The View from Both Sides:
A Journey with three+one
By Heze Simmons
Director of HigherEd Partnerships at three+one®
As the Vice President of Finance and CFO for one of the healthiest colleges in the New York SUNY system, I embarked on a journey with three+one, a fintech company specializing in liquidity management. Initially, I had reservations. I believed our liquidity-management process was already optimized, and I couldn’t see how they could add any value.
My assumptions were based on the misconception that our current cash earnings were satisfactory, and I couldn’t afford to allocate resources for another service. Additionally, I assumed our college couldn’t afford the fees associated with these services.
Despite my reluctance, persistent calls and emails eventually led me to sign a service agreement with three+one. It didn’t take long for me to regret not doing so earlier. Within two months, it became evident that we had been leaving substantial cash on the table. Once our college put three+one’s cashVest solution to work, we were able to hire two new staff members without adversely impacting the full-year budget.
Joining three+one later as its director of HigherEd partnerships allowed me to acknowledge the full impact of their offerings. The skepticism and reluctance of my former colleagues mirrored my own initial doubts. It’s been very gratifying for me to see when breakthroughs occur, when clients realize the untapped potential in their liquidity-management strategies.
One of the most compelling aspects of three+one’s services is their guarantee: if their services fail to increase cash earnings and savings, you owe nothing. This assurance speaks volumes about our confidence in our abilities. And rightfully so, as no other firm offers the unique combination of capabilities, technology, efficiencies, and understanding of liquidity-management processes that three+one does. This unique offering can significantly enhance your institution’s financial health.
Beyond maximizing cash earnings, three+one provides invaluable insights into the transaction costs charged by banks. This transparency ensures that clients are fully informed and compensated appropriately, addressing a critical aspect often overlooked in liquidity-management strategies.
In a landscape where every dollar counts, three+one’s clarity and expertise are unparalleled. Their commitment to empowering clients with the knowledge and tools to optimize cash management is beneficial and essential in today’s financial environment.
If you are like me, initially skeptical but open to exploring opportunities for improvement, I urge you to take the next step. Consider the offerings and advice of three+one. The journey from client to employee/owner has been enlightening, and I am confident it will be equally transformative for you and your institution. Don’t let assumptions hold you back from unlocking the full potential of your cash. Start your journey with three+one today!
