Sell or Stay?

CF: My understanding is that all of your firms remain independently held, being attractive targets for institutional investors. What has influenced you not to sell?

Ludwig: While we’re newer to the market vs. the other panelists, we too have already seen significant interest in investment. Institutional investment generally means rapid growth, which likely changes the current make-up of the client/partner relationship. We are looking at steady growth with investment to support our clients rather than just growth for the sake of it.

Nelan: I believe that our unique value proposition resonates with clients especially given the current environment of mergers and acquisitions in our industry. Clients are looking for a trusted advisor that is reliable and stable. We are able to fill that need by providing them with the support that they need to evaluate and implement complex technology solutions. Unless and until someone figures out how to eliminate the human element associated with implementing technology, I believe there will be a place for us.

Toth: We don’t want to take orders from anyone on how fast to grow, who to hire, what geos we open. While growth and profit are important (they are the engine that allows us to do this), it’s not everything. Quality of life, fulfillment and just plain ol’ fun is just as important to us.