theWHIR Blogs - Tom Millitzer

Rock Science - Due Diligence In the Deal

Fri, 16 Oct 2009 11:29:33 -0400

By Tom Millitzer I was at the WHIR meet and greet in Miami and the subject of due-diligence came up. The set up: The person (buyer) was going on and on about needing years and years of financials. OK, I agree with that. He wanted to see this information and that information. I threw in something like my firms presentations are usually 20-60 pages and we have this, that and more (I was doing my sales puffing).

Hosting Firms - Get Behind the IRS - Cool Your Jets

Thu, 13 Aug 2009 18:24:57 -0400

By Tom Millitzer This goes out to those entrepreneurs that have almost total control over their companies. One of the great things about owning your own company is making decisions. Sometimes it can even benefit you. Before I go any further be advised that I firmly state that avoiding income taxes or underreporting actual or implied income is a no no, I would never condone this. This specific blog is primarily for the buyer of web hosting companies and help them avoid possible or potential pitfalls. God rest your souls.

Someday I may Lead the Team

Wed, 12 Aug 2009 13:16:24 -0400

By Tom Millitzer I am in a staffing and training session that is basically how to manage people and make them feel good. Something about Generation X, Y and baby boomers and "mature" people in the workforce. Also mentions of the Harvard Business Review. My bio on Twitter states "I am a team member, someday I may lead the team. They are wrong anyway and I don't have time for them." You can tell I hate managing people, thats why I don't, this is probably not the session for me.

M&A Tuesday - Stiff Family Fun

Tue, 11 Aug 2009 15:21:48 -0400

By Tom Millitzer It is packed as I sit here in the Stiff family session. I am impressed with the number of people, THE HOUSE IS PACKED - at least 70 people in the room. As this is my theoretical competition making the pitch I am envious. My session is second to last on Wednesday when half this group will be winging their way back to Chicago. But I want to add they are saving the best to the last. Just to let you know they are going to be giving away prizes to those in attendance.

Commercial Real Estate Gamble - Data Center Concerns

Tue, 28 Jul 2009 03:04:43 -0400

By Tom Millitzer In blackjack counting cards you can tilt the cards slightly in your favor. You have added information into a decision making process. If the information and timing correspond you may even have an experience you can brag about. Which brings us to the commercial real-estate market. Recently there has been a major up-tick in the doom and gloom media sectors. The one factoid I noted was that 4.5% of bank commercial real estate loans were delinquent in the second quarter 2009 up from 3.6 % in the first quarter. However in the second quarter of 2007, just two years ago, they were 1.2%. This is a trend.

Soviet Style Negotiations - You Can Negotiate Anything

Tue, 07 Jul 2009 01:10:12 -0400

By Tom Millitzer Earlier in my carrier I negotiated franchises for the largest cable television company in the United States. I learned a lot, had the opportunity to really screw things up (Did not) and learned a great deal about motivation and negotiation styles. Most people do not go into a proceeding considering what negotiation posture they should take. They are a product of their own self-psychology, history, goals and prejudices - they just show up. Sellers are often too close to the deal. They have an idea of the outcome they desire, but not the path.

July 2nd -- Time to Make It Or Break It

Mon, 22 Jun 2009 15:48:44 -0400

By Tom Millitzer When growing up I always felt that when July 4th arrives summer was halfway over. I guess Memorial Day looked so much closer than it did the last day of school. It is interesting how we cubbyhole certain days and seasons in our personal and business life. Wednesday is hump day, April 15th is tax day, the third Thursday in November is Thanksgiving that is followed by Black Friday. Then there is July 2nd.

Millitzer Presenting at HostingCon - Bring Your Family

Thu, 14 May 2009 15:55:17 -0400

By Tom Millitzer If you have not heard, I am presenting "Dissecting a Hosting Company Acquisition" at HostingCon on Wednesday August 12th. Hosting executives were doing back flips when this was announced. Other than this obvious, and rare, self-promotion; the previous paragraph is a lead in for an important subject. Taxes.

Sell Your Hosting Company - Give them what they want

Fri, 08 May 2009 10:33:26 -0400

By Tom Millitzer Your partner, shareholder or loved one comes up and says, "I think we should consider selling the hosting company." Exiting, the polite word, better stated as selling your business should be part of your business plan strategy and analysis. It should be an annual event and part of your discussion with your partners, corporate board meeting or at lunch with your family management associate.

Monetizing Your Toys - Building Your Business

Fri, 03 Apr 2009 15:34:50 -0400

By Tom Millitzer On board is a Bell Jet Ranger III helicopter, two tenders a 19-foot Cigarette a 23-foot Donzi - and two BMW motorcycles. They don't have it in the Brochure but I saw a small yellow submarine amidships in a cubbyhole about 15 feet above the water line. I am talking about the Forbes Yacht, The Highlander. I saw it in Milwaukee. No one waved me to come on board this 151 ft creature as I sailed as deftly as my nautical skill would allow along the towering hull. 151 ft is large, when I first met her I would have easily thought 200 ft' +. In reading it does sound James Bond (1980's) in nature, in reality it is close.