The foundation for Cara’s family business advisory work began at age eight, when she went to work in her family’s real estate business. In a classic example of growing up as the second-generation in the family business, she began cleaning apartments and painting fire escapes. Later, as a credentialed professional, she performed family advisory work, providing accounting, financial and legal counsel.

After graduating from the University of California at Santa Barbara, Cara worked as an auditor in the Entrepreneurial Services Group of Price Waterhouse. During this time, she obtained her CPA designation. She discovered a natural talent for seeing inside the messes of a small company, and guiding leadership teams through the fixes. Meanwhile, the repetition of audit work revealed her desire to shift her focus to the strategic aspects of business advisory work. Cara returned to law school to broaden and deepen her perspective. Following graduation from law school, she practiced civil litigation and business law.

Since 1998, Cara has been both a CEO and owner of several companies and continued to work in her family’s business. She has developed a niche skillset around helping family businesses identify the root cause of crisis, and navigate change in a manner that strengthens the family system instead of breaking it down.

In addition to her technical expertise and coaching capabilities, Cara has studied the use of meditation and yoga to mitigate tension and release stress. As such, she holds certifications in yoga and meditation.

Education & Credentials

  • Certificate in Family Business Advising, Family Firm Institute
  • Attorney at Law admitted to California State Bar
  • Certified Public Accountant by State of California (inactive)
  • Mindfulness Based Stress Reduction Practitioner (UCSD MBSR, Chopra Center)
  • Cognitive Behavioral Training (400 hours)
  • Hatha Yoga Teacher Training (300 hours)

Education

  • University of California at Santa Barbara, Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Economics, Accounting Emphasis
  • McGeorge University of the Pacific, Sacramento, Juris Doctorate

Testimonials

"I was referred to Cara for help starting up a high risk, capital intensive venture. Cara took a big picture approach and worked with my tax advisor to ensure I picked the best entity type.  After noticing that we were not getting through the strategic plan she’d developed for us to become operational as quickly as possible, she worked more in-depth.  What really impressed me was her ability to manage all of the aspects required to launch the business with an eye on containing costs and interfacing with our multicultural staff with differing skill set levels. We continue to work with her today and would not hesitate to recommend her."

Tom O’Connor, Founder, AmmexTank

2018-04-02T21:14:48+00:00

Tom O’Connor, Founder, AmmexTank

"I was referred to Cara for help starting up a high risk, capital intensive venture. Cara took a big picture approach and worked with my tax advisor to ensure I picked the best entity type.  After noticing that we were not getting through the strategic plan she’d developed for us to become operational as quickly as possible, she worked more in-depth.  What really impressed me was her ability to manage all of the aspects required to launch the business with an eye on containing costs and interfacing with our multicultural staff with differing skill set levels. We continue to work with her today and would not hesitate to recommend her."
"Cara is a very thoughtful, wise, compassionate, non-judgmental and genuine professional. She helped me to learn how to deal with some some very difficult, longstanding issues with my family. She was effective despite the geographical distance. She kept me trudging along to learn skills to cope with the anxiety and stress from my interactions with my sister and mom. Her ability to guide me on business, financial and legal issues has enabled me to get to the underlying problems that have undermined my personal and professional effectiveness. I am a big fan of The Wisdom Quotient process – it is brilliant in its simplicity and effectiveness. Cara, thank you from the bottom of my heart."

Doug S., Louisville, Kentucky

2018-04-02T21:15:28+00:00

Doug S., Louisville, Kentucky

"Cara is a very thoughtful, wise, compassionate, non-judgmental and genuine professional. She helped me to learn how to deal with some some very difficult, longstanding issues with my family. She was effective despite the geographical distance. She kept me trudging along to learn skills to cope with the anxiety and stress from my interactions with my sister and mom. Her ability to guide me on business, financial and legal issues has enabled me to get to the underlying problems that have undermined my personal and professional effectiveness. I am a big fan of The Wisdom Quotient process – it is brilliant in its simplicity and effectiveness. Cara, thank you from the bottom of my heart."
Cara helped our family at a time when it was challenged by the very difficult decision to close our family business. She helped us analyze the different wind-down options balancing risk, expense and expediency. At the same time with great empathy, guided us to work as a family while balancing our personal needs too. If you are seeking an advisor who has a genuine interest in her clients and is knowledgeable about legal and financial issues, I would highly recommend Cara.

- P. Shulman, Washington

2018-04-09T17:31:21+00:00

- P. Shulman, Washington

Cara helped our family at a time when it was challenged by the very difficult decision to close our family business. She helped us analyze the different wind-down options balancing risk, expense and expediency. At the same time with great empathy, guided us to work as a family while balancing our personal needs too. If you are seeking an advisor who has a genuine interest in her clients and is knowledgeable about legal and financial issues, I would highly recommend Cara.
"Cara Lyn Greco is one of the most elegant, articulate, organized, and knowledgeable women that we know. She is our business consultant and her guidance continually elevates SILVR to new heights. Simply put, Cara is the type of consultant who truly takes the time to understand the core mission of your business and she continually under promises and over delivers. We wanted to share her story with anyone who's considering starting a business because Cara will undoubtedly help you effectively and efficiently 'live what you love'."

Loryn Lyle/Sarah Dawber, Founders, SILVR

2018-04-02T21:15:10+00:00

Loryn Lyle/Sarah Dawber, Founders, SILVR

"Cara Lyn Greco is one of the most elegant, articulate, organized, and knowledgeable women that we know. She is our business consultant and her guidance continually elevates SILVR to new heights. Simply put, Cara is the type of consultant who truly takes the time to understand the core mission of your business and she continually under promises and over delivers. We wanted to share her story with anyone who's considering starting a business because Cara will undoubtedly help you effectively and efficiently 'live what you love'."