Starting a business by accident
In 2003, I relocated my family to south Florida to run a subsidiary of a publicly-held company. After a couple of years, I was given an opportunity to go back to New York in an executive capacity, but chose to “stick it out” in the sunshine state. While looking for my next challenge, I made a few calls to my contacts, only to find a significant need for my accounting and finance expertise, but on an outsourced basis. I started to consult on matters such as Sarbanes-Oxley and financial reporting, as well as acting as one of my former employer’s Financial Operations Principal (FinOp).
While traveling to New York once a month, still looking for that perfect job, I realized I had unintentionally started a consulting practice. My two largest clients were former employers, and word-of-mouth started to generate more prospects and clients.
We need a name!
Over lunch one day, a friend of mine started telling me about a book he was reading, The Tipping Point, by Malcolm Gladwell. My friend spoke of Gladwell’s reference to “mavens”, and their importance in being successful in business and in life. Gladwell had suggested that “mavens act most effectively when in collaboration with connectors, people who have wide network of casual acquaintances by whom they are trusted, often a network that crosses many social boundaries and groups. Connectors can thus easily and widely distribute the advice or insights of a maven”.
As defined, a maven is a trusted expert in a particular field, who seeks to pass knowledge on to others; one who understands, based on an accumulation of knowledge.
I walked away from that lunch with not only a full stomach, but a new name for my firm, Maven Strategic Solutions…your source of resources.
Where we are today
Maven Strategic is now over 15 years strong with multiple professionals servicing clients throughout the United States. Many of Maven’s clients are owned by large Latin American and US-based banks and broker/dealers. Maven’s business is derived mostly from referrals, and we are proud to offer our prospects our entire client roster as referral sources. Not only do we have an excellent reputation with our clients, but we pride ourselves on our successful strategic partnerships, key service providers, and strong regulatory relationships. At Maven, we take pride in our work and our role as a trusted advisor, and as an “adopted” family member and key contributor of our client’s teams.
We look forward to servicing you and your company’s needs in the near future.
Sincerely,
Steven Singer
Founding Partner
If you want to learn more, or discuss your prospective needs, contact us now.