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How does one determine if the CEO is investment worthy? Cleveland outlines four major criteria that must be met:
· The CEO and management must have a major stake in the business.
· There must be a clear vision with above-average growth prospects.
· The company must be profitable.
· The valuation must be reasonable.
One of the keys of this investment method is performing due diligence on the management team. Are their goals aligned with those of the shareholders? If they are shareholders themselves, then the answer is yes. Mr. Cleveland makes a distinction between CEOs who are rewarded with options and those who actually use their own dollars to invest in the company - those who have "skin in the game."
Leadership is a key trait exhibited by all successful entrepreneurial CEOs. The ability to get the entire company to buy in can make the difference between success and failure. In the book there are numerous suggestions on how to find strong entrepreneurial CEOs today as well as some red flags to be cautious of.
The book also identifies common traps that investors fall into, such as buying stocks that are overvalued and having a short-term investment mentality. The author likens these investment tactics as the equivalent of shooting craps in Las Vegas.
The book concludes with 10 case studies of winning entrepreneurs who have driven their companies and their valuations - to the top. By analyzing the case studies and applying the principles and strategies detailed in the book, investors may have an opportunity to improve the performance of their investment dollar.
To view a video of Russell Cleveland explaining his CEO investing philosophy, click here.
About the Author: Russell Cleveland is the principal founder and the majority shareholder of RENN Capital Group, Inc. RENN provides capital to emerging publicly owned companies. Besides serving as President and Director of Renaissance Capital Growth & Income Fund III, Inc. (AMEX: RCG), he is also Director and Manager of Renaissance US Growth and Income Trust PLC, which is traded on the London Exchange, U.S. Portfolio manager of US Special Opportunities Trust PLC (London based) and Premier RENN US Emerging Growth Limited (London based).
Contact: Chris Rosgen Capital Market Relations 949-481-9739
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