Other accomplishments include:
Implementing Strategy/Increase Shareholder Value
At one company, I increased company value by 20-times, in 3.5 years, by understanding cash flow, supporting efficient growth, and identifying/collaborating with external resources.
Improve Accounting/Transparency
At one company I improved accounting efficiency and transparency. Based on improved confidence in our new CEO, clear reporting and positive results in a tough market, ownership agreed to invest $4M in product development for the first time in 10 years of ownership.
Solving Problems/Productivity
Saved $12 million in working capital at one company through improved inventory management while simultaneously adding $2.7 million to top line with improved seasonal in-stock position and reduced customer inventory 29% at HDA resulting in being awarded exclusive category manager for large national retailer.
Negotiations/Growth
Achieved 70% growth at one company leading due diligence, negotiations and integration of three (3) acquisitions in five (5) years.
Why are we calling our company Mark Twain CFO Consulting?
Many of you know that when the riverboats plied the large rivers of the US before sonar, a person would stand at the front of the boat with a rope and a weight.
They would regularly lower the weight to measure the depth of the river. If the way ahead was clear, the river was deep enough, he would yell out “Mark Twain”. The way ahead was safe.
In our mind, the CFO’s job is similar. To measure regularly to see that the way ahead is safe. To give early warning when danger is approaching, at least from a financial or cash flow point of view. To keep the company ship off the rocks.
A smart person I met called it unconscious excellence. We build efficient systems that measure the critical success factors of a business. Building these while things are going well is the safest time. Usually the world changes, the faster we notice these changes the better. Usually, also these systems are not perfect and we have to learn and adapt our measurements. What was assumed to be not a critical factor becomes one.
