About us – Aventurine

Meet the Driving Force Behind Aventurine Business Consulting

Committed to Accelerating Your Business Success Through Tailored Coaching and Consulting

A Proven Business Strategist

As a business strategist, author, and speaker, Thom Smith brings a wealth of experience to entrepreneurs. With a focus on accelerating profits, compounding growth, and outpacing competitors, Thom works with business owners to build profitable and sustainable companies today while positioning them for a profitable exit tomorrow

Through his coaching, consulting, and planning services, Thom helps his clients develop the skills and mindset needed to achieve their goals and maximize their business value.

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Allison Blackwood

Allison Blackwood is the President/CEO and owner of AEI Staffing, a thirty-year-old local staffing firm based in the NW corner of CT. After a 20-year career in financial services, socially driven businesses, and not-for profits, she returned to her hometown and bought her family’s business. Throughout her work with various sized community minded organizations, Allison has developed an expertise in leading teams of people as they go through significant changes in both their personal and professional lives. She has a B.A. in Psychology from American University, an MBA from Georgetown University, and has completed additional Certifications in Change Management and Conflict Resolution. Her professional passions include economic development, organizational design, employee engagement & development, and career coaching.

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We are in good company.

Career Highlights

2002

Transformed an underperforming family business to profitability and exited though a cash sale

2006

Recognized as the top 1% of Realtors in the U.S. in sales

2009-2016

Key leadership role essential in growing small startup to fourth largest residential solar company in the U.S.

Acquired for a deal size of approx. $75M.

2016

Head of Business Development and National Accounts for a top U.S. home warranty company

2018-2022

Founder/President of New York's largest community solar acquisition and management company

Successfully merged with a regional competitor and grew the combined business to a top ten player nationally

2022

Founded Aventurine Business Consulting to help business owners build profitable and sustainable companies today, so they can exit big tomorrow.

What Our Clients Say
About Us

I was skeptical when I was approached about business consulting. However, Thom is someone I have known for some time and was impressed with his knowledge and business experience, so we gave it a try. Wow. Thom almost immediately identified a couple of areas of concern and ways we could improve our existing operations. Within a month, we were generating more profit. Sure, we did some basic tweaks that were suggested and those had an impact, but Thom also helped us streamline our “back of house” operations and it has made my life a little easier. Thom is truly excellent at identifying a problem and creating a solution. Those are skills that can be taught and Thom is an excellent communicator. I give Thom 5 stars and would recommend him to anyone seeking business mentoring. It has made a difference in my business and I wish we had done this years ago.

I would like to say a thank you to Thom for helping me understand the fundamental principles of building a successful business. He helped me understand the strategies needed to be successful in a competitive field. He also helped me understand the marketing conversion equation for marketing content. Overall, he helped me to develop a scalable business.

Thom helps you lead yourself down the right path for your business and helps you save time and heartaches you would surely encounter without his insight. He helps you create the right strategy specific to your business' success, outlines the exact steps you need to take to accomplish your goals, and then holds you accountable for achieving them. Most importantly, Thom cares about your success as a person and business owner.

If I could give 100 stars- I would. If you're looking for business coaching, you found it. There's so much value in working with Thom, I don't even know where to begin to describe it all. Struggling with your elevator pitch? No problem. You'll go from a deer in the headlights to a rock star in a few weeks. Can't figure out how you're unique and able to separate yourself from your competitors? Thom has you covered. Feel like people are ignoring your marketing messages? Again, you'll be a dangerous copywriter in a few weeks. The benefits you get go on and on... The connections you make, referrals, a-ha moments, and resources are awesome. Aventurine Business Coaching is a "no-brainer" for anyone in the business arena who wants to go to the next level. Thom walks the walk and talks the talk and you should connect with him and see for yourself! Thanks again Thom!!

I have been in the Founders Group and Thom has really helped me to get my HVAC business in the right path. He has taught me the importance of networking and has also helped me to understand key marketing principles. I couldn't recommend his services enough!