Lawrence Chester Email and Phone Number
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Why would a 75 year old business executive forgo retirement for the day to day grind of running a business? Years ago, my journey into the world of finance began because of my love of numbers, operational efficiency, and a desire to help business owners succeed. Over the years, I’ve transformed this passion into a fulfilling career as the CFO of mid-sized organizations helping revamp financial operations, spurring growth and driving profitability. I attempted retirement more than 15 years ago, but the continuing satisfaction of making a tangible difference in businesses kept pulling me back in. So I founded CFO Simplified. What started as a solo endeavor has blossomed into a thriving consultancy with a team of seasoned professionals. We specialize in providing fractional CFO services to small and mid-sized businesses, helping them navigate the complexities of financial management.The journey has not been a straight line. From my early days managing operations at Apparel Unlimited to steering financial strategies at Republic Windows & Doors, and eventually leading financial transformations at companies like United Service Companies and Samsonite’s High Sierra Sport Company. Each experience has enriched my expertise.Now, at CFO Simplified, we focus on enhancing financial reporting, improving cash flow, and driving operational efficiency. Our goal is to support a forward thinking strategic financial direction so that business owners can focus on their core expertise.But life isn’t just about numbers. While in my 70s, I’ve embraced a unique balance between professional vigor and personal passions. Forever serving as a CFO, on weekends I transform into Cooks Food Often and Creates Fun Opportunities with family and friends. Whether it’s enjoying a fine wine, attending theater, indulging in my love for high-speed driving (on approved tracks), or relishing my role as a grandfather, these moments renew my energy and refuel my creativity.My philosophy is simple: balance and adaptability are key. I strive to help CEOs find their balance, ensuring their businesses are not just profitable but also a source of pride, personal satisfaction and happiness. The wisdom I’ve gathered over the years boils down to this – constantly pushing beyond our comfort zones keeps life and business vibrant and successful.If you're looking for a partner who brings both experience and energy, someone who can make strategic financial decisions and share a story or two along the way, let's connect. Together, we can chart a path to greater profitability and business success.
Cfo Simplified
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PresidentCfo Simplified Aug 2006 - PresentChicago, Il, UsCFO Simplified is a Chicago-based consulting firm providing fractional CFOs for small to mid-market sized businesses. The primary focus of the firm is on the financial and operational needs of manufacturing, service companies and non-profits. Larry and his team of deeply experienced CFOs collaborate with clients on enhancing financial reporting, establishing internal controls, improving cash flow and operational efficiency and improving banking relationships. View success stories of some of our clients -
Chief Financial OfficerSamsonite: High Sierra Sport Division Mar 2012 - Nov 2012Oudenaarde, East Flanders, BeGlobal leader, designing and importing backpacks and soft sided luggage with an internationally recognized brand name and annual sales of $75 million. Acquired by Samsonite in November 2012. -
Chief Financial OfficerUnited Service Companies Jun 2007 - Aug 2008Chicago, Il, Us$85 million, 11 company, service supplier of temporary workers, trade show set-up, tear-down, and janitorial services serving hotels, hospitals, airlines and condos in 18 states with 1,300 employees and over 15,000 temporary workers. -
Chief Financial OfficerRepublic Windows & Doors Inc Aug 2006 - Jun 2007A $65 million 450 employee manufacturer of new and replacement vinyl windows for a broadening US market. -
Vice President FinanceColovos Nov 1991 - May 2006$40 million US manufacturer and distributor of branded and private labeled tools for Sears and Grainger. Two domestic subsidiaries and primary manufacturing facilities in Taiwan and China.Finance and Accounting• Saved $125,000 annually in bank fees, and opened up $1 million of additional working capital.• Established financial reporting by item, job and customer. Supported negotiations with customers and manufacturers - improving profitability. • Established lot costing for items manufactured in US and overseas. • Analyzed product profitability before production to assure item met company ROI. • Worked with attorneys, bank and owner to establish ESOP with 100% employee ownership. Provided education to employees and administration of program.Banking • Saved over $70,000 in interest. Moved bank relationship to new lender. Increased credit line to $15 million. • Negotiated annual bank renewal, reduced reporting to monthly. Eliminated of owner’s personal guarantee. • Negotiated additional $3 million in borrowing to support primary selling season. Operations • Held staff increases to 50%, while sales increased 400%. • Designed and implemented Warehouse Mgmt System, meeting Company and unique client needs better than available commercial systems. Still in use after 15 years.• Saved $95,000 annually. Established inventory control processes reducing weekly cycle count variances from 5% to less than 0.01%. Information Systems • Provided annual savings of $500,000. Outsourced IT department.• Implemented EDI interface with Sears and W.W. Grainger.• Established electronic storage of container information. Made documents available throughout the company, eliminating filing errors.HR and Legal• Developed employee review process with MBO for all staff.• Instituted progressive discipline policy. Won 12 of 13 Unemployment cases. • Reduced legal fees by negotiating supplier contracts, bank loan agreements, and leases. -
General ManagerSystems Plus, Inc. Jun 1989 - Dec 1990-- Responsible for general management direction in providing specialized services and custom programming to meet the operational needs of clients.
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Operations ManagerApparel Unlimited Mar 1986 - Jun 1989-- Managed operations to meet customer requirements by sourcing custom items to fill national promotional needs. Provided daily direction to staff for production scheduling and shipping of products to customers.-- Worked with company's most difficult clients, increasing sales by $650,000 a year. Reorganized production, tripling sales to $4.5 million in 4 years. -- Implemented multi-shift operation to meet seasonal needs of customers.
Lawrence Chester Skills
Lawrence Chester Education Details
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University Of Nebraska-LincolnBusiness -
University Of Wisconsin-MadisonCommunications -
Villanova UniversityLean Six Sigma
Frequently Asked Questions about Lawrence Chester
What company does Lawrence Chester work for?
Lawrence Chester works for Cfo Simplified
What is Lawrence Chester's role at the current company?
Lawrence Chester's current role is Fractional CFOs helping owners make the right decisions. ◾ ◾ ◾ ◾ Senior Trusted Advisor and Business Consultant.
What is Lawrence Chester's email address?
Lawrence Chester's email address is lc****@****ons.com
What is Lawrence Chester's direct phone number?
Lawrence Chester's direct phone number is (224) 436*****
What schools did Lawrence Chester attend?
Lawrence Chester attended University Of Nebraska-Lincoln, University Of Wisconsin-Madison, Villanova University.
What skills is Lawrence Chester known for?
Lawrence Chester has skills like Finance, Mergers And Acquisitions, Management, Strategic Planning, Due Diligence, Accounting, Leadership, Financial Reporting, Budgets, Mergers, Managerial Finance, Financial Analysis.
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