Todd, you're way off my friend...
Todd, despite your cute names and sayings, you don't have a clue. Verari was doing fine when it was ran properly. We were profitable and growing. We were going up against the big guys all day long -- and winning.
I know, I was there, I was doing it.
However, I was also there to see the change, see what it did, and how we died.
Over 1/2 the time we'd win, it wouldn't be on price (we'd be about the same -- sometimes a bit more -- sometimes a bit less). We had better tech, a better org for customers to work with, smart sales people, and a team that was focused, fast, hungry, and confident.
Once that dynamic ended, it was only a matter of time. We became big, unfocused, sloppy, lazy, overly structured, and unmotivated. People quit being personally and invested with what happened with the company. It turned into a normal 9-5 job (not a 'bad' job, but just a job vs. something you really felt part of)
I'm still saddened about what happened. And I'll admit, I still get bitter when I see people make comments about why Verari failed when they haven't a clue.
(PS: I speak for myself and my OPINION of the feelings of others based on conversations and being there)