Brent Kowalski
Spring Lake,MI
Summary
Accomplished C-suite executive with a proven track record of driving strategic vision, operational excellence, and sustainable growth across diverse industries. Adept at leading cross-functional teams and fostering innovation to deliver results that exceed organizational objectives. Strong communicator, influencer, and visionary leader committed to driving business success through impactful decision-making and transformative leadership.
Overview
8
8
years of professional experience
Work History
Director of Finance
The Food Bookkeeper
Remote
07.2024 - Current
- Consolidated financial statements for multiple subsidiaries, ensuring accuracy and compliance with GAAP and IFRS standards.
- Managed a high-performing finance team, providing guidance and mentorship to foster professional growth and development.
- Collaborated with executive leadership team in developing long-term financial goals, ensuring alignment with overall business objectives.
- Negotiated favorable vendor contracts by leveraging strong analytical skills and industry knowledge for competitive advantage.
Consultant
Frontier Communications
03.2024 - Current
- Spearheaded operations management, project management, and supply chain support to optimize service delivery and operational efficiency
- Coordinated cross-functional teams and stakeholders to implement scalable solutions for business growth and expansion initiatives
- Monitored and tracked project progress, ensuring timely delivery and adherence to budgetary constraints
- Developed and maintained effective communication channels to align team efforts with organizational objectives and project goals
- Implemented contingency plans and responsive decision-making to handle unexpected changes and ensure project continuity
Fractional Chief Operating Officer
Apexx Electric
Spring Lake, MI
10.2023 - Current
- Company Overview: A start up that took the commercial electrical space by storm with more than 1 million dollars in year one
- Implemented strategic operational plans resulting in a 20% increase in efficiency and cost saving within the first year of tenure
- Provided expert guidance on organizational restructuring, resulting in streamlined processes and improved team dynamics
- Developed and executed key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure and drive operational success, leading to a 15% increase in overall productivity
- Established effective communication channels across departments, fostering collaboration and alignment toward company objectives
- Led cross-functional teams in implementing scalable solutions for business growth and expansion initiatives
- Conducted comprehensive analyses of operational workflows, identifying areas for improvement and implementing solutions to optimize performance
- Collaborated with executive leadership to develop and execute short-term and long-term strategic plans, aligning operational objectives with company goals
- Oversaw budgeting and financial planning processes, ensuring efficient allocation of resources and adherence to financial targets
- Provided mentorship and guidance to department heads and staff, fostering professional development and enhancing team capabilities
- Spearheaded change management initiatives to adapt to evolving market conditions and industry trends, ensuring organizational agility and resilience
- A start up that took the commercial electrical space by storm with more than 1 million dollars in year one
Chief Operating Officer
Gielow Groom Terpstra & McEvoy
Norton Shores, MI
12.2022 - 12.2023
- Company Overview: Boutique law firm that was able to service all practice areas
- Orchestrated operational strategies tailored to the unique needs of a law office environment, resulting in improved efficiency and client satisfaction
- Implemented systems and processes to streamline case management, resulting in a 25% reduction in turnaround time for legal documentation
- Oversaw compliance with legal regulations and standards, ensuring adherence to industry best practices and mitigating potential risks
- Managed administrative functions including human resources, finance, and facilities, optimizing resource allocation and reducing overhead costs by 15%
- Developed and executed marketing strategies to enhance the firm's visibility and attract new clients, resulting in a 20% increase in client acquisition
- Collaborated with legal teams to identify opportunities for process improvement and technology integration, enhancing productivity and workflow automation
- Led efforts to enhance client communication and service delivery, resulting in a 30% improvement in client retention rates
- Conducted regular performance evaluations of staff and implemented training programs to enhance skill development and professional growth
- Acted as a liaison between legal practitioners and administrative staff, fostering a cohesive and collaborative work environment
- Provided strategic guidance to senior leadership on business development opportunities and market trends, driving long-term growth and profitability
- Boutique law firm that was able to service all practice areas
Director of Operations
Highland Pastures
Spring Lake, MI
01.2017 - 12.2023
- Company Overview: Small rental holding company for Airbnb and long-term properties
- Oversaw property acquisitions, due diligence processes, and asset dispositions, ensuring transactions were executed efficiently and in accordance with company objectives
- Negotiated favorable lease agreements with tenants and vendors, maximizing rental income and minimizing operating expenses, resulting in a 15% increase in net operating income
- Small rental holding company for Airbnb and long-term properties
Regional Managing Partner
J. Galt Finance Suite
Spring Lake, MI
01.2022 - 12.2022
- Directed and motivated a dynamic sales team of 22 individuals, achieving and surpassing quarterly and annual sales targets consistently
- Implemented innovative sales strategies and tactics, resulting in a 30% increase in overall team productivity and revenue generation
- Conducted regular performance evaluations and provided targeted coaching and training to team members, resulting in a 20% improvement in individual sales performance within the first year
- Fostered a collaborative and high-performance culture within the sales team, promoting teamwork and knowledge sharing to drive collective success
- Developed and maintained key client relationships, identifying opportunities for upselling and cross-selling to maximize revenue opportunities
- Analyzed sales data and market trends to identify new business opportunities and refine sales strategies, adapting tactics to capitalize on emerging market dynamics
- Led by example through active participation in sales activities, demonstrating effective sales techniques and providing mentorship to team members
- Collaborated with marketing and product development teams to align sales strategies with product offerings and promotional campaigns, ensuring cohesive messaging and customer engagement
- Implemented sales processes and CRM system to streamline workflow and enhance sales pipeline management, improving overall sales efficiency and effectiveness
Education
Bachelor's Degree - Education
Grand Valley State University
Allendale, MISkills
- Cash Flow Management
- Audit management
- Working capital management
- Cost Control
- Internal Controls
- Investment Analysis
- Revenue Recognition
- Business Partnering
- Stakeholder Management
- Debt management
- Mergers and Acquisitions
- Capital Allocation
- Organizational Skills
- Financial reporting and analysis
- General ledger accounting
- Business process improvement
- Strategic Planning
- Budget Planning
- Strategic financial planning
- KPI Tracking
- Business Forecasting
Timeline
Director of Finance
The Food Bookkeeper
07.2024 - Current
Consultant
Frontier Communications
03.2024 - Current
Fractional Chief Operating Officer
Apexx Electric
10.2023 - Current
Chief Operating Officer
Gielow Groom Terpstra & McEvoy
12.2022 - 12.2023
Regional Managing Partner
J. Galt Finance Suite
01.2022 - 12.2022
Director of Operations
Highland Pastures
01.2017 - 12.2023
Bachelor's Degree - Education
Grand Valley State University