KULPER & COMPANY…where academia meets corporate innovation | Kulper & Company

KULPER & COMPANY…where academia meets corporate innovation | Kulper & Company

Preparation for using an executive search firm | Kulper & Company

Preparation for using an executive search firm | Kulper & Company

First Quarter 2013

At the end of 2012 things were a bit uncertain but at that time we knew that 2013 was looking like it could be a great year for our business and the US economy as a whole. We had a friends luncheon in early January and the talk turned to the outlook for the year ahead. People love to be negative in their outlook---what's to lose if you are wrong, right? At that luncheon I spoke up and said that I thought the year ahead looked fantastic---one scoffed---one bet me and another ordered pizza. Well--after 5 weeks my outlook seesm to be proving correct. The signals from Washington remain a bit unclear but one thing is for sure....the US and World economy is itching for a breakout year where new highs in the DOW will be made and GDP will break through 3.5%. Given that is it only February 8th and we are involved with a major snowstorm for the next few days, I thought I would write while our power is still on...to update my wild eyed prediction from that famous luncheon. First...2013 is definitely going to be a record-breaking year for the DOW and the US economy as a whole. I am forecasting DOW 15250 by 12/31/13 and GDP of 3.5% by Q3 Second...we will finally see a meaningful drop in the unemployment rate---should be under 6.25 by 12/31/13-- Third...interest rates will begin to rise by Q4 2013 despite assurances to the contrary by Chairman Bernanke because by Q3 economic growth will be accelerating and calls for FED tightening to avoid a economic overheating will become more insistent. If this scenario plays out what does it mean for our clients? HIRING--HIRING--HIRING Revenue growth Widespread increases in pretax profitablity and tax revenue to help lower the current account deficit Here are a few more predictions both short and longer term: The Democrats will win back control of CONGRESS in 2014. The 2nd half of the Obama Administration will feel like the 2nd half of the Clinton Administration but without the scandals and distractions; President Obama is too smart to let that happen. A Democrat will win the 2016 Presidential election and CONGRESS will continue to be led by the Democrats. GUN Control, Immigration and other progressive legislation will be put into effect. The US will finally assume a leadership role to fight "Global Warming". The mideast will get a little less crazy as more Israelis move to the center and away from the far right or far left; illegal settlements will be dismantled and the Palestiians will be on their way to achieving statehood. China will be an increasingly stronger business and political partner; India, too.... The war on terror will continue but in a much less costly manner in terms of manpower and political capital... Arab spring democracies will struggle to get on their feet but the US, EU, CHINA, Russia and NATO will unite to help pull them up and assure security for their people...and developed countries, too. Is this sounding like a "Golden Age" to you? It should, because that is exactly what it will be. My firm is getting busier every day...may that continue because I love what I do and it is fun to run a successful business that helps people realize their goals. We will always need to have the right leaders who can affect change and drive transformational change. I look forward to your comments and to hearing from you if your organization or institution needs help with an external search.