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TESTIMONIALS
"MVM has engaged Ray's services in the review of two
separate potential investment opportunities in the diagnostics
space and we intend to work with him again on future projects.
Ray has broad experience which allows him rapidly to get
to the key issues for emerging diagnostic companies. On
both of the occasions we worked with Ray his understanding
of both strategic and operational risks for a business
was impressive and he was a valuable member of the due
diligence team. In addition he continued to provide insight
after the formal engagement was finished."
Thomas Casdagli
Partner
MVM Life Science Partners, LLP |
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"I have worked with Blue Ridge Growth Advisors on two
occasions - assessing the core value proposition, market
opportunities and strategy of a formation stage company
and also in evaluating my investment in a pre-revenue
diagnostics company. Both times I was very impressed with
the breadth and depth of Ray's knowledge of the diagnostics
markets as well as his insights into the main drivers
of value creation and returns in the industry. Ray is
a strategist who combines intricate business analysis
with hands-on experience in operating companies at all
stages of development with down-to-earth common sense
and wisdom. His ability to identify non-obvious opportunities
and risks factors is of enormous benefit to any angel
investor considering investing in a start-up company."
K. K., Investor
Chicago, Illinois |
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"When I brought Ray in to consult on the strategy for
my newly founded company, I was unclear about the target
- the technology has applications in cancer detection,
differential diagnosis, prediction of response to drugs,
and prognosis of outcomes, as well as potential in neurodegenerative
and psychiatric diseases. Floating in this sea of options,
I needed to define priorities, assess the fastest routes
to market acceptance, and the optimal strategy of market
penetration. The session with Ray was very intense and
mind-clearing; he helped me think in a structured and
focused way. We developed a good plan that can be implemented
quickly that I believe will put the company on the map.
I will definitely turn to Blue Ridge Growth Advisors for
future advice."
Victor Levenson, M.D., Ph.D.
Founder, President and Interim CEO
US Biomarkers Inc. |
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"I have worked with Ray in his capacity as SVP at TriPath
and CEO of Centice. In my experiences, Ray consistently
focuses on the three critical roles of a leader: setting
the direction, creating alignment and building commitment.
He has the unusual ability to hold an accurate assessment
of his current reality in tension with a very clear picture
of the desired state or goal. Most leaders I work with
collapse these two prematurely with inadequate problem
solving approaches as they are unable to tolerate the
discomfort of "the valley of chaos" often present in change
initiatives or true innovation. Ray knows how to navigate
the unknown by continuing to assess internal and external
environments, challenge and test assumptions, and stay
connected with his board and team, while moving forward
towards targeted milestones and outcomes. Ray also demonstrates
another mark of a true leader: learning agility. He takes
the time to reflect on and learn from his experiences,
failures as well as successes. His clients will benefit
from both."
Carol Connolly Bruce
Senior Faculty, Custom Solutions
Center for Creative Leadership |
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"Having previously worked together for five years
at TriPath Imaging, it was an easy decision to call on
Ray for advice when I realized we needed to re-engineer
a key aspect of our sales process. Ray’s response was
precise and thorough, and quickly enabled us take our
sales forecasting and management process to the next level.
I highly recommend the services of Blue Ridge Growth Advisors.”
Johnny Powers
Corporate Vice President and General Manager
IDEXX Reference Laboratories |
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"As founder of a new venture with a promising new
medical device technology for breast tumor margin assessment,
I was contemplating a number of strategic options for
the business. Ray’s advice has been very helpful to frame
these choices into an intelligent, easy to assess picture.
His perspectives on raising capital and the logical pathway
for scale up of the business have been particularly helpful
to our business planning. I definitely recommend the advisory
services of Blue Ridge Growth Advisors.”
Nimmi Ramanujam, Ph.D.
President and founder, ENDLS Optics;
Associate Professor, Dept. Biomedical Engineering, Duke
University |
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"Ray is one of the most versatile leaders that
I have worked with. His experience, drive and intelligence
make each encounter productive whether the subject is
a complex strategic opportunity or the subtlety of eliminating
low yield activities. He gets it.”
Hal Walsh
President Carolina Healthcare Solutions,
former General Manager,
Carolinas Business Unit, Quest Diagnostics |
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"At TriPath, I found Ray to be an excellent leader
with a strong market-driven customer-oriented focus supported
with superb communication skills. Ray also has exceptional
analytical and financial skills that enable him to effectively
manage the bottom line. Since TriPath, Ray’s thoughtful
insights have continued to help me manage my career progression
and personal growth.”
Jeff Bell
VP National Accounts
Covidien Pharmaceuticals |
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"Ray Swanson is one of the more effective leaders
that I know. His broad business and technical experience,
coupled with an innate ability to grasp the important
details of a situation without losing the big picture,
has enabled him to create significant value in a wide
variety of settings. Ray brings a passion and dedication
for results to whatever he is doing, whether it’s building
a successful company in Japan or commercializing a new
hemostasis testing technology. I would work closely with
Ray again, and definitely recommend the services of Blue
Ridge Growth Advisors.”
Randy Daniel
Executive Vice President
Siemens Healthcare Diagnostics |
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