with solve for (x), llc?

Virtual Meeting, Email or Messaging App

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Solve for x developed a financial model, business plan, pitch deck, and executive summary. The financial model Stuart built is outstanding. It is easy for a non-finance person to use, and when I did have questions about why things were the way they were (stemming from my lack of financial experience) he walked me through step by step until I understood.

The model is very thorough. We have received many compliments on the financial model from investors examining our assumptions and inputs. The business plan Stuart created for us has been a vault of gold we have visited again and again.

We have used many paragraphs and phrases from the business plan for other documents and applications. With the information from the financial model and business plan Stuart created an excellent pitch deck and executive summary. They flow well, look great and are backed up with solid data.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• Our confidence in the deliverables Solve for x provided enabled us to apply for grants.
• We were also well prepared to apply and run an equity crowdfunding campaign.
• The deliverables were also important resources when applying for financing.

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Solve for x managed our projects expertly. Dates given for tasks were reasonable and met. Often times when we asked for something, they were able to improve our ask. It was reassuring to see and benefit from the variety and number of startup and business projects they have already completed. And along the way, all aspects of the project were transparent, and all questions were thoroughly answered.

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

All of the work is high quality. When something is delivered, you know it will be top-notch. Stuart is very efficient with his time and kept us up to date. I always had full confidence we were with the right person. And the MOST impressive thing is to share a screen with Stuart when he is working on your financial model in Excel. I just stop talking and watch, it's like a business Twitch session!

Are there any areas for improvement or something solve for (x), llc could have done differently?

All the work is great, the process and pricing are transparent. I continue to contract Solve for x on a fractional basis to keep us at the level we want to be.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the VP of Sales and Marketing of Preferred Packaging

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

We are manufacturer of equipment, flexible films and containers for the retail and food service markets.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire solve for (x), llc to accomplish?

Gain a deeper understanding of nutrition/food packaging in K-12 schools

SOLUTION

How did you find solve for (x), llc?

Other

Why did you select solve for (x), llc over others?

High ratings, Pricing first our budget, Great culture fit, Referred to me

What was the size of solve for (x), llc’s team?

2-5 Employees

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Gain a deeper understanding of nutrition/food packaging in schools K-12:

• Size the school market to understand scope, trajectory and degree of opportunities
• Define major markets reliant or potentially reliant on food packaging
• Identify how they operate (…so we can sell)
• Understand usage and attitudes regarding bulk versus pre-packaged
• Identify operational structures and procurement processes (user vs buyer & influencer roles)
• Gauge material sentiment beyond paper vs. plastic (environmentally friendly – what is real attachment)

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

Size the school major markets reliant or potentially reliant on food packaging

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Very professional, thorough and responsive. All deliverables on time and as specified.

What was your primary form of communication with solve for (x), llc?

Virtual Meeting, Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

They have passion for their projects, and it shows in their final product. They immerse themselves into their research to have a true understanding of defined expectations from the customer's perspective.

Are there any areas for improvement or something solve for (x), llc could have done differently?

none

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the Founder of With/Ritual

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Online wellness e-commerce company

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire solve for (x), llc to accomplish?

• Refining business model/goals
• Researching and organizing pitch deck

SOLUTION

How did you find solve for (x), llc?

Online Search

Why did you select solve for (x), llc over others?

• High ratings
• Company values aligned

How many teammates from solve for (x), llc were assigned to this project?

1 Employee

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Developing and honing in on key points of business concept and pitch deck. Developing main points of business concept focusing on problem, solution and market differentiation.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• The measurable outcomes from the collaboration was a formed business concept, and built out key points of pitch d

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

It was a such a pleasure working with Stuart from Solve for X on developing my business concept. He had excellent project management and delivered all items on time. He was very flexible on focusing on the needs on my project and going in different directions as needed as the concept developed.

What was your primary form of communication with solve for (x), llc?

• In-Person Meeting
• Virtual Meeting
• Email or Messaging App

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

I really enjoyed collaborating with solve for (x), llc because they took a very individualized approach to my project. As opposed to checking the boxes of what was needed to develop my pitch deck he focused on working with me to give me to tools to refine my own business concept. In this way the process was very empowering and exemplified the unique process of Solve for X.

Are there any areas for improvement or something solve for (x), llc could have done differently?

I really had a positive experience working with Solve for (X) and felt that Stuart was really thorough in the information he provided as we were building out the deck. I really enjoyed his individualized approach to building out the deck and feel that there is also an opportunity so share more templates that could assist building out the deck.

BACKGROUND

Please describe your company and position.

I am the COO of Stanley Brothers USA Holdings

Describe what your company does in a single sentence.

Consumer packaged goods, product formulation and licensing of the brand.

OPPORTUNITY / CHALLENGE

What specific goals or objectives did you hire solve for (x), llc to accomplish?

• Financial Model
• Scenario Planning
• Strategic Guidance

SOLUTION

How did you find solve for (x), llc?

Online Search

Why did you select solve for (x), llc over others?

High ratings, Great culture fit, Good value for cost, Company values aligned

Describe the scope of work in detail. Please include a summary of key deliverables.

Stuart was scoped to help with financial modeling, international modeling and scenario planning, as well as advising on growth objectives for our main business as well as subsidiaries and new business ventures.

RESULTS & FEEDBACK

What were the measurable outcomes from the project that demonstrate progress or success?

• Model built for achieving investment
• International strategic plan built for new market entrance

Describe their project management. Did they deliver items on time? How did they respond to your needs?

Our deliverables have always been met in advance of the deadline. solve for (x), llc is extremely responsive, oftentimes getting initial work and planning prepared in advance of calls.

What was your primary form of communication with solve for (x), llc?

Virtual Meeting

What did you find most impressive or unique about this company?

Logical thought process throughout the work as well as strategic advising. Not just getting a project done and moving on. All deliverables are always well thought out and we look forward to hearing the advice from solve for (x), llc prior to finalizing our projects.

Are there any areas for improvement or something solve for (x), llc could have done differently?

None that we have at this time.