Sometimes, knowing where you stand is the first step toward getting where you want to be. For Organic Gardener NYC, a premier horticultural design and build firm, a strategic crossroads led them to seek clarity on their company’s value and future direction. This is the story of how they partnered with Baton to navigate a pivotal moment and gain the confidence to chart their next chapter.

About the Business

• Industry: Horticultural Design & Build, General Contracting

• Location: New York City (Manhattan and surrounding areas)

• Focus: Designing and building beautiful landscapes, both indoor and outdoor, for commercial and residential developments, with a focus on indigenous plant life.

The Challenge

Organic Gardener NYC had reached a historical high in gross revenue, presenting both opportunities and challenges. They needed to make strategic decisions about bringing on additional staff and improving operations. Coming out of the COVID-19 pandemic, the future of the city, the real estate market, and their business was uncertain. The challenge was understanding the company’s true worth, identifying its blind spots, and determining the best path forward in a rapidly changing environment.

Why Baton?

Faced with uncertainty and strategic decisions, Tom Tinervin, the CFO of Organic Gardener NYC, sought a business valuation to understand the company’s worth and potential future direction.

From Crossroads to Clarity

Here’s how the journey unfolded:

1. Perfect Timing: Baton reached out at a crucial moment when Organic Gardener NYC was evaluating its options and future direction.

2. Identifying Blind Spots: The valuation process helped the company recognize they were pigeonholed as “plant guys” despite offering a wider range of general contracting services.

3. Building Confidence: Baton provided confidence to take a step forward by introducing them to a potential buyer, setting off a series of valuable conversations and opportunities.

4. Provocative Questions: The valuation raised important questions and sparked internal debate, leading to a deeper understanding of the business.

5. Risk Assessment: The risk assessment component of the valuation was particularly eye-opening, revealing potential vulnerabilities and prompting important internal discussions.

6. Actionable Takeaways: The process provided actionable insights related to forecasting, risk assessment, and communication of roles and responsibilities.

The Transformation

The valuation process with Baton provided Organic Gardener NYC with clarity, confidence, and a renewed sense of direction.

1. Expanded Perspective: The valuation provided a frame of reference for understanding their position in the market and how to better articulate their value proposition.

2. Strategic Focus: The process helped the company refocus on key areas of interest for potential investors or buyers.

3. Actionable Insights: Takeaways from the valuation were immediately applicable to various aspects of the business, from forecasting to communication.

4. Valuable Conversations: The valuation and the insights gained from the Baton team sparked important conversations both internally and with potential buyers.

5. New Goals: The valuation process helped Organic Gardener NYC set new goals and refine its strategic direction.

Lessons Learned

For Organic Gardener NYC, the valuation process was not just about the numbers; it was about gaining a deeper understanding of the business and its potential. They learned the importance of addressing challenges head-on, communicating their true value, and staying open to new perspectives.

The Baton Valuation Experience

Initially skeptical, Tom Tinervin, the CFO of Organic Gardener NYC, was ultimately impressed with the valuation process, finding it to be a valuable and insightful experience.

• Seamless Process: The Baton process was efficient, transparent, and user-friendly.

• Expert Guidance: The Baton team was knowledgeable, responsive, and eager to learn about the business.

• Eye-Opening Results: The valuation provided a benchmark for future growth and helped the company understand the potential value of its business.

A Word of Advice

For business owners considering engaging with Baton, the CFO of Organic Gardener NYC emphasizes the importance of embracing the process and using it as a stepping stone to build a greater understanding and value of your business. He encourages everyone to take that step, not only so that you know what you’re worth, but also to go through the process and learn from the process.

The Future

While conversations with potential buyers haven’t yet led to a transaction, the process has changed the internal dialogue about the company’s future. Organic Gardener NYC is now better equipped to pursue its goals with confidence and clarity.

In His Own Words

“I would encourage everybody to go through that valuation process, continue learning, and take those as stepping stones to build a greater understanding and value of your business.” Tom Tinervin, CFO of Organic Gardener NYC