MICHAEL L. GAY, MBA, CFP®, BCA®, CEPA®
Certified Financial Planning Professional™ • Business Certified Appraiser™ • Certified Exit Planning Advisor™ • Certified Small Business Consultant™ • Michigan MBA, with Distinction • Author • Entrepreneur
No-cost Services
During the past several decades, I have worked for, with, on and in businesses of all sizes (including my own) in a wide variety of roles. As a self-certified finance, planning and value-enhancement geek, I have a passion for helping business owners and their leadership teams understand the power of focus, alignment and value-creation.
Since joining the SBDC, I have helped many dozens of business owners “get a grip” on their businesses, successfully coaching them through everything from developing and executing growth strategies, to managing turn-around situations, to securing multi-million-dollar bank loans, to transitioning their businesses to new owners. During that time, I discovered that the most successful business owners focus on four key “pillars of success”: Vision, Strategy, Execution and Cash Flow (Value). That’s why I led the team that developed Focus Four™, which you can read about here. It’s the kind of “field guide” I wish I’d have had access to when I was trying to scale my business.
As a small business owner (who’s spouse is also a small business owner), I get it. I understand the heroic efforts it takes to start, run, scale and, ultimately, transition a business. I understand what it means to live and breath something you created; something you’re so passionate about; something whose purpose is to bring value to others (as well as yourself!). And I understand the vital importance of your efforts to Michigan’s economy.
I also understand that capital is a scarce resource, which is why I’m proud to work for an organization that can help you succeed without charging you a penny.