Pro Serv Podcast by Collective 54

Artificial intelligence is transforming how boutique firms operate, and Darren Horwitz, founder of Tenten Group, is leading the way. By leveraging AI to process years of business data, Darren has identified high-value opportunities and optimized his firm’s service offerings. He’s also using AI to analyze patterns in client interactions, refine messaging, and develop a targeted content strategy that resonates with ideal clients. Additionally, Darren is integrating AI into client workflows, streamlining brand management tasks to enhance efficiency and free up time for strategic initiatives. Join this session to discover how AI can help you unlock growth by improving decision-making, refining client deliverables, and scaling operations with greater precision.

Scaling a firm with the ultimate goal of a successful exit requires a precise strategy, the right tools, and disciplined execution. By leveraging proven frameworks and actionable insights, you can position your business to achieve maximum value when the time is right. Join Brian Ackerman, Partner at Ascendient Healthcare Advisors, as he shares how he’s leveraging Collective 54 tools like the Firm Estimator, Exit Readiness Checklist, and EOS Integration Plan to scale his firm and maximize its value. In this session, you’ll gain practical insights into how to apply these tools, optimize your operations, and develop a roadmap that sets your firm up for long-term success.

Acquisitions can be a game-changer for scaling your business, providing access to new markets, capabilities, and talent. However, making the right acquisition requires a clear strategy and a founder’s perspective on what drives success. Join Sam Shepler, Founder of Testimonial Hero, as he shares his journey of leveraging acquisitions to accelerate growth. In this session, you’ll learn how to identify opportunities that align with your vision, navigate the acquisition process, and unlock synergies that enhance your business. Whether you're exploring acquisitions for the first time or refining your approach, this session will provide actionable insights from a founder who’s been in your shoes.

In the seller-doer model, where professionals both deliver services and generate new business, relationship selling is a powerful approach for driving growth. By focusing on authentic connections, you build trust and credibility, positioning yourself as a trusted advisor while fostering lasting partnerships. Join this session with David Ackert, CEO of Pipeline Plus to explore how to leverage the seller-doer advantage, tailor your approach to client needs, and create genuine value in every interaction, enabling sustainable business development through meaningful relationships.

Transitioning from consulting to a product-driven model can unlock growth but requires strategic decisions and innovation. There are graveyards full of services companies that tried to make this pivot and have not survived it. Lawrence King, founder of Headstorm, shares his journey of transforming his consulting firm into a product powerhouse in the agriculture industry. If you’ve ever considered developing a product, this session will help you understand what it takes to be successful. Join to learn how to achieve product-market fit, how to navigate operational shifts between consulting and product models and how to build a roadmap for innovation and sustained growth.

Exiting your business is a multi-step process that requires strategic planning and the right team at the right time. This session breaks down the timeline of an exit, from assessing your firm’s worth and preparing marketing materials to managing buyer interest and creating competitive tension. Learn when to hire key advisors, what each phase entails, and how to make a strong first impression with potential buyers. By understanding the process and investing in top-tier expertise, you can navigate the complexities of an exit and maximize your outcome.