“My passion is working with small business owners. It is exciting to work with people who pour heart and soul into their endeavors, and to help them reap the rewards,” says Van Horn. “I like problem solving with people who have a direct stake in the outcome; who will say, Yes! or No! and not ‘Well, we’ll bring it up at the next committee meeting.’”

Mike has worked with the owners of well over a thousand companies. Every one of them thinks his or her business is unique, but when it comes to the barriers to growth, profitability, and ease of operation, Mike points out that all businesses are pretty much the same. 

“I hear the same laments over and over again, and the advice I give has been boiled down to a handful of ideas. These ideas are the core of my books.”

His results speak for themselves. 80% of the companies he has worked with have achieved their goals of growth, profitability, and ease of operation. This contrasts with the common statistic that 4 out of 5 small businesses go belly up within a few years. 

There are many resources that tell you how to launch a business, but very few that address the question, “Okay, I’m up and going. Now what?”

Mike has an MBA from UCLA—with an emphasis on small business management. He has taught in the business schools at University of San Francisco and Golden Gate University. 

Over the years, Mike has started and run a handful of small businesses, some quite successful and others not. A restaurant. A motel. An export management firm. Several real estate partnerships. A company that produced technical conferences. And his current company, The Business Group, which started in 1984.

“I’m sure I’ve made every mistake in the book. So I’m definitely speaking from experience.”

Every piece of advice Mike gives has been tested against the toughest of audiences—small business owners. 

“I avoid unnecessary jargon and jazzy concepts because I focus on helping you implement simple ideas that can have real results in your business. When I sit across from you, I can see your eyes glaze over faster than I can say ‘strategic analysis.’ I use practical and plain language, so that you can go back to work and apply it next Monday.”

The Business Group is a family concern.

“I am fortunate to have my wife B.J. working in the business. We are collaborators, co-creators, and best of friends. Even after working together all week, I still look forward to spending the weekend with her.”

B.J. VAN HORN

B.J. is the human resources expert of The Business Group. 

B.J. Van Horn, SPHR (Senior Professional in Human Resources), has become a trusted advisor and resource to the senior management, line staff and employees. She has clients in many industries¬—from hospitality to construction to pharma and technology. For over 30 years she has been a Human Resources manager and executive. She has been on the operations line of fire as well – having been GM of a $10 million operation – and knows the challenges you face from the inside out. Before starting her practice with small business, B.J. worked for Host International, Hyatt Hotels and Resorts, and Federated Department Stores in Human Resources. She established the H.R. function at the Bohemian Club and Grove, and was the first woman since the Club’s founding in 1872 to serve as General Manager. 

B.J.’S PERSONAL STATEMENT

My view of Human Resources is that it is the point at which the employee can gain the most from his/her association with the company, and the employer can get the most and best from the people who do the work.  My mantra is, “Create a firm, fair, and consistent workplace” and if you do, your business will take off in a positive and dynamic direction.

Establishing and maintaining a firm, fair, and consistent workplace is also the surest way to legal compliance and high productivity for your business. But you need help to do it, from both a good Employment Attorney and a good Human Resources professional.

Lawyers are essential: they are the mapmakers who chart the ever-changing terrain of employment laws and regulations, and keep current on the letter of the law as it affects your business. H.R. professionals are the pathfinders and guides, leading you around quicksand, pointing out poisonous swamps and finding routes around them, recognizing red flags and keeping an ear to the ground for brigands and others who would take your purse. And keeping you on the road to green pastures and prosperity! It’s an exciting journey, and one I want to be part of with every client I meet.