Meet Richard Wilder, Managing Director of Virginia and Southern Maryland

Where did you grow up?

I was born on Long Island and moved to Connecticut when I was 12, where I lived through my mid-20’s.  

Where did you study for college?  

I went to Eastern Connecticut State University and received my BBA in Management.

What was the first job you had out of college? What was the most important lesson you learned there that has stuck with you for your entire professional career?

My first job out of College was running the operations of the nation’s largest instructional football camp.  With over 1000 boys, 100 College coaches and 50 NFL pros, it was an amazing learning opportunity for a 21 year old (who already thought he knew everything).  There were numerous life experiences that I gained during my three years there but two come to mind.  The first was that I was surrounded by all these athletes that had one goal – get better at a sport.  Some were blessed with amazing natural ability and some were not – all the way up to the pro level.  What I learned was that hard work, focus and the will to get better always achieved more than just relying on natural ability.  You can always get better.  The second was that I was sitting with a future hall of fame candidate and I made the incorrect assumption that he played golf as it seemed to me that all football players played golf.  He looked at me and asked me why I believed he played golf? When I gave him my rationale, he told me it was always better to ask a question than to make an assumption when you are not certain.  I have incorporated this into my life and shared it with my employees and children.

What drew you to working with A. Neumann and Associates, LLC? 

After a successful career in several companies, I was looking for an opportunity that allowed me to apply the 30 plus years of practical business knowledge that I had amassed.  My “perfect” role would be one where I could apply my experience while helping others achieve their business and personal goals.  In researching opportunities, A. Neumann and Associates, LLC stood out for two reasons, integrity, and a proven track record of success for both business sellers and business buyers.  After meeting Achim, it was clear that we shared many of the same objectives.

What counties and states do you represent?  

I am responsible for Washington D.C., Northern/Eastern Virginia, Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore of Maryland.

What do you feel makes your region unique compared to others? (tax benefits, special laws, etc.)?   

My region is a broad spectrum of small, medium, and large businesses, some of which are multi-generational. These businesses sectors include service, distribution, retail, manufacturing, construction, and, in some areas, agriculture.  Just about any type and size of business exists in my region.

What do you find is the biggest challenge in your region compared to others?

I do not believe there is any bigger challenge in my region versus others.  For those challenges that do occur, the process we use for aiding in the transitions of mergers & acquisitions at A. Neumann & Associates, LLC, which has been refined over decades of experience, helps mitigate challenges.

What do you find is the biggest advantage working in your region compared to others?

In my region, which includes Washington D.C., Northern/Eastern Virginia, Southern Maryland and the Eastern Shore of Maryland, there is a broad variety of businesses and business environments, each with their own levels of opportunity.

What do you think is the most underrated opportunity in your region?  

I do not think of it in terms of underrated opportunities, just opportunities that have not been uncovered yet.

What is the most rewarding experience you’ve had working in your region?

The feeling that I get when I am able to help a business owner realize their objectives is incredibly rewarding.  Many of these owners have literally worked for decades in building their business and are looking for a successful exit and transition.  When we help them achieve this, there is nothing better.

Best advice for someone considering selling a business in your region 

Don’t go it alone. Many business owners undervalue their business or do not know what levers to pull to increase the value for a future sale.  At A. Neumann & Associates, LLC, we are professionals that work as a team dedicated to providing valuations and marketing your business for sale with the utmost confidentiality throughout the entire process. We also advise having the right legal and accounting professionals in the mix as well. Contact us today to set up your appointment for a business valuation discussion.

Best advice for someone considering buying a business in your region

A buyer should engage professionals in their search for a business.  The A. Neumann & Associates, LLC, process and confidential approach is best for a buyer as well as a seller.