Financial services since 2009
About Us
J.B. Woodward Company provides business valuation, litigation support, and
other financial services to banks, law firms, and other business professionals.
Our core focus has evolved to providing business valuations to Small Business Administration (SBA) lenders.
2009
Foundation
2500
Valuations
50
Years Experience
Business Valuations
Our core focus on Small Business Administration (SBA) lenders has provided experience in a wide range of industries, including the following:
Auto
Entertainment
Franchises
Medical Practices
Retail
Professional Practices
Small Manufacturers
Tradespeople
And Many More...
Unique Methods
Quality Services
Excellent result
Projects
With over 50 years of experience, here's a small sampling our past financial services projects:
Death of real estate developer left complex enterprises with decedents claiming a highly valued estate using outside expert. Engaged by defendant’s law firm to evaluate corporate entities, analyze tax returns, and review court documents to provide accurate business valuation. Analysis resulting in 90% reduction of claimed value.
Civil action brought by $1 billion foreign company against former employees converted to criminal case. Complex financial analysis of operations over four year period invalidated claims resulting in exoneration of defendants and dismissal of civil and criminal charges.
To hedge against the potential loss of the largest customer, we developed a creative transaction to acquire acquisition target with over half of customer sales to one customer. Management company formed to acquire 50% of a Third Party Logistics provider with a two-year option to purchase remaining interest. Structured transaction, performed business valuation and due diligence, negotiated agreements for management consulting, non-competes, and leases.
A large Quick Service Restaurant chain was seeking growth through acquisition and improved brand control. Evaluated the global franchise system for potential acquisition candidates and identified opportunities to improve ROI. Analyzed franchise entities to determine valuation and provide a negotiation strategy for acquisition.
Service provider to Northern Telecom, Sprint, and others defaulted on secured loan resulting in intervention by bank. Lender engaged JBW to assume leadership role at company to investigate alleged misappropriation by CEO and develop possible asset sale or work-out plan. Determined turnaround not feasible and company eventually liquidated.
A sales executive at a steel distributor left to start a competitor company allegedly breaching his non-compete agreement and resulting in significant damages to the distributor. Engaged to quantify damages to the distributor and to assist the company in restructuring unsecured debt.
Insurance company sought expert opinion on decedent’s claims of lost earnings from deceased individuals in accidental death case. Obtained historical individual tax returns for analysis along with industry data to arrive at valuations for settlement negotiations.
R&D start-up with no products to sell, the company’s only source of funding was derived from common stock sales which evaporated in September 2008 upon the financial markets collapse. Lack of funding necessitated a rapid creation of a reorganization plan resulting in plant closure, corporate downsizing, unsecured creditor restructure plan, and “cram down” stock offering to existing shareholders.
$50 million company engaged in regional distribution of wholesale hardware products whose market share declined from big box competition. Implemented turnaround plan to acquire regional competitors and consolidate operations to realize economies of scale. Undercapitalization and non-competitive purchasing power led to filing Chapter 11. Managed the company’s bankruptcy activities including working with creditor committee and trustee.
Prevented financial collapse of company in the face of loan covenant defaults, $4.5 million guarantee called due, depleted working capital, and pending litigation. Advised against bankruptcy filing and developed work-out plan to find buyer and retain ownership interest for shareholders. Engineered a complex restructuring of the business resulting in full payment of secured creditors.
Started the first company in the golf industry to market brand name golf components by negotiating license agreements for the Arnold Palmer and Billy Casper trademarks on products. Raised capital to launch company with a focus on new product development, national advertising, catalog design & production, trade show marketing, e-commerce sales, International licensing, and direct mail campaigns.
Hello & Welcome!
Fun Fact: Tom is an avid golfer.
Thomas W. Colbert
Principal
Tom is a seasoned executive as a CEO, CFO, and Consultant at entrepreneurial companies experiencing significant changes in their business. He began his career at General Electric Company where he traveled extensively as a GE Corporate Auditor, subsequently moving on to Brown & Williamson Tobacco Corp. as an Analyst supporting brand management, and then joined Heublein International as its M&A Manager leading corporate global acquisitions. Recruited from Heublein by former GE executives, Tom assumed the Chief Financial Officer role of a start-up engaged in leveraged buyouts of distressed companies growing the enterprise into a $220 million holding company.
Nice to meet you!
Fun Fact: Justin is an avid cyclist and cook.
Justin L. Hughes
Business Analyst
Justin began his career in the restaurant industry before reinventing himself for the financial world. He earned an A.S in Culinary Arts and an A.S. in Restaurant Management to embark on a culinary career culminating in restaurant ownership where he developed firsthand knowledge of the SBA loan process as well as the rigors of entrepreneurship. Finding his management skills well suited to finance, Justin went on to earn a B.S in Accounting at the University of Louisville after which he joined a local CPA firm working with high wealth individuals. At JBW Justin works with clients from beginning of the valuation process through analyzing the subject interest of each valuation engagement.
How do you do?
Fun Fact: Zach has a twin brother that is an air traffic controller.
Zachary Smith
Business Analyst
Zach is a 2022 graduate of the University of Louisville with a Master of Accountancy degree following completion of a B.S. in Accounting at UofL in 2020 where he graduated Magna Cum Laude and completed a Certificate program in Data Analytics. Following an internship at a local CPA firm, Zach splits time working in tax services at the CPA firm and valuation engagements at JB Woodward. Zach has become a proficient analyst and trained in valuation methodology to drive the process through report writing. He is an avid sports fan of Kansas City professional teams and University of Louisville teams.