Good afternoon
Recently I was reviewing some old files when I came upon this article (attached and below), written in July 1997, by Tom Peters in Fast Forward, his weekly update. Tom Peters is a futurist and notable author.
In the mid 1980’s to 2001, my primary focus was an internationally recognized Crisis/Turnaround CEO, brought into challenging company situations by equity and senior lenders. Since 2001 Gerbsman Partners has also focused on “maximizing enterprise and shareholder value” for under performing and distressed Intellectual Property, as well as providing “crisis consulting”.
Tom Peters was seeking insight into “what are the early warning signs for underperforming/distressed companies” and what do you need to do to fix them.
After reading the article again, it has always amazed me is that the same challenges faced in 1997 are the same challenges faced by companies today in 2025.
As outlined in the third paragraph from the bottom the “red alerts are”:
- Lack of focus by management and the Board on the monitoring, preservation, control and forecasting of CASH;
- Changes in the marketplace that are not met with adequate communication and quick adjustments to the new situation;
- A heavy debt load that is not being alleviated.
Tom Peters outline below is an accurate portrayal of life as a Crisis/Turnaround CEO – “Hired Gun”.
So, if ever appropriate, Ken Hardesty and I are available to strategize and develop action plans for maximizing and monetizing value.
Best
Steve
Blog of Intellectual Capital 