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Testimonials

Maura Corbett

Founder & CEO, Glen Echo Group

“As I’ve said to many people from the beginning, I would not have successfully transitioned my business to this next stage of growth without TobinLeff, period. They made it about us, not them, and took the time to understand our business, our values, and our people. We retained them as a full-on partner, not a consultant, and their expertise enabled me to continue to run Glen Echo Group, knowing I was in the best hands in the business.”

Carlo DiPersio

Owner, Viewpoint Creative

“Scott read every document and caught items that blew right past me and that my attorneys missed. I could not have navigated this without him, and left to my own devices, I know the deal would not have been as fair and favorable to all parties. Scott was able to act as an arbiter with the full trust of both sides of the transaction. His patience, honesty and ability to understand and process all this is astounding to me.”

Jamie Butterworth

CEO, Studio III Marketing

“Thanks so much, again, for jumping on a call yesterday. I was able to come to an agreement last night with the buyout, which your call substantially helped. So while I don't need your service, I really, really, appreciate your time, and I will sing your praises to anyone I know looking for M&A options.”

Roger Becker

Owner, Becker Media

“You made me some money. I can't say that about too many people.”

Mark Petrosky

Founder & CEO, DP+

“The team at TobinLeff was our ‘partner’ at every stage of the process. They helped us craft an exit plan and appreciate our options. When we decided to sell, TobinLeff brought us many qualified potential buyers and investors. And, most importantly, they were with us through the negotiations and due diligence stages to help keep the deal on-track and get it over the finish line.”

Jeri Smith

CEO, Communicus

“TobinLeff did an outstanding job of marketing Communicus, which led to us having the opportunity to meet with a wide range of potential acquiring companies. From this set, we were able to select the one that was a perfect fit for us in terms of product mix, culture, and future for our brand. The fact that all of our clients and employees are excited about the partnership is a testament to the success of the process.”

Jeb Brown

Chairman, Yes&

“TobinLeff was a key member of our M&A team. They uncovered the prospect and shepherded us both through the process. They helped keep the discussions going when they might have gone off-track, and provided sound guidance on the deal structure and Due Diligence. They were critical to the success of our transaction.”

Kate Allison

CEO, Karma Agency

“Exploring options and understanding the right opportunity for Karma required a good look at a diverse range of companies that were prepared to make a meaningful transaction, would understand how to leverage what we have built, and also give us a platform to create new and exciting opportunities for our exceptional team. TobinLeff completely understood our ambitions and drove an exciting process that led us to a terrific result.”

Burkey Belser

President, Greenfield Belser

“The TobinLeff team is remarkable. High emotional intelligence which is critical in that dicey time when you are selling your life’s work. Everyone on our team—and there were a lot of us—was comfortable with their approach, the clarity of his explanations and the intelligence of his options. You absolutely, positively must have someone by your side who has your interests at heart but can develop consensus and bring the deal to a close.”

Ed Herinckx

President, HMH

“The strategic counseling, the advice on deal structure, the ability to create context, the ability to talk me off the ledge and keep me in the hunt was done skillfully on all counts. I felt that the TobinLeff team carried the same sense of stewardship on this deal as I did. We achieved a great outcome, we identified a terrific partner, and created a win-win deal structure.”

Natalie Perkins

CEO Clean, Inc., An Integrated Branding Agency

“Working with [TobinLeff] has been a transformational experience for us. It took the IDEA of our retirement and made it real. Now we have a concrete plan with real goals and expectations.”

Nick Kalm

Founder and President, Reputation Partners, LLC

“My firm and I have greatly benefited from the smart counsel and innovative approaches from the team at TobinLeff. They bring practical, real-world experience as well as deep insights and analysis that have helped keep Reputation Partners at the forefront of the communications industry.”

Thomas Heiby

Past CEO, Frazier Heiby

“As an owner, retiring was a scary thought – completely unchartered territory. I knew I wanted to pursue retirement and that it would require insights with those knowledgeable of our industry, beyond accounting and legal counsel. Based on their vast experience, we hired TobinLeff to guide us through the murky waters, They provided us insights into areas such as pitfalls to avoid, an enhanced, robust financial planning model, employee retention and expanded stock ownership, all after a deep dive into our firm. In the end, the firm is continuing to prosper and I am happily enjoying retirement!”

Jan Gusich

CEO, AKHIA

“As the CEO of a 60-person marketing firm, I knew succession planning was important to the organization‘s long-term sustainability; I even knew who my successor would be – but I had no idea how to begin or navigate the process. TobinLeff walked me through a step-by-step strategy – from evaluating my company’s worth to developing an equitable and successful buy-out plan. I relied heavily on their detailed explanations to understand and develop a comfort level with every decision, document and number presented. The end result was a very smooth transition to a new owner, and the confidence to know that my agency, and my employees, are in the best possible position to succeed in the future.”

Mike Lieberman

CEO, Square 2 Marketing

“TobinLeff helped us create our acquisition strategy, process and system for a growth strategy that included finding, evaluating, and purchasing complementary agencies. They showed us their system for valuation and helped us structure deals in a creative, revenue-centric way. They were a big help. I’d recommend them to anyone.”

Gail Cooksey

President, Cooksey Communications

“The expert guidance and support given to me by David and his team during our succession planning was absolutely invaluable. I truly don’t know how I would have done it without them. They are part of our company family now.”

Larry Garfield

President & Founder, The Garfield Group

“After 25 years, I actively explored options for an exit. TobinLeff’s approach was the best I’d seen, thoughtful and comprehensive. They helped us maximize our return and protect our business interests in a way that resulted in a huge win for all involved.”

Dean Trevelino

Co-CEO of Trevelino/Keller

“We chose to work with TobinLeff after a series of disappointing interactions with other firms promising big outcomes. TobinLeff has been insightful, patient, and level setting, a true strategic consultant.”

Kevin Planovsky

Partner, Vert Digital

"Having TobinLeff on our side during the transaction through the closing of the sale was invaluable. Their expertise in the M&A market was crucial in navigating the complexities of the process and ensuring I got the best possible outcome.  They provided strategic guidance every step of the way. They anticipated potential issues and helped develop solutions that ultimately made the deal better."

Courtney Spritzer

Co-Founder & CEO, Socialfly

“This past year we realized we were ready to find a partner agency to bolster our capabilities and services. We wanted to find the right company to complement our strengths and also be a place for our employees to grow and flourish. We’ve accomplished that now with Truform Media Group and TobinLeff was with us every step of the way. Mary McKinney, Chuck Gottschalk, and David Tobin took the time to understand our value – and our values – as a business and clearly communicated it through all phases of the process - from initial valuation through cultivation, negotiations, and due diligence. This ensured we were able to develop and solidify a relationship with our new partners in Truform and accomplish all of the goals we set out to achieve.”

Adam Landrum

Founder & CEO, Up&Up

TobinLeff was there to guide me every step of the way. I valued Roy and Chuck's guidance, diligence, and collaboration with Up&Up's accounting and legal counsel. I am very happy that I chose TobinLeff, and I would highly recommend them for the sale of your agency.”

Chas Withers

Chairman & CEO, Dix & Eaton

“We have known the team at TobinLeff for several years, so when it was time to explore growth through acquisitions, we turned to them for direction and perspective. They provided superb counsel and guidance to create a deal structure that ensured value for all parties, and really helped us complete the transaction.”

Mike Lieberman

CEO, Square 2 Marketing

“TobinLeff has been a valued resource as they helped us acquire four companies over the past eight years that contributed to our growth and value proposition. When it was time for us to sell, we knew TobinLeff would be the right M&A partner to help guide us through the important process.”

Dorothy Crenshaw

Founder & CEO, Crenshaw Communications

“I relied on TobinLeff at key junctures of my company’s growth, from initial valuation to its acquisition by a third party. The team was professional and methodical, yet flexible in their approach. They were also unexpectedly empathetic. There are so many critical aspects to marketing and selling the business you’ve built, beyond just the financial ones. The TobinLeff consultants, especially Scott Leff, Holt Vaughn, and Chuck Gottschalk, served as a guiding force through a high-stakes transition that held both business and personal ramifications. I’m very happy with the outcome, and with the advice and support they provided.”

Wayne Schepens

Founder & CEO, Launchtech

“It’s really important to find an M&A group you can trust, get along with, and are comfortable with because you spend so much time together. I knew TobinLeff's team had my best interests in mind, and I feel like we became friends along the way. They had the expertise and creativity to bring several quality candidates to the table, ultimately finding the perfect buyer and fit that will lead to even greater future success for our clients, our employees, and all. Throughout the entire course of the transaction, the TobinLeff team truly over-delivered and exceeded expectations, covering not only the sophisticated financial details and questions but also greatly assisting with integration and operation items, right up to the close and post-close. It was a terrific experience, and I am thrilled with this deal. It’s a great win for everyone.”

Joe Maglio

CEO, McKinney

“When we specified our acquisition criteria and the need to add influencer capabilities, TobinLeff went to work and brought us multiple qualified prospects to consider. They were with us every step of the way to complete the successful transaction.”

Tobin Lehman

Founder, New North

“Selling a business can be intimidating and full of challenges. The TobinLeff team was there to guide me through every step of the process. They helped me understand each step of the process and steered me to make the best decisions for my deal. Having TobinLeff's expertise, experience, and counsel throughout the process created the right foundation for me to maximize the value of the transaction. I am delighted with the results.”

Luke Infinger

Co-Founder & CEO, HIP Creative

“TobinLeff played a crucial role in facilitating the acquisition of OrthoPatients. Their exceptional service made the entire process seamless and easy for all parties involved. TobinLeff's expertise and dedication ensured that the acquisition was completed smoothly and efficiently, resulting in a successful outcome for all parties involved.”

Mark Petrosky

Founder & CEO, DP+

“The team at TobinLeff was our ‘partner’ at every stage of the process. They helped us craft an exit plan and appreciate our options. When we decided to sell, TobinLeff brought us many qualified potential buyers and investors. And, most importantly, they were with us through the negotiations and due diligence stages to help keep the deal on track and get it over the finish line.”

Arya Bina

Founder, Kobe Digital

“We knew what we wanted to achieve with an acquisition. TobinLeff’s expertise helped us understand how our goals fit into today’s M&A environment, and to structure a deal that was favorable to both parties in getting it across the finish line.”

Danica Kombol

Founder & CEO, Everywhere Agency

“Selling your company is rarely an overnight experience. In my case, it was beneficial to work with TobinLeff well in advance of the deal to help define my goals, institute incentive plans for key employees, and position my company for the most successful outcome. The team at TobinLeff brought valuable industry insights and relationships to help make my life easier and achieve the best outcome.”

Marc Fowler

CEO, Bullseye Media

“Roy Page and the TobinLeff team made an extremely complex process as painless as possible. From the beginning, Roy sought to not only understand Bullseye as a company but also me as an individual. My goal was not to simply find a buyer but to find the right buyer to build on the success the team at Bullseye had achieved. Roy’s understanding of the Bullseye culture combined with TobinLeff’s proactive go-to-market strategy made that happen. I feel blessed to have been introduced to TobinLeff and truly appreciate the conscientious effort Roy put into helping to ensure a successful transaction.”

Lynn Casteel

Principal, Casteel Schoenborn

“We could not be more pleased to now be part of Lambert & Co., which is providing us with the additional scale and resources we sought to continue the growth of our national IR and corporate communications practice, with particular emphasis on the financial services industry. TobinLeff not only introduced us to Jeff Lambert and his talented team, but its highly responsive consultants, David Tobin and Holt Vaughn, provided valuable advice to support our efforts to successfully complete a transaction that met or exceeded every one of our goals and objectives as founders.”

Tod Martin

Founder, The Martin Group

“David Tobin was a key advisor throughout every step of the planning and negotiation process. While our agency had made some small acquisitions in the past, this was our first major M&A transaction, and TobinLeff’s experience and support brought much-needed clarity and the confidence to proceed. David helped me focus on the important points of the deal while providing a combination of experience and persistence to get it over the finish line.”

TobinLeff meets you where you are in your exit planning journey. You only get to sell your company once. Trust our exceptional, experienced, strategic team and wide network to maximize your exit payday. Contact us today to discuss your business options — or just to talk M&A. We welcome the opportunity to get to know you and explore if we can add value to your plans.