Who We Are
Unlocking Growth & Innovation
At Left Exit, we strive to deliver customized consulting services that drive growth. Our team believes in providing innovative, tailored business solutions that fully consider the situational context, foster team success and build culture. We might even have a little fun along the way.
Our Philosophy
The Story Behind Left Exit
The company’s name is rooted in its geographic origin: we were founded in Oak Park, Illinois, which is uniquely situated between two rare left-hand exits off of the Expressway. In highway design, left exits are uncommon and often unexpected, requiring drivers to navigate the road differently, and providing benefits for pedestrians and communities.
Left Exit adopts this same ethos - uncommon solutions that deliver unexpected benefits/results.
We believe that the most persistent business challenges cannot be solved by taking the usual route or by staying in the slow lane on the right. Instead, we champion uncommon solutions and unconventional strategies that help organizations accelerate toward their goals.
Our Services
Flexible Fractional Leadership
We can provide you with the skills and expertise needed to lead your growing business or nonprofit organization to success. We offer a range of fractional options including CEO, COO, CTO, and CMO.
Strategic Planning
We craft actionable roadmaps that align teams and define long-term success.
Innovation & New Products
We help companies identify white-space opportunities and bring new ideas to market.
Marketing & Branding
We develop powerful narratives and multi-channel strategies that resonate with a wide range of modern audiences.
Coaching & Training
We provide seasoned, executive-level insights to help businesses scale and non-profits maximize their impact. We also offer a range of training and coaching programs to help you become a more effective leader.
Executive Recruiting
Let us help you build your team and your company culture by identifying and screening qualified, motivated candidates for your business.
Why Choose Left Exit?
Left Exit offers the personalization and agility of a small firm with the sophisticated toolkits and global experience of a much larger consultancy.
Whether helping a large corporation pivot and innovate, or a small non-profit tell their story more effectively, Left Exit provides the uncommon thinking to fuel your g
Leadership
Alan Reed, Principal
Alan Reed is a business, marketing, and non-profit leader with over 30 years of experience.
He has proven expertise at fundraising, building membership, developing innovative business models, and building/implementing creative new campaigns. He also has a demonstrated track record of delivering results via engaging communities, driving
Alan Reed is a business, marketing, and non-profit leader with over 30 years of experience.
He has proven expertise at fundraising, building membership, developing innovative business models, and building/implementing creative new campaigns. He also has a demonstrated track record of delivering results via engaging communities, driving membership, creative marketing and experiences, building and managing corporate partnerships, board engagement and stakeholder relations.
Alan holds a degree in Media from Indiana University and an MBA in Entrepreneurship and Management & Strategy from Northwestern University, where he has also taught innovation and new product development. Additionally, Alan has earned a certificate in Non-Profit Management from the University of Notre Dame.