Derek Thurston Email & Phone Number

Ambijo is a digital marketing and eCommerce company with a mission to build brands that meet consumer needs. The company launched its first brand, BarxBuddy (www.barxbuddy.com), in August 2019 providing an innovative device to assist with training needs for dogs. Since then, we have helped several hundred thousand customers improve their relationship with their pets and expanded product offerings to address other needs of pet owners.

Entrepreneurial venture with a variety of successful endeavors over the years including accounting & tax services, outsourced CFO services, and launching/operating several successful startup companies. Currently focused on a portfolio of eCommerce companies seeking to provide innovative and useful products to meet consumer needs.

Traffic Exchange Network (TEN) is a digital marketing firm focused on performance based marketing. TEN specializes in online lead generation and Cost-Per-Action (CPA) advertising - in which clients pay only for successfully acquired customers. With performance-based advertising plans, clients avoid the risk of paying large amounts for advertisements that are ineffective. They pay only for results. TEN works with the top publishers in internet advertising to provide quality traffic for customers.

Successful M&A deal closed in 2016 at a significant nine-figure valuation. Wrote "book" containing their story, achievements, and value proposition. Consulted with CFO to achieve proper presentation of financial information and develop all forecast and related data for acquisition process.

Established an accounting firm providing privately held companies with top caliber financial leadership, partnering with business owners and senior management to drive strategic growth and improve profitability and cash flow. Primary focus on distribution, technology, real estate, and construction industries. Managed the day-to-day operations of the finance and accounting functions for select high growth companies. In most engagements, held long-term broad authority over P&L and all finance functions with multiple direct staff reports. Highlighted leadership roles:• 360 Enterprises, Mar 2013 – Jul 2013: Led turnaround and re-engineering of all finance & accounting functions, correcting financial reporting & revenue recognition, and facilitating cost analysis & reduction.• Nutricity, Jan 2011 – Mar 2013: Took a $10 million distribution and technology company to number 831 on the INC 5000 list, achieving 333% revenue growth and 500% increase in profit margin. Successfully positioned company for private equity acquisition.• Skin Actives Scientific, Jan 2006 – Mar 2013: Intensive involvement in launch of a cosmeceutical start-up. Established all financial relationships, systems, and accounting processes. Cash flow positive and profitable immediately. Grew revenue 927% and optimized operations to increase profit margin from 11% to 43%.• Prescott Equity Solutions, Mar 2011 – Dec 2012: Developed management reporting and performance measures for $12 million real estate investment and construction company, increasing sales by 256% over two years and combating rising cost of inventory.• Alliance Investment Group, Jul 2009 – Nov 2010: Led accounting, compliance, and reporting for $60 million real estate portfolio and 33.5% IRR.• Chapel Street Environmental, Aug 2007 – Sep 2010: Implemented reporting system and led compliance activities for a $25 million international energy hedge fund.

Founded this third-party fulfillment services company focused on end-consumer shipments for eCommerce retailers. PD Fulfillment has particular expertise in vitamins, supplements, beauty products, pet products, and tech gadgets and fulfills internationally. Clients are treated to a boutique, hands-on, and extremely accessible experience.

London, Gb

AUDIT AND RISK SERVICES MANAGER (Oct 2004 – Dec 2005)SENIOR CONSULTANT (Feb 2004 – Sep 2004)While on jointly staffed engagement, recruited to join Big 4 firm’s dynamic finance transformation and risk services group serving Fortune 500 companies. Recognized for top performance and promoted to lead engagements in tactical resolution of business needs, internal controls, and process re-engineering. Mentored and developed staff throughout their career progression. Successfully resolved potential audit comments, implemented SOX requirements with clean opinion, and executed separation strategy for divestiture of tightly integrated business segment.