Andover Technology Partners (ATP) is the business that I started in 1997 as an independent consultant. My clients include government agencies, state agencies, some of the top companies in the energy and air pollution control industries, and - now that this has become an interesting investment sector - even Wall Street.

On the main page of my web site I state that ATP focuses on solving our client’s “most difficult technology and business problems”. Why? There are lots of consultants out there. It’s easy to get into the consulting business. But, it’s hard to establish lasting business relationships based on value if you’re doing something that many other consultants do equally well. I know that ATP is not the least expensive consultant serving this sector. In fact, I intentionally price my rates somewhat above many of my competitors because I don’t want clients that are focused primarily on cost. Despite having higher rates, I have been repeatedly told by clients that ATP is a tremendous value. I’ve always tried to keep the business small and profitable by focusing only on business where I have strong relationships and a clear competitive advantage that is apparent to both me and to the client. By doing this I’ve managed to create a business where I have made a very good living while also feeling very good about the work I am doing.

Who is ATP? What is the team? So far, it’s mostly me. Thus far I have been supported by a cadre of outstanding people that I use as subcontractors. It’s been a great ‘gig’ with terrific clients and very few headaches. However, the following factors are causing me to re-evaluate my long-held desire to stay small.

· First, the business has grown to the point where I could really use regular help. Someone once told me that if you don’t keep pedaling harder, you fall down. Well, I’ve reached a point where I can’t pedal any harder without more help. But, that help could be addressed by subcontractors, and has in the past. So, that gets to the second reason.

· My client needs and my number of clients have grown to the point where the business demands are extremely high, and every indication is that they will continue to grow at a substantial pace. And, I want to ensure that I can always say “yes” to these clients who have treated me so well over the years. Therefore, the growth makes it possible to produce a sustainable and profitable business that can provide a long-term opportunity for employees, as well as to me, the business owner. Without the high likelihood of profitable, long-term growth, I couldn’t justify the cost and obligations associated with bringing in employees.

· Finally, as my client needs grow, I want to have better control over quality. To date I’ve used excellent subcontractors to support me, and I anticipate using them in the future as needed. But, subcontractors have their own priorities and I want to ensure that as the business grows my clients will continue to receive the level of service that they are accustomed to.

What I don’t envision changing is the focus on areas where ATP provides substantial, unique, added-value to the client. I simply don’t want to compete in crowded markets where you have to accept a contract with a budget that won’t allow for good work. Therefore, growth will always be limited by that constraint. But, I’ve grown this business with that philosophy, and every indication is that the business can continue to grow under that constraint.

To people who might be considering joining me or working in the consulting business for someone else, I can tell you it is a personally rewarding business. Consulting is a business that is built on strong, personal, client relationships. A good consultant has a great rapport with their clients, and my relationships with my various clients have made this a very enjoyable experience. Many of my clients have become very good friends.

I am looking for smart, honest, hard-working people who are good at working with both numbers and people - people who are intellectually curious, naturally helpful to others, and who like to solve hard problems. If this is sounds like you, please give me a call.

About me and ATP briefly:

· I graduated from the United States Naval Academy (1979) with a BS in Mechanical Engineering and served in the Navy nuclear power program on a nuclear powered aircraft carrier (USS Enterprise – CVN-65) until 1984.

· I received my Masters in Mechanical Engineering and PhD in Mechanical Engineering with a minor in Business Administration from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology in 1986 and 1987, respectively.

· I have held the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) designation since 2001, and I am a member of the CFA Institute

· Prior to starting my own business, I was employed by a few air pollution control technology suppliers, including Fuel Tech and Research-Cottrell, in management positions. My first job out of graduate school was with a small, turbomachinery design firm.

· Andover Technology Partners is an Associate Member of the Institute of Clean Air Companies

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