In 2003, Lake Capital identified an underserved and increasing demand by business clients for unbiased consulting services delivered by world-class and independent consultants who were not affiliated with a public accounting firm or an IT services or outsourcing firm.

Lake Capital seized this market opportunity by creating Archstone Consulting LLC, a business strategy and operations consulting firm focused on value-chain improvements for clients in consumer packaged goods, manufacturing, life sciences, and retail and consumer services. Lake Capital recruited Todd Lavieri, who previously led Deloitte Consulting's largest practice area, global manufacturing, to lead Archstone. Lake Capital worked closely with Todd to identify and recruit to Archstone key professionals who shared our strategic vision and possessed experience from other top consultancies.

The firm is organized into three practice areas. Operations Excellence offers strategic consulting on supply chain management and execution, strategic sourcing and procurement, outsourcing strategies, sales and operations planning, as well as expertly managing working capital. The Financial Solutions practice concentrates on process improvement, structural cost reduction, business planning and forecasting, Sarbanes-Oxley compliance, and financial consolidation and reporting. Strategic Services offers consulting on post-merger integration, organizational effectiveness, marketing effectiveness, information technology, and merger and acquisition strategy.

In addition to recruiting the initial key executives and staff, Lake Capital played a significant role in creating the infrastructure necessary to support a multi-office consulting firm. Working together with Todd and other key Archstone executives, we secured office space in Chicago, New York, San Francisco, and Stamford and created the infrastructure in the human resources, accounting, and information technology services necessary to get Archstone off to a fast and successful start. Lake Capital principals serve as directors, and one is chairman. Lake Capital continues to work with the Archstone management team to develop market strategy, recruit senior-level professionals, expand service offerings and geographic coverage, and establish critical corporate functions. We also provide continuing assistance with strategic decisions and handle mergers and acquisitions activities.

Archstone has grown to 200 consulting professionals successfully serving Fortune 500 and other leading clients. Archstone's success was also recognized in the industry by being named by Consulting magazine as one of the "Seven Consulting Jewels" in 2004.