What is FocusCFO
We are passionate about working with small to medium-sized businesses and providing CFO-level support to organizations that do not need a full-time CFO or may not have the budget for one.
Get to Know Us.
Leadership & Support Team
Strong leadership and visionary thinking have built FocusCFO into an essential resource that helps companies grow and thrive. Our leadership and executive team sets the strategic direction of the company and supports our passion for meeting the unique business challenges of each client.
Brad Martyn| Founder
Brad is the founder of FocusCFO and has more than 30 years executive management and leadership experience. He has extensive […]
Brad Martyn| Founder
Brad is the founder of FocusCFO and has more than 30 years executive management and leadership experience. He has extensive experience in sales, marketing, operations, buy and sell transactions, and bank financing. His experience includes more than 20,000 hours of working directly with entrepreneurs on issues ranging from strategic planning to day-to-day operations. Brad and the FocusCFO team have built FocusCFO into the largest CFOs services firm in Ohio and perhaps in the entire Midwest US. Brad has spoken to hundreds of CFOs to help them with their own CFO services practices. He is completely open to sharing insights or helping others who want to develop or scale their CFO services practice anywhere in the United States. Brad and his wife Michelle are the parents of five children.
Before FocusCFO
Brad previously worked as a CFO, VP of Business Operations, Director of Finance and other senior level positions in private and public traded environments with The Grote Company, MPW Industrial Services, and OHM Corporation and was also previously with Arthur Andersen & Co.
Brad received an Executive MBA from Georgia State University in Atlanta, GA, and a BSBA degree in Professional Accounting from American University, in Washington, DC.
Other Interests
- Spending time with my wife and our five children
- Favorite books: Almost anything by John Grisham and Zits books my kids leave lying around
- Favorite Musical Artist/Song: R.E.M.
- Favorite Movie: Tie – Hoosiers and Apollo 13
- Favorite Vacation: Grand Cayman Island with my wife and without my kids
- What I wanted to be when I was a child: an Astronaut
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: I have the best job in the world….I spend every day talking to entrepreneurs, hearing their stories, and helping them figure things out
David Bourke| COO
David brings significant experience in operations, business development/ sales, and information technology to FocusCFO, along with more than 25 years of […]
David Bourke| COO
David brings significant experience in operations, business development/ sales, and information technology to FocusCFO, along with more than 25 years of financial, tax, and accounting experience, including 10 years with a Big 4 firm. He has an extensive understanding of business planning, cash management, financial analysis and reporting, equity financing, and not-for-profit business improvement.
Before FocusCFO
David has held roles as CEO, CFO, COO, VP of Research and Development and Division General Manager for both private/entrepreneurial and publicly held companies. He most recently served as the CEO and Board Member of the software company, Bostech Corporation.
David has been active on not-for-profit and for-profit Advisory Boards including Gladden Community House and technology enterprises: 2Checkout.com, coolWIRE, and the Tech Columbus initiative, 14ninetytwo. He has also provided Entrepreneur-in -Residence services at TechGrowth Ohio and TechColumbus as well as serving as an Executive Mentor for the Technology Entrepreneurship and Commercialization Academy at the Ohio State University’s Center for Entrepreneurship.
David received his MBA in Finance and BS in Economics from University of Dayton in Dayton, Ohio.
Other Interests
- Spending time: With family and friends
- Favorite Book: The Razor’s Edge
- Favorite Musical Artists: The Replacements/Guided by Voices
- Favorite Movie: To Kill a Mockingbird
- Favorite Vacations: My parents’ place in California wine country
- What I wanted to be when I was child: Baseball player
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: Collaborating with owners on managing their businesses successfully/the diversity of my client’s opportunities
- Most influential person in my life: My Dad
Stacey Garn| Operations and Accounting Director
Stacey joined FocusCFO in August of 2018 as Operations and Accounting Director. Her major roles at FocusCFO include coordinating the […]
Stacey Garn| Operations and Accounting Director
Stacey joined FocusCFO in August of 2018 as Operations and Accounting Director. Her major roles at FocusCFO include coordinating the recruiting/onboarding process for our associates and managing the internal accounting/finance functions.
Stacey came to us with 12+ years in public accounting with both Big 4 and local firm experience. She provided tax, audit, and business advisory services for mostly high-net worth individuals and their family-owned/operated businesses in a variety of industries.
Stacey, her husband Jon, and 4 boys live in Lewis Center, Ohio.
Before FocusCFO
Stacey’s most recent role was that of Tax Senior-Manager at a local client-services firm in the Toledo, Ohio area. In her capacity as such, she served as an account manager to multiple key client relationships of the firm, became a trusted business advisor to her clients by providing top-notch tax compliance and consulting services, and drove process development/improvement in the Tax Department.
Stacey also spent time during her “stay at home mom” years as a self-employed accountant providing bookkeeping and financial reporting services to small businesses. Also during this time she volunteered as Treasurer for a local start-up soccer club and as Co-President at a parent run Co-operative Preschool .
Stacey received her Bachelor of Business Administration Degree with a Major in Accounting from Ohio University (Athens, OH).
Other Interests
- Spending time: Being a mom to my 4 boys who currently range in age from college to pre-K and whose names all start with the letter “J”
- Favorite musical Artist/Song: The Rap music I am forced to listen to in the car with my kids….totally kidding. Maroon 5 by far is my favorite band as well as a lot of classic rock music from the 70’s (my Dad’s influence).
- Favorite movie: The Twilight Saga
- Favorite vacation: Hilton Head Island in the summers and FL (specifically Disney) in the winters
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: Dealing with people day in and day out who are passionate about what they do.
Sharon Wilson| Controller
Sharon has been with FocusCFO since March, 2002.
Before FocusCFO
Sharon worked in various financial management positions and spent most of her career in the areas of banking, state government, manufacturing and non-profit accounting. She has lived in Ohio for over 24 years with her husband and 2 children.
Sharon has a BS degree in Accounting from the University of North Carolina at Greensboro.
Other Interests
- Spending time: with family and friends and her 2 year old Australian Shepherd named Blue
- Favorite vacation: hiking and ATV riding in the mountains of Arizona.
- Top of my “bucket list”: Motorcycle trip on the Pacific Coast Highway – but first I need to learn to ride!
- Favorite sport activities: golf and tennis
Julie Homsy| Recruiting Director
Julie brings 30 years experience in Administration, Human Resources, Recruiting and Business Development to FocusCFO. She has worked in various […]
Julie Homsy| Recruiting Director
Julie brings 30 years experience in Administration, Human Resources, Recruiting and Business Development to FocusCFO. She has worked in various industries from retail, transportation, franchise and consumer goods.
Before FocusCFO
Julie worked as an Independent Professional Coach, Marketing Consultant and Recruiter prior to joining FocusCFO. She spent 10 years as the Business Development/Recruiting Manager for several ActionCOACH franchisors across the United States before leaving to taken on the role of Office Manager for a startup staffing agency. Julie has always worked for small and medium enterprises like AirNet Systems, Trident Construction Supply, Lowell Bleachery in Griffin, GA, and an insurance brokerage in Buffalo, NY.
Julie received an Associates in Applied Arts Degree in Marketing from Genesee Community College. Attended the Rochester Institute of Technology and Empire State College.
She lives in Dublin, OH with her son.
Other Interests
- Favorite books: any book by Dan Brown
- What I wanted to be when I was a child: Advertising Executive
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: The people, the ones already part of the team and the ones that I get to speak with about FocusCFO.
- Passionate about: Helping people achieve their goals.
- Top of my “bucket list”: Vacation in Italy…if only I can get over my fear of flying.
Kendra Ramirez| Marketing
Kendra Ramirez is a crazy sports mom who springs out of bed in the morning to conquer the world and […]
Kendra Ramirez| Marketing
Kendra Ramirez is a crazy sports mom who springs out of bed in the morning to conquer the world and annoys others who are not morning people.
She and her team help clients get the most out of their business development efforts, extend their marketing and recruiting initiatives to get real results from their digital efforts.
Before FocusCFO
Kendra is globally recognized on the home page of LinkedIn.com, John Barrett Entrepreneur Vision Award recipient, AMA Marketing Legend and a finalist for the Social Media Innovator of the Year. Since 2005, she has helped hundreds of organizations, including Fortune 500 companies, leverage digital technologies. Kendra has spent more than 15 years in technology companies as a change agent in sales, marketing and recruiting leadership for B2B customers.
She and her husband live in Cincinnati, OH.
Other Interests
What I wanted to be when growing up? I have always wanted to own my own business. I played business owner as a child. I studied business in High School and College.
Passionate: I am passionate about helping business owners be successful. I live for the light bulb moment when working with client.
Favorite vacation: Sedona, AZ. I have been 5 times. It is my favorite place.
Favorite Books: You are a bad ass for overcoming mind set issues. Emyth for people who are considering to became an entrepreneur.
Heather Martin| Public Relations
Heather brings more than 20 years of combined media, public relations, corporate communications and marketing experience to FocusCFO. Her true […]
Heather Martin| Public Relations
Heather brings more than 20 years of combined media, public relations, corporate communications and marketing experience to FocusCFO. Her true passion lies in is helping CEOs communicate and execute their company’s brand and value proposition to key stakeholders in order to impact their overall bottom line. She lives in Mason, Ohio.
Before FocusCFO
Heather spent the first ten years of her professional career as a TV news producer in Cincinnati and Louisville before transitioning to the corporate world, where she supported c-suite executives in all facets of blocking and tackling their communications strategy, from managing and executing annual shareholders’ meetings to serving as the primary company spokesperson.
Heather spent six years as Senior Corporate Communications Manager of Cintas Corporation before transitioning to privately-held Ferno, a leading manufacturer in the EMS industry. She then spent two years learning truckload logistics at Total Quality Logistics, a third-party freight brokerage firm before launching her own firm as an independent entrepreneur.
Heather holds an Executive M.B.A. and a B.A. in Communication Arts, both from Xavier University in Cincinnati.
Other Interests
- Spending time: Exploring the vast culinary world, running, music festivals and live concerts
- Favorite musical artist: Rufus Wainwright
- What I wanted to be when I was a child: When I was in 1st grade, I remember giving a presentation in front of the whole school about how I wanted to be a veterinarian.
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: I love the passion this company has for helping entrepreneurs realize their dreams. As a new entrepreneur myself, I appreciate how empowering a CFO can be to helping paint a vision for the future, and FocusCFO offers a cost-effective way to provide that for every business, regardless of the size. It’s truly inspiring.
Emily Smith| Administrative Support
Emily is the Recruiting Researcher and Administrative Assistant for FocusCFO. She works with members of the FocusCFO team to use […]
Emily Smith| Administrative Support
Emily is the Recruiting Researcher and Administrative Assistant for FocusCFO. She works with members of the FocusCFO team to use her skills and expertise as the company expands into new markets.
Before FocusCFO
Emily attended Brigham Young University and brings years of administrative and customer service interaction experience to the team. She and her husband, Ryan, have two cute cats, Oreo Milkshake and Orange Julius.
Other Interests
- Favorite Books: The Kite Runner, Pride and Prejudice, These Is My Words, and The Help
- Favorite Musical Artists: Adele and The Avett Brothers
- Favorite Activity: Eating Chick-fil-A
- Top of My “Bucket List”: Seeing the Redwood forests in California
Our Team
Central and Eastern Ohio
Area Presidents
Darren Cherry
Darren Cherry is an Area President with FocusCFO and has more than 25 years broad Finance and Operational experience. His […]
Darren Cherry| Area President
Darren Cherry is an Area President with FocusCFO and has more than 25 years broad Finance and Operational experience. His background includes senior roles expanding market share across continents and channels and designing improved operations, marketing and finance practices. Darren has a history of turning around overall performance by stepping into environments and fundamentally transforming employee accountability and engagement, customer loyalty, and market dynamics. He is noted for his unique skills to quickly size up company/customer/market dynamics, leverage insights to design strategic opportunities, infrastructure, and product solutions that help businesses close the gap between current state and aspirations.
Before FocusCFO
Darren previously worked in a variety of leadership roles including Director, Division Controller, Group Controller, Division President in both private equity and public traded environments with Honeywell, Komatsu Ltd, Connell Limited Partnership, Green Earth Technology, Gary-Chicago Regional Airport Authority and Greif, Inc.
Darren received his MBA from The Ohio State University and BS in Accounting from Purdue University. Darren and his wife Bonita reside in Columbus, Ohio.
Other Interests
- Spending time with my dad and a fine cigar
- Favorite Books: Almost anything by James Patterson and David Rosenfelt
- Favorite Musical Artist/Song: BB King
- Favorite Movie: The Godfather
- Favorite Vacation: Napa Valley with my wife
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: An amazing group of folks banding together to help entrepreneurs take their businesses to the next level.
Bruce Collen
Bruce brings more than 35 years of experience in financial management to your business, specializing in the retail and service […]
Bruce Collen| Area President
Bruce brings more than 35 years of experience in financial management to your business, specializing in the retail and service industry sectors. He has held senior management positions (CFO/Controller) in large/small, public/private, corporate/division and domestic/international firms.
Before FocusCFO
Prior to joining FocusCFO, Bruce spent eight (8) years with The Limited, Inc. and prior to that held management positions with May Department Stores and Federated Department Stores.Bruce earned his undergraduate degree from Duke University in Economics & Psychology and his MBA from Fordham University in Accounting & Finance.
Other Interests
- Favorite Books: Historical Fiction
- Favorite Music: Classic and Alternative Rock
- Favorite Vacation: Rafting the Colorado River, through the Grand Canyon
- What I wanted to be when I was child: 1st Baseman – NY Yankees
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: Diversity of clientele
- Place I most want to visit: Australia
- The person I most admire: Mike Krzyzewski
Mike Derringer
Michael has more than 25 years diverse business, finance, administration, and accounting experience and expertise, including working in the telecommunications, […]
Mike Derringer| Area President
Michael has more than 25 years diverse business, finance, administration, and accounting experience and expertise, including working in the telecommunications, manufacturing, and retail industries and designing management financial reporting packages including analytical tools and metrics.
Before FocusCFO
Michael has served in several senior management roles with companies such as KMPG Peat Marwick, The Limited, Horizon PCS and NCS HealthCare. He has more than 10 years’ experience working with reorganized and start-up public companies and over 16 years working with publicly reporting companies.
Michael received his MBA from The Ohio State University and previously a BSBA in Accounting from Miami University in Oxford, Ohio. He is on the Finance faculty at the University of Phoenix, Columbus campus.
Other Interests
- Spending time: Overall fitness and running – have completed three marathons
- Favorite Musical Artist/Song: The Cars from the 80’s, Kenny Chesney for current music
- Favorite Movie: Major League
- Favorite Vacation: Baseball games on the east coast with my son
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: Helping business owners achieve their goals
- Most influential person in my life: my father
- Favorite movie or TV show quote: “So I’ve got that going for me, which is nice” – Bill Murray in Caddyshack
Tom Flynn
Tom has more than 35 years experience in business finance, management, and accounting helping small to middle sized closely held […]
Tom Flynn| Area President
Tom has more than 35 years experience in business finance, management, and accounting helping small to middle sized closely held businesses.
Before FocusCFO
Tom served in several senior management capacities with Ernst & Young where he was a partner in the Entrepreneurial Services Group and headed up the local E&Y Construction Practice Group. Tom also served as Chief Operating Officer of Longaberger Company and was the CFO for Divine, a telecommunications construction company. Tom’s experience and expertise include working in the construction, manufacturing and telecommunications industries, with extensive experience in business finance, management and accounting.
Tom received a BSBA in Accounting from The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio.
Other Interests
- Spending time: Attending grandchildren’s many sporting activities
- Favorite activities: Playing golf, card games, and working out at gym
- Favorite teams: Buckeyes (football/basketball), Browns, and Indians
Jeff Lacy
Jeff is a former business owner successful at starting and growing a business from the ground floor up and then […]
Jeff Lacy| Area President
Jeff is a former business owner successful at starting and growing a business from the ground floor up and then eventually selling the business to a strategic buyer. He spent more than 30 years in business development, building and leading sales and operations teams and identifying the most critical gaps slowing sales growth and implementing the strategies and processes to remedy the situation.
He has track record of effectively managing and coaching teams to superior performance levels as well as excellence as a business owner. He is a superb communicator with strong relationship building skills and possesses excellent presentation and negotiating skills. He has a flexible and adaptable approach to change with a strong focus on client service and management. He is a self-starter with the ability to work in a highly challenging, fast-paced, and dynamic environment and attentive to details and showing strategic insights in delivery and continuous improvement. He possess strong problem solving skills and has passion for people, projects, and processes.
Before FocusCFO
Jeff previously was Vice President of Operations for Modern Office Methods and Business Owner for Document Solutions as well as Major Account Sales O’Brien Business Equipment and a Gordon Flesch Company-Sales Representative.
Other Interests
- Spending time: playing golf with my two sons
- Favorite Musical Artist/Song: Eagles / “Hotel California”
- Favorite Vacation: renting a house for a week at the outer banks with my family and friends
- What I wanted to be when I was boy: professional baseball player for the Cincinnati Reds
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: using my experience to help others achieve their goals
- Top of my “bucket list”: attend a British Open golf championship
Doug May
Doug has more than 25 years of diverse business experience centered in operations and financial management. He is a former […]
Doug May| Area President
Doug has more than 25 years of diverse business experience centered in operations and financial management. He is a former business owner who started, grew and sold a successful multi-unit franchise business.
Before FocusCFO
After graduating from Indiana University with a bachelor’s degree in finance, Doug spent the early part of his career in corporate banking. He left banking to start a Buffalo Wild Wings franchise, and had an 18 year career in the bar/restaurant industry with his dad and his brother. After selling the franchises, he invested in and managed the operation of a cloud-based CRM software company that was acquired by a private equity firm in 2017.
Other Interests
- Favorite musical Artist/Song: I like 90’s grunge and alternative rock
- Favorite movie: Office Space
- Favorite vacation: Spending lazy days at my family’s lake house in Huron, OH
- What I wanted to be when I was a child: MLB pitcher
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: I really enjoy talking with small business owners and hearing how they got their start.
- Passionate about: my Rotisserie baseball team
Bob Miller
Bob is an Area President in Coshocton for FocusCFO, helping clients in Coshocton, Zanesville, Mount Vernon, Cambridge, and the surrounding […]
Bob Miller| Area President
Bob is an Area President in Coshocton for FocusCFO, helping clients in Coshocton, Zanesville, Mount Vernon, Cambridge, and the surrounding areas. Bob has more than 30 years senior executive management experience. His career has been primarily in the health care field where he focused on the financial needs of the hospitals he worked with. Along with an extensive CFO experience, he has also work as a CEO for more than three years during his career, so he understands the financial aspects of the business as well as the strategic and operations side. Bob and his wife Sue live in Coshocton, Ohio.
Before FocusCFO
Bob previously worked for 13 years at Coshocton County Memorial Hospital as its CEO, CFO, and Controller, the last two years as CEO was under a management agreement through Genesis Health Care. In addition to Coshocton Hospital, Bob has worked as the CFO and Assistant Director of Finance for Patient Accounting, and he spent time as a health care consultant during the first 20 years of his career.
Bob received his MS in Finance from Mount Vernon Nazarene University, in Mount Vernon, Ohio, and his BS in Accounting from West Virginia Institute of Technology in Montgomery, West Virginia.
Other Interests
- Favorite Activities: Spending time with my wife, children, and four grandchildren
- Favorite Musical Artist: Jimmy Buffet
- Favorite Movie: The Blues Brothers
- Favorite Trip: Our honeymoon trip to Colorado, but a close second would be taking my father to Spring Training trips annually
- Favorite things to do when not working: Golfing with kids or close friends, attending as many
- Pittsburgh Pirates baseball games as the schedule will permit, and watching Penguin hockey
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: I have the opportunity to assist several different businesses in the strategic financial direction of their business on an ongoing basis.
CFOs
Tim Adkins
Tim has more than 30 years diverse business, finance, administration, and operations skills, experience and expertise. His knowledge includes working in the healthcare finance, information technology, human resources, purchasing, accounting, revenue cycle, reimbursement, and small business financial and operational consulting.
Tim Adkins| CFO
Tim has more than 30 years diverse business, finance, administration, and operations skills, experience and expertise. His knowledge includes working in the healthcare finance, information technology, human resources, purchasing, accounting, revenue cycle, reimbursement, and small business financial and operational consulting.
Before FocusCFO
Tim has served in several senior management roles with companies such as University Hospitals of Cleveland, Ohio Health, Mount Carmel Health System, Smith Clinic (large private physician provider organization) and had his own small business consulting company. He has experience working with acquisitions; start-up entities and growing and rightsizing organizations.
Tim received his BBA from Eastern Kentucky University. He was a member of several professional healthcare associations.
Other Interests
- Spending time: Family, fitness, friends, golf, travel.
- Favorite Musical Artist/Song: Classic Rock, Country
- Favorite Movie: Pride of the Yankees
- Favorite Vacation: Enjoying warm tropical breezes and sunshine.
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: Helping business owners achieve financial wealth, independence and family successes.
- Most influential person in my life: my father
- Favorite movie or TV show quote: “Today, I consider myself the luckiest man on the face of the earth” Lou Gehrig in Pride of the Yankees
Dan Bloom
With 40 years experience, Dan is a seasoned senior executive focusing on progressive responsibility in the manufacturing environment in both business operations and financial control for more than 25 years.
Dan Bloom| CFO
With 40 years experience, Dan is a seasoned senior executive focusing on progressive responsibility in the manufacturing environment in both business operations and financial control for more than 25 years.
Before FocusCFO
Dan served as the President and CFO of a contract manufacturing business that grew from $7 million to $48 million over his 20 years with the company. Dan’s financial skills allowed him to coordinate the acquisition of several businesses, to secure corporate financing for capital equipment and operations, to develop strong internal reporting and daily operational monitoring and to implement effective costing and inventory systems. Dan has years of experience in business and financial management in small to middle sized closely held businesses.
Dan received his BA in Accounting from Akron University in Akron, Ohio.
Other Interests
- Favorite Activities: Sports in general, with golf and bowling the two I spend time doing. Coaching or assisting with grandkids in their sports interests.
- Spends time: Building or improving things/traveling
- Involved in: Church leadership
Don Cain
Don has more than 30 years of diverse experience providing senior financial management to small and mid-sized businesses. He has a strong background in forecasting, budgeting, business strategy, insurance contract negotiation and analysis, debt refinancing, mergers & acquisitions, and cost accounting.
Don Cain| CFO
Don has more than 30 years of diverse experience providing senior financial management to small and mid-sized businesses. He has a strong background in forecasting, budgeting, business strategy, insurance contract negotiation and analysis, debt refinancing, mergers & acquisitions, and cost accounting.
Before FocusCFO
Don has served in several senior management roles with companies such as Chief Financial Officer of Hometown Urgent Care, Director at Ernst & Young and GBQ Partners. He also managed his own controller & CFO contracting business for three years. He has evaluated and advised on numerous business acquisitions and restructuring and has worked with several private equity firms on business transactions. His expertise includes financial analysis, financial budgeting and forecasting, cash flow forecasting, product profitability, cost accounting and health-care cost and profitability modeling.
Don received his MBA in Business Management and BBA in Accounting from Ohio University in Athens, Ohio. He also holds a BM in Jazz Performance from Capital University in Columbus, Ohio.
Other Interests
- Spending time: with friends
- Favorite Books: Selling the Invisible by Harry Beckwith and Never Give In (The Best of Winston Churchill’s Speeches)
- Favorite Musical Artist/Song: Anything performance by Frank Sinatra with Count Basie and The Eagles-Hotel California
- Favorite Movies: Blazing Saddles, The Shawshank Redemption
- Favorite Vacation: Yosemite Park
- What I wanted to be when I was a child: a baseball player
Ed Chong
Ed has more than 30 years of diverse business experience focused in finance, operations and franchise systems. He is a former business owner who started and sold multiple franchise brands in the restaurant industry. Ed and his wife Lori have 2 daughters and live in Dublin, Ohio.
Ed Chong| CFO
Ed has more than 30 years of diverse business experience focused in finance, operations and franchise systems. He is a former business owner who started and sold multiple franchise brands in the restaurant industry. Ed and his wife Lori have 2 daughters and live in Dublin, Ohio.
Before FocusCFO
After graduating from The Ohio State University with a bachelor’s degree in accounting and computer science, Ed worked for Coopers & Lybrand’s auditing division. He left auditing to start his entrepreneurial career. He started out with rental properties and commercial retail real estate and transitioned into over 20 years with Subway and Quaker Steak & Lube franchise concepts.
Other Interests
- Favorite musical Artist/Song: Classic Rock
- Favorite movie: Trading Places
- Favorite vacation: Big Island of Hawaii
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: Helping business owners grow and maximizing profits.
- Favorite Activities: Golfing and anything Ohio State with Buckeyes.
Dean Cole
Dean has more than 40 years experience in finance and as an entrepreneur. After graduating from The Ohio State University in honors accounting, he spent two years as an officer in the U.S. Army Military Intelligence. He then served as CFO for a privately held company in Zanesville while at the same time becoming a business owner himsel
Dean Cole| CFO
Dean has more than 40 years experience in finance and as an entrepreneur. After graduating from The Ohio State University in honors accounting, he spent two years as an officer in the U.S. Army Military Intelligence. He then served as CFO for a privately held company in Zanesville while at the same time becoming a business owner himsel
Before FocusCFO
Over the past few years prior to joining FocusCFO, Dean has been engaged as a business adviser to entrepreneurs and as a church capital campaign generosity strategist. Dean has a deep passion for privately-held businesses and the challenges facing entrepreneurs along with the rewarding opportunities. Dean is excited to be on board at FocusCFO with increased opportunities to help others.
Other Interests
- Walking for exercise.
- Reading to my grandchildren. Their favorite book is “I Saw an Ant on the Railroad Tracks.”
- It is hard to pick a favorite movie. My favorite actor is Robert Duvall.
- Favorites plays: Phantom of the Opera and Les Miserables.
- I read primarily nonfiction. My latest great read is Being Mortal by Atul Gawande. I also enjoy reading books by Bill O’Reilly, Malcolm Gladwell, and Andrew Farley.
- I love The Ohio State Buckeyes and regularly attend football and basketball games.
- I have deep passion for the Cleveland professional teams: Cavaliers, Indians, and Browns.
- We have had many tremendous vacations; our trips to Russia, China, and the Mediterranean would tie for first place. For a quick getaway, we like Chicago and New York. Favorite restaurant is Giordano’s Pizza on Rush Street in Chicago.
Will Cooper
Will has more than 20 years executive management and leadership experience. He has experience working with family business owners in the manufacturing, wholesale distribution, and construction industries. In addition to leading the financial teams, Will, has extensive experience in assisting operational managers monitor and evaluate operational processes and procedures to improve output and efficiency.
Will Cooper| CFO
Will has more than 20 years executive management and leadership experience. He has experience working with family business owners in the manufacturing, wholesale distribution, and construction industries. In addition to leading the financial teams, Will, has extensive experience in assisting operational managers monitor and evaluate operational processes and procedures to improve output and efficiency.
Before FocusCFO
Will previously worked as a CFO, VP of Administration and Senior Controller in privately held business environments with Universal Production Corporation, Zemba Bros. Inc. and Mattingly Foods, Inc. Will was also a Senior Manager and Shareholder of Norman, Jones, Enlow & Co., a regional public accounting firm operating in central and southeastern Ohio.
Will received BSBA degree in Accounting from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio. Prior to beginning his career in Accounting and Finance, he served in the U.S. Army and is a veteran of Desert Storm.
Other Interests
- Spending time: with my son and daughter
- Favorite Books: The Lost Symbol – Dan Brown
- Favorite Musical Artist: Brad Paisley
- Favorite Movie: Basic
- Favorite Vacation: Touring national parks and civil war battlefields
- What I wanted to be when I was a child: A cowboy
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: Having the opportunity to work with family business owners in a variety of settings on a day-to-day basis and being able to assist them in accomplishing their goals
Joe Dougherty
Joe brings more than 25 years diverse finance, operations, and sales experience to his work providing CFO services to small and medium- sized businesses. He has a proven ability to manage and improve business operations and experience in strategic planning, mergers, acquisitions, integration, and multisite operations.
Joe Dougherty| CFO
Joe brings more than 25 years diverse finance, operations, and sales experience to his work providing CFO services to small and medium- sized businesses. He has a proven ability to manage and improve business operations and experience in strategic planning, mergers, acquisitions, integration, and multisite operations.
Before FocusCFO
Joe previously worked as an EVP & COO, CFO, Corporate VP and Plant Manager and Corporate Controller with Nexergy Inc., The JPM Company and Bridon American Corporation.
Joe received a BS in Commerce and Finance from Wilkes University Wilkes-Barre, PA.
Other Interests
- Spending time: With my family
- Favorite business books: Managing from the Heart and Who Moved My Cheese
- What I wanted to be when I was a child: Coach and Teacher
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: Being a catalyst to help small and medium size businesses realize their potential
David Green
David has more than 30 years of financial management and leadership experience. He has lived and worked in the United States and abroad with a history of successfully leading finance and administration teams leveraging diverse people, systems and cultures to achieve greater success.
David Green| CFO
David has more than 30 years of financial management and leadership experience. He has lived and worked in the United States and abroad with a history of successfully leading finance and administration teams leveraging diverse people, systems and cultures to achieve greater success.
Before FocusCFO
David worked many years for Greif Inc. in various different positions primarily in finance & administration in many different parts of the world. Before Greif, David worked for KPMG in the UK and PricewaterhouseCoopers in The Netherlands. He has spent the last two years working for small privately held companies as a CFO and more recently a COO. David has been Board Treasurer since 2007 of People In Need of Delaware County, Delaware, Ohio (a not-for-profit food pantry and emergency services provider) also providing pro bono consultancy services in finance & administration, fundraising, structuring financing, operational efficiency improvements and cost reduction measures.
David received a Bachelor of Commerce degree from the University of Birmingham in the UK and is a Fellow of the Institute of Charted Accountants in England & Wales.
Other Interests
- Spending time: Traveling the world, seeing new places and taking lots of photos along the way.
- Favorite books: Science Fantasy books by authors such as JR Tolkien, JK Rowling, David Eddings, Stephen Donaldson and Terry Pratchett
- Favorite movies: Action movies such as James Bond, Star Wars, Star Trek and Indiana Jones
- Passionate about: Helping others less fortunate than myself, especially through alleviation of hunger and poverty.
- Favorite Activities: Watching sports such as soccer, cricket and rugby that I grew up with as a kid as well as now avidly following the Crew, the Blue Jackets and the Buckeyes.
Stephanie Imhoff
Stephanie has more than 30 years executive financial, operational, and strategic leadership expertise working primarily in the manufacturing, construction, and direct sales industries. She has significant experience in strategic, financial, and business planning; cash management; bank refinancing/restructuring; and reporting.
Stephanie Imhoff| CFO
Stephanie has more than 30 years executive financial, operational, and strategic leadership expertise working primarily in the manufacturing, construction, and direct sales industries. She has significant experience in strategic, financial, and business planning; cash management; bank refinancing/restructuring; and reporting.
Before FocusCFO
After 10 years with Ernst & Young, primarily working with privately held, entrepreneurial companies, Stephanie joined The Longaberger Company as its CFO. She served as a senior member of its executive team and was instrumental in the development and execution of its strategic and financial growth plans, including the execution of several private debt placements and debt restructurings.
Other Interests
- Favorite activities: Spending time with my husband and our twin daughters, gardening, reading, fitness and taking long walks with our dogs
- Favorite vacation: Trip to Europe to celebrate our 30th wedding anniversary and our daughters’ 18th birthday
- Favorite movie: Pride and Prejudice
- Favorite books: anything by James Patterson, John Grisham, or David Baldacci
- Most influence on my life: My husband and my late father
Pat Lang
Pat brings more than 25 years diverse business, finance, administration, and accounting experience to his work providing CFO services to small and medium-sized businesses. He has extensive involvement in matters ranging from day-to-day operating decisions, business development, strategic planning, merger/acquisitions, and multisite operations.
Pat Lang| CFO
Pat brings more than 25 years diverse business, finance, administration, and accounting experience to his work providing CFO services to small and medium-sized businesses. He has extensive involvement in matters ranging from day-to-day operating decisions, business development, strategic planning, merger/acquisitions, and multisite operations.
Before FocusCFO
Pat’s experience and expertise include working in the financial and health care industries, with extensive experience in public and private sector financial analysis, strategic planning, SEC reporting, IPOs, merger/acquisitions and multisite operations. He has served in several senior management capacities with The BISYS Group, Magellan Health Services, and Deloitte & Touche.
Pat received a BS, Business Administration, Accounting from The Ohio State University.
Other Interests
- Spending time: Road cycling and golf
- Favorite Vacation: Big Island, Hawaii
- What I wanted to be when I was child: Pilot
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: Working with many different companies
- Most influential person in my life: Father
Scott Lee
Scott brings over 25 years of financial and operational experience, specializing in customer service, distribution, manufacturing, retail, restaurants, real estate and software industries. Scott brings executive management and leadership experience and has held positions (Controller/CFO) for small, medium, and large international corporations. Scott and his wife Erie Jane live in Dublin, OH.
Scott Lee| Principal
Scott brings over 25 years of financial and operational experience, specializing in customer service, distribution, manufacturing, retail, restaurants, real estate and software industries. Scott brings executive management and leadership experience and has held positions (Controller/CFO) for small, medium, and large international corporations. Scott and his wife Erie Jane live in Dublin, OH.
Before FocusCFO
Scott previously worked as a CFO, VP of Finance, Director of Finance and other senior level positions in private and public organizations. Scott was sole principal for a private consulting practice specializing in accounting software and process improvements.
Scott is currently pursuing his MBA from Franklin University, received Advanced Accounting degree from San Diego State University, and BSBA from The Ohio State University majoring in Production and Operations Management. Scott is also certified in the use of Microsoft Dynamics software.
Other Interests
- Spending time: With family/friends, traveling, golf and learning.
- Favorite books: Detective mysteries.
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: Helping clients grow and achieve their goals.
- Passionate about: Helping people by any means possible.
- Something most people don’t know about me: Finished High School after junior year and then graduated from Ohio State in 3 years.
Sherif Matar
Sherif has more than 20 years executive financial management and leadership experience both in local and international markets. Throughout his career, he has helped many entrepreneurs launch, restructure, or expand their business through strategy building, financial planning and structuring, Debt or equity financing, setting up SOPs, cash flow management, and business process improvements.
Sherif Matar| CFO
Sherif has more than 20 years executive financial management and leadership experience both in local and international markets. Throughout his career, he has helped many entrepreneurs launch, restructure, or expand their business through strategy building, financial planning and structuring, Debt or equity financing, setting up SOPs, cash flow management, and business process improvements.
Before FocusCFO
Sherif previously held multiple roles as a CFO, Managing Partner, Financial Consultant to Board of Directors, and other senior level positions. He acquired his experience in various industries including publishing, education, real estate development, contracting, and services.
Sherif Received a BA in Economics from The American University in Cairo (AUC) in 1996.
Other Interests
- Favorite Books: Guinness Book of World Records (it reminds me nothing is impossible)
- Favorite Musical Artist: Aerosmith
- Favorite Movie: Superman
- Favorite sport activity: Going to the gym
- Favorite Vacation: The Red Sea
- What I wanted to be when I was a child: A surgeon
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: Helping entrepreneurs turn their dreams into reality and achieving the results they seek is one of my greatest passions…and at FocusCFO I get to do this every day!
Brian McClain
Brian has more than 30 years diverse experience in accounting, process improvement, and operations. He has proven abilities in organizational structure, financial planning and analysis, and new system implementations. He also brings extensive experience to process improvement and cost reduction projects.
Brian McClain| CFO
Brian has more than 30 years diverse experience in accounting, process improvement, and operations. He has proven abilities in organizational structure, financial planning and analysis, and new system implementations. He also brings extensive experience to process improvement and cost reduction projects.
Before FocusCFO
Brian’s experience and expertise include working in high tech and university settings. Brian has relevant experience in financial analysis, strategic planning, SEC reporting, IPOs, and merger/acquisitions. He has served in senior management capacities with CompuServe, America Online and The Ohio State University. Brian started his career in public accounting with E&Y and Deloitte.
Brian graduated from The Ohio State University with a BSBA with a major in accounting.
Other Interests
- Top of my “bucket list”: Playing Augusta National Golf Club
- Favorite musical artist: Jimmy Buffett
- Favorite movie: Caddyshack
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: Helping others achieve their goals
Jim McKinney
Jim is a results-oriented executive with more than 35 years demonstrated success in executing strategic, organizational and solutions-focused projects achieved through partnering with and engaging all levels of organization.
Jim McKinney| CFO
Jim is a results-oriented executive with more than 35 years demonstrated success in executing strategic, organizational and solutions-focused projects achieved through partnering with and engaging all levels of organization.
Before FocusCFO
After putting in ten years at a major CPA firm, where he specialized in construction, real estate development and restaurant accounting, Jim has worked as the Chief Financial Officer and General Manager of two entertainment companies, a landscaping company, and a distributorship. He received his MBA in Finance from The Ohio State University and a BS in Accounting and Finance from Miami University, in Oxford, Ohio.
Other Interests
- Spending Time With: Family…it’s all about family, isn’t it?
- Favorite Activities: Sailing, tennis, cycling, hiking.
- Favorite Vacation: Sailing on Lake Erie, in the Caribbean…anywhere.
- Favorite Musical Artist: Grateful Dead (I know…I should be embarrassed about that after all these years).
Richard Murch
Richard has more than 30 years of financial management and leadership experience, primarily in the retail and distribution industries. He has experience in financial analysis, strategic planning, process improvement, treasury management, bank financing and acquisition due diligence. Richard and his wife Janet live in Hilliard, Ohio.
Richard Murch| CFO
Richard has more than 30 years of financial management and leadership experience, primarily in the retail and distribution industries. He has experience in financial analysis, strategic planning, process improvement, treasury management, bank financing and acquisition due diligence. Richard and his wife Janet live in Hilliard, Ohio.
Before FocusCFO
Richard spent the first part of his career in a variety of financial leadership positions at the retail and distribution operations of Big Lots Most recently, he was the Controller & Treasurer for The W.W. Williams Company.
Richard received a BSBA with a major in Accounting from The Ohio State University in Columbus, OH. He is also a Certified Public Accountant and Certified Treasury Professional, and he serves on the Central Ohio Leadership Board of the Arthritis Foundation.
Other Interests
- Favorite Activities: Playing golf and ice hockey; riding my Harley; attending Columbus Jazz Orchestra performances with my wife; going to Blue Jackets games
- Favorite books: Anything by Malcolm Gladwell, Michael Lewis or David Baldacci
- Favorite musical Artist/Song: Favorite band is Rush; I like Classic Rock and Alternative Rock
- Favorite movie(s): The Dark Knight; Shawshank Redemption; The Usual Suspects.
- Favorite vacation: Italy (Venice, Florence and Rome) for our 20th wedding anniversary
Richard O’Keeffe
Rich has more than 40 years of diverse business experience in finance, planning, administration, IT, HR and accounting, working primarily with growing entrepreneurial businesses. He has teamed with entrepreneurs to implement tactical and strategic plans, project forward looking plans and budgets, track results, obtain capital, monitor capital expenditure projects, closely control business expenses, and track key performance indicators
Richard O’Keeffe| CFO
Rich has more than 40 years of diverse business experience in finance, planning, administration, IT, HR and accounting, working primarily with growing entrepreneurial businesses. He has teamed with entrepreneurs to implement tactical and strategic plans, project forward looking plans and budgets, track results, obtain capital, monitor capital expenditure projects, closely control business expenses, and track key performance indicators
Before FocusCFO
Rich held senior management positions at Deloitte Touche in Cleveland, Ohio. His client specialization was high technology manufacturing, construction/real estate development and retail. His next challenge was as CFO of a client facing growth challenges and the need for accounting improvements and project equity funding to be leveraged with bank financing. After the eventual sale of the projects he returned to Central Ohio. He became CFO of Edison Welding Institute, a scientific research 401(c) 3 not-for-profit, in their second year and remained until after their tenth year by which time the team had qualified the organization as a government prime contractor, grown earned revenues to $20 million and qualified for bank and GE Capital financing. Returning to the for-profit sector, he took on additional roles as CFO/International Controller in growing owner operated companies. Since 2012 he has provided Controller/CFO consulting services to a capital-intensive founder managed business. This new initiative experienced hyper growth with Amazon.com and was funded by private equity profit participation leveraged by bank financing.
Rich received his BS in Accounting/Finance from the University of Detroit and MBA from John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio.
Other Interests
- Spending time with: my wife, two sons, daughter in-law and granddaughter
- Favorite Food Fixes: Ice cream, but strangely, only on Saturday afternoon
- Favorite Musical Artist/Song: Smooth Jazz by any provider’s definition, aids thinking
- Most Accomplished Vacations: Seven days on the Appalachian Trail and another seven days canoeing/portaging Algonquin Provincial Park with my son
- Favorite Activities: Fixing things, “perfecting” my game of golf, watching OSU sports, Indians and the Blue Jackets (rescued former Red Wings fan) and even the Crew
- Most Interesting Travel Destination: Tallinn, Estonia
- Best thing about being with FocusCFO: Working with a great team and having the opportunity to assist entrepreneur business leaders
Lyle Rhodebeck
Lyle has more than 35 years executive management and leadership experience. He has extensive experience in finance, accounting, information technology, and operational efficiency. His background also includes mergers and acquisitions as well as strategy development.
Lyle Rhodebeck| CFO
Lyle has more than 35 years executive management and leadership experience. He has extensive experience in finance, accounting, information technology, and operational efficiency. His background also includes mergers and acquisitions as well as strategy development.
Before FocusCFO
Lyle previously worked as a CFO, SVP of Operations, and Chief Information Officer for various insurance companies during his career (Shelby Insurance, Grange Insurance, and State Auto). He also spent six years as the Treasurer for First Travel Service and Travel Associates, both Ohio-based travel agencies. He has also served on numerous charities and industry organizations in both an operational and leadership capacity during his career.
Lyle received both his MBA and BSBA degrees from Ashland University in Ashland, Ohio. He is also a Certified Public Accountant (currently inactive).
Other Interests
- Spending time with my wife, two children and granddaughter
- Favorite Pastime: Collecting and playing strategy board games
- Favorite Musical Artist/Song: Dire Straits, “Sultans of Swing”
- Favorite Movie: Anything Star Wars
- Favorite Vacation: Alaska or Hawaii
- What I wanted to be when I was a child: Be like my dad and work for Frito-Lay
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: Working with a great team and helping businesses to continue their growth and success!
Bob Stecki
Bob has more than 35 years diverse experience in operations, finance, and accounting. He has proven abilities in managing and implementing start- up and growth operations, joint ventures, new system implementations, and international expansions. He also brings extensive experience to process improvement and cost reduction projects.
Bob Stecki| CFO
Bob has more than 35 years diverse experience in operations, finance, and accounting. He has proven abilities in managing and implementing start- up and growth operations, joint ventures, new system implementations, and international expansions. He also brings extensive experience to process improvement and cost reduction projects.
Before FocusCFO
Prior to joining Focus CFO Bob worked for Motorola, Inc. in various locations throughout the world responsible for all finance related issues pertaining to manufacturing, engineering and sales. His most current role was at L Brands as the AVP and Controller for Victoria’s Secret Stores, responsible for all retail related accounting as it pertains to the customer, stores, and sourcing segments of the business.
Bob received his Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from the University of Illinois in Champaign-Urbana, IL.
Other Interests
- Spending time with family and friends
- Studying history especially the U.S. Civil War and the Roman Empire
- Favorite book: A Tale of Two Cities by Charles Dickens
- Any type of fitness activity: still an active racquetball player and a former fitness trainer who plans on getting back into the industry
John Vogelpohl
John has more than 40 years management and leadership experience in his own business as well as in others’ businesses. He has extensive experience in strategic and tactical thinking; he helps businesses with short, medium, and long-term tactics—to behave consistently to accomplish long-term strategic goals.
John Vogelpohl| CFO
John has more than 40 years management and leadership experience in his own business as well as in others’ businesses. He has extensive experience in strategic and tactical thinking; he helps businesses with short, medium, and long-term tactics—to behave consistently to accomplish long-term strategic goals.
Before FocusCFO
John previously worked in nearly every role in public accounting, first with a large local firm which merged into a national firm, and later founding his own firm which grew substantially and eventually merged with a “Top 100” regional firm. He was a client relationship manager and also managed the largest of 13 offices office in the system during his tenure. His primary client role was devoted to the construction industry where he led the firm-wide Construction Specialty Group as a “Certified Construction Industry Financial Professional.” His main interest was in providing “profit enhancement services” across a broad spectrum of industries.
John’s ability to understand businesses in their most basic pieces, and understand which factors drove others and how they all mesh, allows him to communicate complex ideas to owners, help develop KPIs and critical concepts, and innovate in the production of the required information to facilitate this thinking and understanding.
John received a Credentialed Mediator’s Degree after two years of study at Capital University Law School (2010–2012) and a BS in Accounting from Franklin University after studying American History for three years at The Ohio State University. John and his wife, Donna, live in Hilliard, Ohio.
Other Interests
- Spending time: With my wife, daughter, and granddaughter and family—which includes plenty of “adopted family.”
- Favorite Books: Anything by John Steinbeck, Graham Greene, Kurt Vonnegut, Amy Tan, James Michener.
- Favorite Musical Artist: Hands-down, it’s James Taylor.
- Favorite Movie: Harvey
- Favorite Vacation: Three busy weeks in Europe visiting several of my Exchange Daughters. Extensive world travel.
- What I wanted to be when I was a child: a forest ranger
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: Nothing beats being on a team, helping hard-working folks to be successful.
Jim Zins
Jim has more than 30 years diverse business, finance, administration, and accounting experience working primarily with small to mid-sized companies. He has had extensive involvement in matters ranging from day-to-day operating decisions, business development, refinancing, strategic planning, and mergers/acquisitions.
Jim Zins| CFO
Jim has more than 30 years diverse business, finance, administration, and accounting experience working primarily with small to mid-sized companies. He has had extensive involvement in matters ranging from day-to-day operating decisions, business development, refinancing, strategic planning, and mergers/acquisitions.
Before FocusCFO
Jim has served in several senior management roles with companies such as Oberfields, Desco, BriskHeat, Alta Analytics and Ernst & Young. He has evaluated and advised on various restructurings, refinancing and selling opportunities. His expertise includes financial analysis, development of business metrics, product line profitability, budgeting/forecasting and cost accounting.
Jim received his BSBA in Accounting from John Carroll University in University Heights, Ohio.
Other Interests
- Spending time with: my wife, daughter and two sons
- Favorite Food Fixes: Skyline Chile, Roosters wings, Graeter’s dark raspberry chip
- Favorite Books: The Bible, The Shack
- Favorite Musical Artist/Song: CCR – Down on the Corner
- Favorite Movies: Groundhog Day, Courageous, Blindside
- Most Interesting Travel Destination: Nanchang, China
Lynnette Zody
Lynnette has more than 30 years experience with superior analytical abilities to develop and apply innovative solutions to complex problems and achieve desired business results. Lynnette has extensive knowledge of financial analysis and reporting, cash management, inventory planning and control, systems implementation, and business planning.
Lynnette Zody| CFO
Lynnette has more than 30 years experience with superior analytical abilities to develop and apply innovative solutions to complex problems and achieve desired business results. Lynnette has extensive knowledge of financial analysis and reporting, cash management, inventory planning and control, systems implementation, and business planning.
Before FocusCFO
Lynnette is goal-oriented, dedicated finance professional with a demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement. Prior to joining FocusCFO, Lynnette served as CFO for Jeg’s Automotive and Cord Camera Centers, both privately held retail companies. She previously held senior financial management positions with large public companies including The Limited and Federated Department Stores. Lynnette has hands-on experience with a variety of software and reporting applications.
Lynnette received her BA in Business Economics from The College of Wooster.
Northeast Ohio
Area Presidents
Forest Bookman
Forest has built his career managing, developing, and leading various business enterprises. He finds joy in helping business owners find […]
Forest Bookman| Area President
Forest has built his career managing, developing, and leading various business enterprises. He finds joy in helping business owners find balance in their personal and professional contributions to industry and society. With over 20 years of experience in sales and marketing, operational excellence, financial control and human capital investment, he formed his knowledge base. Forest has interest in strategic and succession planning and provides corporations with a concise road map to alleviate the inherent stress of business ownership. He has been involved in several merger, acquisition, and divestiture transactions. He has extensive knowledge in family business enterprise. Forest leads with an entrepreneurial spirit incorporating cultural awareness.
Before FocusCFO
Forest has previously held positions as COO, VP Operations, GM and President/CEO. Recently, Forest ran
a large format printing operation that produced and fulfilled promotional marketing and merchandising displays for fortune 500 companies. Additionally, he spent time managing operations at wealth management firms and manufacturing enterprises applying best practices to enhance corporate harmony and profitable results. Forest is a graduate of Colorado State University where he studied economics. He holds a certificate of management from Case Weatherhead School of Business and contributed over 10 years in the Cleveland chapter of Entrepreneurs Organization including forum moderator.
Other Interests
- Favorite Activities: Playing board games with wife and three children, family road trips, hockey
- Favorite movie: The Natural
- Favorite musical artist: Dave Matthews Band, U2, Ludwig van Beethoven
- What I wanted to be when I was a child: A professional athlete
- Favorite vacation: Bareboat charter in the BVI
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: The opportunity to collaborate with business owners seeking various degrees of excellence and professional satisfaction
Peter Geise
Peter is an accomplished business executive with over 30 years of experience leading both domestic and international businesses, from Fortune […]
Peter Geise| Area President
Peter is an accomplished business executive with over 30 years of experience leading both domestic and international businesses, from Fortune 100 companies to small, family-owned enterprises. He’s passionate about creative problem solving and big-picture thinking, and he prides himself on having a reputation of unquestionable integrity. Peter lives in Copley, Ohio with his wife, Patty.
Before FocusCFO
Peter previously worked for Monsanto Rubber Chemicals and Instruments in Akron, OH. His career with Monsanto included a three-year assignment in Brazil as a Division Manager and he was a member of a divestiture team that transitioned a $600M division to Bayer Corp. There, Peter served as GM of Bayer’s Film Division. He’s also worked as a President and COO for a small, family owned plastics processor and most recently managed his own consulting practice with a focus on strategic planning, business improvement and Board governance. Peter co-founded and launched a non-profit company focused on addressing the ‘skills gap’. Peter received an AB degree in physical science from Colgate University and an MBA from Case Western Reserve’s Weatherhead School of Management. Peter earned a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt certificate.
Other Interests
- Favorite ways to spend time:: with wife and 2 daughters
- Favorite activities: Softball, golf, hiking, bicycling, cooking and drinking wine
- Favorite Movie: “It’s a Wonderful Life” & “Waking Ned Devine”
- Favorite Music: smooth jazz, Queen
- Favorite Vacation: hiking in the Tetons
- Favorite thing about Focus CFO: helping small businesses thrive and reach their goals
- Passionate about: connecting the worlds of business and educationa
Greg Gens
Greg has played a key leadership role in small and medium-sized businesses for more than 30 years. He has extensive […]
Greg Gens| Area President
Greg has played a key leadership role in small and medium-sized businesses for more than 30 years. He has extensive experience in planning, sales, and operations both at the transactional and strategic levels.
His focus is strategic and financial relationships. He was chosen to deliver his company’s message to strategic partners and customers in Asia, Europe and South America.
Before FocusCFO
Greg previously worked as an Executive VP, CFO, Director of Financial Planning & Analysis, and other senior level positions in closely held manufacturing organizations: Superior Products, Inc., and Engineered Controls International. As a spokesperson Greg was able to create positive media for the company and industry with National Public Radio, The Wall Street Journal, and select industry trade journals. He started his career with Arthur Young & Co. working in Audit and Tax.
Greg received an BSBA majoring in Accounting from Bradley University in Peoria, Illinois. Greg and his wife Carolyn live in Medina, Ohio.
Other Interests
- Nature photography
- Sailing
- Spending time with my wife and son
- Favorite Authors: Business – Jim Collins & Michael Gerber / Fiction – Tolkien, Gaiman,
- Atkinson, and too many others to mention
- Favorite Movie: Casablanca
- Favorite Vacation: Italy: Florence, Venice, and Rome
- What I wanted to be when I was a child: Scientist
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: Being a part of making a difference
Jim Gilbride
Jim is a successful business executive and entrepreneur, having developed several companies over more than 30 years business experience. He has […]
Jim Gilbride| Area President
Jim is a successful business executive and entrepreneur, having developed several companies over more than 30 years business experience. He has a wealth of experience in business development, financial management, team building and leadership. His last company was built from the ground up to $85 million in sales with more than 250 employees.
Before FocusCFO
Jim previously worked as a president, CFO, & VP of Sales in multiple industries including packaged goods distribution, electronics, grounds management and real estate. He received his BS degree in Marketing and Finance from The Ohio State University. Jim lives with his wife Paula and three sons in Broadview Heights, Ohio.
Other Interests
- Favorite activities: Spending time with my wife, three sons, and extended families
- Favorite books: On Wings of Eagles – Ken Follett, Team of Rivals – Doris Kearns Goodwin
- Favorite musical artist: Rolling Stones, Eagles, Dave Matthews
- Favorite vacation: Field of Dreams, Cooperstown, NY
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: the willingness of people to work together and help each other.
Jeff Semple
Jeff Semple has more than 30 years experience as CEO/president, recognized by both Weatherhead School of Business (Weatherhead 100) and […]
Jeff Semple| Area President
Jeff Semple has more than 30 years experience as CEO/president, recognized
by both Weatherhead School of Business (Weatherhead 100) and Inc. magazine (Inc. 500) for rapid growth. He has substantial experience in leadership, business development, team building, and financial management as well as implementing processes and systems for repeatable predictable results. Currently as a Vistage Small Business Chair, he spends hundreds of hours a year helping presidents, CEOs, and owners turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones.
Before FocusCFO
Jeff previously worked as president, CEO, and owner of manufacturing and distribution companies serving multiple industries including industrial and food packaging, automotive aftermarket, screen printing, and steel . He received a BA in Business Administration from the University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio. Jeff and his wife Angela live in North Canton, Ohio, with their daughter and two sons.
Other Interests
- Favorite Activities – family time, college soccer games and golf
- Favorite book – The Goal by Eli Goldratt
- Favorite Movie – It’s a Wonderful Life and Brian’s Song
- Favorite Music – Eagles; Crosby, Stills, Nash, & Young
- Favorite Vacation – the Next Family Vacation
- Favorite thing about Focus CFO – helping small business owners turn stumbling blocks into stepping stones and helping others to maximize their performance and life/work balance.
CFOs
Lew Battaglia
Lew has over 25 years of strategic senior management experience in CFO, COO, and CEO roles in several privately-held organizations and industries. He has extensive operations, sales, HR and finance experience in both traditional and organized labor environments.
Lew Battaglia| CFO
Lew has over 25 years of strategic senior management experience in CFO, COO, and CEO roles in several privately-held organizations and industries. He has extensive operations, sales, HR and finance experience in both traditional and organized labor environments.
Before FocusCFO
Lew was most recently the CFO of JARO Transportation Services. Previous to that he held CFO, COO and CEO positions at Dworkin, Inc. and was the CFO of the JRP Investment Group and Vice President of Finance for the Phoenix Insurance Group.
Lew received a BS degree in accounting from Dyke College in Cleveland, Ohio in 1985.
Other Interests
- Spending time: Enjoying my ever-expanding family and staying active by trail hiking and playing in men’s senior adult baseball leagues.
- Favorite books: “Instant Replay” (Jerry Kramer); “Pyramid of Success” (Jim Harrick/John Wooden); “Tuesdays With Morrie” (Mitch Albom)
- Favorite musical Artist/Song: The Beatles, so many but “Can’t Buy Me Love” if I had to pick one
- Favorite movie: High Noon
- Favorite vacation: Anywhere in or near the woods.
Nicoleta Bortan
Nicoleta has almost 20 years experience with the ability to serve as a strategic partner and financial advisor. Nicoleta is a strategic visionary with a diverse capital raising background and sound risk management skills that has the ability to manage multiple processes, relate complex quantitative information and drive results.
Nicoleta Bortan| CFO
Nicoleta has almost 20 years experience with the ability to serve as a strategic partner and financial advisor. Nicoleta is a strategic visionary with a diverse capital raising background and sound risk management skills that has the ability to manage multiple processes, relate complex quantitative information and drive results.
Before FocusCFO
Nicoleta is an analytical, senior finance professional with strong leadership and critical thinking skills. Prior to joining FocusCFO, Nicoleta served as a Strategic Financial & Turnaround Consultant for a microfinance organization in Africa focused on accelerating growth and improving profitability. She previously held senior positions across various financial organizations working on a large number of financing transactions across multiple industries, as well as managing all treasury functions for a sponsor-backed portfolio manufacturing company.
Nicoleta received her Executive MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business and her BBA from Ohio University with a concentration in Accounting & Spanish.
Other Interests
- Spending time: Traveling and spending time with family.
- Favorite movie: Shawshank Redemption
- Favorite vacation: Thailand, Cambodia & Laos
- Favorite artist: Tom Petty
- Top of my bucket list: Traveling to every country in the world.
- Favorite books: How Will You Measure Your Life? & Atlas Shrugged
Wendy Brugmann
Wendy has more than 30 years executive management and leadership experience in accounting and operations. She is adaptable to changing roles and environments with the ability to achieve objectives.
Wendy Brugmann| CFO
Wendy has more than 30 years executive management and leadership experience in accounting and operations. She is adaptable to changing roles and environments with the ability to achieve objectives.
Before FocusCFO
Wendy previously worked as an Executive Vice President, Chief Operating Officer, and Chief Financial Officer for privately held corporations at Cardinal Fastener Inc. and Ecocenters Corporation.
Wendy has both MBA and BSBA degrees from Kent State University, Kent, Ohio.
Other Interests
- Favorite Pastime: Following Ohio State Buckeye sports, especially football and basketball
- Favorite Professional Sports Teams: Supporting Cleveland sports in Browns, Indians, and Cavs. Season ticket holder for too many years to mention!
- Hobbies: Avid recreational book reader
- Family: Married over 35 years and interacting with two LARGE extended families
Dwight Butler
Dwight has more than 25 years of diverse experience in manufacturing, sales and service businesses, providing results driven counsel to all levels of management. He has also been a key player in matters ranging from day-to-day operating decisions in a factory or small business unit to setting strategic direction in a multinational corporation.
Dwight Butler| CFO
Dwight has more than 25 years of diverse experience in manufacturing, sales and service businesses, providing results driven counsel to all levels of management. He has also been a key player in matters ranging from day-to-day operating decisions in a factory or small business unit to setting strategic direction in a multinational corporation.
Before FocusCFO
Dwight previously worked as Finance Director, North America for Ametek’s Floorcare and Specialty Motors Division in Kent, OH, and as Controller, Global Manufacturing and Procurement for Diebold, Inc. in North Canton, OH. Dwight received a bachelor’s degree in Accounting from the University of Akron.
Other Interests
- Amateur musician in Canton area (trumpet)
- Own and maintain a 1979 Corvette
- Favorite reading: history or historical fiction, especially naval
- I have visited six continents. Still working on getting to Antarctica.
Kathleen Ferry
Kathleen brings more than 27 years as a CFO and business owner to her clients at FocusCFO. She appreciates and understands the unique opportunities and challenges facing entrepreneurs and family owned businesses. Her experience has taught her how owners can have a pulse on the day to day operations, evaluate their business’s financial strength, and plan the strategies needed to grow their businesses.
Kathleen Ferry| CFO
Kathleen brings more than 27 years as a CFO and business owner to her clients at FocusCFO. She appreciates and understands the unique opportunities and challenges facing entrepreneurs and family owned businesses. Her experience has taught her how owners can have a pulse on the day to day operations, evaluate their business’s financial strength, and plan the strategies needed to grow their businesses.
Before FocusCFO
Kathleen’s financial foundation began in banking as a commercial credit analyst with Union Commerce Bank and then as a corporate financial analyst with Standard Oil Company of Ohio. In 1986, Kathleen co-founded a start-up fastener manufacturing company with minimal capital and machinery. Over 27 years she grew sales, decreased debt, drove efficiencies and cost-effectiveness, adopted lean manufacturing techniques, effectively managed capacity expansion, developed a hard-working and loyal workforce, and secured equity investors to bolster the company’s balance sheet. Through diversified operations and client base, she mitigated risks and navigated the successful sale of the company to a private equity firm in 2013.
Kathleen received her MBA in Finance with a minor in Marketing from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management in Evanston, IL. She earned her undergraduate BBA degree in Finance from the University of Notre Dame in South Bend, IN. She also completed COSE’s Strategic Planning Course and has recently become a Certified Exit Planning Advisor.
Other Interests
- Spending time: with my five children and growing family
- Hobbies: Working on my golf game
- Enjoys: International and domestic travel, so many places on my bucket list
- Passionate about: Volunteering at non-profit organizations with limited resources provides an opportunity to take the skills I learned at my day job and give back to the community
David Gouttiere
David joined FocusCFO as a partner after more than 20 years in senior financial management and 13 years in consulting. He has experience in manufacturing and transportation and logistics businesses. His areas of expertise include strategic planning, financial analysis, crisis management, process improvement, and ERP systems implementations.
David Gouttiere| CFO
David joined FocusCFO as a partner after more than 20 years in senior financial management and 13 years in consulting. He has experience in manufacturing and transportation and logistics businesses. His areas of expertise include strategic planning, financial analysis, crisis management, process improvement, and ERP systems implementations.
Before FocusCFO
David previously worked as a CFO, Director of Accounting, and other senior level positions in private and publicly traded companies with Cyberex (Danaher), Dairy Mart, Bulk Materials, Inc., subsidiaries of NESCO, and Touche Ross & Co.
David received a BS in accounting and finance from The Ohio State University in Columbus, Ohio, and a BSMPE degree in Mechanical Polymer Engineering from the University of Akron.
Other Interests
- Interests: Hiking and biking in the Cuyahoga Valley National Park and travel
- Favorite Books: Books by William Manchester and David McCullough
- Favorite Musical Artist/Song: Howlin’ Wolf, Neil Young, REM, Dylan
- Favorite Movie: The Big Lebowski
- Favorite Vacation: Heritage and Jazz Festival, New Orleans
Walter Himmelman
Walter came to FocusCFO after 20 years of providing interim management, financial and consulting services to privately owned and public companies in the metals and woodworking manufacturing sector, energy, distribution and services industries. His experience includes all aspects of accounting, forecasting, budgeting, financial analysis, debt refinancing along with significant involvement in directing the acquisition and divesture transaction process.
Walter Himmelman| CFO
Walter came to FocusCFO after 20 years of providing interim management, financial and consulting services to privately owned and public companies in the metals and woodworking manufacturing sector, energy, distribution and services industries. His experience includes all aspects of accounting, forecasting, budgeting, financial analysis, debt refinancing along with significant involvement in directing the acquisition and divesture transaction process.
Before FocusCFO
Walt started his career in public accounting then followed on the next 15 years with a New York based metals and mining company where he worked his way up to VP of Finance for a $200 million division. Upon leaving he directed the financial management of a number of small to mid-sized organizations and eventually started his own consulting business. A history of achievement at growing established companies plus turning around underperforming and unprofitable organizations for entities in the entrepreneurial sector has been his experience. Financial analysis that includes internal reporting of the key company metrics on a daily and monthly basis along with forecasting of revenues and expenses including cash flow projections are some of the needs of a growing organization, he has crafted and implemented these systems at a number of entities.
Walt received his BS in Accounting from St John’s University, Jamaica, Queens, NY.
Other Interests
- Enjoys Spending Time: Boating on Lake Erie with family and friends
- Favorite Vacation: East Coast; Cape May, New Jersey; and New York City
- Interests: Home improvement projects
- Place I Most Want to Visit: Australia, friendliest people in the world
Niels Lichti
Niels is a seasoned executive with over 30 years experience in finance and operations working primarily in the Manufacturing, Consumer Products, Healthcare and Retail sectors. His experience includes working in Private Equity, Small Cap, Fortune 500, Family Owned and M&A environments.
Niels Lichti| CFO
Niels is a seasoned executive with over 30 years experience in finance and operations working primarily in the Manufacturing, Consumer Products, Healthcare and Retail sectors. His experience includes working in Private Equity, Small Cap, Fortune 500, Family Owned and M&A environments.
Before FocusCFO
Niels previously worked as a CFO, VP of Finance, Controller and in other senior level positions in private and publicly traded environments with The Hygenic Corporation, The JM Smucker Company, Wayne-Dalton Corporation, Bennett’s Appliance Centers, National Business Systems and Fort Wayne National Bank.
Niels received a BA in Business Administration and Biology from Goshen College in Goshen, IN. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a member of the Ohio Society of Certified Public Accountants (OSCPA) and the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA).
Other Interests
- Spending time: Family and Friends
- Favorite vacation: Europe – Germany and Greece
- What I wanted to be when I was a child: Architect
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: The opportunity to serve a diverse client base
- Favorite Activities: Fitness
Chuck Maimbourg
Chuck has over 36 years of experience as a finance and accounting executive with expertise in strategic business planning, process improvement, risk management, and expanding customer relationships. During his career, he has had responsibility for accounting, budgeting and forecasting, strategy, operations and business development, procurement and payment services, all aspects of human resources, and process reengineering.
Chuck Maimbourg| CFO
Chuck has over 36 years of experience as a finance and accounting executive with expertise in strategic business planning, process improvement, risk management, and expanding customer relationships. During his career, he has had responsibility for accounting, budgeting and forecasting, strategy, operations and business development, procurement and payment services, all aspects of human resources, and process reengineering.
Before FocusCFO
Chuck has held various accounting and financial positions including senior executive at the U.S. central bank and a regional financial services company, Chief Financial Officer at entrepreneurial businesses, and Partner at Ernst & Young in various roles.
Chuck received his Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University in Dallas, Texas and is a Certified Management Accountant, Certified Internal Auditor, Certified Fraud Examiner, Certified in Financial Management, and Chartered Global Management Accountant.
Other Interests
- Spending time with: Family, Theater, Travel, and Civil War history
- Favorite vacations: Niagara-on-the-Lake, Ontario, and New York City
- Favorite musicals: Wicked, Waitress, and Hello Dolly
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: Opportunity to use my experience and expertise to help our clients be more profitable and successful
- Something most people don’t know about me: Love watching Hallmark movies
Todd Peter
Todd is a 30 year seasoned entrepreneurial executive with a wide range of functional, strategic, and general management experience across industrial and commercial markets. His experience, primarily with privately owned companies, covers the gamut from hyper growth to distress, traditional Midwest industries to high tech engineered products.
Todd Peter| CFO
Todd is a 30 year seasoned entrepreneurial executive with a wide range of functional, strategic, and general management experience across industrial and commercial markets. His experience, primarily with privately owned companies, covers the gamut from hyper growth to distress, traditional Midwest industries to high tech engineered products.
Before FocusCFO
Todd previously worked as a CFO, VP Engineering/operations, COO, General Manager, and ran his own M&A and consulting firm.
Todd received an MBA from The Amos Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth College in Hanover, NH, and a BSE in systems engineering and operations research from Princeton University, Princeton, NJ.
Other Interests
- Coaching and training fastpitch softball players
- Mountain hiking around the world
- Favorite vacation: Hut to Hut traverse of the Dolomites in Italy
- Wilderness and wild space preservation
Jim Rowlands
Jim received a BSBA from Youngstown State University with a major in accounting. He began his career in Nebraska with the Nebraska State Auditor’s office. There he was part of a team that audited 28 of the 93 Nebraska counties. After more than a year auditing county governments, Jim landed a position with a CPA firm in Omaha Nebraska.https://focuscfo.com/wp-admin/profile.php
Jim Rowlands| CFO
Jim received a BSBA from Youngstown State University with a major in accounting. He began his career in Nebraska with the Nebraska State Auditor’s office. There he was part of a team that audited 28 of the 93 Nebraska counties. After more than a year auditing county governments, Jim landed a position with a CPA firm in Omaha Nebraska.https://focuscfo.com/wp-admin/profile.php
Before FocusCFO
Jim’s experience includes manufacturing, national wholesale distribution, imports, retail, and multi-state operations. Industries include metal fabrication, oil and gas, electronic testing equipment, circuit board manufacturing, wholesale tire and wheel distribution, and giftware.
Jim spent 10 years consulting with entrepreneurs and was employed by both the Youngstown Region 12 Small Business Development Center and the Youngstown Warren Regional Chamber. While working in this area, Jim received a state award from the Ohio Department of Development for Business Analyst of the year.
For seven years, Jim was employed as a self employed consultant along with a national firm American Management Services and Manufacturing Advocacy Growth Network (MAGNET) based in Cleveland. While at MAGNET, Jim gained experience in the manufacturing Lean concepts of 5s and 8 waste.
Prior to joining Focus CFO, Jim was president of a financially troubled metal fabricator.
Other Interests
Jim enjoys spending time with his wife and traveling to visit their two children and one grandchild who all live outside the area. Jim enjoys cooking and running. He has participated in area 5K and 10K runs. Jim also enjoys classic cars and car shows.
Contact Jim
Todd Whetstone
Todd has over 30 years business, finance, human resources, administration and accounting experience working for small, mid-size and large global organizations. He has extensive experience in strategic planning and mergers/acquisitions for companies going through transition or transformation.
Todd Whetstone| CFO
Todd has over 30 years business, finance, human resources, administration and accounting experience working for small, mid-size and large global organizations. He has extensive experience in strategic planning and mergers/acquisitions for companies going through transition or transformation.
Before FocusCFO
Todd previously held senior management and leadership positions with companies including American Airlines, Citibank, Bank of America, The Karcher Group and Dix Communications. Todd began his career in Accounting with Arthur Andersen & Co. in Columbus, Ohio.
Todd received a BA in Accounting from the University of Mount Union in Alliance, Ohio.
Other Interests
- Favorite activities: Spending time with my family, traveling with my wife, golfing, horseback riding, reading and playing guitar.
- Favorite vacations: New York City and Savannah, Georgia
- Favorite movies: Shawshank Redemption and Darkest Hour
- Favorite books: All books by John Grisham, and books on actual accounts of World War ll
- Volunteering: Counseling people through our church who are going through financial hardship
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: Partnering with businesses to provide value to help companies grow and sustain long term business success.
Skip Vermilya
Skip has more than 30 years diverse business, finance, administration, and accounting experience providing CFO services for mid-sized companies to larger, global organizations. He has also had extensive involvement in matters ranging from day-to-day operating decisions with full P&L responsibility, business development, strategic planning, investor relations and mergers/acquisitions.
Skip Vermilya| CFO
Skip has more than 30 years diverse business, finance, administration, and accounting experience providing CFO services for mid-sized companies to larger, global organizations. He has also had extensive involvement in matters ranging from day-to-day operating decisions with full P&L responsibility, business development, strategic planning, investor relations and mergers/acquisitions.
Before FocusCFO
Skip’s experience and expertise in manufacturing organizations, primarily in the automotive industry, led to several senior management and leadership roles with companies such as NSG / Pilkington, Hayes Lemmerz, and Tenneco Automotive. His expertise includes financial and trend analysis, development of operating and financial metrics, product line profitability, budgeting/forecasting, cash planning, organizational development and cost accounting.
Skip received his BSBA in Accounting from the University of Akron, in Akron, Ohio.
Other Interests
- Spending time with my wife, our four kids, their spouses, extended family and friends
- Favorite Activities: Watching Buckeye football, biking, golf
- Favorite Vacations: Costa Rica, hiking National Parks in Southern Utah, Wyoming, and Alaska
- Favorite Food Fixes: Burgers on the grill, banana cake
- Favorite Musical Genre: 80s rock
- Favorite Movies: Armageddon, Remember the Titans
- Non-Profits: Served in various roles within our church and community. Currently a church Elder and a member of the Executive and Finance Committees. Also on the Board and Finance Committee of Cherry Street Mission and Life Revitalization Center, Toledo, Ohio.
- Other: Passionate about basketball … from coaching to spectating to now officiating junior high and senior high games.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Area Presidents
Mark Vernallis
Mark joined FocusCFO in 2018 to develop the Western Pennsylvania region. He grew up and has spent his entire business […]
Mark Vernallis| Area President
Mark joined FocusCFO in 2018 to develop the Western Pennsylvania region. He grew up and has spent his entire business career in the Pittsburgh area. With a diverse business and management background Mark is looking forward to being a part of FocusCFO’s initial impact in Pennsylvania.
Before FocusCFO
Mark started his career at PNC Bank in commercial banking covering Washington DC through New York City. At Westinghouse Electric Corporation he was the first planning and cost accounting manager for its robotics division. Later he became Manager of Financial Planning at Westinghouse Headquarters for 40% of the corporation and its international operations. He left Westinghouse to became a venture capital executive at Koppers whose legendary portfolio included companies such as Genentech. After Koppers he has done C-level start-ups and turnarounds in technology, manufacturing, healthcare, advanced materials, software, finance, transportation, energy, nano-engineering and other industries. Mark has served on the boards of 11 for-profit companies. Mark received his undergraduate degree from the University of Pittsburgh, an MBA from the Pennsylvania State University and completed the Venture Capital Institute.
Mark has long served in community leadership positions such as a Trustee of Pittsburgh History & Landmarks Foundation, the Executive Committee of the Pittsburgh Zoo and Aquarium (where he chaired the design and construction of the new aquarium), Director at Three Rivers Rowing Association, Board member for East Liberty Development, Inc., Director for Fox Chapel Authority, among others.
CFOs
Southeast Michigan / Northwest Ohio
Area Presidents
Fred Dannhauser
Fred has been very successful in performance improvement and cost control. Over 35 years of experience in the manufacturing/warehousing industries […]
Fred Dannhauser| Area President
Fred has been very successful in performance improvement and cost control. Over 35 years of experience in the manufacturing/warehousing industries with a track record of reducing expenditures, a turnaround of manufacturing plants, building long- term organizational infrastructure, debt renegotiation, process engineering, internal auditing, global sales, and systems implementation for long-term, repeatable success. Experienced in the energy, glass, injection molding, metal stamping/tooling, building products and automotive supply industries, and non-profits. Fred lives with his wife Carri in Perrysburg OH.
Before FocusCFO
Fred previously worked as a President, CFO, Customer Service Director and Energy Solutions Director and other senior level positions in private and public traded environments.
Fred received a BBA degree in Accounting from The Ohio State University.
Other Interests
- Favorite books: History or Historical fiction
- Favorite movie: Caine Mutiny
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: Helping entrepreneurs be successful Passionate about: Volunteering
- Favorite Activities: Training dogs and reading
Jeff Farrington
Jeff is an Area President for FocusCFO in Metro Detroit. He has nearly 30 years of leadership experience and lives […]
Jeff Farrington| Area President
Jeff is an Area President for FocusCFO in Metro Detroit. He has nearly 30 years of leadership experience and lives in Utica, Michigan with his wife Diana. Jeff’s experience extends from sales, recruiting, budgeting, operations and public policy. Jeff earned his Bachelor and Master’s degrees from Walsh College and he and his wife live in Utica, Michigan.
Before FocusCFO
Prior to becoming an Area President at FocusCFO, Jeff worked as a VP at a national staffing company, he was an entrepreneur – founding his own staffing organization, he was COO ofa mid-sized CPA firm and for six years Jeff was a State Representative where he chaired the House Tax Policy Committee. Jeff if passionate about working with small and medium sized businesses and assisting in their growth. As a State Representative he earned honors from multiple organizations including Legislator of the Year from the Small Business Association of Michigan,Legislative Impact Award from the Michigan Association of CPAs, Legislator of the Year from the Michigan Manufacturers Association and the Economic Impact award from the Michigan Bankers Association.
Jeff earned his BBA and MSM degrees from Walsh College in Troy, Michigan.
Other Interests
- Spending time: Anytime with family. We have two sons, one in the Navy and the other in western Michigan so my wife and I treasure the time together.
- What I wanted to be when I was a child: Shortstop for the Detroit Tigers.
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: I’m truly excited everyday about the opportunity to “talk business” with entrepreneurs and executives and help them achieve their goals.
- Something most people don’t know about me: I hurdled a car once (yes it was a Vega, and about 90 pounds ago, but still…)
CFOs
Pete Gstalder
Pete has over 25 years of diverse business experience to include strategic planning, management, finance, administrative, operations and accounting. As a former business owner, he has extensive experience in nearly every aspect of small to mid-sized business.
Pete Gstalder| CFO
Pete has over 25 years of diverse business experience to include strategic planning, management, finance, administrative, operations and accounting. As a former business owner, he has extensive experience in nearly every aspect of small to mid-sized business.
Before FocusCFO
For the past 21 years Pete has worked as Financial Controller, CFO and Co-Owner for the Archbold Furniture Company. Prior to that Pete was a Senior Cost Accountant and General Accountant for the La-Z-Boy Chair Company headquarters in Monroe, MI. Pete spent seven years in the Army National Guard and he has many professional accomplishments and memberships. Pete received both an MBA and a Bachelor of Science in Accounting from The University of Toledo. Pete is dedicated to continuous, lifelong learning.
Other Interests
- • Favorite Vacations: Paris with my wife and Mexico with my family.
- • Favorite Activities: golf, tennis, snow skiing, snowmobiling, biking.
- • Professionally Passionate about small & mid-sized businesses that are the backbone of our communities and our country.
- • Personally Passionate about nurturing relationships, staying active and continuous self improvement.
- • Spending Time with my wife, family & friends enjoying a variety of arts, activities and foods.
Contact Pete
Bob Palmerton
Bob’s 30 years of financial leadership experience enables him to build value, achieve sustainable growth, and manage risk in the variety of companies he assists. His financial background encompasses budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, business valuation, M&A, financial systems implementation, and establishing turnaround and profit growth strategies. Bob has closed financing deals with private investors and senior lenders, and has managed investor and bank relations.
Bob Palmerton| CFO
Bob’s 30 years of financial leadership experience enables him to build value, achieve sustainable growth, and manage risk in the variety of companies he assists. His financial background encompasses budgeting, forecasting, financial analysis, business valuation, M&A, financial systems implementation, and establishing turnaround and profit growth strategies. Bob has closed financing deals with private investors and senior lenders, and has managed investor and bank relations.
Before FocusCFO
Bob’s financial experience includes CFO, Director of Finance and Controller. His leadership toolkit consists of lessons learned while keeping struggling companies afloat, leading growing companies to scale, and pushing maturing companies to continue to deliver consistent and meaningful returns to their stakeholders. Bob built his entrepreneurial hands-on finance and operations experience with a variety of information technology, manufacturing and services companies in the SMB market, following his corporate finance background in services and manufacturing with companies including ADP, Honeywell and the Linde Group.
Bob received an MBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, and a BA in Economics from Fordham University in New York, NY.
Other Interests
Bob’s financial experience includes CFO, Director of Finance and Controller. His leadership toolkit consists of lessons learned while keeping struggling companies afloat, leading growing companies to scale, and pushing maturing companies to continue to deliver consistent and meaningful returns to their stakeholders. Bob built his entrepreneurial hands-on finance and operations experience with a variety of information technology, manufacturing and services companies in the SMB market, following his corporate finance background in services and manufacturing with companies including ADP, Honeywell and the Linde Group.
Bob received an MBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, and a BA in Economics from Fordham University in New York, NY.
Other Interests
- Spending time: Going on hiking vacations with my wife and three adult children.
- Favorite books: Good to Great (Collins); The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People (Covey); The Intelligent Investor (Graham); Walden (Thoreau); Thinking, Fast and Slow (Kahneman); All The Right Moves (Markides); Capitalism and Freedom (Friedman); The Worldy Philosophers (Heilbroner).
- Favorite movie: 2001 A Space Odyssey
- Favorite vacation: Hiking the Amalfi Coast in Italy with my family
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: Leading a variety of companies to build sustainable growth and value
- Passionate about: Art, Philosophy and Economics
- Something most people don’t know about me: I’m an award-winning artist and regularly exhibit my paintings in national art shows.
- Favorite Activities: Reading, Hiking, Painting, and Cooking.
Dan Pletcher
Dan has more than 35 years experience in executive management and leadership in business finance, management and accounting. Dan loves entrepreneurial spirit and is excited to be given the opportunity at FocusCFO to assist entrepreneurs with the difficult challenges facing them.
Dan Pletcher| CFO
Dan has more than 35 years experience in executive management and leadership in business finance, management and accounting. Dan loves entrepreneurial spirit and is excited to be given the opportunity at FocusCFO to assist entrepreneurs with the difficult challenges facing them.
Before FocusCFO
Dan previously worked as General Manager, Treasurer, Director of Mergers & Acquisitions, VP of Finance, and other senior level positions in private and publicly traded companies with Yoder & Frey, Brambles Equipment USA, T&N Industries (now Federal Mogul) and was previously with PricewaterhouseCoopers, where he served many clients in a variety of industries. He has diversified knowledge in strategic planning, financial analysis, cash management & working capital management, cost reduction & control, product profitability analysis, process improvement & new systems implementation, risk management, HR operations, multistate operations, mergers/acquisitions, and litigation management. Dan loves entrepreneurial spirit and is excited to be given the opportunity at FocusCFO to assist entrepreneurs with the difficult challenges facing them.
Dan received a BSBA degree in Accounting from Manchester University in North Manchester, Indiana.
Other Interests
- Spending time at our cottage at Posey Lake during the summer and Ft. Myers Beach in the winter
- Favorite books: Anything by David Baldacci, James Patterson, Michael Connelly, John Sanford and Nelson DeMille
- Passionate about spending quality time with friends and family, particularly on our pontoon boat on a warm summer day with music playing and drinks in hand.
- Top of my bucket list: Traveling to new locations with my wife, experiencing different cultures and meeting new people
Southwest Ohio
Area Presidents
Tommy Brand
Tommy is an Area President for FocusCFO in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has more than 24 years experience, 19 of those […]
Tommy Brand| Area President
Tommy is an Area President for FocusCFO in Cincinnati, Ohio, and has more than 24 years experience, 19 of those in executive management and leadership. He has extensive experience in sales, marketing, operations and with transaction and financing projects. His wide ranging experience includes owning and operating multiple small businesses of his own, guiding business owners and fostering an environment of entrepreneurship with all those he meets. Tommy, his wife Lora and four daughters live in Batavia, Ohio.
Before FocusCFO
Tommy currently owns and operates RedLine Athletics in West Chester, Ohio and The Brand Agency, an Allstate Insurance Agency in Loveland, Ohio. He previously worked as CFO for the IT group at Vantiv, VP of Finance at UniRush, CFO at Divisions, Inc and various other executive level positions in and around Cincinnati over the past 24 years.
Tommy received a Bachelor’s of Science in Accounting from the University of Kentucky and a Bachelor’s of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Kentucky. Tommy passed the CPA exam in 1996 and held his CPA certification until 2005 when he let it go inactive.
Other Interests
- Favorite time: With Family
- Favorite books: The Shack
- Favorite vacation: Europe (Italy, France, Spain) 2018
- What I wanted to be when I was a child: Major League Baseball Pitcher
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: Meeting with the best and the brightest on a daily basis Passionate about: Helping other succeed
- Something most people don’t know about me: I used to race in triathlons
- Top of my “bucket list”: Hawaii
- Favorite Activities: Participating in and watching sports
Jim Collins
Jim has thirty (30) years of experience in the area of consulting and advisory services to middle market, principally privately-owned […]
Jim Collins| Area President
Jim has thirty (30) years of experience in the area of consulting and advisory services to middle market, principally privately-owned companies. He has extensive experience in accounting, finance, operations and with transactions and financing projects. His experience impacts directly the efforts of entrepreneurs on issues ranging from strategy planning to day-to-day operations. Jim and his wife CeeCee live in Loveland, Ohio.
Before FocusCFO
Jim previously worked as a CFO, VP of Business Operations, Director of Finance and other senior level positions principally in private companies with Berghausen Corporation, Catalina Marketing, Yale Industrial Trucks and was previously with Arthur Andersen & Co.
Jim gained his Bachelor of Science, Accounting from University of Tampa.
Other Interests
- Favorite books: Any book by Sir Jeffrey Archer
- Favorite musical Artist: Sting
- Favorite Activities: Rowing, yoga and rooting my children on in their sports activities (even if mostly collegiate intramurals now)
Chris Meibers
Chris joined the FocusCFO team as an Area President serving the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky markets in 2018. He has […]
Chris Meibers| Area President
Chris joined the FocusCFO team as an Area President serving the Cincinnati and Northern Kentucky markets in 2018. He has worked with a number of small and mid-market businesses over the last 18+ years, all of whom were at critical stages of launch, growth or profit maximization within their respective models. He is a great communicator with a belief that the financial team within any organization should strive to bring all departments together because any operating model will only go as far as its fiscal health will allow it. Chris and his wife Lindsay life in Fort Thomas, KY.
Before FocusCFO
Chris previously worked as a CFO for the world’s largest indoor cycling brand, CycleBar Franchising LLC. As CFO, his role was an exciting mix of working with the executive team to grow the brand, which ultimately led to a large investment partnership, as well as working directly with franchisees to maximize their performance. During Chris’s time at CycleBar, 124 studios were opened domestically and internationally.
Chris served as CFO for one of the nation’s largest Franchise Development Firms, St. Gregory Development Group. During this time, Chris worked with over 15 nationally recognized franchise brands as well as helped develop 4 start-up franchise brands within a variety of service and retail industries.
Chris worked as Controller and Dir. Business Development for Cincinnati-based restaurant group, Taste of Belgium. Helping develop and lead a sustainable growth plan including 7 new store openings with a team of 250+ employees
Other Interests
- Chris is an avid (and long suffering) Cincinnati sports fan.
- Chris and his wife, Lindsay are expecting their first baby in early 2019.
- As the youngest of 8 kids, Chris learned at an early age the values of a team, sharing, when to listen, and when to speak up.
- His favorite part of business is the “build”. Strategizing with a team, implementing the group’s plan, and seeing the plan in action are what makes building and growing brands so much fun
CFOs
Scott Davis
Scott is a seasoned executive with over 35 years of financial leadership experience with small and mid-sized companies in a wide range of industries. With FocusCFO, he is engaged by companies as an outsourced CFO supporting ownership, senior leadership and team members with analytics, counsel and rigorous fact-based financial perspectives focused on adding value to the business.
Scott Davis| CFO
Scott is a seasoned executive with over 35 years of financial leadership experience with small and mid-sized companies in a wide range of industries. With FocusCFO, he is engaged by companies as an outsourced CFO supporting ownership, senior leadership and team members with analytics, counsel and rigorous fact-based financial perspectives focused on adding value to the business.
Before FocusCFO
His experience includes 20 years as a CFO, several years as a partner for an M&A advisory firm and in the past 10 years engaged with numerous clients in an outsourced and/or interim CFO role. Scott has a strong operational background, is highly effective in maximizing cash flow, managing growth and spearheading profit improvements. He has been instrumental in leading exit strategies and transitions for owners as well acquisitions, recapitalizations and debt financings.
Scott has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Kentucky and an MBA from Xavier University. Sheila is his wife of 42 years, and they are the parents of two sons.
Other Interests
- Enjoys spending time: Reading, traveling, and golf
- Favorite musical artists: Bob Seger, Billy Joel
- Favorite vacation: Family vacations and getaways with my wife
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: Being a trusted advisor to business owners
- What associates don’t know about me: Served as President of the University of Kentucky Alumni Association
Michael Saccucci
Michael has been a senior finance executive for 25+ years and has significant finance, IT, HR, administrative and operations experience in diverse manufacturing industries for privately-held and family-owned businesses. He has proven his ability to improve operations, increase business growth, maximize profits and increase cash flow.
Michael Saccucci| CFO
Michael has been a senior finance executive for 25+ years and has significant finance, IT, HR, administrative and operations experience in diverse manufacturing industries for privately-held and family-owned businesses. He has proven his ability to improve operations, increase business growth, maximize profits and increase cash flow.
Before FocusCFO
Michael was CFO for a number of manufacturing and retail businesses. His industry experience includes automotive, pharmaceutical, personal care, consumer products, appliances, metal fabrication, and defense.
He has an MBA from the University of Toledo and a BSBA degree from the Ohio State University.
Other Interests
- Favorite activities: Family time, traveling, cooking, reading
- Favorite music group: Los Lobos
- Favorite vacation: Meeting my grandparents’ relatives in Italy
Dan Strawn
Dan is a FocusCFO Principal serving individual clients as their CFO. He has more than 30 years of experience in leading financial and administrative organizations in privately held companies. He has extensive experience in working with business leaders to improve profitability and cashflow while also minimizing risk.
Dan Strawn| Principal & Client CFO
Dan is a FocusCFO Principal serving individual clients as their CFO. He has more than 30 years of experience in leading financial and administrative organizations in privately held companies. He has extensive experience in working with business leaders to improve profitability and cashflow while also minimizing risk.
Before FocusCFO
Dan is a FocusCFO Principal serving individual clients as their CFO. He has more than 30 years of experience in leading financial and administrative organizations in privately held companies. He has extensive experience in working with business leaders to improve profitability and cashflow while also minimizing risk.
Before FocusCFO
Dan has spent his entire career working for privately held family owned businesses. His previous roles have included CFO, VP of Corporate Services, Director of Finance, and Controller. He has previously worked in a variety of industries including distribution, manufacturing, government contracts, R&D, and international.
Dan received both a BS in Business degree and an MBA from Wright State University in Dayton, OH. His undergraduate majors were in Accounting and Management. His MBA concentrations were in Finance and International Business.
Other Interests
- Passionate about helping leaders of smaller entrepreneurial businesses be more successful
- Really enjoys a great cup of craft coffee
- Mass consumer of the local music scene
John Wilson
John has been a senior finance, operations, and administrative executive and educator for 30+ years and has significant finance, technology, supply chain, HR, administrative and operations experience in commercial printing job shop and tier one automotive parts repetitive manufacturing industries for privately-held and family-owned businesses. He has proven his ability to improve operations, increase business growth, maximize profits and increase cash flow.
John Wilson| CFO
John has been a senior finance, operations, and administrative executive and educator for 30+ years and has significant finance, technology, supply chain, HR, administrative and operations experience in commercial printing job shop and tier one automotive parts repetitive manufacturing industries for privately-held and family-owned businesses. He has proven his ability to improve operations, increase business growth, maximize profits and increase cash flow.
Before FocusCFO
John previously worked as a VP – Injection Mold Operations, Director of Finance and other senior level positions with Green Tokai, Ernie Green Industries, and Mazer Corp. and as an Accounting professor at Sinclair Community College. John began his career at William S. Fry & Co., CPAs.
John received an MBA and BS – Accounting from the University of Dayton and a MEd from Wright State University.
Other Interests
- Favorite books: Lord of the Rings
- Favorite thing about being with FocusCFO: Having the opportunity to support the success of passionate business owners.
- Favorite vacation: Traveling to Arizona to watch our children’s high school marching band compete at the Fiesta Bowl.
- Passionate about: Researching the disruptive technologies of RPA, Machine Learning and AI and their impact on Accounting in SMBs.
- Favorite Activities: Playing tennis and singing oldies songs with friends
Let’s Work Together
Moving Forward
We customize our services around your needs, your time, and your budget. We will work with you on whatever schedule you decide, helping to make sense of your company’s finances and take steps to optimize cash flow.
THE DETAILS
About FocusCFO
FAQs
Find answers to some of the most commonly asked questions about FocusCFO, what we do, and how we work with our clients.
Locations
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855-236-0600
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