Business Consulting Services    Steve Pohlit Resume

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An accomplished CFO and business professional with demonstrated results in increasing shareholder value, developing organizational strength and implementing effective financial reporting, internal control and management information systems.

President Exec.Net, LLC Business Development Consulting 1996 - Present

Technically my business consulting experience started with my first assignment after graduating from college. I was appointed Internal Auditor for a utility company in Johnstown, Pa. my home town. From that modest beginning to the experiences gained in the subsequent 30 years, I fine tuned the practice of business development consulting. Exec.Net does not provide any theoretical leadership. The best practices and the fundamental disciplines installed are hard hitting and proven techniques that absolutely work. How do I know - Exec.Net has clients using these techniques right now and earning more money than they thought possible. Exec.Net, LLC Results- Not Reports; Our Reputation Is On The Line!! Strong words - your business could experience the results of us working with you. Call today.

CFO ROCOMI Partners 1999 - 2002

This partnership held controlling interest in a several retail companies and real estate development entities. In 1999, my primary responsibility was with the real estate development companies. There I negotiated bank financing, reorganized the administration and accounting functions, strengthened budgetary and disbursement systems related to the construction projects and developed and implemented a marketing program for residential condominiums. The retail companies included a chain of 55 convenient stores. I established management control systems including the accounting and MIS departments for the $65 million convenience store company, which was necessary as a result of being acquired from a larger corporation in June 2001.I recruited the accounting and systems staff, selected the general ledger and store support systems, established budgetary/debt compliance controls and developed a business performance model for long term success. An information package was developed for the board and lenders. The other retail company was a group of 40 restaurants with an ice cream manufacturing plant. I was originally engaged as a consultant to identify profit and cash flow improvement opportunities. Shortly after the engagement started, it was clear that additional leadership was needed for the upcoming winter season where I had forecasted a significant cash crunch. I was hired as the CFO to implement my recommendations. Ultimately, the expense reduction initiatives were successful. However, supplemental funding was inadequate and a more aggressive survival strategy was developed. Chapter 11 was chosen as a vehicle to support implementation of a downsized business.

CFO Technologies Services International 1995- 2001

In 1995 this Internet Service Provider business was started with a partner and successfully grown. I became the sole owner in 1996 and expanded the business with marketing and by acquiring three privately held ISP's and integrating their businesses. This foundation fueled the development of more than 20 Internet based business models with most of them being currently active.

CEO: HBA DISTRIBUTORS, INC. - Largo, Florida 1993 - 1995

I was directly responsible for all operational areas of areas of this deep discount retail drug store chain with $50 million in annual sales. Key accomplishments include: Raised the necessary financing for the acquisition; Negotiated the buy/sell agreement, primary bank line and subordinated debt agreements; Reengineered the business and ultimately sold most of the business to two national drug store chains.

CFO: NATIONWISE AUTOMOTIVE, INC. - Columbus, Ohio 1992-1993

Responsible for finance, MIS, distribution, risk management, human resources, loss prevention, legal and home office operations for this 280 store privately held business with sales volume of approximately $220 million. Recruited to reverse the company's performance trends. Primary successes: Developed the primary strategies designed to strengthen profitability within one year. Implemented changes to the overhead cost structure resulting in a 33% annualized reduction. Actions taken included: Reengineered distribution and transportation logistics; Developed a more effective home office structure at a lower cost; Redesigned the company's risk management and employee benefit programs; Created the framework for improved store productivity with the design and installation of new hardware and software systems for the stores; Initiated the process of decentralized accountability with support from a specialized financial control system implemented at low cost.

CFO: DRUG EMPORIUM, INC. - Columbus, Ohio 1991-1992

Responsible for finance, MIS, risk management, legal and loss prevention functions for this 220 store public retail business in the deep discount drug industry with sales in excess of $1.6 billion annually. Recruited to install systems and controls and reduce overhead costs. Actions taken to reduce the cost structure and improve margins resulted in a 25% annualized reduction in overhead expense, 10% improvement in store productivity and a 1% improvement in margin. The more significant changes implemented include: Consolidated eight regional accounting and administration centers into one; Developed and administered new systems for the stores and home office; Redesigned the company's risk management and employee benefit programs; Developed a management system for new store development, including location strategy and design; Led the evaluation of marketing effectiveness including control over co-op receivables.

CFO: SAFELITE GLASS CORPORATION - Columbus, Ohio 1989-1991

Responsible for finance, MIS, risk management, fleet, legal and loss prevention functions for this 600-store business vertically integrated with manufacturing and distribution. Recruited by the Chairman of the company (former Vice-Chairman, Limited, Inc.). I led the refinement of the business plan and financial forecast for the company including the retail and wholesale segments in support of a spin-off of the business from its parent. Led and closed the negotiations for the recapitalization as a leveraged buy out supported by Forstmann Little & Company partnership. Implemented changes to improve store productivity by 15% and reduce overhead costs by more than 30% within one year. These included: Consolidated sixteen regional administrative centers into one; Developed and administered a fleet management program for over 1,600 vehicles; Negotiated a centrally administered telecommunications contract; Developed a store labor control process rationalized on store volume and hours of operation.

 

ARTHUR ANDERSEN & CO. - Columbus, Ohio 1979-1989

Responsible for the Columbus office retail practice and assisting other offices with large retail clients. Senior manager in charge of The Limited, Inc. (all divisions and corporate) including the coordination of audit, tax and consulting services. Extensive experience coordinating audit and consulting engagements for a large publicly held international manufacturer.

 

PREVIOUS EXPERIENCE 1971-1979

Internal auditor - I am a Certified Internal Auditor

Xavier University - MBA, 1979
Clarion State Univ.- BA in Business Admin. 1971

CPA - Ohio
Member of American Institute of CPA’s
Member of Financial Executives Institute

Decisive, Quick Study, Bias for Action