Matt Kowalec

Chief Operating Officer at ~Pourri
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Contact Information
us****@****om
(386) 825-5501
Location
Orange County, US

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Experience

    • United States
    • Consumer Goods
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Chief Operating Officer
      • Aug 2022 - Present

      Dallas, Texas, United States

    • United States
    • Manufacturing
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
      • 2019 - Jul 2021

      Irvine, California, United States Cremo Company creates exceptional skincare and shaving products for men. As a board member and then CFO, introduced systems, processes, and controls to generate rapid growth. Established a strong, cohesive organization with a clearly defined direction and efficient, reliable systems. Built the financial function and led all aspects of finance, accounting, risk management, insurance, banking, and cash flow management. Infused accountability into the culture through transparent operations… Show more Cremo Company creates exceptional skincare and shaving products for men. As a board member and then CFO, introduced systems, processes, and controls to generate rapid growth. Established a strong, cohesive organization with a clearly defined direction and efficient, reliable systems. Built the financial function and led all aspects of finance, accounting, risk management, insurance, banking, and cash flow management. Infused accountability into the culture through transparent operations and financial oversight. Success highlights: • Partnered with the CEO to turn around and scale the business—enabling exit at a critical time in a fast-changing market. • Sold the company to a Fortune 1000 company for 32x EBITDA (a record multiple per Goldman Sachs). • Increased gross profit from $16.9M to $33.5M and EBITDA from -$3.5M to +$11.7M. • Selected, then coordinated with Moss Adams to complete successful audit in 2019. • Added $15.4M to the bottom line through operational and supply chain optimization. Lowered expenses for materials (7.3% EBITA impact), warehousing, (4.7% EBITDA impact), and overhead (3.7% EBITDA impact). Decreased transportation costs by 50%. • Worked with the CEO, CMO, VP of Operations, and other leaders to develop a cohesive organization and execute this high-speed transformation.

    • Advisory Board Member
      • 2016 - 2019

      Irvine, California, United States

    • United States
    • Computers and Electronics Manufacturing
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • President | Chief Operating Officer (COO)
      • 2015 - 2020

      Irvine, California, United States SmartLabs is one of the world’s largest home automation companies and producers of lighting, security, and home entertainment products. It is the parent company of Insteon (innovator of groundbreaking IoT networking technologies that seamlessly integrate with Amazon Echo, Google Nest, and Sonos) and SmartHome (home automation superstore). Provided leadership and direction to reorganize and stabilize the business after a period of consistent losses. Introduced changes to business and… Show more SmartLabs is one of the world’s largest home automation companies and producers of lighting, security, and home entertainment products. It is the parent company of Insteon (innovator of groundbreaking IoT networking technologies that seamlessly integrate with Amazon Echo, Google Nest, and Sonos) and SmartHome (home automation superstore). Provided leadership and direction to reorganize and stabilize the business after a period of consistent losses. Introduced changes to business and supply chain operations. Streamlined administration, enhanced procurement, outsourced legal and tax functions, and improved the use of human and financial resources throughout the company. Placed people at the center of everything. Implemented strategic recruitment, staffing, and coaching efforts to boost performance outcomes and create a collaborative, focused workplace. Success highlights: • Turned around operations—dramatically—and led the company to achieve breakeven status while increasing EBITDA by more than $5M. • Facilitated sale of 100% equity stake to private investment firm. • Identified and seized opportunities to eliminate waste and cut costs across operations, human resources, and supply chain management. • Saw around corners to decisively lead product development: precisely invested resources for better, more appealing, and more cost-effective products. • Managed business development and partnerships: secured licensing agreement with Nokia. Show less

    • United States
    • Software Development
    • 1 - 100 Employee
    • Board Member
      • 2012 - 2014

      Plano, Texas, United States

    • President | Chief Financial Officer (CFO) | Board of Directors
      • 2011 - 2014

      Plano, Texas, United States Uniloc USA leverages a patented Physical Device Recognition (PDR) platform to authenticate the true identity of PCs and portable devices. Its ahead-of-the-curve technology supports various applications including software, identity management, marketing, and critical infrastructure security. Transformed the company vision, altered the strategic direction, and restructured operations. Defined corporate governance policy. Rolled out a strategic planning process and engaged senior… Show more Uniloc USA leverages a patented Physical Device Recognition (PDR) platform to authenticate the true identity of PCs and portable devices. Its ahead-of-the-curve technology supports various applications including software, identity management, marketing, and critical infrastructure security. Transformed the company vision, altered the strategic direction, and restructured operations. Defined corporate governance policy. Rolled out a strategic planning process and engaged senior leadership to execute and track it. Established an environment that thrived on accountability and cooperation. Implemented transparent financials and rigorous controls. Success highlights: • Provided driven, focused leadership to prepare the company for IPO or strategic sale, including performing global due diligence and creating the presentation for potential buyers. • Overhauled the infrastructure and built the finance and accounting organization. • Opened new sites—including hiring original teams, creating processes, and setting the groundwork for business development. • Deployed a state-of-the-art business intelligence system for real-time visibility and precise, timely reporting.

    • United States
    • Photography
    • President | Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
      • 2008 - 2011

      Azusa, California, United States Enchanted Lighting is a leader in the gift, retail, and home shopping markets for flameless, wax-based LED candles. Inspired and drove innovation—creating a great product portfolio and a powerful, high-growth business to support it. Built and restructured the organization, influenced product development, and fine-tuned the brand for market impact and differentiation. Provided leadership for all financials, including budgets, accounting, cash flow management, and P&L. At the same… Show more Enchanted Lighting is a leader in the gift, retail, and home shopping markets for flameless, wax-based LED candles. Inspired and drove innovation—creating a great product portfolio and a powerful, high-growth business to support it. Built and restructured the organization, influenced product development, and fine-tuned the brand for market impact and differentiation. Provided leadership for all financials, including budgets, accounting, cash flow management, and P&L. At the same time, developed new business, captured trailblazing efficiencies, and rallied the team to consistently outperform expectations and objectives. Secured IP rights to multiple LEDs in the category. Success highlights: • Delivered 49% annual compound sales growth—from $2.6M to $12.8M. • Steered the company to rank #1 in Australia and #2 in North America. • Entered Target, HSN, Michael’s, Kmart, and other major retailers, and achieved 90% average retail point-of-sale (POS) revenue growth every year. • Increased market share from 10% to 14%. Captured 30% share of the traditional retail segment and >60% penetration of linear shelf space. • Set up distributor partnerships in Europe, Australia, and Brazil. • Built a powerhouse product development and design team that accelerated the product life cycle—developing hundreds of concepts and launching 100+ new, captivating products every year. Products were highlighted by major media sources, including “The Today Show,” “E! News,” and US Weekly.

    • Board Member
      • 2008 - 2011

      Azusa, California, United States

    • Advisory Board Member
      • 2006 - 2008

      Azusa, California, United States

    • Manufacturing
    • 100 - 200 Employee
    • Chief Operating Officer (COO) | Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
      • 2003 - 2008

      Chicago, Illinois, United States Cosco develops market devices, printing products, and signage for B2B and B2C markets. Tackled major turnaround effort to scale this mature business despite significant challenges, including overall industry decline. Reorganized the entire operation and revamped the product portfolio and supply chain—driving improvements and developing new business through bold ideas, change management, and strategic investment of resources. Skyrocketed company value: just three years after a $2M… Show more Cosco develops market devices, printing products, and signage for B2B and B2C markets. Tackled major turnaround effort to scale this mature business despite significant challenges, including overall industry decline. Reorganized the entire operation and revamped the product portfolio and supply chain—driving improvements and developing new business through bold ideas, change management, and strategic investment of resources. Skyrocketed company value: just three years after a $2M offer was presented to the founder, accomplished company sale for $52M. Success highlights: • Facilitated sale of 100% equity stake in company, leading to an acquisition for 7x EBITDA (40% premium over the industry average). • Drove up adjusted EBITDA from -$137K to +$7.3M. • Increased gross profit margins from 33.4% to 45.1% and produced compounded annual growth rate of 12% (versus 3.7% industry average). • Acquired and integrated two companies. • Made hard choices that had to be made: rebuilt the leadership team, closed headquarters, and divested non-value-added businesses. • Landed exclusive partnership with 3M to develop a patented product. • Bolstered market share of an established product from 12.5% to 40%. Show less

    • Chief Operating Officer (COO)
      • 2001 - 2003

      Anaheim, California, United States American Remanufacturers was a producer and distributor of remanufactured automobile parts, with $270M in annual revenue in 2002. Directed business restructuring and infrastructure reengineering to boost productivity, increase capacity, and enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Provided strategic and hands-on leadership—including working alongside managers and employees on the production floor—to zero in on opportunities for improvement. Success highlights: • Identified… Show more American Remanufacturers was a producer and distributor of remanufactured automobile parts, with $270M in annual revenue in 2002. Directed business restructuring and infrastructure reengineering to boost productivity, increase capacity, and enhance customer satisfaction and loyalty. Provided strategic and hands-on leadership—including working alongside managers and employees on the production floor—to zero in on opportunities for improvement. Success highlights: • Identified needs and deployed systems to streamline operations and improve inventory management. • Introduced lean manufacturing methodology, cutting costs substantially (up to 35% year-over-year reduction in labor costs, 8.8% decrease in material expenses). • Partnered with key suppliers to eradicate unnecessary expenses in the supply chain. Show less

    • United States
    • Manufacturing
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • President & CEO | Chief Operating Officer (COO) | Chief Financial Officer (CFO)
      • 1995 - 2001

      Corona, California, United States Boone International was a provider of dry-erase boards and other presentation products. It is currently part of ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE: ACCO), one of the world’s largest creators and manufacturers of branded products for consumer, business, and academic markets. Stepped in as CFO and quickly advanced to COO and then President & CEO—diving deeply into the business and providing the vision, structure, and leadership required for turnaround and rapid, sustained growth. Revamped… Show more Boone International was a provider of dry-erase boards and other presentation products. It is currently part of ACCO Brands Corporation (NYSE: ACCO), one of the world’s largest creators and manufacturers of branded products for consumer, business, and academic markets. Stepped in as CFO and quickly advanced to COO and then President & CEO—diving deeply into the business and providing the vision, structure, and leadership required for turnaround and rapid, sustained growth. Revamped operations and changed the direction of the product portfolio in order to reshape and scale the business. Success highlights: • Facilitated sale of 100% equity stake in the company, resulting in acquisition for $55M—11x operating income (83% premium over industry average). • Drove profitable growth: increased net sales from $7.7M to $70M and EBITDA from $161K to $7.5M. • Launched hundreds of new products, including a new bestseller every year for eight years. • Negotiated purchase of dry-erase marker business for about 1x annual operating income; increased value by 20x in three years.

    • Board Member
      • 1995 - 2001

      Corona, California, United States

    • United States
    • IT Services and IT Consulting
    • 700 & Above Employee
    • Senior Financial Analyst | Accounting Manager | Business Controller
      • 1987 - 1994

      Bluebell, Pennsylvania, United States

Education

  • Michigan State University
    Master of Business Administration (MBA), Finance, General
    1986 - 1987
  • Ferris State University
    Bachelor of Science (BS), Accounting
    1981 - 1985

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