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Michael specializes in correcting the “information imbalance” most organizations face when dealing with vendors. While business owners only know what they pay, vendors know what everyone pays, and they use that advantage. Michael bridges that gap using Schooley Mitchell’s proprietary data, category-specific analysts, and a performance-based model where savings are found before fees are charged.

His work spans telecom, merchant services, waste management, shipping, SaaS, and utilities, all the “set it and forget it” expenses companies assume are optimized. On average, clients reduce these essential costs by 28% without changing vendors or disrupting operations. For consultants advising clients on growth, systems, or financial health, Michael’s perspective provides a practical way to unlock profit with minimal additional effort from leadership teams.

Before joining Schooley Mitchell, Michael spent years leading marketing, strategy, operational improvement, and fundraising efforts for organizations across software, industrial distribution, non-profit, and financial services. He brings a calm, analytical approach rooted in measurable outcomes rather than theory.

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Proposed Interview Structure:

1. What originally pulled you into the cost reduction and operational efficiency space? Was there a specific moment when you realized organizations were overspending by this much?

2. You talk about the “information imbalance” between companies and vendors. What core problem are you solving, and why does it matter so much to you?

3. Who are your ideal clients today, and within those organizations, who are the decision-makers that truly feel the pain you solve?

4. How do clients typically find you, and what have you found most effective for generating new business that other consultants can learn from? Sub Question: A lot of consultants wonder about podcasting. In your view, is podcasting a strong marketing channel for consulting and advisory work, especially in your industry?

5. Consulting often has long sales cycles, and cost reduction can involve procurement, legal, and finance. How do you usually bring a deal across the line?

6. Once a client signs on with you, how do you retain them over time? What does your process look like to keep delivering savings, keep the relationship warm, and make sure they keep coming back to you as a trusted partner?

7. Where do you find yourself most stuck right now as a cost reduction and exit-readiness consultant (if at all)? Is it capacity, positioning, educating the market, or something else?

8. Looking ahead, where do you see the biggest opportunities in cost optimization and operational efficiency over the next few years?

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Know more about Michael Neil

Website Link: https://www.schooleymitchell.com/

Connect with Michael Neil on LinkedIn

LinkedIn link: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mjneil/

Apply to be a guest on Consulting Leaders:

https://ghapodcast.com/application-to-be-a-guest-on-consulting-leaders/