United Engineering Group Inc.

"High Rock Partners was instrumental in helping United Engineering Group structure a deal to sell our 63 year old company. When United approached High Rock Partners, we had an interested buyer, but needed a partner to help us with the complexities inherent in structuring a deal that would satisfy a multifaceted group of owners with diverse interest. We also had a very tight time frame and needed to go from offer to closing in a matter of less than 3 months, a schedule driven by concerns of the negative tax consequences of the then impending “fiscal cliff” which would have severely impeded the deal moving forward had we not been able to close in 2012. Ken Marks’ skills and experience in structuring mergers and acquisitions became very apparent as he worked very effectively with our buyer, accountants, and lawyers to increase the value of the deal by maximizing the value of our assets and minimizing the tax consequences. This created a deal that was able to gain the support of our stock holders, stake holders and of our buyer. Ken’s expertise, his dedication, availability nights and weekends helped us achieve our goals. Ken became not only a valued consultant, but a friend whose values and integrity provided a reliable compass for the many decisions that I had to make as Chairman of our company."

Roger Woods, Chairman, United Engineering Group Inc.

Exits

RPG Solutions

“I would highly recommend Kenneth and Buddy to any business owner or executive looking to grow their business. We engaged  High Rock to help with strategic planning ...they gave me some extremely valuable advice.  Moreover, it was obvious that they were looking after my best interests rather than trying to lengthen their engagement.  I would be happy to share more details on my experience with High Rock Partners.”

Phil Gruber, President, RPG Solutions

Strategy

Pinnacle Real Estate Advisors

“We hired High Rock Partners to evaluate our growth plans, challenge our thinking about our strategy, and quantify where we would likely be if things worked the way we planned. They used their Strategy Navigator™ process for these as well as to help us think through and develop alternatives. I would highly recommend Kenneth and his team.”

Matt Ritter, Principal, Pinnacle Real Estate Advisors

Strategy

Precision BioSciences, Inc.

"Precision BioSciences engaged Kenneth Marks and Buddy Howard of High Rock Partners in 2012 to provide the Company with transaction advice and an analysis of Precision’s business development strategy and tactics. Kenneth and Buddy were both incredibly responsive to the Company’s requests, seemingly available at all hours to provide Precision with timely advice and support. High Rock’s efforts pushed our management team to think critically about our existing growth strategy and helped us to evaluate alternative paths forward. In the end, we found that what really set High Rock Partners above the rest is their steadfast focus on meeting our Company’s goals not simply on closing a transaction. I would look forward to working with them again."

Matthew Kane, Co-Founder & CEO, Precision BioSciences, Inc.

Strategy Exits

Kendall Todd, Inc.

"I've closed two corporate sales that relied on Ken's strategic thinking around  liquidity, licensing, and deal structure – he’s able to see all sides of the transaction.  That ability created confidence in the buyers and the sellers; transforming fear into focused thinking, communication and action which resulted in a win/win liquidity event for our investors." 

Todd Ballenger, Founder & CEO, Kendall Todd, Inc.

Exits

American Support

"American Support engaged High Rock Partners as strategic and corporate finance advisors to assist in the process of acquiring Evergreen Sales & Marketing. Kenneth Marks and his team helped us understand the likely sources and alternative deal structures, and to prepare our financial outlook in a format that would be understood by the various lending institutions being pursued to finance the acquisition and fund working capital. The High Rock Partners team adapted the analysis to accommodate the requests of the lenders and helped us understand the impact and outcomes of the credit facilities being presented to us; offering real world perspective on what was "market" and the relative benefits and risks. Once we selected the lending institutions, the High Rock team stayed involved during the due diligence process to provide guidance and support. We enjoy working with High Rock Partners and would highly recommend them." 

Matthew Zemon, CEO, American Support

Acquisitions Financing

Alpheon Corporation

"Alpheon Corporation engaged Kenneth Marks of High Rock Partners in the spring of 2010 to provide a comprehensive review of our organization, develop strategic direction options, and assistance in the development of our growth plans. Within a short timeframe, Kenneth effectively demonstrated value by leveraging his professional knowledge, experience and proven methodologies by developing a plan for us to grow and excel. During the engagement, Alpheon was approached by mindSHIFT Technologies, Inc. for a potential acquisition. Kenneth proved invaluable throughout the acquisition negotiation and transaction as a management consultant and trusted advisor. He performed a vital role by contributing leadership, representation on our behalf, and market perspective throughout each step of the acquisition process. His leadership provided us with a higher valuation for the company and a seemingly easy transaction experience. We would highly recommend Kenneth Marks and the HRP team."

Greg Donovan & David Sturdivant, Co-Founders, Alpheon Corporation

Strategy Exits

NSTAR Global Services, Inc.

"My decision to engage High Rock Partners, and specifically, Kenneth Marks was absolutely critical to the success of my deal. I involved Kenneth from the start in preparing and presenting the company to M W, including building the financial model that supported the 3 year growth strategy that I developed. Kenneth was invaluable throughout the deal process, helping me to negotiate at every step, regardless of whether it was face to face or during phone conversations. The check I wrote to High Rock Partners at the end of the deal was hand delivered with a smile, knowing that they were worth every penny that I paid them and more, THANK YOU Kenneth!" 

Randy Nelson, President, NSTAR Global Services, Inc.

Strategy Exits

Bob Barker Company

"Sonny played a vital role in the acquisition process...he created the greatest value in this deal, not in the traditional role of investment banker, but right where most investment bankers leave off—now that you have made this major acquisition, what do you do with it to create lasting value? Sonny served as a consultant and strategic advisor in how to go about integrating these businesses and realizing our anticipated synergies as well as creating alignment...he has helped us create a tremendous amount of value in our organization, doubling our net income year over year and increasing our EBITDA by more than 50%. Sonny’s extensive M&A experience as a CEO was a godsend....he helped me navigate the choppy waters of change and assured we were focusing on the right things in the integration while avoiding major missteps with customers, employees, vendors, and board members. He is one of the greatest strategic thinkers I have ever encountered ....his passion for success and his sheer desire for our company to win as a team are both inspiring and convicting of what a true leader is. Sonny’s selfless devotion to our company and its success has always been his singular focus, even to the detriment of his own personal well being at times. If you have the opportunity to work with Sonny Williams, do not let it pass you by; he has been a true pleasure to work with."

Robert Barker, President, Bob Barker Company

Acquisitions

River Works, Inc.

"As part of the sale of our consulting firm, Buck Engineering, we agreed to sell our construction firm, River Works, Inc. The sale of Buck was led by Citibank and the sale of River Works by High Rock Partners. If we were to do it again, we would have High Rock Partners represent us in the sale of both companies. The value, expertise and mindshare received from Buddy and Kenneth was head and shoulders above the work done by Citibank. They did a great job." 

Jim Buck & Will Harman, Co-Founders, River Works, Inc.

Exits

ShareFile

“I engaged High Rock Partners in a consulting project in the Fall of 2008 to help ShareFile develop a valuation model so we could set expectations regarding our exit strategy and decide the best timing for selling our company. Both during and after our project, it was very clear to me that Kenneth’s first priority was delivering value to our company, rather than just trying to generate fees. Kenneth and the High Rock Partners team gave generously of their time and have stayed in touch in the months following our engagement, providing helpful connections, customer referrals, and generally making us feel that they are invested in the success of our business Regarding the deliverables of our consulting engagement, I feel they provided us exactly what we needed. Instead of just giving us a PowerPoint presentation with a valuation number, they provided us with a working model that was customized for our business, allowing us to continue to derive value from their services long after the consulting engagement ended. I would definitely recommend High Rock Partners and we plan to work with them again when we are considering exit strategies and growth opportunities.”

Jesse Lipson, President, ShareFile

Strategy Exits

ArcaTech Systems, Inc.

“High Rock Partners helped ArcaTech to create an accurate cash flow forecasting and financial planning model that has become an integral part of the way we run our company. They were very quick to understand the critical aspects of our business that had to be modeled and they did a great job of training our staff and transitioning the work to be a 100% internal function. Their team supported our management in analyzing and thinking-through a number of strategic alternatives and situations. I highly recommend Kenneth Marks and the rest of the team at High Rock.”

Mort O'Sullivan, President, ArcaTech Systems, Inc.

Strategy Financing

Brooks | Bell Interactive, Inc.

"Kenneth advised me throughout 2008 as we matured as an agency, doubled our staff and scaled to bring on six new clients. Kenneth guided my growth strategy, helped me identify and stick to my goals and build a best class executive team. He also coached me to grow my leadership skills and better handle CEO responsibilities. He was a vital partner and resource to me during a period when stakes were higher than ever before!."

Brooks Bell, President, Brooks | Bell Interactive, Inc.

Strategy

Catalyst Manufacturing Services

"Catalyst Manufacturing recently had the pleasurable experience of working with and using the services of Kenneth Marks for the purpose of acting as intermediary on the behalf of Catalyst and perspective Private Equity Groups for the purpose of a transaction. We found Mr. Marks to be the most professional and detailed individual in representing facts, figures, and advice on strategy. He is market knowledgeable, proactive, and results oriented. We have no reservation to promote Mr. Marks to other businesses, or consider engaging him for future possible business transactions." 

Jeff Benes, President, Catalyst Manufacturing Services

Financing

Carolina Glass & Mirror, Inc.

"High Rock Partners helped our company evaluate our strategic alternatives and think through our growth plans. In addition, the relationship with Gonzalo and Kenneth was educational for me, in that I am now much more aware of the financial position of my business. The tools that were put in place to monitor profit divisions within the business give me a quick snapshot of the items that need attention. The relationship with them forced me to be accountable. Before my involvement with them, I had no one pushing me on issues in the business that needed to be corrected. The result has been nearly doubling our business in the past couple of years."

David Fitchett, President, Carolina Glass & Mirror, Inc.

Strategy Exits

Arbill Industries, Inc.

"Kenneth is a trusted advisor to Arbill providing perspective on strategic, financial and growth related issues. Most recently in our efforts to go out to market renewing a new banking relationship…he led us down a strategic path that garnered Arbill significant savings."

Julie Copeland, President, Arbill Industries, Inc.

Strategy Financing

Brightline Compliance

"Josh and Kenneth worked with us as we thought through some key financial decisions… providing a market view and financial tools. They provided detailed analysis and very strong help in setting the vision and executing the plan. Kenneth’s prior experiences in building his own company from scratch and selling other companies were invaluable in preparing and selling Brightline.” 

Michael Johnson, Esq., Co-President, Brightline Compliance

Strategy Financing

JPS Communications, Inc.

High Rock Partners helped us develop an exit strategy…then led us in preparing for the sale. Kenneth Marks' deal-structuring skills were critical to maximizing the proceeds from the sale of my privately-held company. High Rock is a team of financial professionals with all of the experience and tools necessary to augment any company's operating or financial plan, then making it happen. Ethical, trustworthy and easy to work with, these folks are highly recommended!"  

Peter W. Pflasterer, President & Co-Founder, JPS Communications, Inc.

Exits

The Outsourcing Institute

“High Rock Partners (then Marks & Company) provided financial and strategic advice during an important growth phase of our company. Their insights and perspectives were valuable in some of our key decisions and their hands-on participation made a real impact in affecting positive change in our business” .

Frank Casale, President, The Outsourcing Institute

Strategy Financing

ASG, Inc.

"Ken Marks is an extremely knowledgeable expert in the field of Entrepreneurship. Ken's company High Rock Partners has helped ASG grow and become a more efficient company that is considered a better place to work by its employees. Ken has extensive knowledge in management, finance, and business development. I highly recommend Ken for any company who needs outside assistance to take their business to the next level." 

Jim Baker, President, ASG, Inc.

Strategy Acquisitions Financing

Management Recruiters of Davidson

“When our recruiting firm was trying to develop plans for growth and new business strategy in a tough economy; we turned for assistance to High Rock Partners. They introduced us to the Growth Strategy Navigator™ and guided us through a process where the whole team had a chance to analyze our current and desired states, and to develop solid plans to get there. The process is relentless in driving “alignment” – by the end of the process I understood when all of our team was speaking the same language and taking actions to achieve the same agreed goals. I’d recommend the Growth Strategy Navigator™ process and plan to continue using it for our own business in the future.”

Joe A. Bubenzer, Owner, Management Recruiters of Davidson

Strategy

Unique Places, LLC

“Kenneth has been a trusted advisor for our company over the past 3 years. He serves as our part-time CFO, but provides more then just solid financial advice. He has been an integral part of the management team, assisting with financial models, raising capital, and assisting in growing the company. Kenneth’s extensive experience with all types of businesses leads him to quickly identify issues and suggest solutions. I would highly recommend High Rock Partners and Kenneth Marks.”

Guenevere Abernathy, Managing Member, Unique Places, LLC

Strategy Financing