Experience

American Extractions

• United States
• Biotechnology
• 1 - 100 Employee

• COO & General Manager

  • Aug 2019 - Present

  Doing business as American Extractions, Simply Solutions Inc. is a closely-held biotech & manufacturing company leveraging a proprietary technology for the extraction and refinement of botanical compounds, with current emphasis on nutraceutical consumer goods production. Started in a consulting role to define strategic direction, then hired to drive strategy execution, business development, organization improvement and financial performance.

• Vice Chair - Board Of Directors

  • Aug 2019 - Present

  Responsible for setting the vision and strategic direction of the company, with the goal of long-term superior value creation for all stakeholders. Set agenda and manage board meetings.



UltraSource LLC

• United States
• Machinery Manufacturing
• 100 - 200 Employee

• Board of Advisors

  • Aug 2020 - Present

  Advisory board member of UltraSource LLC, a privately held, leading provider of equipment and consumable supplies to the food processing industry.



Brakebush Chicken

• United States
• Food and Beverage Manufacturing
• 300 - 400 Employee

• Board of Directors - Lead Director

  • Feb 2014 - Present

  Fiduciary board member of this progressive, industry-leading family run company. Oversaw development of first corporate strategic plan. Member of compensation committee, governance and nominating committee. Appointed Lead Director by full Board.



Growth Catalysts

• United States
• Business Consulting and Services

• Managing Partner

  • Aug 2014 - Aug 2019

  Growth Catalysts is a specialized marketing strategy consulting firm focused on generating core business growth and new platform development. Client base is primarily Fortune 500 consumer products firms, but also includes several mid-tier and smaller companies. GC helps companies understand and capitalize upon the external innovation environment, including strategy development, insights, investment, acquisition and invention.



Simply Incredible Foods

• Board of Directors

  • Jan 2014 - Jun 2017

  Fiduciary board member of this unique business focused on innovation in the fruit industry. Focus on developing strategies to deliver profitable short and long-term growth. Leverage entrepreneurial and industry experience.



Boaz LLC

• United States
• Business Consulting and Services

• President

  • Jul 2010 - Aug 2014

  Consumer products - design, development, sourcing, import, marketing and sales. Strategic consulting services - marketing, sales, distribution and start-up advisory services. Consult with both B2B and B2C clients on value proposition, product/brand positioning, sales/channel strategies, go-to-market planning and many other business development activities.



Sologear LLC and BIC Consumer Products

• United States
• Manufacturing

• Vice President / Co-Founder

  • Jul 2005 - Apr 2011

  Consumer products start up business built and sold to BIC - Paris. Created new platform technology around solidifying alcohol. First embodiment of that technology was in the consumer grilling sector - FlameDisk - a faster, easier and cleaner alternative to charcoal. Raised and managed outside investment to create manufacturing facility. Developed export channel (UK / Europe). Gained significant distribution in major North American retailers such as Target, Walmart, Costco, Walgreens, The… Show more Consumer products start up business built and sold to BIC - Paris. Created new platform technology around solidifying alcohol. First embodiment of that technology was in the consumer grilling sector - FlameDisk - a faster, easier and cleaner alternative to charcoal. Raised and managed outside investment to create manufacturing facility. Developed export channel (UK / Europe). Gained significant distribution in major North American retailers such as Target, Walmart, Costco, Walgreens, The Home Depot and many grocery retailers before exit. Show less



Sologear LLC

• United States
• Manufacturing

• Board of Directors

  • 2005 - 2011

  Recruited and worked with several outside directors, and managed investor relations. Initiated and led Company acquisition by BIC.



SHK Foods and ConAgra Foods

• Vice President / GM / Co-Founder

  • 1993 - 2005

  Consumer food start up business built and sold to ConAgra Foods. First pre-cooked bacon brand (Ready Crisp Fully Cooked Bacon) to successfully enter retail grocery channels. Drove grocery distribution to approximately 45% ACV. Penetrated club channel (Costco). Created a new, high-growth, high-profit sub-category. Took from concept to ~$30MM revenue on a start up budget.



Kraft Heinz

• United States
• Food and Beverage Services
• 700 & Above Employee

• Marketing Management

  • 1986 - 1993

  Increasing responsibility in marketing and management of various Tombstone and Oscar Mayer product lines. Managed the frozen pizza, breakfast meats and cold cuts lines/categories.



The J.M. Smucker Co.

• United States
• Manufacturing
• 700 & Above Employee

• Product and Promotion Management

  • 1983 - 1986

  Orrville, OH Assistant Product Manager (Fruitspreads) promoted to Corporate Trade Promotion Manager.