Testimonials

Stephen Cummings from Rizolve Partners has been an invaluable asset to our company since April 2020. As we navigated the challenges brought about by the global shutdown, Stephen's expertise quickly proved to be instrumental in steering our company through those...

Stephen Cummings from Rizolve Partners has been an invaluable asset to our company since April 2020. As we navigated the challenges brought about by the global shutdown, Stephen's expertise quickly proved to be instrumental in steering our company through those uncertain times. Stephen has seamlessly integrated into our business, demonstrating a remarkable level of commitment and impact. His guidance and support, particularly in his role of advising me as the owner and CEO, have been invaluable. Together, we have worked closely with the team to formulate detailed yearly plans that have consistently propelled our business forward. The transparency and confidence instilled by these plans have been instrumental in obtaining the necessary capital to fuel our growth initiatives. What truly sets Stephen apart is his profound understanding of building business value. Under his leadership and guidance, our company has more than doubled in size, a testament to his strategic acumen and dedication to our success. Stephen's contributions have been transformative, and I wholeheartedly endorse him. His expertise, leadership, and unwavering commitment make him an invaluable asset to any organization.

I have heard a lot of opinions over the years about what things are worth and why they are worth it. Much of it noise. Rizolve Partners have been able to give me a coherent explanation of value and the...

I have heard a lot of opinions over the years about what things are worth and why they are worth it. Much of it noise. Rizolve Partners have been able to give me a coherent explanation of value and the logical actions needed to achieve it. Very importantly I am confident I am doing the right thing retaining Rizolve. They have taken me far beyond financial metrics and on to the actions we need to take, to mature a company that is growing rapidly. In many respects a daunting set of tasks have been moved from my hands into the hands of people who know what they are doing. It would have taken us a long time to resource the competencies we are now enjoying. The experience and maturity of the Rizolve Team in leading us through a strategic planning process and gaining the respect of the folks on our team has been a strength. The ability to drive a strategic plan with real pragmatic actions, inside a visible logical process speaks to the experience and professionalism of the Rizolve team. A vital feature of this relationship is that it will lead to a transaction and that Rizolve are invested in the outcome and that they own their actions. It is a further comfort to me that when time comes to look at an opportunity, Rizolve will bring seasoned deal skills to the table having built an in depth understanding of the company

This is to wholeheartedly endorse Donna for her outstanding and diligent work with organizations like Ontario Genomics with diverse stakeholders. Donna is at the same time visionary and able to translate big vision into concrete deliverables and timelines. She can...

This is to wholeheartedly endorse Donna for her outstanding and diligent work with organizations like Ontario Genomics with diverse stakeholders. Donna is at the same time visionary and able to translate big vision into concrete deliverables and timelines. She can challenge her clients in a tremendously respectful way to think forward and evaluate options carefully and critically. She is simply wonderful to work with, delivers on time and budget and will bring great value to any of her clients.

One of the key decisions I had to make in my business was whether I would commit the right resources towards goals and objectives.   It became clear to me that growth would not happen unless I could truly commit to...

One of the key decisions I had to make in my business was whether I would commit the right resources towards goals and objectives.   It became clear to me that growth would not happen unless I could truly commit to bringing in support from the outside. First, it meant creating a thorough strategic plan and then applying the right people to execute on it.  Beyond my internal team, it becomes apparent that I needed some outside perspective and someone to hold us accountable. I was lucky enough to meet Steve Cummings many years ago, and after a number of his insightful thoughts and comments I realized it was time to bring Rizolve on board as a strategic advisor.  More than just an advisor, Steve and his team have worked with us on a weekly basis to carefully prioritize our efforts towards achieving larger company objectives. Since we started, I can honestly say that our company has created real value in our business.  All departments are way ahead of where we were.  We are truly looking like a mature business and that has given us a confidence that we did not have before. I wanted to write this note to thank Steve and his team for all the support so far.  We are well on our way to hitting our targets and we can all be proud of what we have built together.

I began working with Steve in 2014 when he provided strategic guidance for our firm that had significant financial impact. Since that time, he has been an invaluable business partner and confidant. Steve has played a critical role in transforming...

I began working with Steve in 2014 when he provided strategic guidance for our firm that had significant financial impact. Since that time, he has been an invaluable business partner and confidant. Steve has played a critical role in transforming our business by optimizing the critical KPI’s to our growth and success. The strategic modelling he has developed has broad influence across our business today - from operations, directly into our sales processes. Steve is a trusted professional whose expertise and focus on value provide leadership to all those he works with. I am very fortunate to have had the opportunity to work with him these past years and I hope to continue that successful relationship in the future.

As a private lunch caterer, delivering pre-ordered meals to elementary school children, Covid 19 was devastating for the Lunch Lady Group Inc. Our business came to a standstill overnight, and even once children were back in the classroom, outside meal...

As a private lunch caterer, delivering pre-ordered meals to elementary school children, Covid 19 was devastating for the Lunch Lady Group Inc. Our business came to a standstill overnight, and even once children were back in the classroom, outside meal providers like us were not allowed back in the door for nearly 2 years. There are 4 working shareholders at the Lunch Lady, and despite a good working relationship pre-Covid, we seemed unable to make decisions or agree on a clear path forward. We needed help. We are so grateful to Stephen Cummings and Bob Cariglia who provided regular coaching to our company for the next 18 months. As a result of our work with Rizolve Partners, their expertise, mentorship, encouragement, and respectful but honest approach, we began to rebuild our company and move forward in a more organized fashion. Today, as we reflect on the past 4 years, we can see how far we have come. We are a leaner, more effective organization and although despite losing a third of our franchise partners during the Pandemic, we are now surpassing pre-Covid revenues. As a company, we are clearly focused on the opportunities ahead, that will increase the value of the Lunch Lady Brand as we grow and evolve. We are truly grateful to Stephen and Bob and their team for being there for us when we needed them most, helping us to navigate difficult times, learn to make realistic decisions, and move ahead together. Should the need arise in the future, we would not hesitate to engage them again.

Stephen Cummings, you and the folks at Rizolve are changing the game for entrepreneurs! An honour to work with you!

Stephen Cummings, you and the folks at Rizolve are changing the game for entrepreneurs! An honour to work with you!

It’s my pleasure to provide a letter of recognition for Stephen’s contributions to the board of Ontario Genomics (OG). OG is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building an Ontario-based genomic ecosystem. I have served on the board for seven years,...

It’s my pleasure to provide a letter of recognition for Stephen’s contributions to the board of Ontario Genomics (OG). OG is a not-for-profit organization dedicated to building an Ontario-based genomic ecosystem. I have served on the board for seven years, including 4 years as board chair. Stephen started on the board before me. Right from the beginning, I knew he was a collaborative board member, helping me feel welcome and encouraging me to contribute. Over time, I came to learn Stephen was also committed to seeing OG succeed. He often went above and beyond to be helpful. He served on the Governance/HR committee and was chair of the Finance & Audit committee. He supported the President/CEO when she recruited her senior financial team. He volunteered a great deal of time helping to build OG’s financial policies and procedures, ensuring OG met its financial and audit obligations and mentoring staff. Stephen was a great help to me during my time as board chair. He joined me in my efforts to change the board from an advisory group to a governance board. He was a thoughtful ear when I needed a conversation “off-line”. He was always prepared for board meetings. His comments were always useful and presented in an encouraging manner. It was a pleasure to serve on a board with Stephen. I would love the opportunity to do so again.

Stephen is a superb business advisor who brings sophisticated expertise to bear helping clients grow and monetize the value of their privately held businesses. I recommend Stephen specifically for improving financial controls, strategic planning, and for leading strategic execution. Stephen...

Stephen is a superb business advisor who brings sophisticated expertise to bear helping clients grow and monetize the value of their privately held businesses. I recommend Stephen specifically for improving financial controls, strategic planning, and for leading strategic execution. Stephen delivers top flight results: we have collaborated on several cases, and he always focuses on delivering above and beyond the norm. I would without reserve recommend Stephen to middle market CEOs seeking to create predictable free cash flows and sustainable growth in a business that has made the purposeful commitment to generating maximized transferable value.

Stephen is impressive! We are members of the same business advisory group #growth-drive. By running workshops for the organization, Stephen has demonstrated a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience in helping companies grow and prepare for sale. His team-focused...

Stephen is impressive! We are members of the same business advisory group #growth-drive. By running workshops for the organization, Stephen has demonstrated a high level of knowledge, skill, and experience in helping companies grow and prepare for sale. His team-focused approach and analysis of the client's business is at the highest level of competency and care. His clients are fortunate to have him help steer their business forward! Stephen, I look forward to learning from you in the coming years!

Stephen is a rare and special individual who combines very deep business expertise, an uncanny ability to effectively communicate complex abstract ideas especially visually and is very generous with his time and talent to help others learn and grow. We...

Stephen is a rare and special individual who combines very deep business expertise, an uncanny ability to effectively communicate complex abstract ideas especially visually and is very generous with his time and talent to help others learn and grow. We know each other through our work as business advisors and members of the Growth Drive business advisor community. Stephen and his team are exceptional at helping business owners understand the key drivers of business value and works collaboratively with business owners and their leadership team to methodically unlock and increase business value to eliminate value gaps to aid in getting a transition completed. Stephen is fantastic at guiding the value enhancement process all the way to a transaction -- a trusted guide who has been on this journey many times before and access to his sage advice is invaluable as his many clients acknowledge and appreciate. Stephen is a kind, thoughtful leader that I am very fortunate to collaborate and grow with and I know that well deserved sentiment is shared by so many others!

I was in the same group with Stephen and have had many business advisory discussions. Stephen is very knowledgeable on the subject of business advisory and exit planning. He is definitely a leader and a valuable resource to all members...

I was in the same group with Stephen and have had many business advisory discussions. Stephen is very knowledgeable on the subject of business advisory and exit planning. He is definitely a leader and a valuable resource to all members of our group. His willingness to help others achieve their goals in a group setting parlays to the business world where he passionately works to exceed his client expectations. He helps his clients to run their businesses better and ultimately increase their business value.

When it comes to value drivers, Stephen offers a unique perspective given the depth of his experience. I would highly recommend a conversation with Stephen for any business owner.

When it comes to value drivers, Stephen offers a unique perspective given the depth of his experience. I would highly recommend a conversation with Stephen for any business owner.

Stephen is a professional to the core. Every discussion you get into with him leads to major business insights. He naturally creates an environment where you feel comfortable to discuss true strategy. I have watched him impact CEO's first hand...

Stephen is a professional to the core. Every discussion you get into with him leads to major business insights. He naturally creates an environment where you feel comfortable to discuss true strategy. I have watched him impact CEO's first hand and have seen the value he drives.

Stephen founded the CVCA CFO Taskforce, a nation-wide organization of Private Equity and Venture Capital CFOs in 2009. During his nearly 6 years as Chairman, Steve demonstrated exceptional leadership and organizational skills, finding ways to strengthen the professional knowledge of...

Stephen founded the CVCA CFO Taskforce, a nation-wide organization of Private Equity and Venture Capital CFOs in 2009. During his nearly 6 years as Chairman, Steve demonstrated exceptional leadership and organizational skills, finding ways to strengthen the professional knowledge of the group while developing strong affiliations among its individual members. Steve listened carefully to all members and successfully created a highly valued, functioning group that continues to work together, thanks to his vision and execution.