Founded company to seek acquisitions in the consumer products industry. • Managed start-up to $12 million in sales through acquisition of several pet food brands.• Grew sales in a competitive market by developing strategic relationships with suppliers and distributors, repositioning brands, and protecting international intellectual property.• Served as private consultant to strategic entities in the pet industry, and confidential advisor to private equity investment firms seeking acquisitions.

Managed North American segment of the world’s largest private-label manufacturer of canned pet food.• Developed long-range planning for North American expansion.• Devised outsourced infrastructure utilizing key industry contacts, both foreign and domestic.• Worked extensively with the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA) to successfully establish official importation protocols for the pet industry.• Reported directly to the directeur général.

Formulated new business opportunities and acquisition strategies for the United States’ largest private label pet food company.• Analyzed and provided strategic recommendations for acquisition and joint venture candidates.• Implemented post-acquisition integration, pricing strategy, sales administration, and restructured departments to provide for cost reductions and optimal synergies, leading to increased gross revenues of $325 million, and post-merger sales exceeding $1 billion.• Created innovative pricing models and customer retention policies for all private label and branded products, resulting in sustained EBITDA of 10% in historically low margin industry.• Planned and implemented several key initiatives to streamline internal processes, including information systems, E-commerce, and sales support. • Managed five direct reports and administered $450 million annual sales.

Devised start-up of medical services provider to successfully compete with multi-national medical service providers.• Developed business plan and secured initial capital requirement and secondary SBIC funding.• Hired initial staff, and managed three direct reports.• Held full P&L responsibility.• Negotiated all customer and supply contracts.• Initiated business development activities and fostered client relationships.• Managed investor and board relations.• Served on the Board of Directors until 2001, at which time the Company was sold to private equity.

Managed real estate investments on behalf of institutional and private investors.• Continued responsibilities originally initiated while employed by The Marianna Group, Inc.• Revitalized an important community restaurant and entertainment venue.• Responsible for multi-million dollar annual budget, resulting in a bottom-line annual turnaround of $1.2 million.• Achieved 95% occupancy of venue, up from approximately 33% at outset of involvement.• Provided real estate management and advisory services and prepared due diligence and Private Placement Memoranda for national franchise operations.

Managed multiple portfolio companies as part of real estate workout.• As President and Chief Operating Officer, presided over successful turnaround of three popular local venues, including two restaurants, after predecessor companies filed for bankruptcy:- Bombay Overton, Inc., Memphis, TN (franchisee, Bombay Bicycle Club)- Dance Overton, Inc., Memphis, TN (franchisee, Studebaker’s)- Overton Square Partners, Memphis, TN (developer)• Managed three direct reports and staff of approximately 90 employees at the venues.• Conducted multimedia events and provided recurring interviews with local press to publicize the revitalization of Overton Square, an important and historic Memphis landmark.• Provided asset management and consulting services for hotel and restaurant holdings.