From Reserve to Revenue: three+one^® Transforms Public Finance and Earns Spot Among 30 Leading Companies of The Year 2025

three+one is a pioneering fintech company that transforms the way public sector organizations manage their cash. Founded by Joe Rulison and Peter Forsgren, the company was established to help counties, cities, schools, and colleges maximize the use of their available funds. Many public entities have long maintained large cash reserves that remain idle because they lack the resources to conduct detailed financial analysis. three+one was created to address this challenge by offering a suite of data-driven tools that enable these organizations to put every dollar to work. At the core of the company is its innovative liquidity analysis platform called cashVest. This platform provides public officials with clear insights into when cash is needed and when it can be invested to generate additional revenue. The result is a shift in perspective that treats cash as a dynamic asset rather than a passive reserve. In addition to cashVest, three+one offers rfpPrep, a tool designed to streamline the process of acquiring banking and investment services. Both platforms have been developed with a deep understanding of the financial challenges faced by public institutions.

Under the leadership of CEO Garrett Macdonald, who has been an integral part of the company for over a decade, three+one continues to expand its reach nationwide. Macdonald has built a team of experts who work closely with clients to integrate these fintech solutions into their existing financial operations. His leadership is defined by a commitment to innovation and client success. Public entities that use three+one have reported significant improvements in their cash management practices. They are now able to uncover new revenue streams that help bridge budget gaps, fund additional hires, and enhance public services without increasing taxes or fees.

A testament to the company’s impact is its collaboration with the National Association of Counties (NACo). In 2024 alone, this partnership generated over $1.3 billion in new revenue for public entities while simultaneously saving them millions in bank fees. This achievement underscores the importance of leveraging untapped revenue sources to provide financial stability during uncertain times. Since the partnership began in 2020, NACo and three+one have helped hundreds of county governments strengthen their finances, generating over $3 billion in new revenue. County finance departments benefit from the cashVest program, which combines powerful liquidity data with hands-on guidance from a dedicated relationship manager. As a third-party data provider, cashVest by three+one analyzes cash flow and investment history on behalf of counties, offering data-driven insights and actionable recommendations. This empowers finance professionals to strategically allocate funds, optimize liquidity, and maximize interest earnings, all while ensuring transparency and financial strength for the communities they serve. “For county finance departments, the ability to generate new revenue while gaining insights into their financial future is invaluable,” said NACo CEO/Executive Director Matthew Chase. “This partnership ensures public entities are better equipped to manage uncertainties and prepare their 2026 budgets and beyond.” The generation of new revenue is largely attributed to three+one’s innovative MC Liquidity Forecast Model. Built on decades of expertise in public finance, higher education, and business, this tool integrates over 2.4 trillion data points from various economic cycles. The model provides liquidity forecasts extending six months ahead, enabling public agencies to make confident financial decisions.

The success of three+one lies in its ability to combine advanced technology with a thorough understanding of public finance. The company is not a bank and does not accept deposits. Instead, it provides an independent perspective on cash management that is built on accurate data and expert analysis. This approach has earned the trust of public officials who rely on three+one to make informed financial decisions about their finances. By maximizing the potential of idle cash, three+one is empowering public sector organizations to achieve greater financial stability and improve community outcomes. Its mission remains focused on ensuring that every dollar is used effectively to support the needs of the communities it serves.

In conversation with Garrett Macdonald, CEO of three+one

Q. cashVest provides precise, data-driven insights on liquidity. How does your platform enable public officials to make more informed, strategic financial decisions?

cashVest empowers public officials by giving them a comprehensive view of their liquidity position, covering both operational and non-operational cash. Using proprietary algorithms, the platform analyzes cash-flow patterns, identifies excess liquidity, and suggests optimal investment strategies based on time-horizon data. This data-driven approach helps decision-makers determine exactly how much cash is required for daily operations and how much can be strategically invested to generate additional revenue. By providing clear, actionable insights, cashVest enables officials to make informed financial decisions with confidence.

Ultimately, the platform helps improve the financial health of communities by ensuring that public funds are utilized efficiently. Rather than leaving money idle, public officials can maximize resources while maintaining financial security. The ability to see the bigger picture and take a proactive approach to cash management allows municipalities, school districts, and other public entities to strengthen their financial positions while continuing to serve their constituents effectively.

Q. cashVest uses proprietary time-horizon data to determine when and for how long cash should be invested. Can you walk us through how this approach maximizes financial returns?

The proprietary time-horizon data used by cashVest is a key component of three+one’s liquidity-management strategy. The platform analyzes historical cash-flow patterns, expected revenue streams, and upcoming expenses to accurately project future liquidity needs. This allows public officials to determine exactly how much cash can be safely allocated for short-term, mid-term, or long-term investments. By aligning investment durations with cash requirements, public entities can maximize financial returns while ensuring sufficient liquidity for daily operations. This strategic approach eliminates guesswork, helping decision-makers optimize their cash management with confidence.

With a disciplined, data-driven methodology, cashVest ensures that every dollar is working to its fullest potential. Instead of allowing excess cash to remain idle, public officials can put those funds to work in a way that balances security, liquidity, and yield, ultimately strengthening their organization’s financial position.

Q. Public entities often struggle with banking-services procurement. How does rfpPrep simplify and enhance the process of selecting the right banking partner?

rfpPrep streamlines the banking services procurement process by offering a structured, step-by-step approach for public entities to issue and evaluate banking service requests for proposals (RFPs). The platform provides pre-built templates, standardized scoring metrics, and expert guidance to help ensure that organizations select the right banking partners based on their specific needs and financial objectives. By simplifying what can often be a complex and time-consuming process, rfpPrep enables public officials to navigate banking procurement with greater efficiency and confidence. The platform promotes transparency and compliance while ensuring cost-effectiveness, helping entities secure the best possible banking services.

With rfpPrep, public officials can make well-informed decisions without the administrative burden typically associated with RFPs. This structured approach not only saves time but also ensures that financial institutions are selected based on data-driven evaluations, ultimately improving financial outcomes for the communities they serve.

Q. How do advanced technologies like AI and predictive analytics play a role in refining your liquidity-management solutions?

Advanced technologies, particularly predictive analytics, are essential to three+one’s liquidity-management solutions. These tools enhance the accuracy and efficiency of cashVest by identifying patterns in cash-flow data, forecasting future liquidity needs, and recommending tailored investment strategies. By leveraging predictive analytics, public entities can optimize their cash positioning in real time, ensuring they have the right amount of liquidity available while maximizing investment opportunities. This technology enables proactive decision-making, allowing officials to plan ahead with confidence rather than reacting to financial challenges as they arise.

As three+one continues to innovate, predictive analytics will play an increasingly important role in delivering even greater value to our clients. By combining technology with financial expertise, we help public entities make data-driven decisions that strengthen their financial health and maximize every available dollar.

Q. Your collaboration with the National Association of Counties (NACo) and various state associations has driven nationwide impact. How do strategic partnerships amplify your mission and shape the future of public finance?

Strategic partnerships are a cornerstone of three+one’s mission to empower public entities. By collaborating with organizations such as NACo, state municipal associations, and educational institutions, we expand our reach and provide tailored financial solutions to a broader audience. These partnerships foster knowledge sharing, advocacy, and the adoption of best practices across the public-finance landscape. By working alongside key industry organizations, we help public officials access the tools and insights needed to make informed financial decisions that benefit their communities. Moving forward, three+one remains committed to strengthening these alliances. Our goal is to drive nationwide impact by shaping the future of public finance through innovation, collaboration, and strategic guidance.

Q. Your solutions have helped institutions generate billions in new revenue. Can you share one or two client testimonials highlighting the transformative impact of your solutions?

One standout example is Suffolk County, NY, where Comptroller John M. Kennedy, Jr., JD, MBA, has seen firsthand the value of three+one’s partnership. He describes the impact by stating, “The external analysis that three+one brings and the forecasting provided has been absolutely outstanding. Something all of us had kind of hoped for, but none of us had the ability to engage.” This highlights how our data-driven insights have helped the county enhance its financial strategies.

Another transformative partnership is with Harris County, TX, home to Houston, the fourth-largest city in the U.S. Amy Perez, the Deputy Director of Financial Management, emphasizes their commitment to excellence, saying, “Excellence isn’t just a goal; it’s our unwavering promise. In serving our constituents, we go beyond meeting expectations. We strive to redefine and surpass them. three+one has complemented our efforts in accomplishing this commitment.”

These examples showcase how our partnerships empower public officials with actionable financial insights, helping them optimize resources and drive long-term success for their communities.

Q. Joe Rulison and Peter Forsgren are pioneers in liquidity strategy. What leadership philosophies guide them, and how do they inspire a culture of innovation?

Joe Rulison and Peter Forsgren have built three+one on the core principles of integrity, collaboration, and continuous improvement. Their leadership philosophy is rooted in the belief that financial empowerment leads to stronger communities.

They foster a culture of innovation by encouraging their team to challenge the status quo, embrace emerging technologies, and always prioritize client success. This forward-thinking approach ensures that three+one remains at the forefront of liquidity-management solutions, consistently delivering value to public entities.

Beyond leadership, their commitment to excellence permeates the entire organization. Every team member is valued and empowered to contribute in meaningful ways, creating an environment where innovation and client-focused service thrive. The incredible team at three+one consistently goes above and beyond, driving exceptional outcomes for both internal and external stakeholders. This dedication strengthens the company’s mission and deepens its client relationships, ultimately enhancing financial strategies for communities nationwide.

Q. With over $3 billion given back to local communities, how does three+ one view corporate responsibilities, and what’s your approach to making a lasting impact?

At three+one, exceeding expectations isn’t just a goal—it’s a core value that drives everything we do for our clients and stakeholders. Our innovative services have helped return over $3 billion to local communities, funds that would have otherwise gone unrealized. This level of impact demonstrates our deep commitment to supporting public entities in generating new revenue and strengthening their financial positions.

Credit rating agencies have recognized the value we bring in improving financial stability, further validating our approach. But our role extends beyond being just a financial partner. We act as community advocates. By empowering public entities to optimize their liquidity and maximize every available dollar, we help them invest in critical services, infrastructure, and long-term sustainability.

Through strategic partnerships, educational initiatives, and an unwavering dedication to surpassing expectations, we ensure that every dollar works harder. Our mission is to create lasting financial impact, helping public entities and the communities they serve thrive now and in the future.

Q. Earning a spot among the “30 Leading Companies of the Year” is a testament to excellence. What do you believe makes three+one truly stand out in the FinTech space, and what’s the next big milestone on the horizon?

What truly sets three+one apart isn’t just what we do—it’s how we do it. At our core, we are a company driven by vision, passion, and determination, committed to making a lasting financial impact on public entities and higher education institutions across the country.

Exceeding expectations isn’t just a goal for us; it’s woven into our firm’s DNA. We don’t take a one-size-fits-all approach. Our team works closely with each client to develop tailored, data-driven strategies that maximize financial resources. By leveraging innovative technology, predictive analytics, and strategic partnerships, we provide solutions that go beyond traditional financial services.

What makes us unique is not just our expertise but also our dedication to empowering those we serve. We are a company and a team that is truly invested in the success of our clients, ensuring that every dollar works harder and creates meaningful, long-term impact for communities nationwide.

“Going forward, we will continue to recruit highly talented individuals to enhance our world-class team, enabling us to expand our reach and deepen our impact on those we serve. At three+one, our mission is clear: to redefine what’s possible in public finance while staying true to our core values.”