Every business challenge has a path forward. Let’s find the one that fits.
The Business Lab Approach
A structured process that delivers clarity, accountability, and results.
Business Lab works with second-stage business owners at pivotal moments — when it’s time to stabilize, grow, or prepare for what’s next.
Our hands-on, data-driven approach helps owners see the full picture and make confident decisions.
How it works:
Discover – Understand your goals, pressures, and opportunities.
Diagnose – Use data and insight to measure performance and value.
Design – Build a focused roadmap for growth or transition.
Drive – Execute with accountability and measurable results.
Know exactly where your business stands — and where it can go.
For business owners who want to make informed decisions, not guesses.
The FLOW™ Assessment is Business Lab’s signature diagnostic — a comprehensive, data-driven engagement that measures your company’s health, value, and readiness across four dimensions: Finances, Leadership, Operations, and Windows of Opportunity.
It’s a boutique, hands-on experience led personally by Fred, designed to uncover what’s working, what’s holding you back, and what steps will create the greatest impact.
You’ll walk away with:
A clear, objective view of your company’s strengths and vulnerabilities
A practical 90-day roadmap for growth or transition
Confidence in your next move — supported by data, not intuition.
Sometimes you don’t need a long engagement — you need perspective now.
Accelerator Sessions are short, high-impact consultations for business owners facing urgent challenges, cash-flow strain, or key decisions that can’t wait.
In just a few focused sessions, Fred helps you assess the situation, set priorities, and create a practical plan to stabilize and move forward.
You’ll walk away with:
A focused action plan for immediate results
Clarity on what drives (or drains) performance
Renewed confidence in your direction
When clarity can’t wait.
From traction to results that last.
Once you know where you stand, the next step is momentum.
Through structured 90-day sprints, Fred works alongside you and your leadership team to strengthen systems, align priorities, and translate strategy into measurable progress.
This isn’t theoretical consulting — it’s real-world partnership that builds confidence and accountability.
You’ll gain:
Financial and operational clarity
Alignment across leadership and teams
A repeatable process for sustained performance
Plan your next chapter with confidence.
If you’re considering sale, succession, or simply exploring options, Business Lab helps you make the most of your life’s work.
Fred’s CEPA-certified process gives you a clear understanding of your company’s value and readiness, identifies opportunities to increase it, and helps you prepare for a smooth, strategic transition on your own terms.
You’ll gain:
Insight into your company’s true market value
A roadmap to improve valuation before exit
A transition plan that aligns with your goals
Not ready for a full assessment yet? Start with a quick snapshot.
In 15 minutes, get a confidential, owner-level view of where your business stands and where to focus next.
You deserve a partner who understands both sides of the balance sheet.
Fred Lilley, CMA and CEPA, has helped second-stage owners raise over $600M in equity, add $350M in value, and lead 11 successful turnarounds. He combines analytical precision with empathy for what it takes to lead.
Results snapshot
"Most consultants give you a plan and say 'good luck'. But Business Lab worked closely with me and my team, helping me put their growth plan into action every step of the way. Now I can get back to the part of my business I enjoy most."
— Larry Larson, Larry's Coffee“What sets Fred apart is his ability to navigate the human side of big financial decisions. His approach is a balance of tough love, strategic insight, and deep empathy. He pushes for the best possible outcome while ensuring that every decision is grounded in what truly matters.”
— Kevin Welsh, Founder & President, Welsh Technologies“I’m amazed at how they take in and see the client’s point of view so quickly. They sit with the owner, they look out for the owner…they come in with very clear vision and coherently state what you need to know. They have a lot of good insight to bring to the table."
— Donna Bloomer, Bloomer, Geri & Company