Consulting Insights

Explore bold ideas

Discover articles, blog posts, white papers, and insights from the team at Pepper Foster. Our team of experts, thought leaders, and industry professionals share their insights and opinions on everything from the latest trends in technology and business to personal growth and development.

How we think

Blog Post

Is Wall Street's Relationship with the S&P 500 Parasitic?

The S&P 500 has seen a surge in average annual returns, rising from around 6% in the 1960’s and 1970’s to over 20% recently. Yet, the average lifespan of companies listed on the S&P 500 has plummeted, from 67 years to just 15 years or less. This paradox raises a critical question: Is being in the S&P 500 bad for business?

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Blog Post

New Tech, Same Challenges

As organizations increasingly turn to Artificial Intelligence (AI) to revolutionize their operations, the journey from conceptualization to implementation presents challenges reminiscent of past technological adoptions, such as ERP systems and cloud deployments. The parallels are striking, offering valuable lessons for businesses navigating the AI landscape.

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White Paper

HR is Where Change Goes to Die!

The days of treating change management as unnecessary or a luxury are thankfully in the past. Most organizations now accept effective change management as essential to maintain business relevancy, achieve enterprise-wide transformation, and realize value. However, many organizations are still stifling their change management teams and making the value realization of transformations more elusive.

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Blog Post

Is AI the New Dot-Com?

The late 1990s were marked by a frenzied surge of investments in dot-com companies, driven by the promise of the internet revolutionizing business and personal life. And then came the crash. Today, AI is experiencing a surge of interest and investment reminiscent of the dot-com boom. So, will its growth parallel the dot-com boom and bust or the cloud's more steady ascent? And when should companies invest in developing their AI future?

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Blog Post

US Healthcare's Dual Crisis

The US healthcare system is facing a dual crisis: a growing shortage of healthcare professionals and increasing financial pressures from Medicare reimbursements. These issues are intertwined, creating significant challenges but also opportunities for those who can navigate them effectively.

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Blog Post

Is There a White-Collar Recession in the US Right Now?

The term "white-collar recession" has started to surface in 2024 as several high-profile companies announce significant white-collar layoffs. But what does this mean? How does it contrast with the employment trends seen among blue-collar workers? What are the root causes? And, should we be worried?

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White Paper

AI for M&A - Hype or Substance?

The world of Mergers and Acquisitions (M&A) has experienced a flexuous journey in recent years. The COVID recovery, changing financial climate, and now Artificial Intelligence (AI) have all shaped the future of deal-making. In this white paper, we explore the nuanced reality of AI for M&A in 2024, dissecting both the hype and substance surrounding its integration into the M&A process. Drawing on historical evidence and industry insights, we strive to provide a holistic analysis of the current state of AI in M&A and articulate the conditions under which it can evolve to provide real value.

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Press

Minneapolis Star Tribune Article Featuring Pepper Foster

A great article in the Minneapolis Star Tribune about the return of companies to downtown Minneapolis that includes coverage of Pepper Foster's recent move to a bigger office in downtown and includes some great quotes and photos of our people and space including Todd Dale, Nathan Caskey, & Jamie Kissell.

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White Paper

M&A Surge: Riding a Wave of Optimism or Desperation?

In late March 2024, Pepper Foster Consulting surveyed 115 US-based C-level and senior executives at companies with over 5,000 employees. All of those surveyed had visibility to and knowledge of their organization’s plans for M&A. The survey covered growth pressure, current M&A activity, key drivers, M&A focus, and deal size.

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How we help our clients

Success Story

In Home Healthcare - photo by Kampus Production

Creating strategic clarity and focus by merging two in-home healthcare disruptors

Two in-home healthcare disruptors were creating market confusion with their competing delivery models, resulting in business development, revenue growth, and service scale challenges for both companies. Driven by a mutual desire to resolve these challenges and emerge unified with strategic clarity, the companies engaged Pepper Foster to lead their merger integration and develop their new go-to-market approach.

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Success Story

Healthcare Diagnostics - Photo by Artem Podrez

Uniting three companies to create an industry leader in diagnostics-driven healthcare

When three companies with distinct approaches to diagnostic healthcare programs merged in two months, their operations leaders turned to Pepper Foster to help them successfully integrate.

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Success Story

Client Success

Re-Imagining the Guest Experience to Increase Online Sales

After a surge in demand for ordering online as a consequence of the COVID-19 pandemic, this quick-service restaurant chain engaged Pepper Foster Consulting to help it modernize its marketing technology stack and overhaul the online guest experience.

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Success Story

Acquiring AI Driven Computer Vision Technology

Acquiring AI-driven computer vision technology

Innovation was key to differentiating the product, but speed was also imperative. Acquiring a company whose AI-driven computer vision technology specialized in human biomechanics was the answer.

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Success Story

Construction to revitalize franchise locations and reinforcing brand position in competitive market

Elevating Brand Perception: Revitalizing Franchise Locations for Market Relevance

Global food retailer remodels franchise locations to enhance brand perception. Partnership with construction company and project management techniques ensure success. 500 locations enrolled, 170 projects completed, $2M in incentives distributed.

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Success Story

 A soccer team huddled together, deep in conversation and strategizing. With a strong focus on performance analysis, the team collectively reviews past games, evaluates tactics, and demonstrates unwavering dedication to continuous improvement.

Process Optimization for Digital Innovation

Enhancing innovation process for a multinational sportswear company through stakeholder collaboration and optimized workflows.

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