Who We Are
VELOCITY BUSINESS ADVISORS is a natural extension of the successful business career of founder Tom Hays.
Most recently having been involved in the retail optical business (Napa’s Site for Sore Eyes which he sold in late 2006), Hays is a serial entrepreneur, previously owning and operating a variety of business ventures.
He has also become involved in more than his share of underperforming companies, turning them around and making them succeed.
“In today’s economic climate, I see a need for business advisors who can bring meaningful, practical experience and expertise to small and mid-sized companies,” says Hays. “Text book answers do not always provide winning strategies in the real world.
”In addition to the retail optical business, Hays has owned an advertising agency, an audio/visual production company, built a chain of 38 automobile quick oil change centers, started a food packaging and marketing company and owned a market research company conducting radio listenership research in 105 radio markets in the United States. He was also a principal in several other private and publicly owned companies, including those involved in oil & gas exploration, music production, greeting cards and business acquisition.
“I like small businesses,” said Hays. “Velocity Business Advisors is designed to assist business operators by first, taking a good look at where they are and where they realistically can go, and then helping them get there in the most efficient way. It’s not rocket science, it’s business, and sometimes that’s harder. When you are in the trenches, sometimes it helps to have someone come along with the experience and ability to help you look over the entire situation and chart a successful strategy.”
SUSAN HAYS formerly co-owned Site for Sore Eyes
optical in the Napa Town Center.
Born
in Texas and raised in Oklahoma, Susan's roots in community
involvement grew from her service as a director and then president
of the Oklahoma Art Center Association, to multiple committee
chairmanships in the Junior League, and on to service in various
other organizations in Oklahoma and in Arizona.
Moving to Napa Valley in 2001, Susan was quick to jump at the
opportunity to volunteer and serve her new community.
She was deeply involved in
the day to day evolutionary progress which helped re-establish
downtown Napa as a premier destination for locals and visitors
alike. With a
background in architecture, design, and having owned her own
needlepoint design business, Susan was well suited for the
challenging Design and Image Committee of NDA on which she served.
She also served as a
director of the Napa Chamber of Commerce and Napa Business Network.
Susan is excited about the opportunities she envisions for the
future of non-profit organizations and for-profit companies as well.