about cirilo 

I plan, consult and manage, projects that help my clients meet challenges and solve problems that might stand in the way of success.

A short biography

Cirilo McLaine was born in 1976 and has been a business advisor for over 10 years.  He began his entrepreneurial efforts as founder of The Advisors Group, a consulting firm in 2002.  Six years later, he and his company have changed tremendously.  Headquartered in Maryland with an office in Hampton Roads, Virginia, The Advisors Group is now Cirilo McLaine Project - Planning, Consulting, Management and  serves small business owners throughout the nation.

A Norfolk State University cum laude graduate, with a degree in Business & Entrepreneurship, McLaine first worked in the corporate world as a Financial Specialist with Wachovia Bank, soon to be Wells Fargo (formerly First Union National Bank) specializing in investments, asset management accounts and commercial loans.  After gaining valuable experience, he was offered a position and became a financial planner with Stein Financial (formerly Dukes Stein & Co., Inc.) one of the largest private financial planning firms in Virginia, where his client base extended from New Jersey to Georgia.

While headquartered in Virginia, Cirilo McLaine was among the most prominent business leaders in Hampton Roads and has been called “One of the most progressive business minds of our times,” by Retired SBA Executive Houston Gray.  McLaine served 3 years as President of the board for Children’s Harbor Early Care & Education.  Mr. McLaine was named one of The Virginian Pilot’s top twenty African-American Leaders under thirty in 2002 and Inside Business’ top forty under forty in 2004. In 2007 The Virginian Pilot recognized Cirilo as one of Hampton Roads Top Execs under 35.

My Professional Values:

Service – I take the time to get to know my clients and understand their business goals. I meet deadlines, answer your questions, and deal with unexpected situations promptly.

Fun – This doesn’t mean I don’t take my work seriously - I do. But I do my best work when I’m enjoying what I’m doing. I love it when my clients get excited about their project. My passion is taking what could be a disastrous situation and making it beautiful.

Honesty – I won’t try to sell you something you don’t need . I’m not afraid to say it’s my fault when something goes wrong (actually, I am afraid, but I’ll tell you anyway). I’ll let you know if a competitor does excellent work. I’ll also let you know if I disagree with you, and why. I may not be right, but the dialog is always worthwhile.

Simplicity – I’m always looking for ways to remove clutter. By eliminating the unnecessary, your solutions come to the surface, and we can make something that at first seems complicated easy to understand.

Personal:

I believe that my profession as a project planner, consultant and/or manager is primarily - if not entirely - a right-brain function.  I am convinced that the moral and intellectual tone of American society is directly related to its appreciation of Hip-Hop.  I also believe that being a gentleman is learned by men and rewarded by women and that all in the community benefit from the inspired vision of just a few.