My retirement this past March from the company I helped found and grow over 25 years wasn’t driven by a desire for more beach time. It was the result of thoughtful, long-term planning. In 2017, our company became employee-owned through the implementation of an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) — the culmination of a strategic planning process that began five years earlier. The ESOP not only provided a sustainable exit strategy for my partners and me, but it also re-energized the company and empowered our team of employee-owners in ways we hadn’t imagined.
As time passed, value was created, leadership transitioned, and ultimately my planned retirement date arrived. The question became: What’s next?
I’ve always been driven by a passion for business, finance, and the clarity that numbers provide. As CFO and Vice President of Account Services, I developed deep expertise in leveraging ESOPs to create substantial enterprise value, managing compliance, and translating financial data into actionable insights. I especially enjoyed mentoring employees, helping them understand how their work contributed to value creation as owners.
Endless days on the beach? Not for me.
That’s why I launched Graystone CFO.
A Strategic Financial Partner for Founders and Professional Services Firms
Graystone CFO exists to provide high-touch, executive-level financial leadership to professional services firms and founder-led businesses. We help decision-makers:
- Prepare for major growth phases
- Evaluate and transition to an ESOP structure
- Navigate the complexities of newly formed employee ownership
- Align financial strategies with long-term goals
With nearly four decades of leadership experience across finance, sales, and business growth, Graystone CFO offers strategic insight that goes beyond reporting and cost control. Our mission is to help clients unlock enterprise value, improve operational efficiency, and manage transitions with confidence.
How We Help
As an outsourced or “fractional” CFO, Graystone CFO brings specialized expertise in:
- CFO services for founder-led businesses
- ESOP feasibility, formation, and compliance
- Growth and profitability strategy
- Pricing, revenue modeling, and margin optimization
- Financial system integration and productivity improvement
- Board and investor reporting
Let’s Talk
If you’re preparing for growth, evaluating employee ownership, or seeking a strategic financial partner, Graystone CFO is ready to help. Contact us for a complimentary consultation.