The 2018 Best Small Firms to Work For: Impact Advisors

Consulting Service Lines:  Strategy , IT

Andrew M. Smith, President of Impact Advisors says the firm is excited to be part of a major transformation in healthcare, specifically as the industry begins to drive the value of the past five years of technology investments and begins the shift to a true digital environment. 

"We will continue to innovate our services to meet the market demand and are developing and delivering services around digital transformation, patient and consumer experience, business intelligence and analytics," Smith says. "Our firm size and the leadership team's focus on the market conditions makes us able to be nimble and address our clients' ever-changing challenges.  Our deepening expertise in digital health technologies and workflow allow us to increase opportunities for patient engagement and mobility which is in high demand by our clients."  

In addition, the continued merger and acquisition activities by clients continues to create a need for standardizing technology and workflow for expanded organizations.  

It's no wonder then that Naperville, Ill.-based Impact Advisors continues its perennial climb up the Best Small Firms to Work For list, moving up one place from last year to No. 3 on this year's rankings.

"Being named a Best Small Firm to Work For is a wonderful honor which offers validation that the commitment we've made to our associates and clients is an approach that garners respect and visibility in a highly competitive industry," Smith says. "At Impact Advisors, we have implemented numerous programs to foster collaboration and fun among our associates and ensure quality and satisfaction among our clients."

Smith says the firm's employees take exceptional pride in working for a best small firm. It's also a great recruiting tool, Smith says. Consultants like to work for a firm that is recognized in their industry. "It makes our recruiting pipeline larger, which increases our candidate pool," he says. "It also provides our advisors with a sense of pride that is reflected in their attitudes and in their work. When advisors take pride in the firm and their work, our clients benefit."

On the survey, Impact Advisors excelled in the areas of Compensation & Benefits and Career Development. Being competitive from a Compensation & Benefits perspective is always on the firm's radar, Smith says. 

Meanwhile, in terms of Career Development, Impact Advisors continues to make this a priority, starting with employee's first year with the firm. During the first 90-days, "they are encouraged to work directly with their coach to develop a professional development plan that inspires them," he says. "Each year as a part of our VIP Call process, we check on the associates' progress to make sure they are on track to meet their development goals for the year. We frequently receive positive feedback on the consistent focus and priority we give to our associate's professional and personal development."

How would you describe morale at your firm and why? 

Smith: "Morale at Impact Advisors continues to remain high for a variety of reasons. Our leadership team is highly visible, approachable and transparent. Our culture team continues to implement creative programs that foster collaboration and fun. Our associates are implementing solutions, which save lives. These collective efforts are improving the welfare of our clients (and their patients), the well-being of our associates and the overall reputation of Impact Advisors, making for a very rewarding experience."