Ten weeks ago, my 90-year-old father passed away. While I was still trying to wrap my head around losing him, I also had to figure out how to step into the role he held in our company for decades. There was no gentle learning curve. I had a lot to learn, fast.
The day after he died, I got a call from Cogent Analytics. They’d been reaching out to me for years, and the timing this time was impossible to ignore. I needed help, and for once I didn’t have the luxury of dragging my feet. I scheduled an analyst to come in.
After three days with him, it was clear we weren’t talking about a few tune-ups — we were talking about dragging a 70-plus-year-old business out of the past and into something that could actually compete in today’s market. I talked with the partners, and we made the call to bring Cogent in for six weeks.
I won’t lie — spending that kind of money at that moment made my stomach tighten. But it ended up being exactly what the business needed. For the past six weeks, I’ve basically been enrolled in a crash-course business school that focuses specifically on my world, my headaches, my blind spots, and my company. Nothing was off-limits. Every process, every assumption, every bad habit — all of it was examined.
It’s been a time warp. We went from operating like it was 1965 to finally functioning like a modern business. And while I could easily use a few more months of one-on-one coaching, I’m walking away with the tools and structure to actually lead this company instead of just reacting to it.
Cogent didn’t just fix things and walk away. They built systems, accountability, and a support network that continues after the engagement ends. I know who to call when something new blindsides me — and something always does.
This process only works if you completely commit to it, and I did. My wife and kids haven’t exactly loved how much time I’ve been at the office lately, but they also understand that this is the work that keeps the business healthy long-term. And the competence I’ve picked up isn’t just useful here — it’s something that’ll pay off no matter what storm comes next.
For me, this was an investment that will continue paying dividends for years. And if someone else finds themselves suddenly thrown into the deep end like I was, Cogent is exactly the kind of support I’d want them to have.
Sincerely,
Terry Lee
President
United Safety Services, Inc.
United Safety Services
United Safety Services in Pittsburgh, PA, has seventy-plus years of experience cleaning and disinfecting commercial and industrial facilities, specializing in the food service, healthcare, and educational industries. Our personnel are on standby to help you with your cleaning needs, including air duct cleaning, damper verification, exhaust cleaning, and disinfecting contaminated facilities.
