COO / CFO

Strong entrepreneurial drive, strategic vision and implementation skills to lead business operations to higher levels of REVENUE, PROFITABILITY and SHAREHOLDER VALUE. Diverse background in Software Solutions, including: Web-Based Applications, SaaS, Cloud Computing, Client/Server and Professional Services.

Unique blend of Operations, Finance, Sales and Business Development, providing a fresh market perspective and new, creative solutions to challenges faced during changing business climates, including Start-Ups, Turnarounds, Aggressive Growth Periods and Market Downturns.

Key Benefits: (1) Optimizing Operational Performance; (2) Streamlining Costs; (3) Securing Financing;
(4) Reviving Under-Performing Businesses; (5) Driving a Collaborative, Deeply Engaged Culture;
(6) Developing Additional Business Opportunities to Achieve the Next Level of Growth; and
(7) Enhancing and Extending Company’s Current Brand Value.

Recent Performance Milestones and Strategic Impact

2011 to present

• Assessed business issues and opportunities for multiple clients and architected solutions that drove operational efficiencies. Defined high-functioning matrix structure for a leading non-profit organization, delivering $2M in annual savings, while improving resource utilization and client responsiveness. Evaluated and implemented an enterprise collaboration software solution, increasing staff productivity 20% by enhancing access to information and reducing redundant processes. Secured $500K investment by capturing and powerfully presenting a start-up’s business and financial plans.

2007 to 2011

• Drove the Entrepreneur Development program for a nationally recognized Technology Incubator, leveraging engagement management skills and technical insights with the ability to speak in both business and technical terms. Transformed technology breakthroughs into marketable products and services, positioning high potential start-ups for additional capital investment. Established measurable and achievable performance goals to reduce business risk, grow revenues and help businesses become more attractive to follow-on investors. Raised over $7M in equity financing for assigned pre-seed companies, demonstrating success in identifying markets and clarifying product advantages.

2006 to 2007

• Acted as performance leader and driver of change, orchestrating an aggressive operational turnaround for a software development company. Evaluated the business, identified critical areas of opportunity and prioritized effectively to maximize performance. Built a best practices operations framework, securing a $3.5M follow-on equity investment from a leading VC firm. Increased sales pipeline by 315% by launching a performance-driven national channel sales team. Results accelerated company’s successful sale.

1995 to 2005

• Created a new strategic roadmap to reenergize privately held Technology Company and achieve sustainable business growth. Focused on key customer strategies, optimization of current products, and identification of new opportunities. Grew annual revenues an average of 18%, attaining profitability year-over-year. Launched SaaS solutions, expanding revenues from $300K to over $3.2M annually. Identified and secured four national accounts, generating $2.5M in new revenues. Sold an unprofitable business unit, adding $1.3M in working capital.

Professional Experience

Confidential, Columbus, OH – 2011 to present

Chief Operations Officer

Serve as the primary contact with clients and internal departments, providing high-value financial management and business insight to emerging and mid-sized businesses. Focus on delivering performance improvement, cash flow optimization, operational alignment and financial consulting to accelerate results and achieve long-term sustainability. Apply strong relationship building skills and natural sense for client-oriented solutions, ensuring that all services were delivered on time, on budget, and to a consistently high standard.

Confidential, Columbus, OH – 2007 to 2011

Entrepreneur-in-Residence (Interim CEO)

High profile advocacy role for start-up candidates (technology-based businesses) that have reached a level of refinement and maturity to receive the TechColumbus Pre-Seed Fund. Served as an interim CEO, leveraging executive background to build big picture enthusiasm and take companies to the next level of funding and growth. Created multiple educational programs to “demystify” the capital access process for entrepreneurs and revamped due diligence procedures, improving the discovery of investment merits and risks.

Confidential, Columbus, OH – 2006 to 2007

Chief Operating Officer

Recruited by the Board of Directors to transform operations, product development and sales to position this venture-backed data integration software company for acquisition. Oversaw business results, including cash flow, profitability and revenue growth. Renovated product direction and relevance by architecting and launching a Java-based technology development initiative. Expanded product capabilities to include pre-built interfaces to the National Information Exchange Model (NIEM), accelerating data integration and public agency conformance efforts by 50%. Cultivated and nurtured a key strategic partnership that facilitated the company’s successful exit.

Confidential, Columbus, OH – 1995 to 2005

President and COO

Highly visible, multi-disciplined leadership role, overseeing P&L and reporting, product development, sales and marketing, customer service, and human resources. Led immediate goal of revitalizing the performance and strategic direction, while ensuring that quality and service standards, financial performance and people development were achieved. Demonstrated success in transitioning core business focus from low margin Professional Services, to highly profitable software products. Synchronized product development efforts, created and launched marketing programs and cultivated relationships with senior executives at key accounts.

Earlier Career

Confidential

Education

MBA – Finance,Columbus, OH
BBA – Management,Notre Dame, IN

Affiliations

Executive Mentor
Board Trustee
Hold Ohio Insurance Licenses
Six Sigma Black Belt