Stephen Hughes Email & Phone Number

Grand Rapids Metropolitan Area

Grand Rapids, Michigan, United States

I joined BlueWater Partners, a leading middle market M&A and advisory firm, as VP in 2015 and was promoted to Director in 2021. I’ve been the financial lead on 20+ turnaround engagements ranging from $12MM - $80MM in multiple manufacturing locations in the US and Mexico and across numerous industries including auto, aerospace & defense, appliance, healthcare, woodworking, and publishing. In many of these companies, I served as CFO and as an active member of the executive team. Achievements: Completed numerous refis, accommodation agreements, liquidations, distressed sales, and an advisor on the buy and sell side of § 363 sale processes. These engagements contributed millions in value-add based on distressed sales, pricing concessions, customer negotiations, quality of earnings review, cost reductions, efficiency improvements, and liquidations.

Greater Grand Rapids, Michigan Area

I was recruited to serve as acting CFO and/or consultant on diverse M&A and turnaround client engagements, with emphasis on evaluating the clients’ financial positions, determining working capital needs, developing refinance plans, and mentoring executive management teams. Achievements: Stabilized clients by managing cash flow, rebuilding teams, and setting up distressed sale processes.

Benton Harbor, Michigan Area

I was recruited into a turn around engagement on a contractual basis as Cost Accountant/Analyst and quickly promoted to the executive management team as CFO. I led the strategic plan development and execution to liquidate the business. Achievement: During the liquidation, Modar Inc. achieved profitability, improved delivery and performance, and became cash flow positive.

Macatawa, Mi

Great Lakes Marine Group was a successful broker of high-end yachts and held the Midwest market for Tartan Yachts. With my background in accounting and finance as well as being a competitive sailboat racer on a 46’ Nelson Merek, I was brought on to manage and grow the dealer network. I led the effort to build a strategic relationship with Elan Yachts and oversaw their effort to enter the U.S. market. I was also invited to Slovenia to tour the manufacturing plant and meet with senior management in Croatia to sail the Adriatic Sea on various Elan Yachts.