Starting a new firm in the worst downturn the profession has seen in at least 40 years isn't easy. Starting a new firm to compete with single-shingle and 1099 body shops has inherent risks, too. But so far so good for Loft9 co-founders Ed Beals and Mark Birzell. To learn more about the firm's unique model, Consulting's One-on-One recently sat down with Birzell.
Consulting: What gave you the idea to want to start your own firm?
Birzell: Ed and I were leaders in business development and client delivery programs at our prior firm [Point B] and saw a high volume of client needs that was being filled by single-shingle or 1099 shops. These projects didn't require big teams or much senior-level talent, but they were real clients that needed real help. The founders of Point B weren't interested in this business, fearing that it would dilute their firm's high-end operations and strategy brand, but they did become minority equity partners in our business.
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