• Why did you want to become a fractional CFO? 

As a seasoned CFO, using my expertise in a fractional CFO firm gives me the opportunity to share my knowledge and experience with a variety of companies. From small family-owned companies to larger private equity firms, I have helped those companies thrive. I can now use this experience with multiple firms simultaneously. 

• Why do you enjoy the industries you focus on and why do you bring value to those industries?

The industries I work with specifically are manufacturing and distribution. Both offer a variety of business activities, along with having physical products. There are so many processes needed to develop efficiency and make improvements. My years of experience have given me a very good understanding of the needs of those industries and the related issues and problems they have. I like turning those problems into opportunities.

• What are common challenges that you see in businesses?
  

Lack of clarity by the owner and/or CEO of a business is something I’ve encountered frequently. They often struggle with translating their vision into action within the organization.

• What was the most challenging part of your CFO career?

The most challenging part of my CFO career has been to provide owners and/or CEOs solid advice during difficult times. Sometimes a CEO can make a decision without understanding the impact on the whole organization. As a CFO, my job is to help the CEO understand these impacts so that they can make a fully educated decision. Sometimes the advice the CFO gives may not be the popular answer! Difficult conversations with these leaders are necessary and can be incredibly challenging.

• Where was your favorite vacation and why?

We love to go to National Parks and do a lot of hiking, especially in the mountains. Our favorite park is Glacier National Park in northern Montana. The scenery is stunning. Some of the fantastic wildlife encounters we have seen include a moose on the trail, a grizzly bear not too far off the path and a mink followed my wife at a foot bridge. (I told her she should enjoy it as that was the closest, she would ever get to a mink coat!)

• What business books do you recommend?

Developing the Leader Within You by John Maxwell

The Go-Giver by Bob Burg & John David Mann 

Great by Choice by Jim Collins 

• Where is your favorite coffee spot in Kansas City?

Kansas City is loaded with good coffee options, but my favorite is Caribou Coffee because they have great flavored coffee options. 

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