JUSTIN SWANBERG
Seattle,WA
Summary
Strategic operator with 20 years of experience spanning finance, HR, operations, and executive planning across fast-paced, service-based and SaaS organizations. Trusted partner to CEOs and leadership teams, known for aligning cross-functional priorities, running business rhythms, and turning data into action. Adept at building high-trust cultures that empower teams, foster inclusion, and support healthy conflict. Skilled in organizational design, compensation planning, and employee experience. Proven record of leading operational transformations, budgeting and forecasting, and driving measurable impact through strategic initiatives—often in ambiguous, high-growth environments.
Overview
20
20
years of professional experience
1
1
Certification
Work History
Co-Founder
SAVANT BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
Seattle, WA
06.2022 - Current
- Co-created consulting practice and methodology, Savant Method, aligning strategy, finance, operations, and people for SMBs.
- Developed Savant Business Pulse assessment to benchmark five core business areas and identify key frustrations.
- Designed guides and tools for each area of Savant Method to facilitate implementation by companies.
Head of Operations
NYQUISTAI
Remote
11.2022 - 09.2024
- Backfilled operational role for VC-backed AI research platform on interim basis.
- Collaborated with owners to define product requirements prior to hiring sales personnel.
- Reconciled data across multiple systems, delivering precise insights on clients, ARR, and investor reporting.
- Re-engineered operating cadence and cash-flow forecasting, extending financial runway by over 24 months.
- Co-developed customer experience journey map, aligning marketing, product, and client success efforts.
- Created investor KPI dashboards and board presentations that secured $4M in Seed+ funding.
- Instituted fractional Finance, HR, and Marketing model to enhance resource allocation.
- Oversaw marketing initiatives including LinkedIn content, newsletters, webinars, and conference management.
Sr. Director, Finance & Operations
STRATACORE, INC.
Seattle, WA
04.2010 - 11.2022
- Established Finance, HR, and Operations functions, achieving fivefold revenue growth and 90% employee retention.
- Created proprietary commission-tracking platform capturing 100% of revenue across 30+ providers, preventing six-figure leakage.
- Managed $7M P&L, overseeing finance and HR operations including hiring, payroll, and tax preparation.
- Led finance, HR, operations, and marketing teams, contributing to strategic leadership initiatives.
- Architected multi-tier sales and customer service incentive plans aligned with company objectives.
- Migrated legacy accounting to cloud ERP; implemented BambooHR and TinyPulse to automate financial processes.
- Assisted with diligence and modeling for 2022 sale, promoting a culture of trust and accountability.
- Mentored finance team members, fostering continuous learning and professional development.
Finance & Operations Manager
HOME TEAM NORTHWEST
Puyallup, WA
01.2006 - 01.2009
- Restructured ops & headcount during housing-market crash, shifting company from $100K annual deficit to profitability within 12 months.
- Stood up three LLCs and full back-office, implemented dashboards that eliminated commission errors and improved agent transparency.
- Streamlined financial workflows to enhance efficiency across operational functions.
- Analyzed financial data to identify trends, variances, and opportunities for cost savings.
Education
BBA - Finance & Human Resource Management
Gonzaga University
Spokane, WASkills
- Financial leadership and analysis
- Budgeting and forecasting
- Advanced Excel and financial modeling
- Process design and automation
- Data analytics and KPI dashboards
- Systems integration
- People and culture development
- Employee experience enhancement
- Variable compensation strategies
- Culture building initiatives
- Conflict resolution skills
- High-trust team leadership
- Strategic planning and execution
- Cross-functional collaboration
MY OPERATING FRAMEWORK
Methodologies: Scaling Up · Rockefeller Habits · EOS · Savant Method
Helpful Tools for Insights: Predictive Index · DiSC · StrengthsFinder · Myers‑Briggs
Key Books: The Five Dysfunctions of a Team · Dare to Lead · Mindset · Leadership and Self‑Deception · Radical Candor · Start with Why
Hobbies and Interests
Staying curious (lifelong learner) · DIY projects & hands‑on builds · Being outside—trail runs, surf sessions, camping · Creating mosaics & other mixed‑media art · Weekend baking (sourdough, pastries) · Cultivating meaningful connections
Certification
Certified Management Accountant (CMA) - (not currently active)
Timeline
Head of Operations
NYQUISTAI
11.2022 - 09.2024
Co-Founder
SAVANT BUSINESS SOLUTIONS
06.2022 - Current
Sr. Director, Finance & Operations
STRATACORE, INC.
04.2010 - 11.2022
Finance & Operations Manager
HOME TEAM NORTHWEST
01.2006 - 01.2009
BBA - Finance & Human Resource Management
Gonzaga University
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