What We Do
SLS Advisors empowers small, medium, and minority-owned businesses to reach their potential with tailored, strategic guidance. Our expertise spans growth strategies, operational refinement, and financial stability, ensuring each client gains the tools needed to thrive. Through our industry network, we provide access to essential resources, partnerships, and support in areas like accounting, marketing, and exit planning.
01
Our Values
Integrity, excellence, and client-centered service are the core of SLS Advisors. We believe in building trust through transparency, exceeding expectations with high-quality support, and tailoring our approach to each client’s unique needs. These values drive our commitment to fostering meaningful, lasting success for every business we serve.
02
About Us
Simon Smith, founder of SLS Advisors, is a visionary leader with a career marked by transformative successes across multi-billion-dollar franchises and company-owned operations. At SLS Advisors, Simon draws from his extensive experience overseeing North American operations at Papa John’s International, where he managed a $2 billion P&L and supported over 700 franchise owners. Under his leadership, the company achieved three consecutive years of sales growth. His commitment to community impact was also evident when he helped rebuild Los Angeles following the 1992 riots through an $11 million reinvestment initiative as VP of Chief Auto Parts.
As a seasoned business builder, Simon expanded Blockbuster’s reach into underserved Los Angeles neighborhoods as Owner, President, and CEO of Four-Star Home Entertainment. He also led Lucy Laundry Mart’s rapid growth, increasing its locations from 4 to 22 stores in just 24 months.
With SLS Advisors, Simon brings his strategic acumen, commitment to integrity, and dedication to small, medium, and minority-owned businesses, offering tailored guidance in growth, operational efficiency, and financial stability. He has helped clients achieve substantial results, from scaling new ventures to profitability to securing essential government funding during challenging economic times. Simon’s belief in client-centered service and empowering others to succeed drives SLS Advisors, where his expertise and network open doors for clients to redefine their potential and thrive in a competitive market.
Leadership Team
SLS has built a dynamic team of seasoned professionals, each an expert in their field, who integrate seamlessly with clients to provide strategic advice and hands-on support as needed. Services span a wide range, including securing various forms of government funding; back-office functions such as accounting, bill payment, and financial reporting setup and support; IT and HR setup and support; fundraising and M&A preparation; full M&A execution; public relations and marketing; and real estate advisory. By leveraging this diverse expertise, SLS delivers tailored solutions that drive meaningful results, support sustainable growth, and solve even the most complex business challenges.
Mr. Simon Smith
Laura Alcazar
Richard Groberg
Simon Smith
Founder/President/CEO
Simon is a seasoned executive with extensive experience in
developing and leading multibillion-dollar franchises and
company-owned operations. Throughout his career, he has
successfully implemented strategies for major companies
like Blockbuster Inc., Ace Hardware, Chief Auto Parts (now
AutoZone), and Papa John
'
s International. His track record
includes 15 years at Papa John
'
s, where he ultimately served
as Senior VP of North America, overseeing 3,500 stores and
more than 800 franchisees. During his tenure, Papa John
'
s
achieved positive comparable growth for eight consecutive
years, generating approximately $2.3 billion in annual
revenue.
Simon
'
s leadership has also contributed to billions of dollars
in revenue through franchise growth and expansion,
securing government funding, and optimizing operational
efficiency across multiple companies. He is renowned for his
strong values, exceptional work ethic, and integrity-driven
leadership style, which inspire those around him to excel and
exceed their goals.
Laura Alcazar
Chief of Staff/ Administrative Officer
Laura Alcazar collaborates with management to drive the
company’s vision, implement operational strategies, and
empower businesses to reach their full potential. With over 12
years of management experience, she has earned a
reputation as a highly skilled and motivated professional
known for delivering growth in challenging environments. Laura
has built strong relationships with executives and investors
across diverse sectors, including dental offices, AT&T, Paragon
Prime Group, Papa John’s International, Slices, Food
Technology, Impact Health Sharing, American Incentive
Advisors, Franzese Wine, and more.
One of her notable achievements was establishing a
centralized virtual billing department for multiple dental
offices, streamlining processes that resulted in the collection of
over $1.2 million in overdue claims. Additionally, she played a
key role in supporting SLS Advisors in securing over $60 million
in refunds for small to mid-sized businesses through the ERC
program.
Her success is driven by her flexibility, organizational skills, and
ability to quickly build rapport with stakeholders.
Richard Groberg
EVP M&A & Chief Business Development Officer
Richard Groberg is a seasoned and accomplished
executive specializing in operations and finance. With a
remarkable history of collaborating with entrepreneurs
in high-growth and multi-location companies, he excels
in diverse environments such as start-ups, company
turnarounds, and stable operations. Throughout his
career, Richard has successfully overseen complex
financial transactions, demonstrating his expertise in
directing and completing deals.
With a cumulative track record exceeding $2.8 billion in
public and private capital raises, equity and debt
transactions, as well as mergers and acquisitions
spanning several decades, Richard has been
instrumental in shaping the financial landscape of
numerous organizations. Notably, he has focused on
building and managing back-office operations for
start-ups and early-stage companies, anticipating
multiple rounds of financing.
Robert Steward
Chief Strategy Officer
Robert Steward is an entrepreneur, keynote speaker, and
philanthropist, and the CEO of End2End Solution™
, an
integrated platform that delivers real-time visibility across
program management. The platform enables organizations to
collaborate more effectively across people, projects, assets,
and technology.
Committed to community impact, Robert serves as Chair of
the Board for Jazz St. Louis and as an advisor to the Steward
Family Foundation, supporting initiatives that develop future
leaders and expand access to opportunity. He is a strong
advocate for small business engagement with enterprise and
government organizations, helping remove barriers through
training, shared services, and contracting opportunities.
Robert holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Management
from MidAmerica Nazarene University and an MBE certification
from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College. He is
also the host of the top-ranked technology podcast HACKED.
His leadership has been recognized with honors including
Verizon’s EDGE Mentoring Award for Small Business and the
2022 Titan Award. Grounded in strong core values, Robert
remains committed to ethical leadership and service.
Eric Groberg
Advisor/ Chief Financial Officer
Eric has over 40 years of experience supporting small and
mid-sized businesses in the financial services industry. He is
currently the Director of Finance at Curiam Capital, a
private investment firm that has financed over $1 billion in
high-value litigation. In this role, he oversees financial
operations and investment strategies to ensure continued
success.
Eric is also the Managing Partner of EOTP Consulting, where
he provides outsourced financial and strategic advisory
services to small businesses, helping them optimize
performance and achieve growth.
Previously, Eric served as Managing Director for the Senior
Debt Team at Allied Capital and spent over 20 years at
JPMorgan Chase, where he oversaw portfolio management
for the Middle Market Financial Sponsor Group. Known for his
strategic thinking and operational expertise, Eric is
dedicated to empowering businesses and driving results.
Blanca Polanco
Treasurer / Chief Accounting Officer
Blanca Polanco is a highly skilled Office Manager with over 15
years of experience in accounting and administration . Her
expertise spans merger transitions, startups, and project
management, with a strong focus on streamlining operations
and enhancing performance. As a freelancer with
Administrative Plus, LLC, she provided tailored accounting
services to clients with annual revenues of $20 million,
achieving notable financial improvements and client
satisfaction.
In addition to her professional achievements, Blanca served
as a Children
'
s Ministry Administrator, managing volunteers,
coordinating goals, and fostering community engagement.
Bilingual in English and Spanish, she is known for her
hardworking, resourceful nature and commitment to
organizational growth.
Proficient in various software tools, Blanca combines her
diverse skill set with a passion for continuous improvement,
consistently driving productivity and delivering exceptional
results.
Emmitt Hayes
Chief Real Estate/ Construction Officer
Emmitt Hayes, founder of Hayes Realty, is a highly
accomplished real estate professional with over 18 years
of experience. Specializing in residential, commercial,
and investment properties, Emmitt is known for his
exceptional negotiation skills, market expertise, and
personalized approach to achieving client goals.
Renowned for his exceptional negotiation skills and in-
depth market insights, Emmitt has consistently guided
clients to achieve their real estate goals, whether buying,
selling, or investing. His tailored approach ensures every
client receives personalized strategies designed to meet
their unique needs, maximizing value and delivering a
seamless experience.
At the heart of Emmitt'
s work is a passion for building
strong, lasting client relationships. He is dedicated to
understanding each client’s vision and providing clear
communication and guidance throughout every
transaction. His unwavering focus on client satisfaction
has made Hayes Realty a trusted name in the industry.
Alonna Carrera
Advisor/ Chief Gov’t Relation Officer
Alonna Carrera is a dynamic communication and business
professional with a strong background in public relations,
project management, leadership, and entrepreneurship. With
a diverse career spanning industries such as construction,
law, luxury goods, and child care, Alonna brings a wealth of
knowledge in organizational leadership, team building, and
strategic planning.
A graduate of Loyola Marymount University with a degree in
Communication, Alonna has demonstrated expertise in
crafting impactful communication strategies and driving
business success. She is the founder of a faith-based lifestyle
podcast and a passionate advocate for breaking
generational curses and building wealth for future
generations.
As a member of the Board of Advisors at SLS Advisors, Alonna
is excited to contribute her strategic vision and hands-on
experience to the company’s growth and success. She is
committed to fostering meaningful relationships, supporting
visionary leadership, and empowering businesses to reach
their full potential.
Jorge Raziel
Chief Marketing & Technology Officer
Jorge Raziel is an accomplished entrepreneur and business
strategist with over 15 years of experience driving growth,
innovation, and transformation across industries. With an
engineering background and a proven track record of solving
complex challenges, Jorge’s companies have generated over $30
million in revenue from customers in more than 50 countries.
A recognized expert in marketing and technology, he crafts
innovative strategies, leverages advanced tools, and implements
scalable systems that optimize operations, boost engagement, and
deliver measurable results. His work empowers businesses to grow
efficiently through AI-driven solutions, data-backed marketing, and
streamlined processes.
Jorge has coached, trained, and spoken to thousands of
entrepreneurs worldwide, offering insights to help them overcome
challenges and achieve long-term success. His passion for
innovation and ability to align technology with strategic goals make
him a trusted advisor in today’s fast-evolving digital landscape.
Cathy J. Hood
Chief Publicist /Communication Officer
A top nominee for the L.A. Times B2B Publishing Inspiration
Women
'
s Leadership award in 2023 and 2022, Cathy J. Hood is a
renowned communications professional on a mission to ensure
diverse representation in mainstream media. With a Master
'
s
degree in Public Administration from California State University,
Los Angeles, Cathy is a go-to strategist for all things in the
realms of public relations, corporate communications, and
brand partnerships. Through her self-built PR firm known as
Pristine Initiative, LLC, Cathy is responsible for enhancing the
public profiles of numerous influential individuals and corporate
brands, positioning them into thought leaders we know today.
Los Angeles County Supervisor Lindsay P. Horvath recently
appointed Cathy as Commissioner to the Economy & Efficiency
board and is currently the chair of the AI Committee. Her other
board affiliations include the Hollywood Studio District
Neighborhood Council (HSDNC) and the Junior League of Los
Angeles new DEIB committee. Cathy is also the founder of
CleanUp Day LA, a monthly call-to-action initiative where leaders
gather together to beautify the streets of LA.
Spencer Mitchell
Chief Revenue Officer
Spencer Mitchell is a seasoned entrepreneur and the
Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Investwise, LLC, a
premier investment firm dedicated to supporting startups
and driving business growth. With over 25 years of hands-
on experience, he excels at transforming innovative
concepts into viable enterprises through strategic
marketing, financial forecasting, and comprehensive
business development. He is also a licensed insurance
agent and Co-founder/CEO of iWise Insurance Services,
specializing in Infinite Banking Concepts that utilize
advanced strategies within whole life, indexed universal life
(IUL), and other dividend-paying insurance products.
Additionally, Mr. Mitchell has held key leadership roles,
including CEO of Global Construction and Consulting, LLC,
where he focused on underground telecommunications
infrastructure and affordable housing development. Based
in Houston, Texas, Spencer balances his professional
achievements with a rich family life as a husband, father of
three daughters, and grandfather of two grandchildren.