The expedition is chosen, the journey is mapped, and the ascent begins. With the adrenaline high and the pace swift, the first mile goes by quickly and easily. Just as in the mountain climbing adventure, entrepreneurial businesses initially grow quickly through a combination of high quality products, exceptional customer service, and inexpensive labor provided by the entrepreneur and a loyal core of employees. The hands-on entrepreneur is often able to manage the business and personally assure the quality of each product and service. But as the miles go by, the slope increases, the rocks are less secure, the clouds roll in…as the business grows, the issues become more complex, the demands become greater, and the entrepreneur's management through his/her intrinsic senses and personal handling of every issue is no longer possible. The entrepreneur needs better tools. The entrepreneur needs a partner.

"Inexperienced Climber Rescued From Side of Mountain"…"Climbers Fall to Their Death Unprepared"…so go the headlines about inexperienced climbers, unprepared and underestimating the requirements of the adventure. Entrepreneurs often share these traits. Many head off on the climb blindly optimistic, unaware of and unprepared for the difficulties that lie ahead. Others are acutely aware of their need for the support of a partner or team of partners. Unfortunately, the entrepreneur is often unable to take on the additional overhead or is unwilling to share in the authority, responsibility, or financial rewards that are necessary to recruit a qualified partner. In addition, no single individual brings the broad range of expertise, experience, and resources necessary to fully meet the entrepreneur's needs. As a result, most entrepreneurs enter each stage of business growth alone, only to experience confusion, frustration, stagnation, loss of employee morale, and sometimes even financial failure.