Client Testimonials
I have collaborated and worked closely with Jeff across a range of client engagements, including business turnarounds, succession planning, and fractional CFO and CEO roles.
Jeff’s unique strength lies in his deep understanding of each client’s business, operational dynamics, and leadership challenges. Jeff quickly identifies key business drivers and translate insight into action—improving performance, strengthening cash flow, and driving sustainable growth. He consistently delivers measurable results by aligning strategy, financial discipline, and execution.
In every instance, Jeff has demonstrated a collaborative, inclusive, and team-oriented approach. His ability to tailor his involvement to the specific needs of each engagement consistently led to successful and positive outcomes for both our clients and our advisory teams.
He approaches every engagement with insight, professionalism, and a practical mindset, making him a highly effective and trusted advisor. I would confidently recommend Jeff to organizations seeking strategic leadership and meaningful results.
Jeff’s unique strength lies in his deep understanding of each client’s business, operational dynamics, and leadership challenges. Jeff quickly identifies key business drivers and translate insight into action—improving performance, strengthening cash flow, and driving sustainable growth. He consistently delivers measurable results by aligning strategy, financial discipline, and execution.
In every instance, Jeff has demonstrated a collaborative, inclusive, and team-oriented approach. His ability to tailor his involvement to the specific needs of each engagement consistently led to successful and positive outcomes for both our clients and our advisory teams.
He approaches every engagement with insight, professionalism, and a practical mindset, making him a highly effective and trusted advisor. I would confidently recommend Jeff to organizations seeking strategic leadership and meaningful results.
Heather Maia, CPA
Magellan CPA’s, New Jersey
When I reached out to Jeffrey Kates, I was at a crossroads and, honestly, feeling overwhelmed by the challenges my business was facing. Jeff leaned in and helped me navigate a VERY difficult situation with empathy and expert strategy. What impressed me was how quickly Jeffrey was able to identify, with numbers and indisputable facts, the entire picture and the gravity of the situation. He was able to explain it to me in a way that I could understand what needed to be done. He was the lifeline I needed during a high-stakes transition.
It is rare to find a consultant who cares as much about your well-being as Jeffrey. Working intimately with my financial advisor, Jeffrey helped us to take a step back and create a strategic plan that would ultimately protect me and my family moving forward.
Jeffrey has a keen eye and business acumen for navigating the trickiest of situations. Jeffrey was the “calm in the storm”. He helped me to cut through the noise and focus on what really mattered to get my company sold for as much as possible. His empathy during the entire process was what impressed me the most.
Jeffrey didn't just help sell my business; he helped me rediscover why I started it in the first place. He is more than a consultant, he is a game changer, and a true partner by your side. If you feel like you are stuck, trust me—Next Is Now Consulting IS the partner you need to turn things around and find a solution. I am incredibly grateful for his guidance and couldn't recommend him more highly to anyone facing a tough road.
It is rare to find a consultant who cares as much about your well-being as Jeffrey. Working intimately with my financial advisor, Jeffrey helped us to take a step back and create a strategic plan that would ultimately protect me and my family moving forward.
Jeffrey has a keen eye and business acumen for navigating the trickiest of situations. Jeffrey was the “calm in the storm”. He helped me to cut through the noise and focus on what really mattered to get my company sold for as much as possible. His empathy during the entire process was what impressed me the most.
Jeffrey didn't just help sell my business; he helped me rediscover why I started it in the first place. He is more than a consultant, he is a game changer, and a true partner by your side. If you feel like you are stuck, trust me—Next Is Now Consulting IS the partner you need to turn things around and find a solution. I am incredibly grateful for his guidance and couldn't recommend him more highly to anyone facing a tough road.
Christie G.
When I obtained my CEPA designation a few years ago, one of the first things I did was look through the directory of the EPI Chapter here in New Jersey to reach out to potential value advisors I could collaborate with. I reached out to Jeffrey through a cold call, which has since turned into one of the warmest professional relationships I have today.
While assisting a client with an LOI, I needed a Value Advisor who could step in quickly. Jeff answered my call and met with the client just days before Christmas. After meeting the client, Jeff was engaged and immediately proved to be process-oriented, organized, intentional, and thorough. Over the following weeks, he stepped in as a true fractional CFO and began digging deep into QuickBooks, validating the financials, and bringing clarity to both the Buyer and Seller.
His work led to a revised LOI that more accurately reflected the true economics of the business that resulted in a substantial increase in remuneration for my client. Jeff then led the due diligence process on behalf of the seller and worked closely with the buyers to ensure a smooth transaction process.
Throughout the process, Jeff communicated effectively with the entire advisory team and kept everyone aligned. Ultimately, the Seller exited the business in a stronger position because Jeff was brought in as our Value Advisor. I highly recommend giving him a call if you have a client looking to grow enterprise value or plan an exit.
While assisting a client with an LOI, I needed a Value Advisor who could step in quickly. Jeff answered my call and met with the client just days before Christmas. After meeting the client, Jeff was engaged and immediately proved to be process-oriented, organized, intentional, and thorough. Over the following weeks, he stepped in as a true fractional CFO and began digging deep into QuickBooks, validating the financials, and bringing clarity to both the Buyer and Seller.
His work led to a revised LOI that more accurately reflected the true economics of the business that resulted in a substantial increase in remuneration for my client. Jeff then led the due diligence process on behalf of the seller and worked closely with the buyers to ensure a smooth transaction process.
Throughout the process, Jeff communicated effectively with the entire advisory team and kept everyone aligned. Ultimately, the Seller exited the business in a stronger position because Jeff was brought in as our Value Advisor. I highly recommend giving him a call if you have a client looking to grow enterprise value or plan an exit.
Braezen S., CFP®, CEPA®