Stacy Robin, Founder of the Degania Group

I generally think of business consultants the way I think about used car salesmen.  Thanks to 33 year-old Stacy Robin, Founder of the Degania Group, I now have a better outlook.  After all, how could I not trust a former child game-show participant, Miss Teen New Jersey contestant, and founder of a Detroit prison debate team?

Growing up in New York and New Jersey, Stacy was your typical super-intelligent, media-hopping, child genius.  She graduated high school at 16, and by 17 was working with inmates of the Detroit prison system, tutoring inmates for their GEDs and coordinating the aforementioned debate program between the prison system and the University of Michigan.  After completing her undergrad, she went on to a Masters program at USC studying Communication before completing her MBA at Pepperdine where she then taught business classes and became Director of IT.  Along the way, she also worked for tech startups on the West Coast, and finally Xerox, specializing in corporate training.

By 2003 Stacy was ready to start a business of her own in the form of the Degania Group.  After a circumstantial slow start (Stacy moved back home to care for her ailing grandmother for a year until she died), the company was officially moved to NY, where Stacy is also an adjunct professor at NYU teaching intensive classes focused on starting and maintaining a business.  A natural problem-solver, she is creating “packages” starting at only $100 to demystify and make tangible the give and take of the business consultant relationship.

If you are looking for a business consultant, I can say this about Stacy:  She’s nice, she’s smart, and I trust her.

In fact, I’d probably even buy a car from her if she asked me.

1. The Degania Group assists businesses solve problems (and build on strengths) to become more profitable. What do you offer that is different from all the other business consultants out there?

Well, I have great stories about working in prison – and I can also fix their plumbing…

Seriously…First, I’m not just analyzing a client’s issues and making recommendations that are not actionable/can’t be implemented. I’m helping to implement the strategies and solutions. Second, my background can best be described as “abnormal” – it involves traditional and very untraditional education and experiences. More than just another set of eyes, I see situations and opportunities differently than many people. Third, while some would argue otherwise – I really don’t need to be seen as a know it all. I’m happy to say “I don’t know” – but can generally find the person who does know.

2. You say you love fixing problems. What is the biggest problem you’ve had to overcome in your own business?

There were two: The first is common to my type of personality – the delegation issue. What “busy work” could I delegate without the business losing the personality I brought to the table? The second was balancing my commitment to helping my family and friends with the work I needed to do for my business. It’s another typical personality problem – being able to say “no.” [And now that Apple has a bigger market share and more products are web-based, it's not as difficult to find business software for a Mac...]

3. Both personally and professionally, you have amassed a broad range of experiences. Which of these have helped you grow the most as an entrepreneur?

My upbringing. From an early age my mom allowed me – and encouraged me – to make my own decisions. Whether she agreed with them or not, she supported me. As an entrepreneur you need to be able to make decisions – and take responsibility for them. When you make bad decisions, you need to be able to learn from it – and move on. You can’t beat yourself up every time you realize you should have chosen differently.

4. We spoke for a long time over the phone, but I figured out your IQ in the first 5 minutes. Do you think men are intimidated by your intelligence?
Some, I’m sure. The others simply think they’re actually smarter than I am. [Just kidding!] Actually, I see this more with others who think they compete with The Degania Group (men and women.) I might be talking to someone they want to meet or impress – and they immediately try to find ways to slight me (“I’ve been working for 40 years, how much experience do YOU have?”) First of all, there’s enough business out there for everyone. Second, there’s a greater likelihood of my working with you on a project than competing with you.

5. What plans, if any, do you have to expand The Degania Group in the future?
Currently, The Degania Group provides services in 4 key areas: strategy development and implementation, business plan services, evaluating investments and potential investments and corporate training. There is expansion occurring immediately (this Summer/early Fall) in how are services are provided. I’m creating consulting “packages” – projects that have a clearly defined scope – but have a set price and deliverables – making them more easily understood and “tangible” to potential clients scared off by the concept (and potential costs) of “consulting.”

6. You say you average 80 hour work weeks. Do you ever miss not being the boss?
Not at all!

7. Describe the ideal person who would complement both your life and your business.
That’s difficult. I’ve found very different types of people/personalities to suit me. Generally, they’re all dynamic, charismatic, passionate and confident (but not obnoxiously cocky) – and appreciate that about me as well. I don’t need a “yes” person or a cheerleader, rather someone I can trust to be honest with me. The absolute ideal person would know how to tempt me to put down my work – and know when I really need the break – but would also understand when I needed to focus on my business (and wouldn’t be offended by it.)

8. Where do you see yourself in 10 years?

At the computer! (Or whatever we are using those days for all of the technology tools available.) Professionally, in much of the same place: I love the things I’m doing – helping business owners, teaching, mentoring and training. Personally, I hope to have more time to volunteer with the non-profits I support. Ideally, I’ll also be raising a few children.

Stacy’s Bio:
These days, you’ll find Stacy Robin in a business suit, advising business owners, teaching entrepreneurs or speaking on topics including negotiation, communication, marketing, alliances, new ventures and business culture. After-hours, you’ll find her volunteering her time for non-profit organizations, practicing her plumbing skills while renovating her home, playing with her tech toys or aggressively cheering for the New Jersey Devils. Before her return to the East Coast in 2003, Stacy ran programs for inmates in the Detroit prison system, taught third graders, trekked the Midwest on a geology expedition and was at the epicenter of the tech craze (and crash) in California.

In between her adventures, Stacy earned BA in Language and Communication from the University of Michigan, an MA in Communication Management from the Annenberg School at the University of Southern California and an MBA in Business Management from Pepperdine University. While earning her MA, Stacy spent time in Paris, Prague, London and Geneva studying multinational corporations. Additionally, she completed certification in Dispute Resolution from the Pepperdine University School of Law. While in the program, Stacy mediated litigated disputes in the Santa Monica, California courts, boasting a 90% settlement rate.

Want to connect with Stacy?  Follow her on Twitter and Facebook!