Strategic Advisory for Founders at a Growth Inflection Point
Your partner when instinct and grit are no longer enough.
The business is working. The opportunity is real. But the decisions are bigger, the stakes are higher, and the margin for error is smaller.
Rick Ford works with founders in this season—when growth capital, partnerships, or liquidity events are on the table, and clarity matters more than speed.
How Rick Works With Founders
Rick’s advisory work is about helping founders ask better questions before they sign term sheets or change the trajectory of their company.
He brings the perspective of someone who has:
- Built and scaled capital-intensive businesses
- Sat on both sides of the capital table
- Navigated growth partnerships, exits, and leadership transitions
- Lived with the long-term consequences of deal structure
This experience allows Rick to help founders think clearly under pressure without losing sight of culture, people, or legacy.
Growth Capital Readiness
Evaluating whether the business, leadership team, and systems are prepared for outside capital.
Partner Evaluation & Alignment
Assessing private equity and strategic partners beyond valuation—values, incentives, and operating philosophy.
Deal Structure & Governance
Understanding how terms, control provisions, and incentives shape outcomes long after closing.
Founder Transition
Supporting the shift from owner-operator to strategic partner or board-level leader.
Legacy & Long-Term Value Creation
Making decisions that protect culture, people, and enterprise value over time.
Who This Work Is For
Rick works selectively with founders who:
- Have built profitable or near-scale businesses
- Are facing real growth, capital, or transition decisions
- Want honest perspective—not cheerleading
- Care deeply about how growth impacts their people and culture
This work is not intended for early-stage startups or founders seeking transactional advice.
Start the Conversation
If you’re approaching a growth inflection point and want an experienced perspective before making irreversible decisions, let’s talk.