Guiding you on your path to clarity, confidence, and control
About Us
Business Discovery and Assessment
At By Design Advisors, we recognize that the core principles of successful businesses remain constant, whether you’re building a company or planning your exit strategy. The same foundational elements that create a strong, robust organization are essential for a successful transition or exit.
We believe that success is intentional and must be achieved by design, not by chance. We provide fresh insights that empower clients to reclaim control and shift their perspective on how they operate their businesses. Clients can focus, improve, and maximize their business’s value, ensuring it runs independently and supports a meaningful life. With our guidance, you begin to dream bigger and rekindle your passion for your work. You’ll envision new possibilities for both your company and your personal life.
Based in Greenville, South Carolina, our team brings over 100 years of combined experience in starting, growing, and exiting companies as CEOs, CFOs, and COOs. We recognize that during the transition or exit process, many professionals get involved with owners at different stages, but few offer support to the owner throughout the entire journey. At By Design Advisors, we bridge that gap, helping you take control of the process and ensuring your organizations reach their full potential.
Who we are and what we believe in
Our team
Our team
Dale Thrush
Partner
Dale is a partner at By Design Advisors, fueled by a commitment to help businesses unlock their full potential. With nearly 25 years of experience in people operations, he knows firsthand that success hinges on having the right people in the right roles. Dale’s passion is helping business owners build high-performing teams, because he believes organizations that invest in their people are the ones that thrive.
Dale’s career includes pivotal roles in growing and transitioning two companies—from small businesses to significant enterprises, each sold at a premium due to the strong people and processes in place. He believes aligned teams drive success and finds fulfillment in empowering business owners to recognize their true value. Committed to simplicity, intentionality, and doing what’s right, Dale supports clients in reaching their long-term goals.
Marty Osborn
Partner
Marty is a partner at By Design Advisors and brings a wealth of experience from his journey as a successful entrepreneur. He was instrumental in growing his most recent company, Advoco, into an industry leader before it was acquired by a Fortune 100 enterprise. His passion for helping business owners stems from firsthand knowledge of how critical it is to have an advocate when transitioning a business. Marty focuses on guiding clients through the process, ensuring they understand their options and can exit on their own terms.
Marty’s approach is rooted in a deep understanding of leadership, business strategy, and the power of people. Guided by a philosophy of simplicity, intentionality, and doing what’s right, he is dedicated to helping business owners unlock their company’s full value and achieve lasting success. Marty is passionate about empowering leaders to think differently, dream bigger, and position themselves for sustainable, long-term significance.
Tom Johnson
Partner
Tom is a partner at By Design Advisors, bringing over 40 years of financial management experience. As a former CFO and business owner, he has guided numerous business transitions, including the successful sale of a large real estate company to a private equity firm. Tom’s expertise in financial systems helps business owners prepare for smooth, intentional exits, avoiding the risks of leaving their future to chance.
Tom’s background spans businesses of all sizes and industries, giving him a unique perspective as both an owner and an acquirer. He is passionate about helping business owners find peace of mind through careful transition planning, with a focus on integrity, lifelong learning, and delivering on promises.
GREENVILLE, SC
Our 3 core values
over chance
We believe in intentionality—choosing purposeful action over chance. We prioritize thoughtful planning to achieve meaningful outcomes, steering clear of aimlessness.
Intentionality
over complexity
We prioritize clarity and straightforwardness in everything we do. We believe in creating clear, easily understandable solutions because we know that clarity leads to success, while confusion leads to failure.
Simplicity
over who's right
We value integrity and ethical decision-making in every situation, focusing on the greater good rather than personal agendas. By prioritizing what is right, we foster a culture of trust.