Strategic adviser, technologist, published writer, speaker, consultant and contract executive with expertise in technology, strategy, business development, marketing, management and finance, among other disciplines.
Proven track record in food and beverage, hospitality, franchising, fitness and wellness and IT among other industries. International project experience in Asia, the EU, and the Americas. A history of performance transforming organizations and bringing stakeholders together. Has served as a catalyst, team builder and adivser significantly growing revenues and enhancing the mission and efficiency of small to large profit and not for profit firms. A court appointed expert able to quantify complex business matters. Experienced in advising NGO's and government agencies as well. Extensive background raising capital and managing M&A activity as a principal, agent or consultant.
RECENT ACHIEVEMENTS AND ENGAGEMENTS - LIMITED DUE TO CONFIDENTIALITY REQUIREMENTS OF CERTAIN PROJECTS
Presenting at IHRSA 2010 on the Future of the Fitness Industry, March 2010 in San Diego
Delivering a view of key mega trends and where risks and opportunities lie ahead for the fitness industry.
Presenting "What's the Buzz ? Growing Your Business With Online Marketing Tools" at the 2009 Medical Fitness & Healthcare Conference this December
Presenting with Bob Norwood and Amanda Harris on trends, tools and best practices to grow businesses and organizations utilizing new tools and methods via the Internet.
Presenting to leaders of the medical fitness industry regarding how new economics, advancing technologies and converging mega shifts will reshape fitness and wellness as we know it today.
Fitness Business Pro Article "Market Segmentation Improves Competitiveness"
Step by step outline of how segmentation techniques can be applied in health clubs, fitness facilities and wellness organizations to optimize competitive effectiveness.
Presented to this unique gathering of professionals regarding the impact of technologies on the fitness and wellness industries in San Antonio, Texas, December of 2008.
Launched Integerus, Bringing Innovation to the Fitness & Wellness Industries
In order to participate in the significant positive impact mega trends will have on the fitness and wellness industries and with the support, cooperation and partnership of experienced fitness and wellness professionals, Integerus was formed. The organization is designed to address innovation opportunities in the wellness and fitness business and has licensed and co-developed patents that will contribute to significant advances for training and teaching fitness solutions. In addition, the company has obtained copyrights and launched the agency integrated management system (aims), an Saas Solution based on a combination of technology solutions in the "cloud" which integrate the salesforce.com platform.
Concluded Research Projects & Presentations for the Leading Global Group Fitness Organization
Conducted in-depth research reports for a leading global fitness solution provider on various topics regarding the U.S. fitness industry, advances in the wellness revolution, and an analysis of the competitive landscape. Presented to the senior management and key agents on directives and initiatives associated with shifts in thinking and solutions regarding the bridge that must emerge between health care and fitness industries, including in-depth considerations of the impact of technologies surrounding these mega trends.
Re-engineered Core Business Processes for Award Winning Franchise Organization
Performed financial and market analysis to ascertain best opportunities. Identified process improvements in pre and post award systems to enhance long-term operational performance and to properly align expectations with franchise relationship construct. Recruited new management team members, coached executive group and spear-headed innovations in sales process. Integrated business process methodologies with technologies to enhance performance.
Supported, guided and advised a major consumer products company in creating wknd. a new retail products distribution chain from inception including brand creation, retail concept design and development, market analysis, real estate identification, system design and deployment. Contract services included launch of franchise systems, IT and business systems and other services designed to replace a legacy distribution scheme.
Directed the Acquisition of a U.S. Territory, Conducting Due Diligence & Managing Transaction
Prepared and negotiated international licensing and acquisition agreement with a New Zealand based fitness organization. Identified key business drivers and process issues; conducted due diligence and performed analysis. Developed a winning proposal and business structure for stakeholders including identification of personnel and design of business processes.
Conceived and Prepared Strategic Initiatives to Grow U.S. Agricultural Exports
Established strategic initiatives changing key processes through the development and adoption of automated CRM systems that supported the sale of U.S. Food products to foreign markets as part of the USDA’s FAS Generic and MAP branded programs.
Drove Adoption of Non-Profit Best Practices
Crafted and drove the adoption of new policies based on best practices in accordance with LANO requirements to receive prestigious SOE designation. Designed accounting and financial administrative policies and procedures. Advised board of directors on various business matters.
SUMMARY OF KEY SKILLS
Creation & Delivery of Unique Educational Presentations, Strategic Planning, Acquisition Integration, Statistical Analysis, Negotiations, Business Development, Expert Testimony, Feasibility Studies, Financial Analysis Reporting & Management, Auditing & Accounting, Information System Design and Implementation, Organizational Behavior, Proposal Development, Distribution Logistics, Marketing & Sales, Business Development, Dispute Resolution, M&A Management, Product Development, Strategic Partnerships & Alliances, Capital Formation, Budgeting, Licensing, Franchising, Project Management, Business Valuation, Training System Development, Technology Development & Deployment
HIGHLIGHTS OF PAST WORK & PROFESSIONAL ACHIEVEMENT, LIMITED FOR PURPOSES OF CONFIDENTIALITY
Principal and Co-Founder, 2008 - Present
As a co-founder and principal, responsible for business development, technology development and strategic partnerships for this consultancy and business and technology development firm.
Business, Technology & Strategic Advisory Services, 2006 - Present
Fitness Marketing Systems, LLC
Contribute to strategy and planning initiatives, financial analysis and business process redesign initiatives for this regional distributor of fitness programs. Provide insight on the application of new technologies in all aspect of business operations. Advise and provide guidance on marketing and sales initiatives. Direct all significant legal strategies including litigation, contracts and evaluation of strategic partnerships.
Senior Business Adviser & Consultant, 2006 - 2008
Fran-Systems, LLC, Atlanta, Georgia
Contributed as a project team member in delivering solutions to clients in the franchise industry. Provide support in operations, concept development, market research, strategic planning, financial understanding, recruitment, technology, management advice and a broad array of other business functions related to franchising.
Financial & Business Advisory Services 1998 - 2007
Franco’s Athletic Clubs , Mandeville, Louisiana
Advise on all aspects of proposal development, financial analysis, acquisitions, due diligence, financial accounting, contract negotiations, and closing strategic transactions for multiple projects. Develop, evaluate and manage existing and new business opportunities.
International Project Consulting Services 2003
Southern U.S. Trade Association, New Orleans
Managed international trade projects in the EU, Asia , India , Central America , South America , and Canada during a one year engagement. Acted as a liaison with FAS and state agencies. Devised global marketing plans by conducting international trade research for various U.S. food products.
Consulting & Management Advisory Services 1997- 2002
P.J.’s Coffee, New Orleans , Louisiana
Developed a strategic plan and attracted venture capital which grew revenues over three fold in four years. Identified and executed a exit strategy for ownership; ultimately selling to a strategic buyer. Developed and managed all financial, marketing, sales and operating systems.Devised, designed and introduced automated roasting and packaging systems. Directed all legal matters. Advised and developed new procurement systems. Managed acquisitions and divesting company units to franchisees. Served in the role of CEO; reporting to and advising the board of directors.
Consulting & Financial Advisory Services 1999 - 2002
Planet Smoothie Franchises, Atlanta , Georgia
Developed and advised on the implementation of a strategic plan, growing the company from 60 to 124 locations, and attracting venture capital. Advised and directed legal and financial matters including arbitration and dispute resolution. Managed and advised on accounting, financial and information systems . Served in the role of CEO, reporting to and advising the board of directors.
Business Adviser & Development Consultant 1995 - 1998
Smoothie King Franchises, Metairie, Louisiana
Developed a strategic business plan that grew the company from 30 to over 160 retail locations. Conceived, prepared and implemented the franchise sales process Oversaw IT development. Directed significant financial matters including financial audit and investment banking engagements. Obtained bank financing and worked on UFOC preparation. Executed sale of the first significant market development agreement. Advised on and assisted in the establishment of national marketing cooperatives.
Financial & Management Advisory Services 1995 - 1997
Applied Realtime Systems, Now inFRONT Covington, Louisiana
Provided turnaround and financial restructuring services to this hardware manufacturer and software developer in the access control and T&A industry. Prepared winning sales proposals for Casinos, hospitals and government organizations, growing revenues and preparing the business for sale. Directed all financial reporting and oversaw product development efforts. Spear headed strategic partnerships with Oracle, and Peoplesoft.
Franchise Resolution & Advisory Services 1995 - 1996
Rally’s Hamburgers, Louisville, Kentucky
Worked under the direction of the CFO and General Counsel, negotiating the sale of various markets, resolving outstanding royalty payment disputes and assisting in various projects to support the turnaround of the organization.
Financial Advisory & Consulting Services 1993 - 1995
Hampton Roads Foods , Virginia Beach , Virginia
Worked with this award winning Rally’s Hamburger franchisee in Virginia Beach operating under Chapter 11 reorganization. Identified strategic exist strategy. Conducted financial analysis, prepared projections and financial statements. Worked extensively with legal counsel resolving litigation and bankruptcy matters. Managed lender and franchise relationships and successfully sold the company.
Vice President and Chief Financial Officer 1989 - 1993
Al Copeland Investments , Metairie, Louisiana
Managed the development and administration of multiple business enterprises including restaurant, hotel, real estate and food manufacturing operations with over $100 million in annual revenues. Worked on key projects in the Popeye’s & Church’s system. Initiated the review of acquisition targets, including due diligence, valuation and financing. Developed new business initiatives, significantly growing revenues. Spear headed franchise system development. Managed and directed all financial, accounting and legal processes, requirements and issues. Initiated development of cutting edge distributed information system solutions for various operations and over saw all IT development and management.
EDUCATION & CREDENTIALS
Awarded Crescent City Scholarship for Ph.D. Studies in Finance & Economics at the University of New Orleans
Master's Degree in Business Administration from Southeastern Louisiana University
Bachelor's of Science in Finance from the University of New Orleans
ADDITIONAL PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE & EXPERTISE
Founder BKO Consulting Group
Executive Director Popeye’s International Franchise Association
Court Appointed Conservator Allied Heirlooms
Restaurateur & Owner Louisiana Pizza Kitchen
Revenue Accountant Louisiana World Exposition
2760 Development Committee National Cash Register
MS Office & MS Project
Commissioned Notary
Extensive CPE in Finance, Licensing, Management, Franchising, Marketing, Accounting & Information Systems
