As a commercial lender, Marilyn D. Landis was exposed to hundreds of entrepreneurs who were talented at developing their product or service but typically lacked the financial expertise needed to run a company. Once the lending industry intensified, analysis of the balance sheet became a pivotal component in credit risk assessment. Landis saw that many small businesses were struggling with understanding advice from different sources - bankers, accountants and insurance agents - and the markets were changing too fast to rely on old conventions. She believed that the entrepreneur needed access to affordable CFO-level skills that were customized to each business.
In 2001, Basic Business Concepts was launched while serving its first client, Hipwell Manufacturing, at the flashlight manufacturer's offices. Since then, the business model has been refined to include:
Affordable CFO-level services for either continuous or one-time need without having to hire a professional full-time
Business Brokerage as a buyer's agent and listing and selling businesses
Training services in subjects such as financial, risk management and sales
One-on-one coaching
Speeches and seminars
Basic Business Concepts moved from its original offices in 2002 and grew into even larger space to accommodate the growing support staff needed to service its expanding client base. Basic Business Concepts now serves over a dozen continuous clients and a variety of project oriented clients.
Basic Business Concepts mostly services clients in Ohio and Pennsylvania from its offices in Pittsburgh, though the company plans to continue to expand nationally through its growing network of affiliates and subcontractors.
In 2001, Basic Business Concepts was launched while serving its first client, Hipwell Manufacturing, at the flashlight manufacturer's offices. Since then, the business model has been refined to include: