• Why did you want to become a fractional CFO? 

What I was hoping to do as a Fractional CFO, and what has now turned into my favorite thing about being a Fractional CFO, is the ability to advise and add value to more than one company. I love getting to be a part of various companies’ teams and cultures. As a people-person, being a part of multiple teams is my favorite part of this career.

• Why industries are you focused on?

While at Crown, my focus has been in the construction industry. I have experience in the manufacturing and nonprofit sectors as well.

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

The construction industry has several extra layers of knowledge required to plan, price and account for their business; and although all construction clients are different, that specific expertise is required at all construction firms. I have always enjoyed the challenge associated with the construction industry and love helping my clients not only have better historical accounting, but to use that accurate historical data to better plan for the future. This could mean anticipating and budgeting for the coming year, or new capitalization or even succession planning.

• What are common challenges that you see in businesses?
  

The biggest challenge I commonly see is eliminating the “status quo.” When I start working with a company, my first priority is to understand everyone’s roles and responsibilities. When I ask why they do certain things I am often told “because that is what I was taught to do.” I always challenge the teams to understand how their role, and specific procedures, are benefiting the whole company. Understanding how each team is connected holistically is an important part of a successful business. 

Another common challenge is the ability to use the company’s historical financial and operational data as management tools for the future. Often there are specific individuals/teams within the company that hold operational knowledge while others hold financial knowledge. These teams need to communicate and work together regularly to properly strategize and manage the business.

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

I think the biggest career challenge I have faced (along with most) was handling COVID. Trying to plan for the unknown while understanding the ever-changing regulations felt like a career of learning packed into eighteen months. 

• What other tips or insights can you share that you have learned in your work experiences?

It is (almost) never a bad idea to communicate more.

• What was your favorite business trip?

I used to have to “commute” to New York City. My children were young when I commuted into the city, so I felt like I had the best of both worlds – I worked in the big city but lived in a small city with my family. While it was a very hectic time, I very much enjoyed the experience and created some wonderful memories and a love of NYC. 

• Where was your favorite vacation and why?

Although I love my regular beach and skiing trips with my family, my favorite vacation was a girls only trip to Paris in December 2019. We had the most amazing experience and had no idea that COVID would be changing the world in a very short time. 

• What business books do you recommend?

My favorite business books are the E-Myth and EOS business model books. Both provide insight for a small business owner/manager that is universally applicable.

• What is a must-have in your office?

Coffee! Hands down!