Testimonials

  • "Aspire joined our extended team in year 3 of our operations, spearheading the professionalization of our entire Finance function and setting us up for sustained, smart growth and increased impact. I chose Aspire because they were committed to deeply understanding and advancing our business model - and they've delivered. Highly recommended for ambitious, growing businesses who want best-in-class partners!"

    -Mara Hansen Staples, CEO - Salient Advisory Services

  • “Nicole Ballestrin has been e-Zinc’s CFO for over three years and her work has been nothing short of outstanding.  She established a thorough set of financial controls, policies, tools and processes that added an immense professional sophistication to our organization.  With Nicole at the reins, I can trust that everything is in order with respect to our finances: our budgeting, forecasting, financial audits, reporting, payroll, tax filings, government grant filings, etc.  I highly recommend Nicole and Aspire CFO’s services to any CEO that is looking for support in this critical function.”

    - James Larsen, CEO - e-Zinc

  • “A super high functioning team that got up to speed quickly and led some complex undertakings. We have found great partners in Aspire CFO for our stage and requirements.”

    - Jeff Schnurr, Chief Executive Officer, Jaza Energy

  • “Shortly after Nicole joined Connected as CFO, she dramatically transformed the company’s financial processes, KPIs, reporting, and forecasting, providing significantly improved insight into the company performance and future potential. Nicole has elevated her team’s capability and output with effective coaching and training. Nicole has also been a key member of the executive team providing guidance and driving improved, data-driven decision making throughout the organization. I strongly recommend Nicole and her team at Aspire CFO!”

    - Ally Contardi, Executive Vice President, Operations, Connected

  • “Nicole and her team have been great.  We appreciate the depth of Aspire’s expertise and the seamless way that they work with our Board, leadership team, and operations supporting staff.”

    - Brian Mergelas, PhD, Partner, 1440 Capital

  • “Through the Aspire CFO team led by Karen Inman, we have been able to set a strong foundation for our fast-growing advanced manufacturing business, anchoring our business growth strategy with the fundamentals of an effective finance function. With a strong financial operation in place our operating teams can focus on growing the business and driving the efficiencies with confidence and eventually lead us to a successful exit.”

    -David Mather, CEO & Chairman, NxLite

  • “Nicole and her team elevated the performance of the company’s financial department providing improved financial reporting and streamlined financial processes. They were key contributors to all international deals and orchestrated some very complex and large dollar-value international financings. Hard-working, dedicated and a joy to work with - I strongly recommend the Aspire CFO team!”

    - Stuart Miller, MBA JD, General Counsel, CALPERS renewables portfolio company