Case Studies

Challenge: Econergy International started as a small consulting firm in the 1990s, advising on renewable energy and carbon offset projects. It needed to transition into a full-scale independent power producer to capture emerging clean energy opportunities.

Action:

• Rick Renner, as President & COO, led the transformation from a consulting model to a multinational operating company.

• Built operational infrastructure across six countries, overseeing $350 million in assets and $65 million in annual revenue.

• Managed the $110 million IPO on the London Stock Exchange and raised $250 million in project financing.

• Developed one of the first carbon trading businesses and structured the company’s $25 million CleanTech Fund.

Result:
Econergy grew into a publicly traded renewable energy leader, with 250 MW of clean energy projects online. Investors realized significant value when the company was sold to GDF Suez.

Challenge: Econergy sought to acquire Empresa Electrica Corani, a Bolivian hydroelectric company, as part of its Latin American expansion strategy.

Action:

• Rick Renner led due diligence, financial modeling, and negotiations, managing cross-border legal and regulatory complexities.

• Structured the deal, raising and allocating $20 million in acquisition financing.

• Post-acquisition, served as President of the Board, managing a 150-MW hydro facility and liaising with the Bolivian government.

Result:
The acquisition became a cornerstone asset in Econergy’s Latin American portfolio, generating stable cash flow and strengthening its hydroelectric expertise.

Challenge: Renewable energy and clean-tech ventures in the 1990s lacked established financing structures.

Action:

• Structured innovative financing vehicles, including a $25 million private equity CleanTech Fund.

• Managed multiple fundraising rounds (Series A, B, and C), raising over $4.5 million in early-stage capital.

• Secured $80 million in bridge financing to facilitate Econergy’s acquisition by GDF Suez.

Result:
These financing efforts enabled pioneering renewable energy projects, making Econergy one of the first movers in the carbon offset industry.

Challenge: Dreampad, a therapeutic pillow company, needed strategic leadership to expand into consumer and clinical markets.

Action:

• As CEO, Rick Renner directed product positioning, financial strategy, and operations.

• Expanded marketing toward PTSD and autism therapy markets.

• Oversaw supply chain, production, and revenue management during growth phases.

Result:
Dreampad broadened its reach into both clinical and consumer markets, establishing partnerships with therapists and improving product credibility through clinical use cases.

Challenge: Integrated Listening Systems (ILS), a neurotechnology company for therapists, required financial discipline and operational efficiency to support growth.

Action:

• As CFO, Rick Renner reorganized accounting, production, and fulfillment operations.

• Led a Series A investment round, securing critical growth capital.

• Implemented cost and revenue management systems to improve margins and scaling potential.

Result:
ILS achieved significant growth, ultimately positioning itself for a successful sale to new ownership.

Client Overview

Accessible Tech provides assistive technology solutions, including AAC (Augmentative and Alternative Communication) speech apps and specialized therapeutic products. The company works closely with state-funded programs to ensure individuals with speech and communication challenges receive the tools they need to thrive.

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Challenge

By early 2024, Accessible Tech faced several pressing challenges:

• Disorganized financial reporting and outdated chart of accounts.

• Rising operating costs that were eroding margins.

• Sales pipelines for AAC speech apps had stalled, relying heavily on outdated manual processes.

• Limited presence in new state programs and underperforming marketing campaigns.

• A product portfolio that had not expanded in several years, limiting growth potential.

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Solution

In 2024, a comprehensive financial and operational management overhaul was initiated. Key initiatives included:

1. Financial Reorganization & Cost Optimization

   • Cleaned up and restructured accounting records.

   • Revised the chart of accounts to align with current operations.

   • Conducted a rigorous line-by-line expense analysis, resulting in a 40% reduction in operating costs.

2. Pipeline Rebuild & Program Expansion

   • Rebuilt sales pipelines for AAC speech app sales through two existing state programs, standardizing workflows and improving applicant follow-through.

   • Added three new state programs, designing and implementing state-specific sales processes and automated workflows in HubSpot.

3. Marketing Optimization

   • Rebuilt Facebook ad campaigns with targeted audiences, reducing cost per lead by 30%.

   • Introduced refined messaging strategies focused on program eligibility and end-user success stories.

4. Product Line Growth

   • Expanded the company’s offerings by adding two new product lines, diversifying revenue streams and strengthening Accessible Tech’s value proposition to therapists and state programs.

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Results

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Conclusion

Through disciplined financial management, streamlined operations, and targeted growth initiatives, Accessible Tech successfully repositioned itself for sustainable growth in 2024–2025. The combination of cost savings, expanded program participation, and new product offerings has strengthened its role as a trusted provider of assistive technology solutions across multiple states.

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