Success Stories

 


Testimonials   Recommendations   Reviews


At CTL, our number one focus is always on you, the client. We strive to ensure that the client is always happy with the outcome, and nothing makes us happier than hearing the success stories of our clients. Below you will find a collection of testimonials, reviews, and success stories from our work in in M&A, our Business Skills Training Centre, and many more.

M&A and Consulting Testimonials

*Non-Disclosure Agreement (NDA): We are contractually obligated to ensure our clients' information remains confidential


Happy Employees = Happy Company?

August 22, 2023

As a small business owner, I know employees are our big assets. Happy employees are productive employees. According to statistics, happy employees are as much as 20% more productive in the workplace than unhappy employees.  Small business which generally operate on tight profit margins, can be hit especially hard when we lose workers.  Go back to 10 years ago, I had tough time to retain employees but right now CTL have good employees who worked here over 8 years like Alison, Rick and Henry.  I would like to share some strategies to keep happy employees to work in company below:

  1. Maintaining Happy Remote Workers

Remote working has become increasingly popular, and many companies are finding it necessary to accommodate more and more remote workers. CTL provide 3 days remote working and 2 days office working opportunities. I found this is great for employee satisfaction, it presents a unique set of challenges for businesses looking to save money. The key to maintaining a positive remote workforce is communicating closely with team members and providing interesting incentives that reward remote performance.

  1. Create a Career Pathway to Keep Employees Happy.

CTL provide Professional Development Benefits to help employees stay up to date with industry trends, gain new skills and knowledge, and become more productive and efficient. It’s important to have regular career planning discussions with the employees. As part of training and development, make sure employees are aware of the different types of career paths or job opportunities throughout the company.

When CTL invest in employee training, we find employees can grow their skills and pursue professional goals while integrating new knowledge and skills into their day-to-day work responsibilities. We’ll explore professional development in the workplace, how it benefits employers, employee and business.

  1. Build A Positive Company Culture

We believe “Happy employees make for a happy company. Without a positive corporate culture, many employees will struggle to find the real value in their work, and this leads to a variety of negative consequences for your bottom line. Within the office, we’ll publicly acknowledge accomplishments, provide a group lunch, team building events, reserve a prime parking space and talent retention. Make employees part of the big picture. We’ll also help employees improve their work-life balance. “To engage the workforce and remain competitive, it’s no longer sufficient to focus solely on benefits. We create an environment where employees feel connected to the organization and have a positive work experience that’s part of a rich, fulfilling life.”

  1. Motive, Benefits and Reward Staffs

Employees who feel appreciated are more likely to have a positive attitude towards their work, which contributes to a more productive work environment for all team members. We Recognize outstanding employees achievement by a gift card, “Employee of the Day”, bonus, compensation increase and give them a token of appreciation. According to statistics, workers who left a job in 2021, 63% cited low pay as either a major or minor reason, according to a Pew Research Center survey. Offering a competitive compensation package, which typically includes wages, bonuses, and other incentives, is just as important to retaining employees as it is to recruit new talent. Regular pay increases also can help prevent employees from looking elsewhere, as well as boost morale.

Happy Employees Lead to a Successful Business

Being a small business owner, I learned the cost of hiring new employees is typically higher than it is to retain them, and turnover can cause stress for current employees. I found Happy employees are more creative and get more accomplished. Happiness is infectious too. According to statistics, 57 percent said having a “work best friend” makes work more enjoyable. Strong relationships with colleagues improve happiness and impact the entire team’s energy. When we create a pleasant company culture, it maximizes the positive impact throughout our business. We found that an engaged workforce and behaviors connected with such a workforce can lead to increase in business profitability.

Article Link: https://www.linkedin.com/pulse/happy-employees-company-maggie-chen-cmap/

About Arthur:

Maggie Chen, Management Consultant; Certified Mergers & Acquisitions; Investment Advisor; Founder/CEO at CTL Business Group

Email: info@ctlinternational.ca

Business Consultations; Buying/Selling Business; Mergers & Acquisitions; Business Valuations; Corporate Finance; Investment; Business Training

CTL Business Group:

www.ctlconsulting.com


What can a business do to fight inflation?

August 8, 2022

After economic pandemic, the consulting business is booming, as more and more companies look for expert advice in diverse areas like management, technology, marketing, finance and more.

As we head into the second half of 2022, running a profitable small business has become even more challenging. According to the Spring 2022 study The Megaphone of Mainstreet: Inflation & The Economy by SCORE, featuring responses from 1,199 entrepreneurs, 93% of respondents report being concerned about inflation. On average, those same small-business owners found it necessary to increase prices by 11% to keep pace with inflation.

CTL Business Group received client’s requirements for finding solutions to help their business address inflation. Here are 3 of our client cases (confidential agreement):

Timothy owns sawmills company in Vancouver Island, Canada. Lumber has been volatile throughout the COVID-19 pandemic, with a recent peak in March fuelled by lingering supply and shipment woes from last year’s floods in B.C., a key producing region.

Inventory is also piling up because of transportation snarls that have left many of North America’s biggest producers with stockpiles at sawmills. Due to a lack of rail cars and damaged roads, “producers are sitting on a lot of inventory because they can’t ship the stuff.”

The second case is Christian who has footwear company in Los Angeles, USA. Last year, as more and more Americans were vaccinated against COVID-19, retailers enjoyed a big boost in sales. But the strong demand for goods soon overwhelmed supply chains, and supply-demand imbalances combined with commodity-driven cost pressures to drive prices higher. In the US, inflation hit nearly 8.5 percent in March 2022, its highest level in 40 years. Commodity prices jumped again when Russia invaded Ukraine, exacerbating cost increases, both direct and indirect, for retailers and sending inflation still higher. Retailers must contend not just with the rising cost of merchandise, but also with cost increases on everything from manufacturing inputs to freight and fuel to wages. In addition, e-commerce now represents nearly 13 percent of all retail sales, placing further downward pressure on retailer profitability.

The third business case is an auto part repair store in Taiwan. The owner, Sarah Lui is a third generation to manage this family auto parts business. Ever since the post-pandemic market rebound, the automotive supply chain has become costlier. A 29 percent jump in brakes, fluids up 25 percent, plus a 10 percent bump at the end of June, short notice cost bulletins announced by suppliers.  Chemical categories to common parts to shop supplies have been affected to varying degrees, resulting in diminished buying power. The cost-push on general commodities like oils or brake rotors carries heavy implications.

 An opportunity to reposition for future growth

Key insights from small business owners reveal steps you can take that may be able to ease inflation’s effect on your business.

  1. Streamline and automate processes.

Improving processes may mean exploring automation for Timothy’s sawmill company. “As the cost of labor continues to climb, re-examine processes,” Alison said. “Could time-intensive work be automated? Is there software that can be deployed to automate business processes like scheduling, order taking, billing, or collecting payments? Is robotic processing an opportunity when manufacturing a good or comp?

“We invested $50,000 in new shelving. After installations, we found it nearly doubled productivity.” says Timothy.

  1. Evaluate adopting the LIFO inventory valuation method

Using the last-in, first-out (LIFO) method of accounting for inventory has positive results in an inflationary environment because it allows you to deduct a higher cost of goods sold (COGS) by using inflated current costs rather than lower historical costs. This lowers taxable income and the corresponding tax liability, which can help preserve cash flow.

Fortunately, the company don’t have to decide now. You can wait until after the end of your company’s tax year to determine whether LIFO will benefit your company. Just keep in mind that you must use the LIFO method for financial reporting purposes in the first year of the election for the election to be valid.

  1. Revaluate standard costs and overhead rates

Standard costs and overhead rates are normally calculated on an annual basis to predict costs of production. However, if the manufacturing company is experiencing higher prices now, don’t wait for year end to adjust your standard costs. Changing your standard costs and overhead rates to reflect the current inflationary impact will help you avoid a large year-end adjustment and better reflect the current cost environment.

Another side benefit is that it may lower your taxable income in 2022 when a higher tax rate is anticipated. This is achieved by raising your inventory value in 2021, which will be your 2022 cost of goods sold.

  1. Improve productivity.

The more quickly and efficiently you and your employees work, the higher your profit margins are likely to be. “Use technologies and apps that track and improve productivity," says Alison.

“The labor pool is very limited right now, so make sure to remain sensitive to employee needs and feelings while seeking to improve productivity. As inflation rises, employers and employees are in this together. It’s important to communicate that.”

  1. Identifying flexibility suppliers are a key to deal with inflation.

Setting up a control tower helps you get the information you need in minutes versus hours and days. A control tower can provide you with end-to-end visibility of your supply chain. This includes tier 1, tier 2 and tier 3 suppliers, so that you can identify and address supply issues before they become shortages. Embed flexibility into your supply chain. For example, identify dual suppliers, develop alternative logistical networks, and create alternative designs for your products to help you adapt more quickly. As an example, shoe manufacturers might consider outsource 3D printing to a contract manufacturer, helps footwear companies control costs, manage their risk, and create a broader range of higher quality products.

  1. Raise prices judiciously.

While raising prices isn’t ideal, it may be helpful in combatting inflation’s effect on your business. Avoid turning off customers with dramatic across-the-board price increases. Instead, raise prices slowly in modest increments and be strategic. Choose areas where customers are less likely to notice.

  1. Restructuring existing debt or consider borrowing

In inflationary times, the dollar’s purchasing power erodes quickly, and lenders typically insist on higher interest rates to offset that erosion.

Interest rates are still very low by historical standards. So, if you’ve been considering a loan for capital that will result in reduced costs or increased revenues, now is the time before interest rates start to rise. Insist on a fixed-rate loan instead of an adjustable-rate loan so your cost of borrowing will remain constant regardless of economic conditions.

You may also want to consider converting term loans or other debt with an adjustable or variable rate to a fixed rate while interest rates are still low. This will help cut down on debt service payments and improve monthly cash flow.

Maggie Chen, Certified Management Consultant; Certified Mergers & Acquisitions; Investment Advisor; Founder/CEO at CTL Business Group – Canada, USA & Asia

Email: info@ctlinternational.ca

Business Consultations; Buying/Selling Business; Mergers & Acquisitions; Business Valuations; Corporate Finance; Investment; Business Training

Telephone: 1-800-301-6817; 403-9982436; 626-817-6528; 02-2656-3418

CTL Business Group Canada, USA and Taiwan:

Canada: www.ctlinternational.ca
USA: www.ctlconsulting.com
Asia: www.ctlinternational.com.tw


How to Prepare for the Unknown in Business?

Sep 21, 2021

Preparing a Financial Plan to Help Businesses Survive the Pandemic
During the pandemic, most consulting cases that we receive are for helping businesses continue. A successful company prepares for multiple outcomes regardless of what is expected. Nothing will ever be quite the same again, so businesses need a future proof financial plan, as well as adapt at lightning speed if they are to survive in the new world.

 Here are 3 of our client cases (with names changed):

Susan owns several massage stores in California, USA. During the Coronavirus, the stores have not opened in several months. He wants to sell her business or find investors to invest in her business. The finance stress makes her frustrated.

The second case is Rob who has bubble tea stores in Vancouver, Canada. He had planned to extend his bubble tea business into franchising in 2020 so he rented 5 new stores in Alberta in January 2020.  Because of the pandemic, he can’t open the stores, but he still needs to pay the rental fees. The problem is he does not have enough cash flow to survive another half year.

The third business case is an Importing/Exporting company in Taiwan. The owner, Wei Ming, has imported medical supplies to the USA & Canada. During the pandemic, temporary trade restrictions and shortages of pharmaceuticals, critical medical supplies, and other products highlighted their weaknesses. Those developments, combined with the U.S.-China trade war, have triggered a rise in economic nationalism. I felt their pressure and helped them through the dark time.

The difference between a stressed and resilient business will be bigger. What should consultants in emerging markets be advising companies to do if they are to weather the coronavirus storm? Although they all have different problems that need to be solved, there have several common areas in the three cases below.

 Getting Through a Financial Emergency

In light of the severe economic disruption caused by COVID-19, government is taking immediate, significant, and decisive action to support businesses facing hardship as a result of the COVID-19 outbreak.

CTL Business Group helps our international clients from USA, Canada, and Taiwan to find the right government programs, private lenders or investors to solve business financial emergencies immediately. Here are some programs that each country’s governments support in business below:

United States:

Small Business Tax Credit Programs
The American Rescue Plan extends a number of critical tax benefits, particularly the Employee Retention Credit and Paid Leave Credit, to small businesses.

Emergency Capital Investment Program
The Emergency Capital Investment Programs support the efforts of low- and moderate-income community financial institutions.

Paycheck Protection Program
The Paycheck Protection Program is providing small businesses with the resources they need to maintain their payroll, hire back employees who may have been laid off, and cover applicable overhead.

State Small Business Credit Initiative (SSBCI) 
SSBCI supports state programs that, in turn, use the funds to support private sector loans and investments to small businesses and small manufacturers that are creditworthy but are not able to access the capital they need to expand and create jobs.

Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF) 
The Small Business Lending Fund (SBLF) provided capital to qualified community banks and community development loan funds (CDLFs) to encourage these institutions and Main Street businesses to work together to promote economic growth and create new jobs. Through the SBLF program, Treasury invested over $4.0 billion in 332 institutions, structured to incentivize increased small business lending.

Community Development Financial Institutions Fund (CDFI Fund)
The CDFI Fund promotes economic revitalization and community development in low-income communities through investment in and assistance to mission-driven lenders known as Community Development Financial Institutions (CDFIs) and other community development organizations. The CDFI Fund accomplishes this goal through the Community Development Financial Institutions Program, the New Markets Tax Credit Program, the CDFI Bond Guarantee Program, the Bank Enterprise Award Program and the Native American CDFI Assistance Program.

Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization 
The Office of Small and Disadvantaged Business Utilization assists, counsels, and advises small businesses of all types (small businesses, small disadvantaged business, women-owned small businesses, economically disadvantaged women-owned small businesses, veteran owned small businesses, service disabled veteran owned small businesses, and small businesses located in historically underutilized business zones) on procedures for contracting with Treasury.

Canada:

  • Jobs and Growth Fund
  • Canada Recovery Hiring Program
  • Canada Emergency Wage Subsidy (CEWS)
  • Extending the Work-Sharing program
  • Canada Emergency Rent Subsidy (CERS)
  • Highly Affected Sectors Credit Availability Program (HASCAP)
  • Loan Guarantee for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
  • Co-Lending Program for Small and Medium-Sized Enterprises
  • Mid-Market Financing Program
  • Mid-Market Guarantee and Financing Program
  • Large Employer Emergency Financing Facility (LEEFF)
  • Provincial and territorial support
  • Canada Recovery Benefit (CRB)
  • Canada Recovery Sickness Benefit (CRSB)
  • Canada Recovery Caregiving Benefit (CRCB)

Taiwan:

Financial aid: An allowance has been established to provide guarantees on up to NT$750 billion (US$26.4 billion) in financing for businesses, medical organizations, educational institutions and workers facing COVID-19 disruptions.

Employment assistance: To help employees, subsidies are available to supplement salaries for furloughed or short-time workers and to encourage them to undergo training while on leave.

Tax breaks: For hard-hit small proprietorships exempt from revenue reporting, tax authorities are lowering assessed sales and taxes, and full tax exemptions may be granted as appropriate.

■ Industries serving domestic demand: Numerous stimulus measures have been introduced to encourage consumer spending and revitalize businesses that cater to domestic demand.

■ Manufacturing industry: On-demand technical guidance and solutions assistance for companies facing pressing technical bottlenecks are available, while traditional industries and small and medium-sized enterprises can seek subsidies to support innovative research and development.

■ Additional stimulus: The government's promotion of three major investment incentive programs aimed at overseas and domestically based Taiwanese companies has succeeded in attracting over NT$1.1 trillion (US$38.7 billion) to investment projects in Taiwan.

Cash Flow Management Strategies

What do you do when your revenues stop but you still have to pay your suppliers? How do you take advantage of the range of support that governments are offering? How do you interact with the banks? We all agree that “cash control is going to be paramount” for businesses in emerging economies. You need to make sure they have solid and easy-to-tap sources of credit. “If you don’t have a line of credit in a bank, you’ll clearly have difficulties. But if you don’t, is a financial institution able to help?” The banks could also be under stress as well in emerging markets because the global flows are slowing down.

We have following practices and strategies below:

  • Start modelling various financial scenarios
  • Ensure your own financing remains viable
  • Set up robust board committees that can work through operational and financial scenarios to protect the business.
  • Focus on the cash-to-cash conversion cycle
  • Analyzing financial reports deeply
  • Revisit your variable costs
  • Consider alternative or non-traditional revenue streams
  • Extend payables, intelligently
  • Audit payables and receivables transactions
  • Reprioritise investment plans
  • Focus on inventory management
  • Convert fixed to variable costs, where possible
  • Manage and expedite receivables
  • Consider alternative supply chain financing options
  • Understand your business interruption insurance

We suggest management teams with concerns about Coronavirus actively evaluate their cash flow requirements, develop appropriate actions under various scenarios, and assess potential risks in and to their customer base and supplier network. All the conversations with clients right now are about cash optimization. Cash flow management needs to be an integral element of a company’s overall Coronavirus risk assessment and action planning in the near term.

Plan Ahead Financially - prepare yourself for any market condition!

Strategies for developing more dynamic, effective planning and forecasting capability

  1. Create monthly financial projections by recording your anticipated income based on sales forecasts and anticipated expenses for labour, supplies, overhead, etc.. (Businesses with very tight cash flow may want to make weekly projections.) Now, plug in the costs for the projects you identified in the previous step.
  2. Practicing organizations often begin the planning process by setting strategic guidance, translating the guidance to targets, and disseminating those targets to business units. In practice, the critical challenge often comes during that latter stage, when more aspirational goals of leadership come face-to-face with more realistic expectations of performance held with the business.
  3. Use your financial projections to determine your financing needs. Approach your financial partners ahead of time to discuss your options. Well-prepared projections will help reassure bankers that your financial management is solid.
  4. Using multiple modeling approaches across statistical, driver-based, optimization, and trigger-based contingency models can help an organization be prepared to understand and project impacts across multiple levels of performance outcomes.
  5. Review your financial plan for a year, compare actual results with your projections to see if you’re on target or need to adjust. Monitoring helps you spot financial problems before they get out of hand.
  6. To successfully deliver, business should challenge the existing mechanisms by which they are executing their planning and forecasting processes and developing associated scenarios. Targeted efforts using these short- and long-term strategies can bolster planning capabilities across times of crisis.

About the Author

Maggie Chen, Certified Management Consultant; Certified Mergers & Acquisitions; Investment Advisor; Founder/CEO at CTL Business Group – Canada, USA & Asia

Email: info@ctlinternational.ca

Buying/Selling Business; Mergers & Acquisitions; Business Valuations; Business Consultations; Corporate Finance; Investment; Business Training

Telephone: 1-800-301-6817; 403-9982436; 626-817-6528; 02-2656-3418

CTL Business Group Canada, USA and Taiwan:

Canada: www.ctlinternational.ca

USA: www.ctlconsulting.com

Asia: www.ctlinternational.com.tw


What are the new priorities for Consulting Businesses during Coronavirus?

Sep 24, 2020

Now the focus is on helping businesses survive the pandemic
During the economic pandemic, most consulting cases that we receive are helping business survive in adapting markets. Nothing will ever be quite the same again, so businesses need to better adapt, and adapt at lightning speed if they are to survive in the new world.

I want to share three client cases below:

(Non-disclosure agreement to clients: We cannot publicize their full names)

Joe owns several Pizza stores in California, USA. During the Coronavirus, the stores did not open in several months. He wants to sell his business or find Investors to invest in his business. The finance stress makes him frustrated. The second case is Rebec who has boutique clothing store in Vancouver, Canada. She just opened the business last year. The biggest challenge is she does not have enough cash flow to survive in two months. The third business case is the International Travel Agency in USA, Canada & Taiwan. The owner, Xuang who is second generation in Canada. His father created the travel agency in Taiwan in 1967. After 10 years, he expanded to LA, California. When Xuang was 15 years old, his family immigrated to Canada. At that time, they added a branch in Vancouver and Toronto. During the Coronavirus, Xuang needed our advice for how to survive in this terrible time. I can feel their pressure, so we helped them through the dark time. The difference between stressed business and resilient players will be bigger. What should consultants in emerging markets be advising companies to do if they are to weather the coronavirus storm? Although they all have different problems that need to be solved, there have several common areas in the three cases below:

Shopping habits are changing:
As a result of COVID-19, one of the striking trends was that local convenience stores have performed well in the wake of the pandemic, just as they did at the peak of it.

A fear of travelling further and visiting more highly populated destinations appears to be the rationale for such a shift in behavior.

To win back what are likely to be extremely cautious customers, the offering is going to need to be hyper-relevant and hyper-local.

New relationships and collaborations will emerge sometimes in the most unexpected of ways as business, especially those who will be hardest hit begin to become more and more imaginative in finding ways to survive.

Cash Flow Management Strategies:
Challenge Faces in Business immediately

What do you do when your revenues stop but you still have to pay your suppliers? How do you take advantage of the range of support that governments are offering? How do you interact with the banks?” We all agree that “cash control is going to be paramount” for businesses in emerging economies. You need to make sure they have solid and easy-to-tap sources of credit. “If you don’t have line of credit in a bank, you’ll clearly have difficulties. But if you don’t, is a financial institution able to help?” “The banks could also be under stress as well in emerging markets because the global flows are slowing down.

We have following practices and strategies below:

  • Start modelling various financial scenarios
  • Ensure your own financing remains viable
  • Set up robust board committees that can work through operational and financial scenarios to protect the business.
  • Focus on the cash-to-cash conversion cycle
  • Analyzing financial reports deeply
  • Revisit your variable costs
  • Consider alternative or non-traditional revenue streams
  • Extend payables, intelligently
  • Audit payables and receivables transactions
  • Reprioritise investment plans
  • Focus on inventory management
  • Convert fixed to variable costs, where possible
  • Manage and expedite receivables
  • Consider alternative supply chain financing options
  • Understand your business interruption insurance

We suggest management teams with concerns about Coronavirus actively evaluate their cash flow requirements, develop appropriate actions under various scenarios, and assess potential risks in and to their customer base and supplier network. All the conversations with clients right now are about cash optimization. Cash flow management needs to be an integral element of a company’s overall Coronavirus risk assessment and action planning in the near term.

Risk Mitigation

Protecting employees & customers during COVID-19

Employees

Businesses need to start implementing “tracking policies” to make sure everyone is safe. You do need a lot of workforce protection, especially on the manufacturing side of things, with committees reporting on a regular basis.

Risk mitigation measures that are more protective involve separating people from each other or shared surfaces through physical distancing and physical barriers. Measures that are less protective rely on individuals to consistently follow personal preventive practices (e.g., environmental cleaning, use of personal protective equipment, wearing non-medical masks or cloth face coverings. Business are encouraged to find creative and adaptive ways to mitigate risk to the workplace/business setting that align with public health advice and are respectful of workers.

How about your subcontractors? Ensure that they are taking the same level of protection as you are. Their failure is your failure.

If some of your employees can work from home or off-site, make sure they do so. Reduce the number of times your technicians need to go into your place of work and to suppliers. Also, minimize the number of visits to each customer’s location by doing as much as possible in one visit. For example, make sure you have all the likely components you will need so that you are not rushing off to a supplier or a hardware store for parts.

Customers

Not only is it important to take precautions in your own company to minimize the risk of infection, but it is important that your customer knows you are doing so.

Is your customer going to feel safe with your company representatives going to their home or place of business? What are you doing to provide them with the comfort they need so that they will call you and not your competitor? How are you getting the message across?

Is there information on your website identifying the steps you are taking to protect your business so that it can protect your customers? Are you being proactive when phoning prospects or when they phone in? Are you sending out emails to your customers? Are you advertising in the media?

Communication is a key element in ensuring your employees stay healthy so that they can also protect your customers. This gives your customers the confidence of calling you, knowing that you care about their wellbeing.

Taking as many preventative measures as possible is basic common sense, so do that! Protect yourself, your employees, and your customers.

Whatever the priorities of businesses right now, executives must ensure they keep an eye on the future too. “What will the business look like in 12 months’ time?” How do you maximize your chances of survival?” How will Companies see different types of restructuring depending on the sector — anything from going into administration to mere discussions about sources of credit to get through the rough patch. Now that everyone is aware of the Coronavirus, failing to take precautions could potentially cause some liability. Consider the risk a commercial customer is taking if one of your employees tests positive for Coronavirus after that employee has been at their company. If you are forced to close or curtail their business, will they hold you responsible? Would your insurance cover a claim? Would you spend a lot of money on legal fees? How exposed are you really? Once you have established your true fixed cost, then forecast your cash flow to ensure you can survive the closure. Accessing the capital, you need and maximizing liquidity now are the most important things we can do to survive; getting that message to legislators who hold the key to our economic future is how we can do it now.

About the Author

Maggie Chen, Certified Management Consultant; Certified Mergers & Acquisitions; Investment Advisor; Founder/CEO at CTL Business Group – Canada, USA & Asia

Email: info@ctlinternational.ca

Buying/Selling Business; Mergers & Acquisitions; Business Valuations; Business Consultations; Corporate Finance; Investment; Business Training

Telephone: 1-800-301-6817; 403-9982436; 626-817-6528; 02-2656-3418

CTL Business Group Canada, USA and Taiwan:

Canada: www.ctlinternational.ca

USA: www.ctlconsulting.com

Asia: www.ctlinternational.com.tw


Is going public right for your organization?

Sep 16, 2019

Two IPO Projects:

High Efficient Business Services

The first half of 2019 has been a busy six months, with focus on completing several international projects involved in USA, Canada and Taiwan. With our International Partners, Staffs and Contractors, we are able to success completely each project. The strategy is to provide high efficient business services and control the project budget perfectly. With our three divisions, one corporation, I am glad to help our clients to find solutions, increase business growth and improve business performances.

Flexible Working: The Way Of The Future

We believe flexible working is the future. CTL Business Group provides work-at-home benefits to avoid the traffic time and unnecessary meeting time; we get the best results and reputations from our internal and external performance measurements.

 

I want to share two IPO projects that we are going in the first year of 2019 below:
(non-disclosure agreement to clients: We can’t public their name)

Business Restructures and IPO Preparations:

  • Vegetable Distributor:

Mr. Chuo is a vegetable distributor in Los Angeles, California. He successfully runs a business for 20 years. Mr. Chuo has 20 acres land he wants to develop into multiple businesses. His goal is to IPO his company in 3 years.

Multiple Business Developments:

From Mr. Chuo’s business requirements, we will restructure his business; analyze, create and manage the new business proposals for him; finance his business; recruitment management team; prepare IPO in 3 years. Finally, he agrees to add three new businesses.

      1. Importing Agricultural Machinery
      2. Resort for Tourism
      3. Real Estate Project (working with government to provide affordable housing for lower income people)

We restructure his business in one business group instead of separate into four. Then we hire the Managers to develop these three new businesses. Our major job is making sure these businesses are doing well. We have meeting with these Managers every day and measure the business performances. We send a performance report to Mr. Chuo daily.

The 3 years business plan that I gave to the Mr. Chuo is the roadmap in his business. We expect going to IPO in 2022.

Finance

Mr. Chuo has high credit scores with his 20 year business history and secures assets so the finance part is not difficult to manage. The important thing is finding the lowest interest for him. Our USA Partner specializes in corporate finance so after our negotiation we found the best interest for him. We also research related government grants and funds for supporting business growth. Mr. Chuo has a successful vegetable distributor business for 20 years so the U.S. Department of Agriculture’s (USDA) and Agricultural Marketing Service (AMS) are the places to connect.

In addition, these grants opportunities support a variety of agricultural activities.

Business Plan: The roadmap to success

The Business Plan is the key to finding the best finance deal or the investor to invest in your business. If you don’t know how to develop a successful business, nobody will finance or invest in your business.

CTL Business Group specializes in professional business plan writing. We know what the investors, banks or private lenders want. We also have thousands of data on government grants and funds to help businesses find the right grants or funds to apply.

 

  • Mining Company:

Another project is from Mr. Du who is a co-founder in the mining company. The mining company have profit revenue of $20 million last year. His brother is a Funder and they are planning to IPO in 2020. The mining company headquarter is in New York.

Mr. Du is a luxury house builder for over 18 years. His brother started the mining company based in Los Angeles, California in 2013. After three years, his brother moved the main office to New York. They hired 100 laborers from China to dig beryllium, soda ash, sulfur and copper. They use non-fuel minerals to extract through surface mining methods. The mining methods go through a process involving three general stages. The first stage is extraction, which includes blasting and drilling to loosen and remove material from the mine. The second stage is materials handling, which involves transporting the ore and waste from the mine to the mill or disposal area. The third stage, beatification and processing, occurs at the processing plant.

The United States is the world's second leading producer of coal, accounting for nearly 17% of world production. About 1 billion tons of coal is produced annually in the United States. The United States is also the world's leading producer of beryllium, soda ash, and sulfur, and the third largest producer of gold and copper. In 2006, the U.S. mining industry processed 1,162.8 million tons of coal, 59.4 million tons of metals, and 3,128.9 million tons of industrial minerals.

Mining Industry Analysis:

The United States is also the world's leading producer of beryllium, soda ash, and sulfur, and the third largest producer of gold and copper. In 2006, the U.S. mining industry processed 1,162.8 million tons of coal, 59.4 million tons of metals, and 3,128.9 million tons of industrial minerals.

The U.S. mining industry consists of the search for, extraction, beatification, and processing of naturally occurring solid minerals from the earth. These mined minerals include coal, metals such as iron, copper, or zinc, and industrial minerals such as potash, limestone, and other crushed rocks. Oil and natural gas extraction (NAICS code 211) is not included in this industry. Metals and other minerals are an essential source of raw materials for the U.S. building and chemical industries and are also a critical part of the production of everyday electronics and consumer products. For example, over 65 different minerals are required to produce a modern computer. Furthermore, coal accounts for nearly 50% of electric power generated in the United States.

Markets

Minerals are essential to nearly every aspect of our lives and our economy. Key markets include utilities, the primary metals industry, non-metallic minerals industry (glass, cement, lime), and the construction industry.

What we do:

Identify: Do they qualify as an emerging growth company?

The principal goal of the JOBS Act was to encourage private companies to raise capital through an IPO of their common equity. The Act was initially contemplated in March 2011 when it was determined that a long-term decline in US IPOs could result in a loss of up to 22 million American jobs.

The two main objectives of the JOBS Act are:

      1. To create an “IPO on-ramp” which reduces the filing and disclosure burdens associated with undertaking an IPO.
      2. To provide companies easier and broader access to the capital markets.

The Act applies to EGCs for up to a maximum of five years. EGCs are broadly defined as companies that meet the following criteria:

      • < $1.07 billion in gross revenue (such amount is indexed for inflation every five years);
      • < $1 billion in issues of non-convertible debt in a three-year period; and
      • Generally less than $700 million in worldwide public float (not a large accelerated filer)

As long as these criteria are met, companies are permitted to abide by less stringent financial reporting rules as compared to non-EGC filers. Both domestic issuers and FPIs can qualify to be EGCs

Is going public right for the organization?

We analyse to Mr Du and his brother the advantage and disadvantage to being a public company below:

Advantages:

The most important question business stakeholders should ask is, “Why go public?” Some possible reasons include the following:

      • To access public capital markets and raise money to expand operations;
      • To acquire other companies with publicly traded stock as the currency;
      • To attract and retain talented employees;
      • To diversify and reduce investor holdings;
      • To provide liquidity for shareholders; and
      • To enhance a company’s reputation.
      • To use their stock as acquisition currency, thereby conserving cash.
      • To increase reputation and brand.
      • To increase proceeds on exit.

Disadvantages:

Going public to raise some money isn’t always going to be totally positive. There are many negatives to going public with your business.

      • Loss Control
      • Loss of Privacy
      • Public Expenses

Explain the process and costs to being an IPO below:

      • The Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) is the primary regulator for the US securities markets and, as discussed below, its staff will review a company’s registration statement in connection with such company’s IPO.
      • The SEC generally seeks to ensure that the company’s disclosures comply with SEC rules and that its financial statements comply with SEC requirements and generally accepted accounting principles (GAAP). Primary areas of disclosure within the registration statement for an IPO include:
          • audited financial statements and a discussion and analysis of the company’s results of operations and financial condition;
          • a description of the company’s business;
          • disclosure regarding the material risks relating to the company’s business and an investment in its stock; and
          • information relating to the company’s directors and executive officers and significant stockholders.

The SEC review process in an IPO almost always results in revisions to the initial version of the registration statement submitted to the SEC. It is, however, important to note that the review process is not a guarantee that a company’s disclosure is complete or accurate and the SEC does not evaluate the merits of any IPO or determine whether an investment is appropriate for any investor. Rather, responsibility for compliance with applicable disclosure requirements lies with the company and others involved in the preparation of the company’s registration statement and prospectus.

In addition to the SEC review process, a company must apply to the US securities exchange (eg, the NYSE or the Nasdaq) on which it wishes to list its securities. In the listing process, the company will need to meet certain basic financial requirements that are set by the exchange where such company expects to list. For example, the NYSE and Nasdaq will require that an IPO company satisfy certain earnings, income or market-value tests. Unlike in many other jurisdictions, however, the securities exchange does not typically require substantive revisions to the company’s registration statement.

Finally, the underwriters must file specified information and documents with FINRA relating to the underwriting terms and arrangements, which FINRA must approve prior to the completion of any IPO.

Costs:

IPOs in the US are expensive. There are significant costs relating to the transaction itself, as well as incremental costs to operate as a public company going forward. Note that companies typically also incur incremental expenses on an ongoing basis to be a public company, including:

      • expanded accounting, investor relations and legal capabilities;
      • higher levels of professional fees for auditors;
      • outside counsel and other advisers;
      • annual stock exchange listing fees;
      • director fees; and
      • directors’ and officers’ insurance coverage.

We set up the timetable to reach the goals. The strategy is finding the professional experts who have sold records to help the company to go to IPO. Luckily, we found another USA partner to assist us to continue these two projects.

Preparing to become a public company

We are preparing the timetable to make sure Mr. Chou and Mr. Du, will have successful IPO for their companies. Our team understand careful planning is an important thing. Mr, Chou and Mr, Du must prepare its management team and business units to begin acting and functioning as a public company, both internally and externally. Focusing narrowly on accounting and financial reporting matters surrounding preparation of the offering document is the wrong approach—a cross-functional, holistic view to readiness is critical to preparing the organization to operate as a public company

In our experience, a successful IPO has three equally important elements:

      1. A thorough IPO readiness assessment, where big picture issues are identified early and realistic timetables are established based on the offering’s strategic objectives, the company’s specific business issues, the time needed to prepare registration information and the time required to prepare for operation as a public company.
      2. A working group focused on the immediate process of going public.
      3. A working group focused on the tasks needed to prepare the business for being public.

With our three divisions, one corporate, CTL Business Group’s strategy is providing high efficient business services and controlling the project budget perfectly. We believe FLEXIBLE IS THE FUTURE.

About the Author
Maggie Chen, Certified Management Consultant; Certified Mergers & Acquisitions; Founder/CEO at CTL Business Group – Canada, USA & Taiwan

 


Practical case - Xxx Plastic Recycling Manufacture

December 2017

John, based in Canada, was seeking to acquire or merge into another plastic recycling plant in China in an effort to relocate manufacturing efforts to Taiwan. By having the corporate HQ remain in Canada, but have manufacturing based in Taiwan, operating costs would be reduced, as well as made more efficient. Using our global expertise, we were able to suggest specific plants in China that would be the best options for an acquisition, as part of an M&amp;A pitch book. Following the decision, we organized all M&A processes such as screening targets, doing due diligence, performing valuations, legal, accounting/finance/tax, human resources and synergy measurements and so on. We also connected with professional accountants, lawyers, and valuators and communicated with the founder/CEO so we were able to close deals successfully. In 2014, we acquired two manufacturers in China.

Down the road, John wanted to sell his business for the best price. First, we had an “Exit Business Succession Planning Pitch book” including exit time frame. Our Exit Expert can ensure the process ends in success, rather than failure.

Here is what we did for John

  • Plan the business strategy to drive maximum value.
  • Ensure the business is in market areas that command high valuations.
  • Focus on how to add value, not just sales.
  • Make sure the business is correctly valued.
  • Pay less tax on exit! We weigh up your tax liabilities to ensure the exit doesn’t cost more than is bargained for.
  • Make sure legal sites in three locations
  • Identify potential buyers and management teams.
  • Track down the right people and systems to move forward.
  • Consider and prepare for the buyers’ needs and due diligence.
  • Work through the transitional period to minimize work and stress.
  • Plan the timing – when his business is well invested not up against issues

On Dec, 2017, we sold our client's Plastic Recycling business for 35 million to USA client in one year. I remembered two buyers asked for lower prices but didn’t meet our expectations. We waited until the best deals came to us.


Practical case – Restaurant Chain

January, 2017

The owner built 6 franchise restaurants in two Canada provinces. None were in the city where the owner lived, thus he operated them absentee with managers in place at each location. The demands of his primary occupation became too burdensome for the owner to oversee the restaurants, so he decided to sell them. We sold the restaurants in two stages, three in one Canada province to one buyer and three in the other Canada province the next year to a different buyer. The owner was relieved of debt caused by rapid over expansion. The purchase price is $ 60.37 million.


Practical case – California, a holding of medical equipment company acquired in South America medical equipment manufacturers

Nov, 2015

Pointline Global Consultant is a global M & A consulting firm, the global medium market M & A consulting firm, is pleased to announce the sale of xxx medical care to xxx holding medical equipment company. Xxx technology company subsidiary, South America based xxx medical equipment manufacturers to manufacture high performance alloy components, components of medical equipment and semiconductor market. Their customers include large multinational medical equipment, original equipment manufacturers and semiconductor probe card manufacturers. Headquartered in California, xxx holding medical equipment company, is a precision component manufacturer. The company is mainly in the design of ultra-high precision tube and flat stamping parts of the market, such as medical equipment, consumer electronics and automotive leaders. With xxx holding medical equipment company acquires South American-based xxx medical equipment manufacturers, will increase its manufacturing capacity. Especially in medical equipment, and gained a series of cost advantages in South America. The purchase price is $ 57.78 millions.


Practical case – Canada’s innovative professional energy and security products supplier sold to xxx investment company

Sep, 2015

Pointline Global Consultant is a global M & A consulting firm, a global medium market M & A consulting firm, and is pleased to announce the sale of a Canadian innovative professional energy and security product supplier to xxx Investments. Xxx Investments focus on investments in mid-market companies. This Canadian innovative professional energy-saving and security product supplier’s products have a wide range of applications and excellent reputation for performance and quality. After the assessment analysis, found the future market profit potential. The purchase price is $ 15.63 millions.

Xxx investment company president, Woodbridge is pleased to find the right buyers and the best deal.

es of cost advantages in South America. The purchase price is $ 57.78 millions.


Recommendations


Melissa Kowalchuk – M.K. Technology Inc.

Category: semiconductor supplier of smart, connected, and secure embedded control solutions.

April 18, 2023, Melissa Kowalchuk is a client of Maggie Chen

This letter is my official recommendation for CTL Business Group as a professional business consulting form. I own technology business that has hired CTL Business Group over the past three years and the results we have gotten have always been very positive.

Rick Mackenize is the consummate business consulting professional as he knows how to put everyone at ease the moment, he enters the room. He is diligent about collecting information and insists on developing custom reports and charts to give a very helpful presentation. Most importantly to us, Rick always indicates the practical applications his work has for our organization and future revenue generation. He is the main reason why our company has been profitable so many years in a row.

We also found out that Rick has strong group communication skills, which are very useful in his business consulting career. Rick’s professional and refined approach make his work much more valuable to clients and he also has a great way of keeping everyone updated on any changes he has made to his initial recommendations. Rick is a top of business consultant at CTL Business Group. This is why I strongly recommend CTL Business Group as a professional business consulting form and know that you will not be disappointed.


Steven Price- Efficiency Goods Delivery Inc.

Category: carrier delivery

September 5, 2023, Dr. Nina Saini is a client of Maggie Chen

It is with great pleasure and enthusiasm that I am writing to offer a formal recommendation for CTL Business Group. CTL Business Group has been working for my business for past five years as our business strategy adviser. Their knowledge and attentions to detail have aided in keeping our company on track during a measure restructure.

They are also easy to work with and always willing to take time to discuss my concerns and respond to questions.

I feel confident in recommending CTL Business Group’s service. If you need any previous working record regarding CTL Business Group, please feel free to contact me.


Lukas Chan- Lukas Biotech Inc.

Category: Medical Technology Innovation

Oct 8, 2022, Luckas Chan is a client of Maggie Chen

I am extremely delighted to recommend to you the exemplary quality services of CTL Business Group. They provide all clients prompt and efficient service. You will find that compared to other providers in the investment, the quality of services and pricing is among the best in the region.
CTL Business Group has developed an outstanding reputation in the global investment industry. Launched in 2020, Luckas Biotech built Cocoon, an automated production system for personalized, patient-scale cell therapies. Our investment target is $10 million in the first stage. CTL Business Group helped us finding the right investors from Canada, USA and Taiwan.
I strongly recommend CTL Business Group for all your investments and know that you will not be disappointed.


Dr. Nina Saini - Life Holistic health

Category: Wellness - physical, mental, emotional, social, and spiritual components

May 20, 2022, Dr. Nina Saini is a client of Maggie Chen

I am writing this letter to you as a recommendation for the services provided by CTL Business Group. For the past few years, I have worked hand in hand with CTL Business Group to assist us with numerous services including clinic management, online consulting booking system and business performance analyzing. At no one time have they failed me, and they have always been on time, making them a reliable partner to us.

My first engagement with CTL Business Group was on a project of online consulting booking system design & marketing. The company brought along good expertise that involved targeting the right clientele through use of online booking system. The feedback and results were phenomenon compared to our previous marketing strategies. It is through the use of their marketing services that i have been able to transform our business model.

I therefore strongly recommend their services. Let me know if you need any previous working record regarding CTL Business Group.


Joe Reid - GK Investment Consulting

Category: Finance, Investment

July 17, 2021, Joe Reid is a client of Maggie Chen

As a dedicated investment owner, I searched long and hard for a Maggie where I felt comfortable to help me finding the right investment opportunities.

The staff at CTL’s is knowledgeable and friendly. They offer a uniquely personalized and high-touch investment experience. A dedicated Investment Account Manager works with each investor to build a customized deal profile. With the flexibility to invest in a specific regional market or to diversify across regions, we work with you to build a customized portfolio.

I highly recommend Maggie and CTL Business Group to manage my investment and financial business.


Susan Liu - Business Analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence

Category: Finance – Covid-19 Economic Pandemic

April 25, 2021, Susan Liu is a client of Maggie Chen

I am happy to recommend high quality service of CTL Business Group. During the Covid-19 economic pandemic, I extremely felt depression for how to survive my Massage business. Maggie and her team helped me finding the financial emergency relief funding and private Investor to invest my business. I was extremely impressed by their excellent works.

The reputation of the services of CTL Business Group has grown to be quite high. I strongly recommend CTL Business Group for your business.


Lucas Woods - Business Analyst at S&P Global Market Intelligence

Category: Valuations, Due Diligence

May 3, 2019, Lucas worked with Maggie Chen

I was extremely impressed by Maggie Chen and her team diligence and valuations in my bio tech business, and you brought that same approach to bear in closing the deal. I am convinced that it takes someone with your level of experience in this arena to move the entire process to a timely close. I made the right choice when I signed on with Maggie Chen.


Chang Mathews - National Account Manager at Atlas Copco

Category: Investments

June 1, 2018, Chang worked with Maggie Chen

As an investor and partner, I'm impressed by the thoroughness and professionalism exhibited by all of Maggie Chen investment advice. In particular, Maggie Chen and her team depth of knowledge in diverse disciplines such as construction, operations and asset management are highly advantageous. Their focus, integrity and attention to detail made us very comfortable doing business with CTL Business Group.


Edmund Byrne - Senior Analyst at PwC

Category: Business Consulting, Business Strategy

June 1, 2018, Edmund worked with Maggie Chen

Maggie Chen and her team recently completed a consulting job here at XYZ and Sons and the changes she implemented have streamlined our processes and saved the company money. With her knowledge and expertise gained from years of analyzing our industry, Maggie Chen educated my staff about best practices, organizational changes and development of new strategies. She was able to help the staff understand ways to more effectively perform their daily work tasks. Even my older staff members who have been with the company since the beginning were receptive to Maggie Chen’s ideas.


Mohammad Roach - Office Manager at Dell EMC

Category: Business Consulting, Business Plan, Marketing

May 1, 2018, Mohammad worked with Maggie Chen

"As a satisfied CTL Business Group client, I could write a thousand words on what their company provides to me on a weekly basis that allows me to be a more effective and knowledgeable Manager. But as the CEO, just providing the data, charts, and graphs are only the first step for Maggie Chen. Maggie Chen took the time to sit down with me to brainstorm how I could integrate clients more successfully in my IT business. The ideas that came out of that conversation helped me craft a marketing and business generation plan that has grown my business to higher levels. Maggie Chen is a creative mastermind and a generous supporter of her clients as well. I am tremendously indebted to her."


Joel Okoye - CPA,CMA Cost and Financial Accountant at Nabors Drilling Canada Ltd

Category: Accounting, Finance, and Tax, Training

May 12, 2017, Joel was a client of Maggie Chen’s

I recommend Maggie Chen and CTL group for T1,T2 training and experience gathering in that area. The coaching class is personalized and tailored to your need. Joel Okoye CPA


Chun-Te Lin - Senior Reliability Engineer at Syncrude Canada Ltd.

Category: Accounting, Business Consulting

August 20, 2010, Chun-Te was a client of Maggie Chen’s

Maggie has greatly helped me and my company, delivers practical financial advice and gains the long-term trust of clients for a wide variety of small businesses and individuals. Maggie helped my business by pointing out that I could use a more cost-effective and dependable medical aid. She showed me several business write-offs that I wasn't taking advantage of. What sets Maggie apart from other accountants is her ability to carefully listen to each person and discover what their individual needs are. She always makes herself available; connects people to their money in ways that offer immediate, visible results; and finds methods to help her clients save money. I am so impressed with her services that I want others to know of her company.


Business Skills Training Centre Reviews

Reviewer – Charie Young
Review Date - 2023-May 10
Reviewed Item – QuicBooks Software Training -Business

Rating

My wife and I start up Pizza Restaurant this March.  As a small business owner, we want to know how to use QuickBooks to track our business expenses and revenues. My friend, Lisa Yu introduces their QuickBooks Training Courses to us.  The courses are very useful.  Right now, we can handle bookkeeping for ourselves. I feel confident in recommending CTL Business Group.


Reviewer – Yuri Aki
Review Date - 2023-October -25
Reviewed Item – QuickBooks Accounting Training -Personal Career

Rating

I am a new Immigrant from Japan.  I was an Accountant at Toyota Japan for over 8 years so I need to update Canada’s accounting and tax knowledge so I can find the job in Canada. I found they have practical accounting training and 100 hours Internship opportunities.  Found job is my number one priority and, I don’t want to spend two years in college to update my accounting skills.

I strongly recommend CTL Business Skills Training for all your career training and corporate training and know that you will not be disappointed.


Reviewer – Jenna Martin
Review Date - November 16, 2022
Reviewed Item – QuicBooks Software Training -Business

Rating

I am Accounting Manager of Red Signs and Banners Inc. and willing to recommend the QuickBooks Training services of CTL Business Skills Training. The company brought an experience QuickBooks Trainer to our company. The Trainer was patient to explain how to use QuickBooks. We have 5 Accountants asked the different questions, but the Trainer knew how to solve our current problems. I feel confident in recommending CTL Business Group.


Reviewer – Lisa Yu
Review Date - March 30, 2022
Reviewed Item – QuickBooks Accounting Training -Personal Career

Rating

I am a new Immigrant, and My career goal is Accountant. With over 10 years accounting experience in China, I would like to update my accounting knowledge in Canada. My friend introduced CTL Business Skills Training to me. They have practical accounting training and 100 hours Internship opportunities. The good things are I don’t need to spend two years in college to update my accounting skills. I also found the job in one month.
I strongly recommend CTL Business Skills Training for all your career training and corporate training and know that you will not be disappointed.


Reviewer – Rob Chang
Review Date - Jun 28, 2021
Reviewed Item – Finance Recovery Advice (Coronavirus Economic Pandemic)

Rating

During the Economic Pandemic, our bubble tea store’s business’s profit decreased 60% at this period. The operation and employees' expenses are the big issues to me. My friend, Susan introduced CTL Business Group to me. Maggie and Financial Consultant, Alison analyzed my situations and advise me how to get a government funding and add online business service. I feel confident in recommending CTL Business Group.


Reviewer – Wei Ming

Review Date - Sep 13, 2020
Reviewed Item – Finance Recovery Advice and QuickBooks Accounting Training

Rating

During the Coronavirus, our Importing/Exporting business affected serious situation. The U.S.-China trade war and the supply and demand shocks brought on by the Covid-19 crisis are forcing manufacturers everywhere to reassess our supply chains.

I decided to close my business if I didn’t find solutions. I talked to several consulting company. Finally, I found CTL Business Group to help me. They analyzed our situations and provided business strategies to us. They also found our accounting system has wrong procedure. They send Certified Accountant to teach us how to improve our QuickBooks. I would like to thank you for Maggie, Rick and Alison.


Reviewer – Rebecca Mar
Review Date - August 25, 2020
Reviewed Item – Finance Recovery Advice (Coronavirus Economic Pandemic)

Rating

During the Economic Pandemic, our cloth stores didn't open several month. The operation and employees' expenses are the big issues to me. My friend, John introduced CTL Business Group to me. Maggie & Alison analyzed my situations and advise me how to get a government funding and add online business service. I feel confident in recommending CTL Business Group.


Reviewer – Joe Reid

Review Date - July 13, 2020
Reviewed Item – Finance Recovery Advice (Coronavirus Economic Pandemic)

Rating

During the Coronavirus, our Pizza stores didn't open several month. I want to sell my business or find Investors to invest my business. I talked to several consulting company. Finally, I found CTL Business Group to help me. They found Investors to invest my business so I don't need to sell my business. I would like to thank you for Rick and Alison.


Reviewer – Doris Huang

Review Date - Jun 13, 2019
Reviewed Item – QuickBooks Training

Rating

I am writing to recommend the QuickBooks Instructor, Anthony who trained a QuickBooks level 1 to me.  I came to Los Angles, USA last year and looking for accounting software course that can update my skills.  I am an Accountant in China before. Anthony is a patient teacher. He explained several times if I still didn’t understand how to use in the right way.

The Education Consultant, Maggie provided career information for how to become a professional Accountant in USA.  This is very important to me career goal in the future.

I feel confident in recommending CTL Business Skills Training Center’s services.


Reviewer – William Law

Review Date - Sep 7, 2018
Reviewed Item – Corporate QuickBooks Training

Rating

We are the importing/exporting company in USA & Taiwan. We separate different accounting software in USA and Taiwan.  I am looking for a QuickBooks to combine in our two locations.  My friend, Tommy referral their training service to me, I contacted Maggie for my requirements She send me a QuickBooks training proposal. The price is reasonable and the time is flexible

I feel confident in recommending CTL Business Skills Training Center’s services.


Reviewer – Daniel Morgan
Review Date - March 13, 2018
Reviewed Item – Corporate QuickBooks Training

Rating

Being a small business owner, I would like to thank Maggie and her team for their incredible support and reasonable service charges.  I enrolled in a QuickBooks accounting software training program in 2018.  The training helped me understand how to use QuickBooks to record my business transactions in the right way.  I am able to doing my own bookkeeping now.  In the end of year, I send my Bookkeeping to them to audit.

Thanks again for their knowledge and expertise.


Reviewer - Marilou Bais
Review Date - Oct Reviewed Item - bookkeeping and Accounting Course

Rating -
“I want to thank CTL Business Group for a very finely detailed Accounting Program. It is exactly what I was looking for. I am very glad to have taken this program (Accounting and Payroll) and learned so much, as well as upgraded my accounting and bookkeeping knowledge. I worked as Bookkeeper back home but I wanted to learn more in Accounting without having to pay huge $$ to go to University and these program have given me that. The instructor support was really helpful and very good. I will be recommending these programs to everyone who is looking for bookkeeping and Accounting Course.”

Reviewer - Nadia
Review Date - Sep 02, 2017
Reviewed Item - Computerized Accounting – QuickBooks and Sage 50

Rating
I’ve just finished my final Computerized Accounting – QuickBooks and Sage 50 course exam at CTL Business Skills Centre and received my certificate. I would like to express my big Thank you to my instructor Michael Zhang who was patient with me and answered all my questions. I would recommend it to anyone who is interested in accounting.

Reviewer - Chun
Review Date -Aug 11, 2017
Reviewed Item - Accounting & Bookkeeping

Rating

Maggie has greatly helped me and my company, delivers practical financial advice and gains the long-term trust of clients for a wide variety of small businesses and individuals.Maggie helped my business by pointing out that I could use a more cost-effective and dependable medical aid. She showed me several business write-offs that I wasn’t taking advantage of.

What sets Maggie apart from other accountants is her ability to carefully listen to each person and discover what their individual needs are. She always makes herself available; connects people to their money in ways that offer immediate, visible results; and finds methods to help her clients save money.

I am so impressed with her services that I want others to know of her company.


Reviewer - Susan Sampson
Review Date - Oct 11, 2016Reviewed Item - Sage and QuickBooks levels 1 & 2

Rating
Maggie and staff very welcoming and helpful to learn about more training.
Sage and QuickBooks levels 1 & 2, completed in 4 days

Reviewer - Joel Okoye CPA, CMA
Review Date - Oct 01, 2016Reviewed Item - Tax Preparation

Rating
I recommend Maggie Chen and CTL group for T1,T2 training and experience gathering in that area. The coaching class is personalized and tailored to your need.

Reviewer - Dikra Shaboti

Review Date -
Reviewed Item - Practical Bookkeeping/Office Administrator Job Training
Rating
CTL Business Group is truly a special company. The staff is dedicated, professional, and talented. CTL Business Group provides the same opportunities that other employers in the same field do, such as practical accounting and administrative experience.
The very helpful material gave me a thorough yet “in a nutshell” understanding of the elements that go into a regular accounting cycle, which is essential for anyone who is looking to break out into the accounting industry. I would recommend this course to those who are eager to learn about accounting in an effective and practical way.