Business Coaching for Small Business Owners

You see a different future.
We help you get there — without the costly mistakes.

Whether you're planning a sale, an acquisition, market expansion, a new product, or a leadership hire — the path forward is uncertain. SGP works with owners who are serious about that next chapter and ready to move with conviction.

801-518-8864

Two-hour consultation. No charge. No obligation — on either side.

What We Do

We reduce the risk and cost of your most important business decision.

Most business owners face major transitions alone — relying on advisors who don't know their business, or on instincts built for a different era of growth. We bring an outside perspective that is direct and experienced — focused on one thing: leaving you with the clarity, tools, and conviction to own your next move.

Clarity

You leave with a precise picture of the right future — tested, not assumed — and a framework for evaluating every decision that follows.

Speed

Uncertainty is expensive. You gain the tools and instincts to move decisively — because the unknowns have been reduced to a known set of variables, not an open question.

Risk Reduction

You leave knowing what to watch for, and why — not just what to avoid right now. That judgment stays with you.

Our Approach

Lean Startup principles applied to your most important decision.

The Lean Startup methodology is built on a simple idea: don't spend years and capital proving out an untested plan. Instead, surface your riskiest assumptions, test them quickly and cheaply, and let the evidence guide your next move.

This is exactly how SGP works. Whether you're preparing for a sale, entering a new market, or launching a new product, we transfer that same disciplined framework to you — so you can surface the unknowns, test the critical assumptions, and build momentum toward a path that is validated, not just hoped for.

You leave each engagement with a sharper decision-making framework, validated evidence, and the tools to drive your own path forward — with or without us in the room.

Speaker

Lean Startup Conference

1
Surface the Assumptions Every business decision rests on beliefs that haven't been tested. You learn to surface them — before they become expensive mistakes.
2
Test Before You Commit Small, fast experiments replace large, slow bets. You build the habit of designing small, fast tests that answer the questions that matter most.
3
Learn and Adjust Evidence, not instinct, drives the next step. You learn to read the signal clearly and act on it decisively — without waiting for permission.
4
Move Toward the Opportunity Speed matters. You move faster — because you've replaced guesswork with validated learning you own.

The First Conversation

2 hrs.

Free Consultation

This is not a sales call. It is a conversation to determine whether there is a genuine fit — for both of us.

We want to understand where you are, what you're working toward, and how serious you are about getting there. We will be direct with you. We expect the same in return.

If the fit is not right, we will tell you that honestly. We would rather walk away than take on a client who is not ready to do the work.

Who You're Working With

Chris Cochella

Founder & Principal, Sequoia Growth Partners

Chris is not a career consultant. He's built things. He founded a K–6 hands-on science program, invented and patented Brackitz — an award-winning educational building system — grew it into an internationally recognized brand, and sold the global rights. He has sat on the founder's side of the table through product development, scaling, and a successful exit.

As a coach and advisor, Chris has helped businesses across consumer goods, education, healthcare IT, and technology scale, compete, and adapt. His approach is direct, his perspective is earned, and his interest is in outcomes — not engagements.

When you work with SGP, you work directly with Chris.

B.A. Economics · UC Berkeley M.S. Physical Geography · CU Boulder Inventor · Patent Holder Founder & Exited Speaker · Lean Startup Conference

What Clients Say

Results speak louder than promises.

Working with Chris created a space in which to float big ideas and get objective feedback, unencumbered by any attachments to my business. His approach helped me find the confidence to commit to and act on a growth opportunity that had been on the back burner for years. In eight sessions we co-created the environment to plan the steps for a successful launch, and develop the metrics needed to track it.

Pam Olson Native Flower Company

Chris combines the professional skills of business and product strategy with an acute interpersonal ability to probe and listen. He processes what he hears in a way that moves people and businesses forward.

Susan Principal, Takhi Associates

The cleanest thinker on business models, value proposition, analysis of customer problems and successful business solutions. He helped create the highest margins in our field.

John Fry Owner, Basix Services

Ready to Have That Conversation?

We work with people who are ready to commit. Are you?

If you've read this and something resonated — pick up the phone. That single act of calling tells us more about your readiness than any intake form ever could.

If you're on the fence, that's fine. Come back when you're not.