About
You’ve spent years building someone else’s dream.
Now let’s build yours.
The Official Spiel
I provide 1:1 startup consulting, advising, and coaching to entrepreneurs who are experts in what they do, but have never built a business before.
Whether you don’t know where to start or you’ve already launched and things aren’t going the way you’d hoped, you’re in the right place. You’ll get clarity and expert guidance you need — instead of wasting time guessing and pivoting.
Since graduating from the Wharton School and leaving the frenzy of Wall Street behind, I’ve spent the last 20-plus years helping first-time founders fast-track profitability and get funded (if they want).
Even though I’m based in Chicago, I work with clients around the globe — founders with businesses ranging from clean energy to life sciences, retail to consumer products, entertainment, food & beverage, health and wellness, tech of all kinds… and distilleries, of course.
It all starts at Stage Zero.
None of that matters if the foundation isn’t there. Without it, you’re building on quicksand.
I work with founders at what I call “Stage Zero” — the idea stage and just beyond. The “I’ve got a vision, but don’t know what to do next” stage. Why? Because every smart move (or expensive mistake) starts right here — at Stage Zero.
The decisions you make here — about your business model, pricing, target market, financial projections — are everything. Get them wrong, and you end up with expensive mistakes that are hard to undo.
A Proven Track Record
My clients’ results speak for themselves…
A client built an industry-leading tech platform that was later acquired for multiple millions by a German conglomerate.
A distillery secured millions in funding and went on to become England’s largest whisky producer.
A physical rehabilitation clinic reached profitability in less than one year and by the 18-month mark, had a months-long waitlist.
An organic beverage company hit the ground running, producing and selling their drinks within one year and winning their first award 15 months after launch.
of my clients who sought funding secured it.
pivots for clients who do the work.
Or just call me: (773) 871-0110
What it’s like working with me.
Collaborative
I don’t do it for you, I do it with you — combining your vision and my expertise to help you achieve your goals. I help you stress-test your idea, refine your offerings, and figure out who wants to buy what you’re selling — and how you’ll deliver it. Whatever the dilemmas, we’ll tackle them together, with me leading the way.
Candid
I wouldn’t be helping if we only focused on the bright side, so I’ll always give it to you straight. If the numbers don’t add up or the market demand isn’t there, I’ll say so and help you course-correct. When it comes to your success, there’s no room for fairy tales.
Proven Expertise
I don’t give advice based on fads or because I got lucky founding one startup. With me, you’re getting tailored advice from someone who’s been in the game through booms and busts and everything in-between, helping entrepreneurs like you build profitable businesses that last.
Accessible
“Diane cut through the noise and gave me the tough love I needed to make some hard decisions.
It felt affirming to have someone as focused on my business as I am.
This is your shot. Let’s make it count.
Whether you want to fast-track profitability or raise funds, you’re in the right place.
1
A Modern
Business Plan
I call it a Business Blueprint — the operating manual for your startup.
Traditional business plans were built for a different era. A Business Blueprint distills what actually matters most: your value proposition, business model, operations, and path to profitability. No filler. No fluff. A modern, practical plan so you can move forward with clarity and confidence. 99% of my clients seeking funding have secured it. That’s not a coincidence.
2
Investor-Ready
Financial Projections
The numbers that prove your story — and fund your future.
Financial spreadsheets don’t have to feel like ancient hieroglyphics. You need a clear financial picture — how much you need to launch, what it costs to run your business, and when you’ll be profitable. That’s what I build — clear projections that hold up under scrutiny, whether you’re pitching investors or want to be sure you don’t run out of cash before you hit profitability.
3
90-Minute
Founder Intensive
Roadblock? Tough call? Knowledge gap? Let’s fix that.
Sometimes you don’t need a months-long engagement — you just need 90 minutes of laser-focused, expert guidance. Whether you’re facing a roadblock, critical decision, or something you need to understand before you can move forward, this session is designed to get you unstuck. Want to see how one question changes everything? Click below.
And now, for the personal spiel…
(lest you think I’m all work and no play)
With a husband, two sons and a dog named Super Cooper, I swear the occasional Jedi mind trick is used only in the service of good.
I believe humor is one of life’s remarkable remedies — which might explain why I’m co-author of humor book M.I.L.D.E.W. | Mothers-In-Law Do Everything Wrong (Andrews McMeel), a fun-filled look at one of life’s oldest marital challenges (if you know, you know).
Mallomars and Graeter’s ice cream (especially mint chocolate chip) are the ways to my heart.
