You were born to win, but to be a winner, you must plan to win, prepare to win, and expect to win. ~ Zig Ziglar
BUSINESS EXPERIENCE - Showing How to Make a Difference!
It is a widely held belief that the most successful business are run by strategists, not tacticians. I focus on defining desired outcomes and ensure that my employees are provided the necessary tools to reach those goals. I hire those who are the most capable at helping my ventures achieve my vision and allow them to develop plans to make that happen.
I believe in a simple business philosophy...I must always provide the best service and be the most responsive to my customers' needs. I have been successful in all my business ventures because of my vision to see opportunities in niche markets and design programs to meet those special needs. The supplier / customer relationship is built on mutual need and satisfaction. Going that extra mile makes all the difference.
I believe in a simple business philosophy...I must always provide the best service and be the most responsive to my customers' needs. I have been successful in all my business ventures because of my vision to see opportunities in niche markets and design programs to meet those special needs. The supplier / customer relationship is built on mutual need and satisfaction. Going that extra mile makes all the difference.
Business Development and General Manager (2012 - 2014) IEP, Elizabeth,NJ
The process of designing and implementing programs in a long established company presents unique challenges. Among these is finding new niche areas where the company can expand and take advantage of existing synergies. Often a fresh set of eyes is what is needed to create change and bring fresh energy to the company. Such is the mission I was charged with and continue to infuse into improving operations.
- Improved business processes and returned positive cash flow through operational changes.
- Established competitive purchasing of commodity based materials through aggressive bidding procedures.
- Reduced exposures of high risk credit accounts reducing aging exposures by 90% while improving sales.
- Reduced operational costs through capital expenditures.
- Improved inventory flows with JIT inventory management.
Board Chair, (2009 - 2013) Families Anonymous, Inc. Des Plaines, IL.
One of the most exciting and rewarding positions that I have had the privilege of holding is that of the Chair of this world-wide fellowship. Families Anonymous (FA) is comprised of more than 500 groups and 10,000 members, spanning four continents, I am responsible for the oversight of operations and the growth of new groups. In the short time that I have held this position, I can proudly point to a number of significant achievements:
- Improved business processes and returned positive cash flow through operational changes.
- Tripled cash reserves in under three years
- Increased membership through improved communications and world-wide public information campaign.
- Designed and implemented new website including robust E-Store and improved electronic payment processing.
- Negotiated highly favorable terms for move of world headquarters from California to Illinois
- Improved awareness of the fellowship among the professional treatment and support communities.
- Keynote speaker at nationally recognized treatment facilities and conferences.
- Frequent guest on traditional and internet radio programs dealing with addiction and the family.
President, (1992 - 2008) First Phoenix Group, Ltd., Springfield, NJ
I founded the First Phoenix Group in March of 1992 to respond to a niche market opportunity. The idea of food banks and community feeding programs was beginning to take a more formal structure, and the demand for food and services was far more than the food banks could obtain through donations. Further, these programs were beginning to receive significant government funding to help meet the needs of the poor, and had to respond by supplying quality food products at a reasonable price. First Phoenix grew from a modest start to be a leader in the field. Our annual sales exceeded $12MM, not including the work we did as expert consultants for major insurance companies in loss mitigation.
Exec. VP, (1986 - 1992) Milrose Foods, Inc. Springfield, NJ
I became the Executive VP of Milrose in early 1986 after selling my commodity floor trading firm to E.F. Hutton. In my position with Milrose, I had total P&L responsibility for all operations and management of a large, privately held food company that specialized in the importation, sales, warehousing, and distribution of fresh and frozen meats from all major domestic and international suppliers. Our operations included warehousing, logistics, and operations of three subsidiary companies. I directly supervised a sales force of more than 20 people, a support staff of 10 and 45 operational personnel. The annual sales were in excess of $150MM.
Another part of my responsibilities included international banking and financing that required my skills to negotiate and obtain favorable terms and credit lines with major lending institutions. I was also responsible for the drafting of all international letters of credit.
Another part of my responsibilities included international banking and financing that required my skills to negotiate and obtain favorable terms and credit lines with major lending institutions. I was also responsible for the drafting of all international letters of credit.
President, (1982 - 1985) Trade Commodities, Inc. NY, NY
One of the most exciting business experiences that I had was establishing a commodities floor trading firm on the NYMEX. Whether it was serendipity, or the ability to recognize the opportunities presented by a potentially massive market, I was present on the floor at the introduction of the petroleum complex. Early in my business experience as an import trader, I had developed a fascination with the relationship between commodities. I studied and learned to take advantage of these relationships to increase profits. Being on the floor, the opportunities were endless, if, one had the ability to take advantage of pricing dislocations. To do so, however, required that I design and implement a computer program (on a hand-held programmable calculator) that would allow my brokers to "leg" into spreads that would otherwise be unobtainable. I built my firm of traders and floor support staff, on providing those opportunities to the major wire houses (brokerage firms) and commercial petroleum interests.