Testimonials

Jonathan A. Victor, Managing Director, Balmoral Advisors LLC

Avant worked very hard to meet with the right people in and around our target company, ask the right questions, and make all parties feel comfortable with their investigative work. In a tense turnaround situation, Avant managed to deliver the analysis and recommendations needed without ruffling any feathers. Their professional, pleasant, and courteous demeanor pleased us, and their work ethic impressed us. Even after the engagement, they followed up to ensure the acquisition proceeded smoothly and volunteered to clarify any of their findings, as necessary. Even though it was our first time working together, the Avant professionals made us feel like their most important client. We look forward to working with them again.

Dennis J. Horowitz, Chairman, Audit Committee, Superconductor Technologies Inc.

As a member of the Company's Board and Chairman of the Audit Committee I worked with Marty on a broad range of business, financial/accounting and treasury issues. Through every phase of the business cycle Marty provided professional, practical and transparent solutions to the tactical and strategic imperatives of the Company. The Board and Audit Committee were particularly appreciative of Marty's efficient and flawless handling of the complex and changing accounting and reporting requirements of a public Company. Appreciating that these responsibilities were being appropriately addressed, coupled with Marty's personal integrity and dedication, the Board and Audit Committee were able to allocate valuable time to other pressing business challenges.

Michael A. Angel, Esq., Partner, Meserve, Mumper & Hughes LLP

I have worked with Jim Davidson for or over 25 years, both in his capacity as the Chief Financial Officer of two major corporations and as a consultant, utilizing his forensic specialization skills, his financial and strategic planning skills involving mergers and acquisitions, and advice on the duties of officers and directors of a major financial institution. Jim is always current on the latest laws and regulations, is in touch with industry trends, and is a skilled communicator. It is rare to find an individual with the wealth of knowledge, and the depth of hands on experience in one package. Having Jim Davidson and Avant Advisory on your side makes a difference!

Kevin Shultz, Senior Managing Director, FTI Capital Advisors, LLC

Marty was "parachuted in" as CFO of a client during a very stressful time for the company. Thanks to his invaluable assistance, he was ultimately able to negotiate a very complicated recapitalization of the company and restructuring of the trade debt. Not only did Marty quickly develop a firm grasp of a company in the midst of chaos, but he was able to articulate the conditions in an extremely professional manner and propose constructive solutions to the company's situation. Without Marty's assistance, neither the company nor the transaction would have survived the year.

Michael Caldwell, Chief Financial Officer, Adaption Technologies

I came to know Jim Davidson as part of a forensic investigation requested by my company's senior lender. The company had defaulted on its loan agreement, and the lender sent Jim to investigate the situation and evaluate the company's opportunity for a turnaround versus a sale. Jim performed a hard-nosed, bottoms-up forensic examination encapsulating the finance, operations, and sales functional areas of the company. Although a tense and stressful situation, Jim made every effort to work with my company's management team in developing the best course of action for the senior lender and the company. Due to Jim's flexibility and deep experience in dealing with troubled companies, we were able to work with our senior lender to facilitate a sale of the company. The sale allowed the lender to recoup its investment and our shareholders to salvage millions of potentially lost capital. I firmly believe that, had it not been for Jim, both the lender and our shareholders would have lost millions of dollars.

Jim is a rare talent in today's marketplace possessing a balanced mix of hands-on experience, technical expertise, and professional instinct required to guide an institution toward success.

Daniel G. Christopher, Esq., Former Corporate Partner, Irell & Manella LLP

I've served as Marty McDermut's corporate counsel at two public companies and worked closely with him for more than a decade. During that time, he has successfully closed more than a dozen financings and acquisitions ...many under very challenging circumstances. Marty's strength is his ability to maintain composure and provide leadership in the midst of chaos. It takes skill and experience to bring a transaction to closure with a demanding CEO and Board on one side and savvy bankers and investors on the other side. Marty navigated these waters with ease, managing to earn the confidence of his CEO and Board along the way.

Michael Roda, Managing Member, Roda & McCarty LLC

Jim Davidson and I have been associated for over 26 years, since we worked together at PricewaterhouseCoopers. Over these many years, I have worked with Jim in connection with acquisitions and troubled company turnaround situations. I've also observed him operate effectively in executive positions, such as CFO and COO. As a long-time valuation professional, I noted first hand his value creation through both internal profit improvement as well as full implementation of one of the largest and most successful merger transactions in the consumer products and packaging industry. He has expertly served companies ranging from middle market to some of the largest in the nation. Jim is a knowledgeable and a brilliant, out-of-the box quick thinker. He is a tireless, aggressive advocate for his client, while also pursuing solutions that balance interests of affected parties.

In addition, our long association has afforded me the opportunity to observe his entrepreneurial spirit, experience, and leadership. I know him as highly motivated, service oriented, physically and mentally tough, of the highest integrity, a skilled communicator, and a natural leader. I have always admired Jim's values, energy, industriousness, and intellect. Simply put, Jim Davidson makes a substantial, positive difference in all that he does.

Ken Fisher, Director of Business Development, Litepanels, Inc.

Marty provided critical guidance during the negotiation of the sale of our company. His advice and insights were very creative and valuable. One idea protected us from losing millions in our earn-out payments. He was absolutely an excellent resource.

Eddie Yau, CEO, E&G Enterprises

For over 10 years, Jim Davidson has been my go-to consultant for various business operations and ventures. He has successfully helped me resolve multiple and complex strategic, financial, legal, and organizational issues. Recently, for more than two years he provided highly valued consulting services to my industrial-based manufacturing and distribution company. Jim's recommendations are insightful, and practical. He is knowledgeable capable, and a business savvy advisor. No one is more deserving of higher recommendation than that for Avant Advisory Group and its managing director, Jim Davidson.

Drew Furlong, Vice President, Wells Foothill

The company that Jim Davidson analyzed for us was initially very averse to us engaging a crisis manager. They soon viewed him as a valuable partner, however, with both the CFO and CEO speaking highly of Jim's professionalism, knowledge, and ability to quickly diagnose the Company's critical issues. In fact, at the completion of the initial assignment, the company asked Jim to remain on site for another week so to help incorporate his recommendations and to help them in the preparation of a revised set of financial projections. As a lender for the past 10 years, I've engaged dozens of 3rd party professionals (crisis managers, turnaround consultants, forensic accountants, etc.) to assist me on troubled accounts. This was the first job on which I myself worked with him, but he is the first guy I would turn back to for a similar assignment. I believe his character and integrity are irreproachable. He established an immediate rapport with me and with the management of the company he was analyzing. His report was very insightful, well thought out, and easy to digest. He constantly made himself available for follow-up advice and suggestions. I believe he is a top notch professional.

Bret Vessey, Chief Financial Officer, Rayne Corporation

Jim Davidson was engaged to perform financial and operational diligence on behalf of our soon-to-be lender. Jim came in well-prepared and with a strong understanding of our business and the critical issues affecting our company. We were able to analyze the lifeblood of the company in detail without wasting time discussing less important issues. He respected my time and that of my staff, helping to make the overall process smooth and efficient. In addition, Jim used his experience and insight to provide numerous suggestions on how we could improve the operation of our businesses, all of which he shared prior to leaving.

In summary, I appreciate Jim Davidson’s professionalism and involvement with my company. I offer my highest recommendation of him and his firm, Avant Advisory Group.

Thomas Spinogatti, Vice President - Former COO/CFO Confection/Novelty Importer, First Bank, Newport Beach, CA

I had the pleasure of working with Jim Davidson while I was Chief Operating Officer and Chief Financial Officer of a middle market confection importer/distributor company located in San Diego, CA. I worked with Jim in two M&A engagements that included due diligence on behalf of separate private equity firms, which were seeking to acquire the company. Overall, I found Jim’s work ethic and professionalism to be “top notch.” I enjoyed Jim’s valuable insight into many complex issues obtained through years of experience; this is not a guy you need to train to get the job done! Hire Jim and his firm and learn for yourself!.

Michael Shurgot, CPA, Chief Financial Officer, Resolution Economics

It was a pleasure working with Jim Davidson on the due diligence for our Company's recent capital infusion. Jim is highly detail-oriented with strong depth of experience as well as integrity and good judgment. I would highly recommend Jim to anyone needing financial due diligence, forensic or specialized finance and accounting services. I appreciate everything he did to make my experience top shelf.

Greg Helman, Former Senior Vice President, Wells Fargo Bank

As a senior vice president of a major lending institution, I had the pleasure of working with Jim Davidson through two trying situations when dealing with troubled companies. I found him always the consummate professional: insightful, practical, thorough, knowledgeable, team player, personable, and extremely capable. We could not have achieved such successful solutions without his sound advice and recommendations.