What’s in a name?

2717 Group’s name is taken from a biblical proverb that says: As Iron Sharpens Iron, So One Man, Sharpens Another (Proverbs 27:17).

2717 Group’s focus is to sharpen (strengthen) clients through its  Corporate Performance Improvement and Corporate Development (M&A) advisory services.

Background (grab a drink and a snack, this is a little wordy)

I’m Alan Schlotzhauer, Founder of 2717 Group, an advisory firm focused on providing C-level services to companies that design, construct, service and repair buildings / facilities.  I work with CEOs, business owners, and their teams.

Yes, I am a consultant and have consulted with construction and building services groups for years on Strategic, Financial, and Operational initiatives.

I developed this passion for helping companies in the industry working inside construction and building services companies where I gained great experience working on acquisitions, turning companies around and helping them grow. Here’s an overview of my background in the following functional areas:

FINANCIAL MANAGEMENT

This is the backbone or foundation of what I do. It’s also an area where I have had some of my most challenging engagements working with companies whose businesses were stalled or under-performing. Whether I am looking over a set of financials of a potential acquisition for a client or preparing cash and sales forecasts for a company that’s struggling, I lean heavily on my financial management training and experience to provide a quality solution for my clients.  

OPERATIONAL LEADERSHIP

Working inside a large public Mechanical, Electrical, Plumbing & Building Automation company, I gained valuable operational experience as part of a regional management team focused on performance improvement, project management training, and integrating best practices within our operations.  I was eventually promoted to a Regional Vice President role where I led a region of 13 Construction, Service, and Building Automation companies.

I have also served as a Chief Operating Officer for a regional MEP contractor. That role evolved out of a performance improvement consulting engagement. I had the privilege to lead operations for Construction, Service, Building Automation, and Performance Contracting divisions. I worked alongside great people and am very thankful for the experience

Today, I work with companies on strengthening their operational performance and processes to gain more consistent results.

STRATEGY

Strategy forms the basis of how I approach most engagements. Unfortunately, it is one of the most misunderstood concepts and is often confused with strategic planning. (see additional comments / ramblings here) While I have developed strategic plans for companies and have spoken on strategic planning to industry groups, I help companies focus on strategy to achieve their long-term plans, and not so much strategic planning. There’s a huge difference between the two in both focus and results.

In working with clients on strategy, I base my approach on two well known Strategy books:

“Playing to Win”, by Roger L. Martin and A.G. Lafley (P&G)

and

“The Crux”, by Richard P. Rumelt

Both books are invaluable guides on the strategy process and should be read by every business leader.

MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS (M&A)

I started my journey in the Construction / Building Services industry working as Director of Acquisitions for a large public mechanical construction and service company (Comfort Systems USA) that rolled-up (acquired) privately owned construction, mechanical service, and building automation companies across the U.S. I was part of a great team that grew the business through acquisitions to over $1 billion in annual revenue in under 3 years.

Today, I primarily focus on companies that want to grow through acquisitions while also working with business owners who want to position their business to sell in the future.

Personal:

Most importantly, I am a Christian, which heavily influences how I work with clients. I have an amazing wife and we have four wonderful daughters. Also, I am a graduate of Texas A&M University with a degree in Accounting.