GERALD R. PERRY
Lexington,KY
Summary
Transformational executive with 20+ years leading turnarounds, restructuring operations, and driving profitable growth across manufacturing, consulting, and multi-site environments. Known for stepping into complex, underperforming, or transitional situations and delivering clarity, cash discipline, and operational stability. Trusted by owners, boards, and private equity partners to restore confidence, strengthen governance, and position organizations for sustainable performance.
Overview
33
33
years of professional experience
Work History
Interim Chief Executive Officer
OWL, Inc.
Lexington, KY
04.2025 - 08.2025
- Brought in to stabilize operations and maintain strategic continuity during leadership transition.
- Directed corporate strategy and day-to-day operations to ensure organizational stability.
- Strengthened financial oversight and governance to maintain investor and stakeholder confidence.
- Guided executive team through restructuring and advanced market-positioning initiatives.
- Delivered seamless continuity while preparing the organization for permanent leadership.
Principal
The Perry Group
Lexington, KY
01.1995 - Current
- Consulting firm specializing in operational and administrative improvement for growth-stage companies.
- Installed financial and administrative controls for a $5M plastics manufacturer.
- Reduced receivables 85% for a screw-machine products manufacturer.
- Designed and implemented a material-tracking system with $5M sales impact for a $70M fabricator.
President
DTD, Inc.
Richmond, KY
01.2010 - 01.2025
- Led business expansion, market entry, and M&A strategy for a contract manufacturing company.
- Directed valuations, negotiations, and financing for acquisition targets.
- Built strategic partnerships and market assessments supporting long-term growth initiatives.
President & General Manager
Screw Machine Technologies
Georgetown, KY
01.1998 - 01.2001
- Full P&L responsibility for precision component manufacturer.
- Returned company to profitability in first year (+6.3% vs. –10.4% prior year).
- Increased productivity 36% through self-directed work teams and empowerment systems.
- Restructured operations, reducing annual operating costs 25.4%.
- Improved margins 14% through redesigned pricing strategies.
Director, Fixed Operations
Martin Automotive Group
Bowling Green, KY
01.1993 - 01.1995
- Returned non-retail division to profitability; achieved $115K cost reduction in first year.
- Increased productivity 55% through incentive-based performance systems.
- Raised CSI to 100% and reduced warranty receivables 40%.
Education
MBA - Corporate Accounting & Finance
University of Kentucky
12-1997
BSBA - Finance; Post-Baccalaureate, Accounting
University of Louisville
05-1982
Skills
- Organizational leadership
- Executive leadership
- Staff management
- Strategic planning
- Strategic visioning
- Mergers and acquisitions
- Profit & loss
SELECT TURNAROUND & VALUE-CREATION WINS
- Reversed a –10.4% loss to +6.3% profit in one year at a precision manufacturer through restructuring, pricing strategy, and productivity gains.
- Cut receivables by 85% for a $2.5M manufacturer via aggressive cash management and control systems.
- Designed a material-tracking system with $5M sales impact for a $70M fabricator.
- Delivered $1.4M in new sales by penetrating untapped market sectors.
- Negotiated a $1.5M settlement resolving an overpricing scandal for a nonprofit organization.
- Increased productivity 36% and reduced operating costs 25.4% through team restructuring and process redesign.
Early Career
Finance & Accounting roles at Colgate-Palmolive, PepsiCo, Clark Equipment, and KFC Corporation.
Timeline
Interim Chief Executive Officer
OWL, Inc.
04.2025 - 08.2025
President
DTD, Inc.
01.2010 - 01.2025
President & General Manager
Screw Machine Technologies
01.1998 - 01.2001
Principal
The Perry Group
01.1995 - Current
Director, Fixed Operations
Martin Automotive Group
01.1993 - 01.1995
MBA - Corporate Accounting & Finance
University of Kentucky
BSBA - Finance; Post-Baccalaureate, Accounting
University of Louisville