Mission statement here - Focus Business Consulting

Mission statement here

Our Mission:
To leverage our unique resource base and fresh perspective to
provide cost-effective, results-oriented solutions to our clients.
Our Commitment:
Unique resources, diverse experience, and the ability to understand you and your
business are what set us apart from other management consulting firms.
We envision ourselves as members of your company, equally passionate about its
success.
The way we see it…
A win for you is a win for us – that is what results mean to FBC.
Mission statement here
From left to right: Stephen Charko, Steve Oostrom, Chris Liehmann, Geoff Reiner
www.thinkfbc.com

What do results mean to you? At Focus Business Consulting (FBC) we work with
you to create customized business solutions that enhance the performance of your
company. Whether your organization is large, medium, or small, our consultants
offer business management expertise and fresh insights to help you achieve your
bottom-line objectives.
Why work with Management Consultants?
With the proliferation of the industry, management consulting companies are often
difficult to choose from. Nonetheless, management consultants do prove to be an
asset to many organizations that do not have the required human capital capacity or
expertise to fulfill departmental and organization-wide objectives. When selecting a
management consulting firm, it is important to consider the following:
Is the management consulting company credible? More and more people consider
themselves “management consultants.” More often than not, they lack a proven
track record demonstrating results and do not operate as part of a credible
institution. It is essential to be able to trust the consultants you choose to work with
and allow to become an integral part of your business. FBC has a rich history of
delivering superior solutions that meet clients’ objectives. We pride ourselves on
maintaining the confidentiality of the client-consultant relationship.
Does the company possess the necessary resources and capabilities to help you
succeed? Intellectual capital, unique organizational capabilities, as well as access to
valuable business tools and research, are all important considerations when deciding
on a management consulting company to work with. FBC is organized to leverage
and exploit these resources, such as our Board of Advisors, so that they may
enhance the value of the relationship and help fulfill your business objectives.
Can the company manage their costs? If a company can’t manage their own costs,
you may want to consider whether they have the ability to provide you with costeffective
solutions. Furthermore, choose a company that keeps their costs aligned
with the level and quality of service provided – avoid a company that chooses to pass
on unnecessary costs to you, the client.

FBC’s Board of Directors
Geoff Reiner, Director of Business Development & Research
Geoff brings a distinctive mindset to each project focusing on creative and innovative
business solutions. Having worked with Toyota Canada during their most recent crisis,
Geoff exercised both strategic and corporate planning skills to provide greater
transparency and mitigate risk. His ability to recognise future needs today, and target
solutions accordingly, have led to the successful selling and introduction of multiple
products and ideas throughout his period with Toyota. More recently, he developed
valuable marketing skills in the services industry working with Xerox Canada. Having
recommended and aligned products to their optimum segments, Geoff set the
framework for continued success and growth. Geoff is very involved in the university
community as the President of the MBA Association and represents his school at the
national level on the Canadian MBA Association.
Geoff completed his Honours Bachelor of Science from Wilfrid Laurier University and
is currently pursuing an MBA specializing in both Management of Innovation and New
Technology, and Marketing, from McMaster. Outside of school, he enjoys travelling,
photography and coaching basketball and volleyball in the Hamilton area.
Chris Liehmann, Director of Marketing & Strategy
Chris employs a diverse skill set that enables him to take a unique approach to
conceptualizing business strategy and solving organizational problems. During his
time in the Consulting & Deals group at PwC, Chris refined his strategic marketing
knowledge through successful engagements in technology, financial and public sector
markets. More recently, as an IT Project Manager in a large accounting firm, Chris
spearheaded the development and implementation of mobile device applications that
minimized firm costs and increased staff productivity. In addition, Chris gained
significant experience in international business through the successful management of
a global, client-facing, organizational health gap analysis tool that heightened revenue
generating capabilities. Successfully utilizing his sales, marketing and customer
relationship management skills to grow and maintain both a landscaping and a
photography business, Chris brings a creative, entrepreneurial approach to strategic
problem solving.
Chris completed his Bachelor of Chemical Engineering and Management at McMaster
University, and is currently pursuing his MBA at the DeGroote School of Business,
specializing in Marketing. Outside of school, Chris enjoys motorcycling, snowboarding
and downhill mountain biking.
www.thinkfbc.com

Steve Oostrom, Director of Finance
Steve leverages his diverse background in his approach to each project, producing
efficient and effective results. His work for a global manufacturing company paired
with experience at an international consumer goods organization has allowed him to
develop and refine both his analytical skills as well as his project management skills. At
Whirlpool Corporation, Steve had the opportunity to conduct financial analysis across
several product lines to better understand the profitability of new products during
deployment. Working closely with Whirlpool US, Steve created innovative financial
dashboards utilized to conduct financial analysis within the organization. In addition,
Steve worked with a government regulatory body to ensure the efficiency of Whirlpool
products was recognized, providing an essential component in the attainment of the
Energy Star award. As a foreman for a landscape company, Steve honed his small
business management and leadership skills while successfully completing a number of
large-scale projects.
Steve received an undergraduate degree in Materials Engineering from McMaster
University and is currently pursuing his MBA from the DeGroote School of Business at
McMaster University. Upon graduation Steve will have specialized in both finance and
marketing. Steve strongly believes in a work-life balance and enjoys the outdoors
throughout the year by hiking, camping, skiing and canoeing.
Stephen Charko, Director of Project Management
Leveraging previous consulting experience, Stephen confidently manages projects
from conception to delivery. Established business acumen and experience across a
variety of functional areas including technology/IT and healthcare, allows him to
approach problems with innovative and, transferable skills. With experience in timebased
projects, group presentations and workshops, Stephen is eager to drive
discussions to obtain the best answers across all stakeholders. Working in previous
servicing environments, strong business relationships have been developed that
extend across multiple networks, aiding in conducting research and the collection of
information. During his time with the Royal Bank of Canada, Stephen targeted areas
for process innovation, re-engineering, and improvement that have lead to increases
in bottom-line results for both internal and client-facing operations. Stephen's ability
to couple common-sense thinking with large scale problem conceptualization make
him a valuable asset to any project.
Stephen completed his Bachelor of Science, with a focus on Biology and Physiology,
from the University of Alberta and University of Leeds, UK, during a study abroad
semester. He is in pursuit of his MBA specialising in Management of Innovation and
New Technology from McMaster. In his spare time he enjoys shopping at farmer's
markets and spending time in the outdoors. It is not uncommon to see him out road
cycling during the summer exploring new locales.

FBC’s Board of Advisors
Paul Bates, CMA, Chief Executive Officer
Paul Bates has been a leader and educator in the Canadian business community for
more than two decades.
He is currently serving as Dean and Industry Professor in Financial Management
Services at the DeGroote School of Business at McMaster University in Hamilton,
Ontario. Dean Bates also serves as a member of the Board of Governors at McMaster.
As a former Adjunct Professor at the University of Toronto’s Rotman School of
Management, he was awarded the Outstanding Teacher Award in 2003 and again in
2004. Dean Bates has just completed a second edition of his best-selling book, Sales
Force Management in the Financial Services.
Following service on the boards of the Toronto Stock Exchange and the Canadian
Investment Dealers Association, in 2003, Dean Bates was appointed as part-time
commissioner to the Ontario Securities Commission. Dean Bates has held the
president’s office at four major brokerage and investment firms, most recently at the
helm of Charles Schwab Canada (later acquired by Bank of Nova Scotia). In 2000, his
peers recognized him; Investment Executive Magazine selected him as the Most
Influential Broker of the Year.
In 2002, Dean Bates was awarded the Queen’s Jubilee Medal for community service.
The commemorative medal is awarded to Canadians who, over the past 50 years, have
helped create the Canada of today. He is the past board chair at the Canadian
Psychiatric Research Foundation and lends time to Evangel Hall, a Toronto shelter for
homeless and working poor.
Peter Vilks, P.Eng, Chairman of the Board
Peter Vilks has extensive industry experience from entry level technical to Chair of the
Board. He has particular functional expertise in business-to-business sales and
marketing, new product selection and introduction, technology transfer, acquisition
and divestiture valuation and implementation, utility deregulation, and privatization.
He has experience in industrial, aerospace, and utility segments. He has served on
corporate strategic planning task forces and chaired strategic review teams of large
corporate divisions as well as on sales force redeployment. He has held executive
positions on acquired companies and sat on Boards of utility service organizations.
Peter Vilks is a Professional Engineer, and has held memberships in various marketing
associations. He was a member of the Industry Advisory Council for McMaster’s
Engineering and Management Program including the position of chair.
www.thinkfbc.com

Additional Board Members:
Dr. Milena Head – Associate Dean, DeGroote School of Business
Dr. Terry Flynn – Assistant Professor, DeGroote School of Business
Jim Letwin – President & Chief Executive Officer, Jan Kelley Marketing
Jennifer McCleary – Director, Business Career Development, DeGroote School
of Business
Tim Berezny – Consultant, Doleweerd Consulting
Gary Beveridge, FCA – Partner, KPMG
Paul Inglis – Partner, AT Kearney
Eric Bentzen-Bilkvist, CA – Instructor, DeGroote School of Business
Dr. Christopher Longo – Assistant Professor, DeGroote School of Business
Arnie Strub, MBA - Entrepreneur in Residence, DeGroote School of Business
Please visit www.thinkfbc.com for full Board of Advisor member biographies.
FBC Client Solutions
Business Planning and Feasibility
Business plans are essential documents that provide a description of the business and
its core offerings, as well as projections for future revenue and growth. Whether you
are considering launching a new product or starting a new business, we can develop a
comprehensive overview of the potential market, identify the required resources,
develop specific and attainable business objectives, and determine the economic
feasibility of the venture.
All types of business should prepare a business plan when undertaking any project that
requires capital investment. However, small businesses are most likely to require
business plans when applying for loans and seeking initial funding from potential
investors.
Competitive Assessment and Best Practice Analysis
Competitive intelligence can refer to the analysis of any aspect of a competitor’s
business. A comprehensive overview of key competitors’ market position, pricing
structure, service offerings, promotional activities, and distribution methods may
allow you to better position your offerings. Competitive research is vital in the
development and shaping of your strategy.
Best practice analysis will identify the most effective policies and operations in your
industry and provide a comparison between your organization and its competitors.
The objective is to identify those practices most beneficial to your organization and
work with you to develop a smooth implementation strategy.
Market Research & Analysis
A market analysis will provide your organization with a detailed overview of the
market segments that impact your business, as well as key competitors, industry sales,
growth patterns, and future outlook. An overview of potential markets includes entry
and exit strategies, capital requirements, and competitive landscape. This will provide
your organization with the information necessary to make important decisions such as
www.thinkfbc.com

FBC Client Solutions
whether or not to expand current product offerings. Our research allows you to
understand the needs, attitudes, and behaviours of your target market and develop
key customer insights. We can help you obtain and use this information to optimize
the effectiveness of your future marketing and communication initiatives.
Marketing Strategy and Planning
The marketing strategy we develop for you is tailored to meet your key priorities.
Whether it involves increasing revenue or gaining access to new markets, our team has
the knowledge and experience to conduct insightful market analysis and competitive
research to help you achieve your business objectives. Together, we will determine
how to exploit potential opportunities and minimize the impact of threats to your
organization. Our strategic analysis has a long-term outlook designed to expand your
market share and enhance your businesses competitive advantages, as well as
minimizing the effects the competition will have on your overall business
Organizational Assessment
An organizational assessment can provide your business with an impartial third-party
analysis of your business structure, roles and responsibilities of employees, and
internal processes. Our hands-on approach has us working closely with all
stakeholders to fully understand your organization, allowing us to help your business
meet its future needs.
Brand Identity Development
Your branding is what speaks for your company when you are not able to speak for it
and is often the first point of interaction between you and your potential
customers/clients. Our team will work with you to create, design and manage the
identity that best suits your brand and aligns with your mission, value proposition, and
most importantly, your customer base. At Focus Business Consulting, we believe your
brand should be your most valuable asset.
www.thinkfbc.com

FBC Industry Experience
FBC provides consulting services for a diverse set of industry specializations. We have
provided solutions for clients in the following fields:
Client Testimonial
“I have had the opportunity to use the Focus Business Consulting group twice now, and
have been pleased with the results. The group seems to self-manage well, pulling in the
necessary resources to complete the tasks required with the right skill sets. The projects I
engaged them on were very specific, tightly-focused tasks with very aggressive timelines,
and the group delivered the output on time and on budget. Throughout the project they
remained very focused on completing the necessary steps within the time budgeted and
were available throughout the process for any necessary meetings or discussions.
I would recommend the FBC group for any company that needs extra horsepower in
completing specific projects, where internal time and resources are not readily available.”
Director of Marketing Strategy for a major home-comfort provider
www.thinkfbc.com

Mission statement here