Sometimes a business needs a little coaching to be successful. That's where Jim Wyrostek comes in.

Wyrostek, 63, owns The Growth Coach's Fort Wayne franchise, and has more than 36 years of tax and accounting practice, along with 19 years in assisting financial planning firms.

Founded in 2002, by Gary Green and Daniel Murphy of Cincinnati, The Growth Coach is a resource to help businesses throughout the U.S. and Canada become more focused and strategic in their business plans by holding group sessions, one-on-one sessions, as well as Internet- and phone-conferencing for 90 days. Coaches assess each business and build teamwork and balance for its employees. Coaches cover the topics of leadership, marketing, business planning and management.

In 2006 Wyrostek bought the local Growth Coach franchise, intending to expand it to businesses other than financial advisers. Wyrostek's franchise has coached hundreds of businesses, including 15 high-performing businesses in Indiana, as well as companies in Kentucky, Tennessee and Missouri. He says it is not about the quantity of businesses helped, but rather the quality of the help given.

“The best businesses need a coach,” Wyrostek said. “It is also about balance; we try to help owners learn to manage time between work and home.” Wyrostek's plan involves making minor adjustments to drive the success of a business and also lifestyle and personal goals.

Shirley Woods, a Wyrostek client, began the Euell A. Wilson Center, 1512 Oxford St., in 1993, in memory of her son, who died unexpectedly in his sleep just before heading to Indiana University with a football scholarship. Friends and family aspired to keep Euell's memory alive, and the Christian-based nonprofit center opened to provide youths with healthy and positive group programs.

The youth center offers learning opportunities for character building, becoming a good citizen, mentoring, tutoring and youth ministries. Woods decided to work with The Growth Coach for nine months two years ago, using its group session system.

Since then, the youth center has learned how to develop a strategic plan and time management.

The center is featured in the November issue of Fort Wayne Magazine for its work in the community.