Create Real Value
Intentional Growth
Intentional Growth by Matt Andersen, the book and proven framework for building companies that are scaled, professionalized, and built to last. Published by Fast Company Press.
Most companies grow reactively.
This book changes that.
Growth without a destination is just motion. In Intentional Growth, Matt Andersen, founder and CEO of Westlake Securities, with $6.7B+ in transactions advised, delivers the definitive playbook for middle-market business leaders who want to build companies with purpose and create lasting value.
The framework inside these pages was forged across 400+ organizations and 25+ years of advisory practice. It is the same framework Westlake deploys with clients today, now available in full for the first time.
WHAT READERS ARE SAYING
From CEOs, advisors, and executives
who've read the book.
"
Most growth books are written by people who've never done it. Matt has. He splits the difference between theory and tactics, and writes for operators done growing by accident.
Lee McCabe
Partner, Strategy & PE Advisory, Claymore Partners
"
Having sat on both sides of the table, the difference between a successful liquidity event and a disappointing one is usually decided years before the deal closes. Intentional Growth is the closest thing I've seen to a roadmap for getting there on purpose, not by luck. Required reading for any founder serious about building real, transferable value.
Matt Rice
Founder & Principal, Thirsty Insights
"
Growth is easy to declare and hard to survive. It consumes cash, exposes weaknesses, and demands that leaders say no to good ideas to focus on great ones. Matt distills a rare, cross-sector perspective into a growth framework that's both strategic and actionable.
Andy Jones
Founder & Managing Director, Private Equity Info
"
Drawing from 25 years of high-stakes advisory work, Matt Andersen provides a repeatable framework for leaders who want to stop reacting to the market and start engineering their specific destination. Intentional Growth bridges the gap between ambitious strategy and operational readiness.
Salvatore Ferragamo
Vice President, Il Borro
"
In Intentional Growth, Matt's approach is defined by the same discipline and results-driven focus he's used throughout his career. He brings a practical approach grounded in real-world experience, not abstract theory. Leaders who want to grow with purpose will find this book invaluable.
Charlie Amato
Chairman, SWBC
"
Intentional Growth offers a clear, disciplined framework for business leaders who want to turn vision into sustainable results. Drawing on decades of real-world experience, Matt Andersen provides practical guidance to align strategy, people, and execution around a defined outcome.
Justin Yancy
President & CEO, Texas Business Leadership Council
"
This is not a theoretical book. It's a field guide for founders, executives, and investors who are serious about building durable, high-value organizations. Matt has captured what many leaders intuitively know but struggle to operationalize: growth doesn't happen by chance. It happens by design.
Christine Spray
President, Strategic Catalyst Inc.
"
Growth rarely happens by chance, and Intentional Growth makes that clear. Matt Andersen offers a thoughtful, practical framework for leaders focused on scaling with purpose rather than speed. Truly a must-read for anyone in leadership.
Abby Mellott
Market President & Publisher, Austin Business Journal
"
Strategy without execution is hallucination, and Intentional Growth is a clear guide for turning ambition into results. For CEOs and CFOs focused on disciplined growth and long-term value creation, this book delivers a proven playbook.
Lucas Ramirez
CFO, Grameen America
"
Matt Andersen presents a compelling framework for approaching growth with intention, discipline, and alignment. Intentional Growth is a valuable resource for leaders focused on driving meaningful, long-term outcomes.
Jeff Wilkinson
Chairman & CEO, Keystone Bank
"
Intentional Growth is a clear, practical playbook for founders, execs, boards, and investors who want growth that actually sticks. If you want a straightforward guide to scale with less drama and more control, this delivers.
Matt Gase
CEO, Blue Quickhatch
"
Excellent perspectives throughout, a must-read to elicit honesty from leaders. Part II, especially the question "The honest conversation most leaders avoid," is the question you don't want to avoid. Take the time to read this book and be honest with yourselves.
Leo Pacyna
Board Advisor
Want to apply this framework to your business?
Westlake’s Intentional Growth Advisory puts the full framework to work, with a senior team that has advised on $6.7B+ in transactions alongside you.
A complete system for building company value — deliberately.
Not a philosophy. A repeatable, documented process built from 25+ years alongside the companies that did it right.
Organizational Readiness
The 5 areas every leadership team must assess — honestly — before pursuing growth.
The 7-Stage Growth Cycle
From goal-setting and gap analysis through execution, refinement, and outcome — built to repeat.
The Growth Map
An integrated organizational blueprint spanning strategy, branding, operations, finance, and capital.
QVG Assessment™
Westlake's proprietary Quality, Value, Growth diagnostic — across five pillars of business performance.
10 Drivers of Premium Valuation
The specific factors that move the multiple — and a diagnostic for knowing where you stand today.
13 chapters.
One complete system.
From the first honest self-assessment through your first Intentional Growth outcome — and the beginning of the next cycle.
Pre-Order on AmazonBuilt from $6.7B in Enterprise Value Experience
He is the author of two books published by Fast Company Press: Completing the Deal and Intentional Growth. Matt speaks at executive forums, CEO roundtables, YPO chapters, Vistage groups, and industry conferences across North America and Europe.
Interested in exploring growth and/or liquidity options for your company?
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