Where We Started

Platinum Group started with the dream of one man — a man who envisioned creating a “think tank” of experienced, smart, empathetic, and collaborative businesspeople compelled to help others in need. A team of people who believed in open communication and teamwork and who shared a vision of leading companies through critical transitions to save jobs, prevent bankruptcies and provide a safe haven for people in serious trouble. That dream is now a reality.

The firm was founded over two decades ago in the home office of the founder's home. For years, Dean Bachelor and a select team of like-minded leaders have grown the business deliberately and with passion and determination. Through referrals, treating clients’ right and adhering to strong Midwestern values, he has added about one person a year — seasoned individuals who help companies weather the tides of change.

Today Platinum Group is the largest turnaround management firm in the Upper Midwest, with 400 years of combined turnaround management, consulting and investment experience in creating value for business owners and investors. The company has provided advisory services to more than 500 clients, served as president or CEO/CFO/CRO of over 90 turnarounds, and has invested in 16 companies to date.

Since its inception, the company has succeeded by putting itself in “the owner’s shoes” – not only mentally, but financially as well. That mindset, along with basing a significant part of compensation on results achieved, underscores the attitude that “we win if the owner wins.”

While Platinum Group has changed and evolved over the years, the mission has not. Today — just as in the beginning — the mission serves as a beacon of light; guiding the daily efforts of the company as they strive to “lead companies through transition by providing strategic, operational, and financial hands-on management with the goal of restoring, enhancing and realizing value.”

Announcements

Events

A monthly transition story and roundtable discussion for successful business owners pursuing next steps in their businesses and lives.

Featured topic for March: Two Options for Finding Successors

Over 18,000 family or closely held business owners in Minnesota will come to a realization in 2012 that it’s time to turn the reins of leadership and ownership, over to someone else. Where will today’s owners find the right person or team to make this transition possible? Our experience shows that succession can easily take five years or longer to envision, plan, select, develop and implement. And a lot can change over five years.

Join us March 13th to learn more about family and privately held succession plans. Using real case studies presented by Transition Resource Group members we will look at options for finding successors for your business.

With real situations as the catalyst, we expect lively questions and dialog around why and how these succession plans developed and were successful.

Our Transition Forum is confidential with voluntary participation. There is no obligation or cost beyond your breakfast each month. Trusted advisors are welcome when accompanied by a client or business owner approaching transition . . . someone who has moved from dreaming to worrying about how to step into real transition. Owners – bring your transition advisor!

The Transition Breakfast Series will be held at 8000 Norman Drive, Bloomington in the 2nd floor conference room (watch for Platinum signs). The event begins at 7:30 a.m.

Cost is $25 in advance or $30 payable at the door. Please e-mail Donna Gray with questions, or if you are unable to attend after registering. We hope you will join other business owners in learning from shared transition experiences.

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