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- Our Philosophy
- From the very first conversation, our clients speak with an expert—not a salesperson. At every stage in the business planning process, we engage the most qualified specialists.
- Our Staff
Our Staff
Jeffrey Todd, MBA, Director of Finance and Founder
Jeffrey Todd, financial model guru and founder of Epic Business Planning, has served thousands of satisfied clients throughout the U.S. While Jeffrey has a Masters of Business Administration in Finance, as well as a Bachelors Degree in Business and Economics, he has always emphasized the essential element of real world experience over credentials when writing a business plan. For this reason, he is actively involved in developing the financial model for each of Epic's business plans.
His secret to success is not really a secret at all: "Through tenacity, creativity, and a focus on the consultative process - which I believe sets Epic apart from other firms - I have always enjoyed helping my clients achieve funding and developing profitable business models." And his success shows: Jeffrey has personally advised, written, and prepared financial models for more than 500 business plans, and counting.
Jeffrey's accolades and professional achievements make up a lengthy list. His expertise includes financial modeling, project valuation, tax accounting, financial analysis, mergers and acquisitions, and portfolio management, among others. Notable positions during the past decade include: Director of Investor Relations and Senior Financial Analyst, Mergers and Acquisitions Analyst, Security Analyst, Corporate Finance Analyst, and Operations Analyst for major corporations.
Peggy Newton, MS, Director of Business Plan Development
Since 2005, Peggy Newton has supported Epic's clients by developing a wide range of business concepts and models into persuasive business plans. As the chief writer for numerous projects, she has helped a wide range of businesses solicit approximately $50 million in funds. She uses her healthcare and science background to concisely capture complex concepts. Recent examples include: the manufacture of biofuels, the manufacture of plastic products, building environmental housing, and the rapid detection of human infection. Her portfolio includes plans in the financial, food service, building, entertainment, education, human resources, and public relations industries. Ms. Newton is particularly adept at documenting new inventions and innovative business concepts.
In the 1990s, Ms. Newton acted as Analyst and Project Manager for APQC, an internationally recognized non-profit organization that provides expertise in benchmarking and best-practice research. At this position, she managed six major consortium projects in CRM and technology implementation. In addition, Margaret authored chapters for two APQC books, "Call Center Operations" (2000) and "Educators in Action" (2004). She also has completed projects on data-driven decision-making in education, strategic workforce planning, and corporate policy and procedure management. In 2000, Ms. Newton worked as an associate of Response Design Corporation, where she managed a measurement database and wrote articles and case studies.
Ms. Newton has a Master of Science degree in Nuclear Medicine from the University of Texas.
Ellen Arndt, Director of Marketing and Research
A University of Portland graduate, Ellen Arndt has written and edited hundreds of professional business plans for start-ups, existing companies, and non-profit organizations. She began her writing career in college, and has since honed her writing skills in the areas of business and marketing. From freelance web copy to writing business blogs for websites such as ResourceNation.com, Ellen is adept in both the art and science of creating successful business plans which thoroughly convey core values, identity, and mission.
Ellen is driven to represent projects in the best possible way without sacrificing client integrity. Whether that involves improving the client’s understanding of his or her market segment, researching industry trends, or developing cost-effective marketing strategies, Ellen brings superior expertise to all aspects of the business plan. Ellen consistently exceeds client expectations.
In addition to business planning, Ellen brings experiences which include grant writing, copy editing, organizing promotional campaigns, and development of corporate responsibility communications. She brings exuberance and expertise to every project she touches.
Louis Bartlett, Marketing and Business Planning Consultant
Having authored hundreds of business plans, grants, and proposals, Louis Bartlett still maintains that each business concept can bring a competitive edge to its industry: "it's just a matter of formulating a strong strategy and appropriate expectations during the business planning process." With more than 700 business plans under his belt, Louis has become one of the business plan industry's most experienced consultants.
From implementing the Delta Model to researching esoteric market trends, Louis has done and seen it all in the business plan arena. He learned early on as a grant writer for Portland State University that obtaining funding requires determination, research and effective written communication. This experience naturally translated into the business plan industry, with past positions including: Market Research Analyst, Marketing Strategy Writer, and Project Manager (with more than 100 client engagements). His core expertise includes market and industry research, data mining, marketing and advertising, supply chain integration, and technical writing.
Although Louis studied Finance and Economics in his undergraduate career, he ultimately obtained a Master of Arts in English and Rhetoric to pursue his lifelong passion writing business proposals. As a former Peace Corps officer, Louis is fluent in Portuguese and world travel.
Brian Gilmore, Small Business Development Specialist
With previous experience in several start-up businesses as an owner, manager, and investor, Brian Gilmore understands what it takes to obtain funding and long-term profitability. While earning his BBA in Entrepreneurship, and throughout his life experience, Mr. Gilmore has helped dozens of entrepreneurs achieve success in all market climates.
"There are a number of good business ideas out there. The key to setting yourself apart is to have a good business plan that details the ins and outs of the concept and emphasizes your strengths while still exposing your flaws. It's important to be honest and open about the business so that the document emphasizes the strengths while not ignoring the weaknesses." Brian incorporates this mantra into every business plan project at Epic Business Planning.
Mr. Gilmore has first-hand experience in multiple business positions in marketing, logistics, operations management, inventory control, and customer service. He specializes in the restaurant industry, with more than 10 years direct management and ownership experience. Mr. Gilmore also has led local store marketing campaigns and inventory control initiatives to drive profitability in the hospitality industry. His restaurant background and knowledge has been instrumental to the success of Epic's clients.
Tammy Jordan, Logistics and Implementation Specialist
Tammy Jordan brings to the table a vast array of business planning knowledge. Her Business Management and Financial degrees coupled with personal life experiences lend to her expert knowledge of the business planning process. Tammy's core expertise includes analysis of regional and national market research, effective written communication in multiple styles, data mining, and 'out of the box' thinking to emphasize the client's overall business plan.
Having launched her own business more than eight years ago, she personally understands the importance of developing a strong business plan. She has leveraged her entrepreneurial success to write numerous plans for clients in a range of industries. In each of her projects, she emphasizes the need to establish a competitive stance in the respective industry. Tammy also has worked for several large corporations in the Supply Chain/Logistics arena, and understands the importance of using every resource available to implement effective operational strategies, develop feasible financial projections, and perform intensive data mining. Her belief that the business plan document is the single most important part of any business motivates her to consider all angles when crafting compelling documents for her clients.
Additional Support
Epic Business Planning employs specialists in a range of industries, including: information technology, biotechnology, manufacturing, import/export, retail, hospitality and restaurants, marketing and advertising, e-commerce, management, corporate development, mergers and acquisitions, accounting, finance, banking, and more.