Case Study

Serving a Family-Owned Media Company as Interim Executive

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Newport LLC

3 min read

Insights

  • The company was a family-owned media company that conducted and promoted consumer research and purchasing recommendations
  • Rapid expansion into four new southeastern markets had resulted in significant strains on cash flow and operations personnel
  • The management team was weak and inexperienced, particularly in supporting growth
  • The company was not profitable and had a poor cash position with no access to funding
  • Only 90 days of cash remained and the company’s survivability was at stake

Action

  • Newport partners were engaged to assess and make prompt changes as required and a stabilization plan was initiated to ensure the company’s ongoing viability
  • Newport partner Barry Selvidge was retained as interim general manager for a two-year period to provide ongoing professional management and leadership
  • Another Newport partner was retained as interim CFO for a similar time frame
  • Under Newport’s leadership and direction, short- and long-term business plans were created and initiated
  • The existing organization and staff were evaluated and roles were clearly defined
  • Operations processes and procedures were reviewed, developed and refined and growth opportunities were assessed and prioritized
  • Metrics were created to provide a more effective, ongoing measurement of company performance
  • Funding alternatives were identified and a ten-year term loan was obtained to provide reasonable runway for the company’s future measured growth

Results

  • The media company achieved stability and profitability within a short time frame
  • The long-term business plan was finalized and buy-in achieved from the owner, which included a transition to a more digitally-focused media company
  • Outside market operations were terminated and operational focus was accomplished on the home market only
  • Operating expenses were significantly reduced and effectively managed
  • Expansion into new business channels was limited to utilizing existing resources
  • Significant improvement was achieved in the cash conversion cycle

 

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