At a Glance
Rating Breakdown
Performance Overview
Scores out of 5, based on our editorial analysis
About Second Wind Consultants
Second Wind Consultants has been working with distressed small businesses since 2008, operating from Northampton, Massachusetts. What sets them apart from pure debt settlement firms is their turnaround consulting model — they do not just negotiate with creditors, they help restructure business operations to address the underlying problems that caused the debt crisis in the first place. Settlement without operational reform usually just delays the next crisis. The company has developed particular expertise in merchant cash advance (MCA) debt, which has become the most common source of business debt distress in the past decade. MCA products carry effective APRs of 40-350%, involve daily or weekly ACH withdrawals, and often include confession of judgment clauses that give funders extraordinary collection power. Second Wind understands the MCA industry\'s specific pressure points and negotiation dynamics because they have been handling these cases since MCA lending first exploded around 2010-2012. Their process starts with a comprehensive business assessment that goes beyond just listing debts. They analyze revenue trends, profit margins, cash flow cycles, customer concentration, and operational efficiency to build a turnaround plan that addresses both the debt burden and the business weaknesses that led to it. This dual approach — debt negotiation paired with business consulting — produces better long-term outcomes because the business is structurally healthier after the program, not just temporarily relieved of debt payments.
Key Features
MCA Debt Expertise
Specializes in merchant cash advance negotiation and restructuring — understanding the unique legal framework, daily ACH mechanics, and funder behavior patterns that general debt firms miss.
Turnaround Consulting
Goes beyond debt negotiation to address the operational problems that created the debt crisis. Restructures business operations alongside debt obligations.
Comprehensive Business Assessment
Analyzes revenue trends, margins, cash flow cycles, and customer concentration — not just debt balances — to build sustainable recovery plans.
MCA ACH Intervention
Helps businesses manage and potentially pause daily ACH withdrawals from MCA funders while negotiating modified terms — critical for preserving operating cash flow.
How It Works
Business Diagnostic
Second Wind performs a deep-dive assessment of your business — revenue, expenses, debts, cash flow, operations — to understand both the financial and operational problems.
Turnaround Strategy
They develop a dual plan: debt negotiation priorities and operational improvements that will generate the cash flow needed to fund the recovery.
Debt Negotiation
Second Wind negotiates with creditors and MCA funders while simultaneously implementing operational changes to stabilize the business.
Stabilization & Growth
Once debts are resolved and operations improved, the business transitions to a growth plan designed to prevent future debt crises.
What They Do
- MCA Debt Negotiation
- Business Turnaround Consulting
- Commercial Debt Settlement
- Operational Restructuring
- Cash Flow Management
Debt Types They Take On
- Merchant Cash Advances
- Business Credit Cards
- Vendor Payables
- Commercial Lines of Credit
- Equipment Financing
- Revenue-Based Financing
Fee & Cost Structure
Regulatory & Trust
Review Summary
Notable Case Studies
Restaurant with $220K in Stacked MCA Debt
A Boston-area restaurant had taken 4 overlapping MCA advances totaling \$220,000 with combined daily ACH withdrawals of \$1,800/day — draining the operating account faster than revenue could refill it. Second Wind intervened with the MCA funders, negotiated a pause on withdrawals, and restructured the advances into consolidated monthly payments.
Trucking Company Turnaround — $340K Mixed Debt
A trucking company carried \$340,000 in mixed debt: \$180,000 in MCA advances, \$95,000 in equipment financing arrears, and \$65,000 in vendor payables. The company was 60 days from shutting down. Second Wind negotiated the MCA debt, restructured equipment payments, and settled vendor accounts while simultaneously helping the owner renegotiate two key client contracts for better rates.
Pros & Cons
Pros
- Turnaround consulting model addresses root causes of business distress, not just symptoms — operational improvements prevent future debt crises
- Deep MCA expertise from 15+ years handling merchant cash advance cases including stacked advances, confession of judgment defense, and ACH management
- Comprehensive business diagnostic goes far beyond a simple debt listing — analyzes revenue trends, margins, cash flow, and operational efficiency
- Dual approach means the business is structurally healthier after the program, not just temporarily relieved of debt payments
- Founded 2008, giving them experience through the 2008-2009 financial crisis, COVID-era business distress, and the MCA lending explosion
Cons
- Blended fee structure (consulting retainer + settlement fees) can be more expensive upfront than pure performance-based firms
- Turnaround consulting component requires significant time investment from the business owner — this is not a hands-off debt settlement program
- Smaller firm without the brand recognition or review volume of larger debt settlement companies
User Reviews (15)
they fixed my business not just my debt
Second Wind did not just settle my MCA debt. They showed me I was underpricing my services by 18%, had two employees costing more than they produced, and was spending \$2,400/month on software I barely used. Fixed the debt AND the business. That is the difference.
good but expensive
Consulting retainer was \$5,000 upfront plus settlement fees. Total cost was higher than if I had gone with a settlement-only firm. But the operational improvements generated enough savings to cover the difference. Still — sticker shock is real.
MCA nightmare resolved
Four stacked MCAs. \$1,600/day coming out of my account. Could not make payroll. Second Wind paused three of the four ACH withdrawals within 2 weeks and settled all four over the next 6 months. Saved my restaurant.
consulting retainer nonrefundable
Paid \$5K retainer, decided to go a different direction after the diagnostic phase. Retainer was nonrefundable. I understand they did work, but it stung. Make sure you are committed before paying.
turnaround consulting was the real value
The debt negotiation was good — 43% reduction overall. But the business consulting was worth more. They found \$5,800/month in cost cuts I had been blind to for years. My business is more profitable now than before the debt crisis.
takes more time from the owner
The turnaround consulting requires YOU to put in work. Meetings, analysis, implementing changes. Not a complaint exactly — it is what I signed up for — but if you want a hands-off debt fix, this is not it.
understood my industry
Second Wind had worked with other trucking companies. They understood seasonal cash flow, fuel cost fluctuations, and client payment terms specific to logistics. Not generic business advice.
MCA settlement took time
The MCA funders were extremely aggressive about maintaining ACH withdrawals during negotiation. Second Wind managed it but it took 4 months before things stabilized. Those 4 months were rough. End result was good though.
worth the consulting retainer
Was nervous about the upfront retainer since most debt firms are performance-only. But the business diagnostic alone was worth what I paid. Found problems I had no idea existed. Retainer paid for itself in month 1 through cost savings.
not every MCA funder will negotiate
One of my three MCA companies absolutely refused to settle or restructure. They went straight to confession of judgment. Second Wind helped with the other two but could not prevent the CoJ. No firm can guarantee all funders will cooperate.
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Important Business Debt Disclaimers
- Business debt settlement may negatively impact your company's credit profile and personal credit if you have personally guaranteed the obligations. Missed payments during negotiation will appear on credit reports.
- There is no guarantee that any creditor or MCA company will agree to settle for a reduced amount. Funders and creditors retain full legal rights to pursue collection, including lawsuits, UCC liens, and bank account freezes.
- Settlement fees for commercial debt typically range from 15%-30% of the enrolled debt amount. You should fully understand the fee structure before enrolling. Verify whether fees are charged on enrolled debt or settled savings.
- Forgiven business debt of $600 or more may be treated as taxable income by the IRS and reported on Form 1099-C. Consult a tax professional about the implications for your business entity.
- Merchant cash advance (MCA) companies may have daily or weekly ACH withdrawal rights under your contract. Stopping payments may trigger confession of judgment clauses, UCC liens, or immediate legal action depending on your state.
- Alternatives to business debt settlement include SBA disaster loans, business debt consolidation, Chapter 11 or Subchapter V bankruptcy, receivership, and direct creditor negotiation. Consult with a licensed attorney or financial advisor before enrolling in any business debt program.
This page is informational, not financial or legal advice. Talk to a qualified professional before making any big money decisions.
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