John G Blake, CMA
Chief Financial Officer at Harbor Sweets, Inc.- Claim this Profile
Click to upgrade to our gold package
for the full feature experience.
Topline Score
Bio
Phyllis LeBlanc
John is an extremely capable finance executive with a strong management background. We hired John as Finance Director. John handled everything in the department from daily deposits, payroll and HR reporting to producing financial statements. In the course of managing our Finance Department he streamlined and improved our financial reporting. John is always seeking ways to improve the organization. He has the unique ability to develop the vision and be able to implement and execute the strategy on a day to day level to achieve the goals. He has a collaborative approach that earned the respect of everyone he worked with from line supervisors to top management and board members. I can highly recommend John to anyone looking for a management executive to build or strengthen their organization.
Bruce Baron
John demonstrated very quickly his understanding, knowledge and ability to to quickly assess and manage concurrent project assignments. His strong financial background combined with his operations experience helped our company identify and implement a new revenue stream, orchestrate and manage resources to create and launch our new website and finally, his engaging personality, negotiation and leadership skills to manage all aspects of our latest facilities move. Whether for the short or long term, I would recommend John to quickly make a positive impact for any organization
Phyllis LeBlanc
John is an extremely capable finance executive with a strong management background. We hired John as Finance Director. John handled everything in the department from daily deposits, payroll and HR reporting to producing financial statements. In the course of managing our Finance Department he streamlined and improved our financial reporting. John is always seeking ways to improve the organization. He has the unique ability to develop the vision and be able to implement and execute the strategy on a day to day level to achieve the goals. He has a collaborative approach that earned the respect of everyone he worked with from line supervisors to top management and board members. I can highly recommend John to anyone looking for a management executive to build or strengthen their organization.
Bruce Baron
John demonstrated very quickly his understanding, knowledge and ability to to quickly assess and manage concurrent project assignments. His strong financial background combined with his operations experience helped our company identify and implement a new revenue stream, orchestrate and manage resources to create and launch our new website and finally, his engaging personality, negotiation and leadership skills to manage all aspects of our latest facilities move. Whether for the short or long term, I would recommend John to quickly make a positive impact for any organization
Phyllis LeBlanc
John is an extremely capable finance executive with a strong management background. We hired John as Finance Director. John handled everything in the department from daily deposits, payroll and HR reporting to producing financial statements. In the course of managing our Finance Department he streamlined and improved our financial reporting. John is always seeking ways to improve the organization. He has the unique ability to develop the vision and be able to implement and execute the strategy on a day to day level to achieve the goals. He has a collaborative approach that earned the respect of everyone he worked with from line supervisors to top management and board members. I can highly recommend John to anyone looking for a management executive to build or strengthen their organization.
Bruce Baron
John demonstrated very quickly his understanding, knowledge and ability to to quickly assess and manage concurrent project assignments. His strong financial background combined with his operations experience helped our company identify and implement a new revenue stream, orchestrate and manage resources to create and launch our new website and finally, his engaging personality, negotiation and leadership skills to manage all aspects of our latest facilities move. Whether for the short or long term, I would recommend John to quickly make a positive impact for any organization
Phyllis LeBlanc
John is an extremely capable finance executive with a strong management background. We hired John as Finance Director. John handled everything in the department from daily deposits, payroll and HR reporting to producing financial statements. In the course of managing our Finance Department he streamlined and improved our financial reporting. John is always seeking ways to improve the organization. He has the unique ability to develop the vision and be able to implement and execute the strategy on a day to day level to achieve the goals. He has a collaborative approach that earned the respect of everyone he worked with from line supervisors to top management and board members. I can highly recommend John to anyone looking for a management executive to build or strengthen their organization.
Bruce Baron
John demonstrated very quickly his understanding, knowledge and ability to to quickly assess and manage concurrent project assignments. His strong financial background combined with his operations experience helped our company identify and implement a new revenue stream, orchestrate and manage resources to create and launch our new website and finally, his engaging personality, negotiation and leadership skills to manage all aspects of our latest facilities move. Whether for the short or long term, I would recommend John to quickly make a positive impact for any organization
Experience
-
Harbor Sweets
-
United States
-
Food and Beverage Manufacturing
-
1 - 100 Employee
-
Chief Financial Officer
-
Feb 2012 - Present
Responsible for all accounting, finance and HR functions including daily accounting operations, monthly closings, cash management, financial planning and analysis, management reporting, contract negotiations, tax and labor compliance, insurance, 401K. Responsible for all accounting, finance and HR functions including daily accounting operations, monthly closings, cash management, financial planning and analysis, management reporting, contract negotiations, tax and labor compliance, insurance, 401K.
-
-
-
J. G. BLAKE MANAGEMENT GROUP
-
Reading, MA
-
Principal
-
Jan 2009 - Oct 2012
Providing interim or full-time financial management services using seasoned judgement and hands-on approach. Broad range of industry experience and skills in accounting, finance and operations to accelerate performance and create value in your company. Recent assignments include: • Gigunda Group, Inc. – Manchester, NH – Controller for medium-size marketing services firm. Managed accounting staff of four and developed company-wide, bottoms-ups budget process. • SafeDinar.com –… Show more Providing interim or full-time financial management services using seasoned judgement and hands-on approach. Broad range of industry experience and skills in accounting, finance and operations to accelerate performance and create value in your company. Recent assignments include: • Gigunda Group, Inc. – Manchester, NH – Controller for medium-size marketing services firm. Managed accounting staff of four and developed company-wide, bottoms-ups budget process. • SafeDinar.com – Boston, MA – Consultant to Owner for Iraqi Dinar money service e-commerce business. Performed analysis on daily transaction Excel reporting model; recommended and implemented format, formula and check total enhancements for improved control, accuracy and reporting of activity. • Vitalize, Inc. – Reading, MA – Consultant to CFO for information technology company in healthcare industry - Conducted research and analysis to resolve multiple state sales tax issues. • Cricket Productions – Marlboro, MA – Consultant to President for consumer products marketer. Performed various research and analysis making recommendations and orchestrating resources on projects related to: new revenue stream, overhaul of website and company facilities move. Show less Providing interim or full-time financial management services using seasoned judgement and hands-on approach. Broad range of industry experience and skills in accounting, finance and operations to accelerate performance and create value in your company. Recent assignments include: • Gigunda Group, Inc. – Manchester, NH – Controller for medium-size marketing services firm. Managed accounting staff of four and developed company-wide, bottoms-ups budget process. • SafeDinar.com –… Show more Providing interim or full-time financial management services using seasoned judgement and hands-on approach. Broad range of industry experience and skills in accounting, finance and operations to accelerate performance and create value in your company. Recent assignments include: • Gigunda Group, Inc. – Manchester, NH – Controller for medium-size marketing services firm. Managed accounting staff of four and developed company-wide, bottoms-ups budget process. • SafeDinar.com – Boston, MA – Consultant to Owner for Iraqi Dinar money service e-commerce business. Performed analysis on daily transaction Excel reporting model; recommended and implemented format, formula and check total enhancements for improved control, accuracy and reporting of activity. • Vitalize, Inc. – Reading, MA – Consultant to CFO for information technology company in healthcare industry - Conducted research and analysis to resolve multiple state sales tax issues. • Cricket Productions – Marlboro, MA – Consultant to President for consumer products marketer. Performed various research and analysis making recommendations and orchestrating resources on projects related to: new revenue stream, overhaul of website and company facilities move. Show less
-
-
-
Advanced Results Marketing
-
Advertising Services
-
1 - 100 Employee
-
Chief Financial Officer & Chief Operating Officer
-
Sep 2001 - Apr 2008
$60 million Direct Response TV advertising agency. Selected to lead daily operations for a leading nationwide advertising agency with P&L accountability, strategic planning and execution, HR / IT functions, risk management, contract negotiations and process improvements. Established internal financial management and performance reporting tools. Led all financial and accounting operations with oversight for financial reporting and analysis, cash / treasury functions, balance sheet… Show more $60 million Direct Response TV advertising agency. Selected to lead daily operations for a leading nationwide advertising agency with P&L accountability, strategic planning and execution, HR / IT functions, risk management, contract negotiations and process improvements. Established internal financial management and performance reporting tools. Led all financial and accounting operations with oversight for financial reporting and analysis, cash / treasury functions, balance sheet management, monthly book-close processes, budget / forecast preparation, process improvements, banking relationships and financial audits. Supervised 10-member staff. Advised CEO on structure, negotiation, and implementation of buyout of private equity firm, returning company to private ownership. Key contributor in turnaround replacing $1.5 million loss with $10.5 million EBITDA, increasing revenue eight-fold to $56M. Implemented “Back on Track” initiatives executing financial controls, vendor negotiations and cash flow improvements, performance reporting tools and policies across entire operation. Led the successful integration of two acquisitions valued at $35 million affecting accretion of firm value which later sold for 8X earnings. Generated up to $400,000 in cost savings in one year by developing and implementing processes to improve profitable growth across divisions in areas of employee benefits, contract negotiations and operations. Negotiated master agreements with major operating software vendors, reducing number of redundant contracts. Show less $60 million Direct Response TV advertising agency. Selected to lead daily operations for a leading nationwide advertising agency with P&L accountability, strategic planning and execution, HR / IT functions, risk management, contract negotiations and process improvements. Established internal financial management and performance reporting tools. Led all financial and accounting operations with oversight for financial reporting and analysis, cash / treasury functions, balance sheet… Show more $60 million Direct Response TV advertising agency. Selected to lead daily operations for a leading nationwide advertising agency with P&L accountability, strategic planning and execution, HR / IT functions, risk management, contract negotiations and process improvements. Established internal financial management and performance reporting tools. Led all financial and accounting operations with oversight for financial reporting and analysis, cash / treasury functions, balance sheet management, monthly book-close processes, budget / forecast preparation, process improvements, banking relationships and financial audits. Supervised 10-member staff. Advised CEO on structure, negotiation, and implementation of buyout of private equity firm, returning company to private ownership. Key contributor in turnaround replacing $1.5 million loss with $10.5 million EBITDA, increasing revenue eight-fold to $56M. Implemented “Back on Track” initiatives executing financial controls, vendor negotiations and cash flow improvements, performance reporting tools and policies across entire operation. Led the successful integration of two acquisitions valued at $35 million affecting accretion of firm value which later sold for 8X earnings. Generated up to $400,000 in cost savings in one year by developing and implementing processes to improve profitable growth across divisions in areas of employee benefits, contract negotiations and operations. Negotiated master agreements with major operating software vendors, reducing number of redundant contracts. Show less
-
-
-
eLoyalty, a TeleTech Company
-
United States
-
IT Services and IT Consulting
-
100 - 200 Employee
-
Regional Finance Director
-
Jan 2001 - Sep 2001
$150 million national consulting firm. Managed key areas of Oracle project financial system resulting in validation of proper revenue recognition, accurate weekly revenue forecasts, project performance measurement and recommendations for profit margin improvements. Provided proactive analytical value add to Operations VP and regional delivery VPs. Ensured contract and statement of work coverage, proper risk assessment and funding for all project engagements. Directed HQ-based… Show more $150 million national consulting firm. Managed key areas of Oracle project financial system resulting in validation of proper revenue recognition, accurate weekly revenue forecasts, project performance measurement and recommendations for profit margin improvements. Provided proactive analytical value add to Operations VP and regional delivery VPs. Ensured contract and statement of work coverage, proper risk assessment and funding for all project engagements. Directed HQ-based accounting staff in areas of monthly closings, A/R collections, customer invoicing and project financial analysis. Show less $150 million national consulting firm. Managed key areas of Oracle project financial system resulting in validation of proper revenue recognition, accurate weekly revenue forecasts, project performance measurement and recommendations for profit margin improvements. Provided proactive analytical value add to Operations VP and regional delivery VPs. Ensured contract and statement of work coverage, proper risk assessment and funding for all project engagements. Directed HQ-based… Show more $150 million national consulting firm. Managed key areas of Oracle project financial system resulting in validation of proper revenue recognition, accurate weekly revenue forecasts, project performance measurement and recommendations for profit margin improvements. Provided proactive analytical value add to Operations VP and regional delivery VPs. Ensured contract and statement of work coverage, proper risk assessment and funding for all project engagements. Directed HQ-based accounting staff in areas of monthly closings, A/R collections, customer invoicing and project financial analysis. Show less
-
-
-
-
Controller
-
Dec 1999 - Dec 2000
$5 million security software start-up. Provided financial management leadership for successful start-up. Managed all accounting, finance and treasury functions that included financial planning, analysis and reporting to parent company, cash management and banking relationships, financial audits, capital expenditures, insurance, 401K plans, and facility operations. Supervised procurement, customer credit reviews, inventory management and control functions. Managed two direct reports… Show more $5 million security software start-up. Provided financial management leadership for successful start-up. Managed all accounting, finance and treasury functions that included financial planning, analysis and reporting to parent company, cash management and banking relationships, financial audits, capital expenditures, insurance, 401K plans, and facility operations. Supervised procurement, customer credit reviews, inventory management and control functions. Managed two direct reports. Exceeded first-year implementation objective through hands-on install / launch of new "Quickbooks" financial system to manage and track financial performance and reporting requirements for a new startup operation. Ensured proper software revenue recognition and practical compliance with SOP 97-2. Show less $5 million security software start-up. Provided financial management leadership for successful start-up. Managed all accounting, finance and treasury functions that included financial planning, analysis and reporting to parent company, cash management and banking relationships, financial audits, capital expenditures, insurance, 401K plans, and facility operations. Supervised procurement, customer credit reviews, inventory management and control functions. Managed two direct reports… Show more $5 million security software start-up. Provided financial management leadership for successful start-up. Managed all accounting, finance and treasury functions that included financial planning, analysis and reporting to parent company, cash management and banking relationships, financial audits, capital expenditures, insurance, 401K plans, and facility operations. Supervised procurement, customer credit reviews, inventory management and control functions. Managed two direct reports. Exceeded first-year implementation objective through hands-on install / launch of new "Quickbooks" financial system to manage and track financial performance and reporting requirements for a new startup operation. Ensured proper software revenue recognition and practical compliance with SOP 97-2. Show less
-
-
-
-
Regional Controller
-
May 1997 - Oct 1999
$110 million paging service provider. Directed regional financial and accounting operations for a communications service provider. Led a 7-member team. Initiated profit improvement plans, increasing revenue and controlling costs. Conducted ROI analysis to assess capital-intensive investment opportunities. Directed regional business planning process and delivered annual budgets. Performed financial and operational analysis to support business operations, resource investments and… Show more $110 million paging service provider. Directed regional financial and accounting operations for a communications service provider. Led a 7-member team. Initiated profit improvement plans, increasing revenue and controlling costs. Conducted ROI analysis to assess capital-intensive investment opportunities. Directed regional business planning process and delivered annual budgets. Performed financial and operational analysis to support business operations, resource investments and pricing decisions. Exceeded region EBITDA plan by 13% by driving successful profit improvement initiatives with sales, marketing and operations functions. Revamped internal controls to track, manage, and improve financial performance for the Northeast region operation. Improved A/R collections by 50% by successfully building and managing experienced credit & collections team. Designed and developed region monthly management report which became the nationwide performance reporting standard for the company. Show less $110 million paging service provider. Directed regional financial and accounting operations for a communications service provider. Led a 7-member team. Initiated profit improvement plans, increasing revenue and controlling costs. Conducted ROI analysis to assess capital-intensive investment opportunities. Directed regional business planning process and delivered annual budgets. Performed financial and operational analysis to support business operations, resource investments and… Show more $110 million paging service provider. Directed regional financial and accounting operations for a communications service provider. Led a 7-member team. Initiated profit improvement plans, increasing revenue and controlling costs. Conducted ROI analysis to assess capital-intensive investment opportunities. Directed regional business planning process and delivered annual budgets. Performed financial and operational analysis to support business operations, resource investments and pricing decisions. Exceeded region EBITDA plan by 13% by driving successful profit improvement initiatives with sales, marketing and operations functions. Revamped internal controls to track, manage, and improve financial performance for the Northeast region operation. Improved A/R collections by 50% by successfully building and managing experienced credit & collections team. Designed and developed region monthly management report which became the nationwide performance reporting standard for the company. Show less
-
-
-
-
Financial Services Manager
-
Feb 1996 - May 1997
$80 million regional food wholesaler. Held full responsibility for a financial / customer service operation with two direct reports. Worked closely with customer owner / operators; recommending new and existing programs and opportunities using pro-forma analysis, ROI justification, and thorough credit and collateral evaluation to improve margins. $80 million regional food wholesaler. Held full responsibility for a financial / customer service operation with two direct reports. Worked closely with customer owner / operators; recommending new and existing programs and opportunities using pro-forma analysis, ROI justification, and thorough credit and collateral evaluation to improve margins.
-
-
-
-
Senior Business Analyst
-
Sep 1990 - Feb 1996
$120 million, 160-store specialty retail chain. Devised and executed several analytical tools to measure and report store sales performance, profitability, and ROI. Directed annual business planning process. Provided business analysis supporting remodeled stores producing average annual sales and profitability gains of 18% and 7% respectively. Key member of real-estate committee. $120 million, 160-store specialty retail chain. Devised and executed several analytical tools to measure and report store sales performance, profitability, and ROI. Directed annual business planning process. Provided business analysis supporting remodeled stores producing average annual sales and profitability gains of 18% and 7% respectively. Key member of real-estate committee.
-
-
Education
-
1977 - 1979
Northeastern University - Graduate School of Business Administration
MBA, Finance / Marketing -
University of Vermont
BS, Business Administration
Community
