Case Studies

The following Case Studies are examples from the career of Chris Seelbach, founder of The Crest Group. They illustrate the range of organizations, industries, and issues that have been significant in his career. Mr. Seelbach’s business career was founded on consulting, included venture capital investing and advising company and venture capital management, and senior management positions where his consulting experience was significant to success. The resources of The Crest Group include not only other affiliates of RAC, but many consultants and executives from those with whom he has worked.

Case 1: Technology and Manufacturing
Situation: Joined fast growing public company introducing a revolutionary manufacturing process for producing textile fabrics. Company grew from $60M to $230M while I was with them over four years.

Results: The company developed an integrated chemicals to fabric production process, including fibre spinning and new innovative manufacturing. I helped develop a corporate marketing plan, was CFO of a division, and corporate head of investor relations. I led a cost reduction effort to improve operating profits and made one acquisition.

Case 2: Led Software Company through Turn Around, Technology Breakthrough, and Commercialization
Situation: As CEO of a venture capital backed software product development group, I led the completion of development and commercialization of industry leading software technology that revolutionized computer recognition of continuous speech.

Results: The breakthrough patents and industry acknowledgement created royalty and initial product sales. I subsequently bought the company and continued the commercialization process and the company continues today serving the initial markets that were identified.

Case 3: Developed a Revolutionary International Telephone Service
Situation: Hired as an experienced COO by an entrepreneur developing a radical, low cost international telephone technology.

Results: I helped organize operations in the early phases of the company. I also raise capital, integrated telephone operations, and managed the installation of a European fiber optic network. Company grew to $30M in 30 months and went public. Company continues today headquartered in London.

Case 4: Managed a Public Company
Situation: Served 6 years on the BOD of an early start up public company, and for 2 years was Chairman of the Board and of the Audit Committee. They were early marketers of services and other products through an internet based, multi-level marketing network of global agents.

Results: Sales reached $11M and I worked with consultants to sell the company to a Business Development Company; it continues today as a successful private company.