Svp, Finance
Raskas Foods, Inc
Was the 2nd largest manufacturer of cream cheese in the U.S. It was the leader in the private label segment of the industry with an 82% market share. Annual sales in 2001 were $185 million. Major customers included 36 of the top 50 supermarket chains, Wal-Mart, SYSCO, and Einsteins. It was a professionally managed, family-owned company. Served as a member of the four person Management Committee, including President and veteran executives formerly with Frito-Lay and General Foods. Responsible for all financial activities, including financial planning, analysis, reporting and controls, banking and treasury, taxes, risk management and financial aspects of employee benefits. Major accomplishments included:Provided financial and strategic direction to company, enabling its growth from $75 million in net sales in 1988 to $185 million in 2001. Developed bank financing relationship to support company growth, including funding packages for two new plants. Consistently praised by bankers for quality and openness of ongoing communications.Maintained company's strategic planning process, which according to the company's outside advisers, rivaled those found in many Fortune 500 companies. Originated product formulation concept that increased effective capacity and deferred a new plant decision for two years. Annual savings exceeded $2 million.Point person for all aspects of company sale to Schreiber Foods, from drafting of sales memorandum through integration. Also managed divestiture of blue cheese business to ConAgra in 2000.Maintained company focus and direction despite a difficult relationship among the company's three family shareholders.