“I have worked with Jim Davidson for or over 25 years, both in his capacity as the Chief Financial Officer of two major corporations and as a consultant, utilizing his forensic specialization skills, his financial and strategic planning skills involving mergers and acquisitions, and advice on the duties of officers and directors of a major financial institution. Jim is always current on the latest laws and regulations, is in touch with industry trends, and is a skilled communicator. It is rare to find an individual with the wealth of knowledge, and the depth of hands-on experience in one package. Having Jim Davidson and Avant Advisory on your side makes a difference!”
“As a senior vice president of a major lending institution, I had the pleasure of working with Avant Advisory through two trying situations when dealing with troubled companies. I found them as the consummate professionals: insightful, practical, thorough, knowledgeable, team player, personable, and extremely capable. We could not have achieved such successful solutions without their sound advice and recommendations.”
“Avant Advisory Group was engaged to perform financial and operational due diligence on behalf of our soon-to-be lender. Avant came in well-prepared and with a strong understanding of our business and the critical issues affecting our company. We were able to analyze the lifeblood of the company in detail without wasting time discussing less important issues. They respected my time and that of my staff, helping to make the overall process smooth and efficient. In addition, Avant used their experience and insight to provide numerous suggestions on how we could improve the operation of our businesses, all of which he shared prior to leaving. In summary, I appreciate Jim Davidson’s professionalism and involvement with my company. I offer my highest recommendation of him and his firm, Avant Advisory Group.”
“I had the pleasure of working with Avant Advisory Group while I was Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of a middle market confection importer/distributor company located in San Diego, CA. I worked with them in two M&A engagements that included due diligence on behalf of separate private equity firms, which were seeking to acquire the company. Overall, I found Jim’s work ethic and professionalism to be “top notch.” I enjoyed Jim’s valuable insight into many complex issues obtained through years of experience; this is not a guy you need to train to get the job done! Hire Jim and his firm Avant Advisory Group and learn for yourself!”
“It was a pleasure working with Avant® Advisory Group on the due diligence for our Company’s recent capital infusion. Avant® is highly detail-oriented with a strong depth of experience as well as integrity and good judgment. I would highly recommend Avant to anyone needing financial due diligence, forensic or specialized finance and accounting services. I appreciate everything they did to make my experience top shelf.”
“I have worked closely with the Avant Advisory team for over 8 years. Avant is a very reputable firm with a resourceful team that provides exceptional service and delivers on what they say. They are very hands-on, knowledgeable, transparent, trustworthy and demonstrate integrity. HD Buttercup VP Finance.”
“Avant Advisory Group was called in to investigate my company’s financials at my request. I sent Avant a year’s worth of monthly results which arrived at their firm on Saturday morning. Two days later Avant was meeting me and had found the issues. Avant Advisory assisted my company by restating the financials, interfacing with the banks and the big four accounting firm, and generating much-needed cash. Jim functioned as interim CFO and CRO and brought a new CFO up to speed. Throughout this stressful ordeal, Jim and his firm displayed the highest level of professionalism. Avant’s data-based analysis instantly provided credibility to the Board, the Banks, and the accounting firm. I could not have been happier with the support provided and as President and CEO (retired) I highly recommend Jim Davidson and the Avant Advisory Group.”
“Avant provided consulting assistance in 2017 to one of StoneCreek Capital’s portfolio companies. They achieved all of our stated objectives, and we were pleased with their high level of expertise, responsiveness, and professionalism.”
“I have known Jim Davidson at Avant Advisory for six years and have relied upon his expertise and guidance for our company and my family. We recently went through a merger, and his advice saved us a lot of money, time, and headaches. I highly recommend him and the team at Avant for any important financial decisions! On top of that, he is a remarkable humanitarian and human being. Thank you, Jim, for being a trusted advisor.”
“I’ve worked directly with Avant and its professionals in prior engagements. They are smart, pragmatic, professional, and bring to their engagements the unique ability to visualize a compelling story, driven by solid, data-driven analysis. Will definitely recommend them for work on interim management, forensics, M&A, turnarounds and restructuring, and performance improvement.”
“Jim and Avant® Advisory Group are of the highest caliber of professionals in the industry. Avant® Advisory Group was brought in for the Quality of Earnings investigation and reporting for our company’s sale. Avant® provided an interdisciplinary approach addressing both operational and financial areas that were extraordinary. Beyond his functional expertise which is impressive in its own right, it is Jim’s affable style that makes it so easy for him to probe and get to the root issues without undue drama or stress in the organization. Avant’s conclusions were straightforward, well presented, and actionable. I would highly recommend Jim and Avant for M&A support, forensic accounting, or any related restructuring work! Jim is a true industry icon!”
“Over the years, I have worked with Avant in a number of capacities—investment opportunities, an interim executive engagement, etc.—and I am continually looking for ways to work with them more—for quality-of-earnings engagements, M&A support, etc. With Avant, I know that I’ll get high-quality, efficient, and relevant work and even more importantly, I know that I’ll be working with true professionals and a partner.”
“I have had the opportunity to work with Jim on multiple platforms. Jim has moderated and spoken on several panels with Opus Connect and each time has offered his unique perspective and insight into distressed M&A. Along with our experience together in Opus Connect, Jim has also advised me on some of my transactions; his deep knowledge of turnaround M&A has been a valuable asset on some distress opportunities we have considered.”
“Avant worked very hard to meet with the right people in and around our target company, ask the right questions, and make all parties feel comfortable with their investigative work. In a tense turnaround situation, Avant managed to deliver the analysis and recommendations needed without ruffling any feathers. Their professional, pleasant, and courteous demeanor pleased us, and their work ethic impressed us. Even after the engagement, they followed up to ensure the acquisition proceeded smoothly and volunteered to clarify any of their findings, as necessary. Even though it was our first time working together, the Avant professionals made us feel like their most important client. We look forward to working with them again.”
“For over 10 years, Avant Advisory Group has been my go-to consultant for various business operations and ventures. They have successfully helped me resolve multiple and complex strategic, financial, legal, and organizational issues. Recently, for more than two years he provided highly valued consulting services to my industrial-based manufacturing and distribution company. Avant’s recommendations are insightful and practical. They are knowledgeable capable, and a business savvy advisor. No one is more deserving of a higher recommendation than that for Avant Advisory Group and its managing director, Jim Davidson.”
“The company that Avant analyzed for us was initially very averse to us engaging a crisis manager. They soon viewed Avant as a valuable partner, however, with both the CFO and CEO speaking highly of Avant’s professionalism, knowledge, and ability to quickly diagnose the Company’s critical issues. In fact, at the completion of the initial assignment, the company asked Avant’s managing director Jim to remain on site for another week so to help incorporate his recommendations and to help them in the preparation of a revised set of financial projections. As a lender for the past 10 years, I’ve engaged dozens of 3rd party professionals (crisis managers, turnaround consultants, financial forensic accountants, etc.) to assist me on troubled accounts. This was the first job on which I myself worked with them, but they are the first company I would turn back to for a similar assignment. I believe their character and integrity are irreproachable. They established an immediate rapport with me and with the management of the company they analyzed. Their report was very insightful, well thought out, and easy to digest. Avant constantly made themselves available for follow-up advice and suggestions. I believe Avant Advisory Group is top-notch.”
“Jim Davidson and I have been associated for over 26 years since we worked together at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Over these many years, I have worked with Jim in connection with acquisitions and troubled company turnaround situations. I’ve also observed him operate effectively in executive positions, such as CFO and COO. As a long-time valuation professional, I noted first hand his value creation through both internal profit improvement as well as full implementation of one of the largest and most successful merger transactions in the consumer products and packaging industry. He has expertly served companies ranging from middle market to some of the largest in the nation. Jim is a knowledgeable and a brilliant, out-of-the-box quick thinker. He is a tireless, aggressive advocate for his client, while also pursuing solutions that balance the interests of affected parties. In addition, our long association has afforded me the opportunity to observe his entrepreneurial spirit, experience, and leadership. I know him as highly motivated, service-oriented, physically and mentally tough, of the highest integrity, a skilled communicator, and a natural leader. I have always admired Jim’s values, energy, industriousness, and intellect. Simply put, Jim Davidson makes a substantial, positive difference in all that he does.”
“I came to know Avant Advisory Group as part of a forensic investigation requested by my company’s senior lender. The company had defaulted on its loan agreement, and the lender sent Avant to investigate the situation and evaluate the company’s opportunity for a turnaround versus a sale. Avant Advisory performed a hard-nosed, bottoms-up forensic examination encapsulating the finance, operations, and sales functional areas of the company. Although a tense and stressful situation, they made every effort to work with my company’s management team in developing the best course of action for the senior lender and the company. Due to their flexibility and deep experience in dealing with troubled companies, we were able to work with our senior lender to facilitate a sale of the company. The sale allowed the lender to recoup its investment and our shareholders to salvage millions of potentially lost capital. I firmly believe that had it not been for Avant Advisory, both the lender and our shareholders would have lost millions of dollars. They are a rare talent in today’s marketplace possessing a balanced mix of hands-on experience, technical expertise, and professional instinct required to guide an institution toward success.”
“Rhett did an amazing job selling our business. He made the process easy; he fielded several over asking price offers, and together we chose the best buyer to take over the company. I could not be happier.”
“We had been thinking about selling our 30+ year established business for some time but weren’t sure about how to go about it. We chose Avant to list it for sale and oversee the marketing. We are very pleased with our decision – the business got a “full price” offer within the first month! Rhett handled the entire process, setting up meetings, negotiating the financing, and advising all the parties to the deal. We closed the sale and can honestly say we were satisfied with the professionalism and guidance of Rhett and his company.”
“I wasn’t aware of what selling a middle-market business entails or how much work it actually takes. We were referred to Rhett by a very prominent businessman in our area and couldn’t have been happier. Rhett’s knowledge helped us through the entire process, from valuing our business, structuring the deal, tax consequences, conference calls, negotiation between buyer and seller, navigating the escrow… Rhett was there to assist all the way to closing and beyond. Thanks for all your hard work, Rhett!”
“Thank you to Rhett Kniep and the team at Avant for literally making my dream come true. Through their expert and patient guidance, I was able to finance and purchase a business that would allow me to have the perfect platform for expansion in the industry around which I had been circling for a long time. The business that they brought to me enabled me to thrive, even during the pandemic year of 2020. I am grateful to them!” —
“Rhett, thank you so much for the help you provided to us throughout the whole process. We couldn’t have done it without you! I will for sure refer you to anyone looking to buy or sell a business.”
“Dear Rhett and Avant, selling our company was a massive undertaking, and more complicated than I would have expected. Having you and your team on board throughout the entire process was crucial to our success. I appreciate your professionalism and advice, not only in the beginning stages of listing and marketing, but also in the detailed negotiations with the buyer. Thank you for everything! I would highly recommend you and your company to anyone thinking of selling their successful business.”
“My wife and I recently purchased a business under the brokerage of Rhett Kniep with Avant Advisory Group. This was a difficult transaction as our purchase required us to perform a 401k Rollover for Business Startup (ROBS) transaction as well as gain additional funding from a lender. The first lender after several months would not agree to the transaction and declined our loan. Rhett was able to convince the small business owner to continue working with us while we secured other funding. When nearly complete, environmental issues arose with the planned business purchase. Again, the owner could have pulled the deal as other cash offers were available, but Rhett was able to convince the owner to stay in the deal. I would recommend Rhett for the purchase of or sale of a business in the future.”
“Hey Rhett, just wanted to say thanks for all the help in acquiring Rocklin Glass and Mirror. It was a time constrained process that we never could have done in the time frame we needed without your help. You answered all of our calls and texts no matter the time or day. Having never been through this process before, we were a bit overwhelmed at times. But you kept it all going smoothly from the beginning to the final signing. Thank you again for all the help.”
“Rhett, as you said, all sales are different. Some are easy and some are not. For me not selling a business before I had nothing to go by, but I think you earned your keep on this one. Good job!”
“Rhett at Avant was great to work with from the early stages of discovery to closing and transitioning the business. He was responsive, professional, and solution oriented throughout the entire acquisition process. He represented us well and will use him in the future.”
“Rhett Kniep of Avant is a true professional. Rhett had my business appraised and put it on the market for sale. A buyer who was interested in purchasing a business exactly like mine contacted Rhett. After just a couple of weeks, the buyer made a full price offer for my business. Rhett invited us in for round-table meetings, ensured we were all on the same page, drew up a contract, arranged for escrow, and sealed the deal. Job very well done!! If you have a business for sale, I recommend Rhett’s full-service network to help you get it sold. Thanks again Rhett!!
“I’ve run a successful construction company for a couple decades. It was getting time to wind things down when Rhett convinced me I had a viable business to sell. I signed up with his company and in a few weeks, there was a good offer and we opened escrow. There were some difficulties with the buyer at the outset, but Rhett made sure we did what was necessary to keep it legal and safe for all the parties involved. We were able to resolve the issues successfully. He is professional and courteous, and I would readily recommend his company to anyone interested in selling a business.”
“Rhett sent me a letter/flier introducing himself and his business. I had already thought about selling my company at some point but after reading his letter it got me thinking and not long after I reached out to him. We scheduled a meeting, and he described the process of selling a business and the costs associated with it. I was very comfortable with him and after contacting a couple other business brokers I decided Rhett and Avant were the right fit. He was very professional and extremely knowledgeable throughout the entire process. He told me that roofing companies usually sell fairly quickly and he was right. He valued my company and got the price that he promised me. It was no time before I had 2 interested Buyers, and the company was sold as quickly as I could have expected. The entire process was straight forward and less work, on my end, than I had imagined. Thank you, Rhett, for everything. I will refer you to every friend/acquaintance I come across that is interested in selling their business.”
“I approached Rhett at Avant about selling my business a couple years ago and never went past that. I reached out to him again in August, and we had an escrow closed by September 30th. Awesome, professional experience. Would absolutely recommend and will use again for any future endeavors.”
“Rhett and Avant: thank you for all your professionalism and patience in getting our deal done. It has been a very good experience working with you and I’m sure we will be in contact for future investments.”
“After 40 years of owning my company, it was time to consider selling. I contacted numerous Brokers and chose Avant Advisory Group as my representative. Rhett Kniep of Avant contacted me for a consultation and was thorough with the evaluation of my company. I proceeded to contract with Rhett from Avant and was extremely pleased with his professionalism while handling the sale as well as escrow issues. I highly recommend Rhett to represent you in a business purchase or sale at Avant Advisory Group.”
“Rhett was great to work with and provided high-level expertise to our transaction. His professionalism, extensive knowledge, and deal-making experience ensured us with a seamless purchase. I highly recommend anyone looking to buy or sell their business to use Rhett and his team!”
“I worked with Rhett to sell my Weight Loss & Wellness Center in Marin County, California. From the outset, Rhett laid out the sale process and prepared me for many different types of scenarios. Rhett is a dedicated, thorough professional. Nothing is too much! He worked diligently to ensure that my sale went through. Thank you so very much!”
“Thank you to Avant for a masterful job in selling our business. We had multiple suitors over a very long period and Rhett stuck with us through it all. He got us more than we were expecting and proved to
be a very strong negotiator on our behalf. Will recommend Rhett and his company at any opportunity: Do yourself a favor and put your business in his hands. You won't be disappointed.”
“But don’t act like them. If you want to be great, you must be the servant of all the others.”
Matthew 20:26 (CEV)
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