Curriculum Vitae

My Business Consultant Qualifications and Areas of Expertise

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Operations Strategist and Finance Expert

I specialize in making strategies and execution of creating new opportunities as an operations executive with an entrepreneurial finance background. I have a passion for emerging and developing enterprises, incubating and evolving new ideas, developing a dynamic labor force, and revitalizing undermanaged businesses.

By combining innate business foresight with pragmatic systemic strategies, I can chart an astute, robust course through all financial climates. With more than 30 years of experience, I have excelled in various businesses. These range from the service, entertainment, and media industries, from high-net-worth private investment to mutual fund administration—in roles such as COO, CAO, CFO, Controller, and Sr. VP.

Summary of Qualifications

I have proven success in evolving new concepts, developing new enterprises, and turning around undervalued operations. I achieve this by assembling both internal and external talent that combine seamlessly to maximize profitability.

In times of prosperity and volatile economic times, I can serve as a visionary and a stabilizing force in the dynamic environment. Adept at leveraging my C-Suite background, I lead collaboratively, fulfilling objectives while managing peripheral impacts and optimizing decisions to stakeholders.

Areas of Expertise by Direct Knowledge or by Assembling a Strategic Workforce

Strategic Advisory Services and Operations

Business Planning

Administration

MIS

Finance

Legal

Strategic Advisory Services and Operations

Acquisition and Integration Management
Reinvention of Undermanaged Companies
Advisory Services for Complex Transactions
Executive Packages and Agreements
Workforce Analysis for Growth/Contraction

Business Planning

Building Business Plans and Strategies
Assembling Teams for Incubating and Growing Ventures
Branding, Marketing, and Public Relations
Technology Strategy and Web Design Leadership Reorganization/Chapter Filings/Shut Downs

Administration

Contracted Services as COO and CFO
Systems Design, Standardized Reporting
Implementation of Procedures and Training
Acquisition/Lease to Design and Build-Out
Purchasing and Distribution

MIS

Design Analysis for Organization Requirements
Oversee RFP Process and Selection Process
Oversee Implementation and Design of ERP Systems
Conversion, Training, and Integration
Design of Concise Yet Highly Informative Reporting

Finance

Financial Systems Implementation and Training
Budget and Forecasting
Vendor Agreement and Bank Negotiations
Insurance Package Design and Benefit Analysis
Tax and External Auditor Negotiation

Legal

Business Incorporation and Structuring
Lease Agreements and Major Asset Purchases
Labor Issues
Litigation Consulting
Negotiation of Complex Corporate Transactions

Selected Key Achievements

Throughout the years I have been working in the industry, I have:

Joined ailing company as a “turnaround” CFO, assembled an executive team, trimmed nonproductive operations, and established benchmarks that, overall, grew EBITDA from $700K to over $6M in three years
Acted as corporate officer to help negotiate the sale of a company and went on to run the new operation
Combined 61 company profit centers purchased over a 6-week period in less than 5 months. I then performed all administrative aspects of the consolidation of more than 150 people (including: negotiation of a lease at below-market rates, negotiation of purchase of existing leaseholds with a book value of $450K for $1, build-out, and move) in less than 5 months.
Each time my existing company was sold, I was promoted and joined the new company’s executive staff.

Professional Experience

Strategic Adviser to Principal Businesses: Cottrell Consults, LLC (Santa Monica, CA)
2001–Present

Chief Financial Officer: LGH Digital Media, Inc. (Hollywood)
2002–Present

With ongoing retained assignment, I have assisted the owners of an incubator company in a growth phase, positioning the business as a successful niche market player in a highly competitive industry. In addition, I am responsible for all financial oversight and strategic advising to the owner, among many other things. I also established employee benefit plans and negotiated a partial sale of the business to a sophisticated major investor.

Treasurer and CFO: The Bjurman Barry Funds (Los Angeles, CA)
2003–2009

I was responsible for the operation and financial oversight of three mutual funds. Later, I acted as advisor to the principals during the restructuring and evolution of business operations. In addition, I:

Spearheaded a successful search for alternative structures for mutual funds and firm
Advised on comprehensive restructuring of the business while negotiating M&A opportunities
Ultimately, initiated and oversaw Chapter 7 liquidation when the business ceased operations

Corporate VP and Controller: Ascent Media Corporation (Santa Monica, CA)
2000–2001

I led integration efforts for a new 3,700-employee company (with Todd AO set up as the acquiring entity) and went on to perform ongoing management of finance, taxation, and public reporting for revenues in excess of $600M. In addition, I:

Consolidated four major companies (61 profit centers) into one operation within five months
Synchronized complex worldwide consolidation of property and casualty insurance
Created a budget and oversaw the year-end audit for 61 divisions

Vice President, Administration: The Todd AO Corporation (Hollywood, CA)
1997–2000

I was promoted to a CAO corporate-level officer for an international company with 800 employees after being invited by the CEO from the purchase of Hollywood Digital. For revenues in excess of $119M, I was responsible for finance, administration, and investor relations. I also:

Formulated and executed strategic plans and the exit strategy of major shareholders
Helped General Council and CEO negotiate the sale of a majority interest of the company
Acted as a key player in the acquisition of two companies, tripling share price within three years

Partner, Executive VP and CFO: Hollywood Digital LP (Hollywood, CA) – 1993-1997
VP, Finance and Controller: The Post Group, Inc. (Hollywood, CA) – 1984-1993
Financial Systems Specialist: Wickes Company, Inc. (Santa Monica) – 1983-1984
Senior Auditor: Deloitte & Touche (Los Angeles) – 1978-1983

Education

1978
Bachelor of Science
Business, With an Emphasis in Accounting
University of Southern California
Los Angeles, CA

Certifications

Certified Public Accountant (Inactive)
State of California

Philanthropy

2009-Present
Board of Chairman
Los Angeles Youth Network
Los Angeles, CA