Lee Fennell Email & Phone Number

Burr Ridge, Illinois, US

Sepire is a marketing services and communications distribution company specializing in complex, compliance driven solutions. We are a technology forward company focused on delivering automation solutions in a highly secure environment. Our multi-channel communications services include contact management, printing, mailing, fulfillment, and electronic.

Elk Grove Village, IL, US

• Trusted advisor to the CEO and the management team, enlisted to upgrade financial reporting and analysis, reduce financial risk to the company through the enhancement of internal controls, and consult in streamlining.
• Promoted from Corporate Controller to Chief Financial Officer in 2017.
• Managing 5 direct reports and a total of 19 team members.
• Lead the negotiations for an asset backed credit facility with Bank of America.
• Directed functional managers to improve cash cycle resulting in payoff of company debt.
• Reduced the month-end close cycle time by 75%.

Elk Grove Village, IL, US

BOGA MenswearBrought back as a consultant by the CEO to develop financial projections for presentation to commercial lenders, lead the implementation of a point-of-sale system for retail, and complete the integration of an inventory management system.Blommer ChocolateRecruited by the Chief Information Officer to work with several functional areas to.

Chicago, IL, US

• Partnered with the founder and CEO in developing the strategy for launch through ongoing operations. Primarily responsible for financial planning, accounting, human resources, risk management, operations, and technology.
• Created and presented investor deck with the CEO resulting in new equity funding
• Established the structure for financial management and operational accounting for the business
• Developed supply chain including suppliers, international shipments, warehouse and fulfillment
• Integral role in the development of the brand's website, wholesale distribution, and retail channels

• Enlisted by the Vice President of Finance to help lead the finance team and leverage my experience in manufacturing to drive business analysis, cost improvements, and implement new initiatives. Accountable for team.
• Partnered with the VP of Operations on initiatives resulting in a 15% increase in gross margin
• Coordinated evaluation of 3PL warehouses resulting in a 20% reduction in transportation costs
• Managed a team through a new product development initiative adding $10M in annual revenue
• Retained to work with the buying company in post-acquisition integration

US

• Recruited by the President of this $60M division of 1800Flowers.com to lead the financial transition from a privately-held business to a public company and in launching a new direct-to-consumer channel from product.
• Partnered with the President in the launch of a consumer segment adding $25M in revenue
• Consulted the President and VP of Sales in a customer acquisition adding 20% to revenue
• Led the effort to improve gross margins in the consumer segment by 15%

• Brought in by the owner of the business to upgrade leadership, ensure the execution of the strategic plan, and to evaluate organic and acquisition growth opportunities. Full ownership of accounting, budgets and.
• Initiated Lean Manufacturing effort at the company resulting in a 30% reduction in process time
• Instituted formal month end close, budget and forecast, and operational review with ownership
• Expanded the use of the SAP Business One system to all facets of the business

• Charged with being a resource for both the Chief Financial Officer and the Chief Operating Officer to upgrade reporting and analysis in operations to drive margin improvements. Responsibilities included the financial.
• Created a model to simulate effects of volume on labor resulting in a 15% reduction in costs
• Ensured asset-backed loan covenants were met and borrowing base was maximized
• Led a team to determine the cause of product failures resulting in $275K in supplier credits

Franklin Park, Illinois, US

Promoted by the Vice President of Marketing into this role to manage the product life cycle for existing product lines and coordinate the activities for new product development including marketing mix, product derivatives, and sales education. Created a process to track metrics, improve the demand forecast, and conduct competitive products analysis.

Franklin Park, Illinois, US

Joined the operations group that was responsible for $30MM in sales to turnaround an underperforming division. Execution of initiatives resulted in on-time delivery improvement from 50% to 95%, reduced leadtimes by 75%, and increased inventory turns 300%. I was a key member of the Lean Manufacturing team where I led or participated in over 35 kaizen events.

Franklin Park, Illinois, US

Hired into this role by the Director of Finance to partner with operations to improve the accuracy of our product cost information, focusing on the launch of a new product offering. In addition, led cost reduction teams, developed key performance metrics for operations, and was a key member of a JD Edwards installation.

Master Of Business Administration (Mba), Accounting, Marketing, And Entrepreneurship

Bs, Finance