What I Do — and What I Don’t Do
Photo by Redmind Studio
I work side by side with CEOs to build strategic relationships and close the deals that grow their companies. Not as a consultant. As their corporate development executive — in the room, at the table, getting it done.
“Whitey is one of the best deal guys on the planet. He has the perfect touch in negotiations and a winning sense for what makes the other guy tick. I’ve never seen someone do seven careful, great deals in four months, except for Whitey. He made a huge difference in the success of the NorthPoint IPO.”
— Greg Taxin, Managing Member, Spotlight Advisors LLC
While the partnerships and deals I help close often play a meaningful role in a client's next financing round and sometimes result in strategic partners investing directly (Microsoft, Verizon, Qualcomm, and Global Crossing among them), obtaining financing isn't a service I offer. I'm a strategist and deal guy, plain and simple.
“Whitey is a unique and immensely powerful ally, strategist and deal maker. He has an immediate and profound impact on the companies he works with.”
— Jesse Robbins, Investor, Advisor, General Partner, Heavybit
Every engagement over my 25-year career has come through referral — often from previously referred, satisfied clients. That’s not an accident. Referrals are the only scorecard that matters.
Which means every new client is genuinely new to me, and that first conversation is still the most exciting part of my work. After that conversation, the creative wheels start turning about directions, possibilities and potential partners. I approach that and subsequent conversations the way any serious investor would, because what I’m committing is my time — my most valuable asset. I need to understand the vision, trust the founder and believe I can move the needle. If I don’t, I’ll tell you.
I’m not a consultant, and the distinction matters to me. I’ve reported directly to Fortune 100 CEOs and public company boards, led negotiations on four multi-billion-dollar multinational deals, and sat at the table as a board member and advisor on countless high-stakes initiatives. I don’t lay out options and hand you a report. I bring judgment, experience and commitment to the outcome.
“If you want to study something, find a consultant. If you want to get something done, call Whitey.”
— Scott Allen, Majordomo, Founder and GM of Ting Wireless and CRO, SecureDNS
If you’re a CEO, founder, or investor navigating a complex deal or a critical strategic inflection point — especially in mobile, IoT or connected devices — let’s talk.
