David Pickard Email & Phone Number

Vernon Hills, Il, Us

Investing, advisory, mentorship and management consulting for startups & portfolio companies in areas of: strategy and business models, product design, product positioning, minimum viable product definition, user experience (UX), branding and visual design, vetting of team and contractors, management/advisory team recruiting, funding strategy, pitch training, fundraising, legal and logistical frame work, data-driven marketing & user acquisition, marketing mix, partnerships, general operations and business development.Technical due diligence in: consumer products, Software-as-a-Service (SaaS), ecommerce, B2B and consumer internet/apps business models, technical & marketing/sales team vetting and more.Speaker at numerous schools, conferences and private training/mentoring sessions on: entrepreneurship, innovation, product development, business modeling, startup pitching, and various sales/marketing/finance/operations topics.

Greater Chicago Area

Greater Chicago Area

Innovation, Business Model & Strategy Consulting for Wrigley

Greater Chicago Area

Assumed responsibility as the executive accountable for the strategic planning, leadership and development of the operations function. Recognized for continuous improvement and best practices in operations execution while maximizing cost reduction opportunities. Focused on values, corporate objectives, and strategic planning to directly impact the success, growth and profits of the business.Position Highlights: ➢Implement product and operational initiatives including engineering, testing, sourcing, offshore logistics management, international product distribution, standardized project management methodologies, cost controls, and best practices➢Manage all points of operations including merchandising, warehousing, inventory control, sales, forecasting, labor budgeting and resource planning➢Investigate and solve company-wide issues, by working with management to effectively assess, address and resolve all operational concerns➢Manage the implementation of systems, tools and techniques to effectively execute marketing, sales and internal operations➢Utilize key performance indicators and establish best practices to improve marketing, sales, operations and administrative support processes➢Develop and coach employees and interns to exceed company and personal performance expectations

Greater Chicago Area

Accountabilities include all aspects of corporate financial procedures and reporting structures, cash and banking, accounts payable & receivable, risk management, raising investment capital, labor allocation and payroll, taxes, insurance, investor relations, leadership and strategic planning of corporate finance. Oversees the accounting process, establishes an accurate cash flow forecast, updates the business plan, reorganizes the general ledger to accurately track profitability by channel, raises debt & equity capital; manages insurance, tax, intellectual property, and legal issues. Played a pivotal role in the strategic growth and successful exit by aligning all aspects and functions of the business towards the objective of a strategic partnership. Position Highlights: ➢Monitor and manage budgeting, financial reporting, regulatory filings, legal matters, long range planning, investor communications, cost control, credit management and leadership of finance staff➢Supervise over 10 direct reports with responsibilities in financial reporting, planning, forecasting, information systems, accounts payable, payroll, fixed assets and general ledger➢Design and develop all financial modes, annual sales forecast, “what-if” & break-even scenarios, head count control and more for financial analysis➢Converted to new payroll and accounting system that reduced and improved tax reporting➢Coordinated an extensive and talented advisory board and network consisting of industry leaders, colleagues and technology experts in a variety of sectors ➢Created and presented investor pitches that resulted in $1M of debt/equity financing from seed, angel and private equity investors

Master Of Business Administration (M.B.A.)

Mini-Mba Certificate

Management

Education record