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Richard M 
12/26/12 A True Story
Six months ago my fledgling small business venture was in the throws of trying to achieve early stage capitalization. I had invested $$$$$$$0,00 of my own cash and begged borrowed and stole another $$$$$$,000 from friends and relatives. Between managing the venture assembly and at the same time raising capital I was wearing myself out. My time and limited resources were progressively consumed every day with the "hunt" for working capital. I had tried to follow all the expert's recommendations in generating a well thought out professionally prepared Business Plan. My fico score hovers around 700. I have a credit partner whose fico is higher than mine. Together we managed to qualify for $$$$$$$,000 of equipment lease financing. I now have some momentum. Can I find this allusive seed capital? Apparently, not for this writer. Most potential sources who I approached had various questions and further research missions for me to pursue. I can understand being cautious but most of these people were extreme and seemed to be looking for excuses and reasons to do nothing.
Faced with what seems like insurmountable capitalization issues, rather than throwing in the towel I have forged forward and continue to pick up pennies and sell aluminum cans. (That is an exaggeration)
My venture has to do with launching a growth prone "Green" service business based upon installing an energy conserving proprietary product which is used by everyone in their homes. It also has obvious commercial application. My installation crew is factory trained. I have an exclusive area in which to install. I am price competitive with similar field but alternate trades installers. I have no direct competition.
With all this, and despite the reality of "shoe string existence" the business a now starting to have sales. In October sales were $$$$$,000. In November $$$$$,000. In December $$$$$0,000 despite this being the worst time of the year. At the current time with the increase in sales and personnel comes the ever pressing need for more working capital. It is debilitating to invest time and money courting potential lenders who profess to have interest but create more obstacles than what I had in the first place.
One day about 6 months ago one of my sympathetic contacts told me that he had heard of a consulting company in New York which was run and orchestrated by a progressive named Rod Odom. After a little research I contacted Peabody Chase Consulting and was surprised to find myself talking live and direct to the Smart and accessible Rod Odom. I was impressed by his ability to listen and grasp the details of what I was saying to him and the potential of my venture . I liked the fact that he worked long hours and didn't live in an ivory tower. From my observation he is not slow to pass on projects that don't grab him yet he listens and his thresh hold for open mindedness is better than most.
In my case my relationship with Peabody Chase has experienced a series of starts and stops, some bumps and ruts in the road, but has survived those things and continued to develop. A big part of it has been for Odom and myself to get to know and understand each other. Many parties would not take the time - he did. From my dealings with him I can attest to his being a versatile honest and hard working businessman
Richard M likes:
- Trustworthiness
- Product Quality
- Promotional Materials
- Website Looks
- Affiliate/Member Support
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(Rating: , 7 reviews) 
