Stephen E. Markert Jr.

Stephen Markert brings extensive experience in financial management for a broad range of industries where he has served as both Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer. His wide-ranging management experience across multiple industries provides Markert with a comprehensive approach to governance. With the designations of Certified Public Accountant and Chartered Global Management Accountant, Mr. Markert has vast understanding and knowledge of the complexities of reporting, compliance and implementation for both domestic and international concerns. A strategic leader with an exceptional ability to engage all facets of the organization in identifying business opportunities while addressing their related operational and financial consequences, Markert has a proven track record of leveraging systems to provide efficiencies in a cost effective manner.

Highlights:

  • Over twenty-five years of extensive corporate financial and operational systems experience
  • Proven relationships with investment community, private equity ownership and banking
  • Bachelor of Science, Accounting- LaSalle College; Master of Business Administration, FinanceLaSalle University
  • Certified Public Account, Chartered Global Management Accountant

Current/Recent Engagements:

  • COO/CFO of a 1,500 Multi-Family real estate management company. Implemented vast systems, internal control and process changes. Also performed general partner responsibilities for the Philadelphia Convention Center Hilton. Responsible for preparation of Private Placement Reg. D documents, creation and maintenance of related websites and all interaction with accounting and auditing firms for the properties and partnerships.
  • Interim Chief Financial Officer of a $260 million public internet provider of vitamins, supplements and health foods during a time of significant transition. Due to pre-existing equity recognition and class action suits, bank financing was terminated, a delisting process was initiated by NASDAQ and both the auditors and members of the audit committee resigned. Management changeover included a new CIO, CMO and the creation of a COO position. New auditors were engaged, financial reporting was upgraded from quarterly to monthly, financial reporting packages and operating metrics were created, in addition to implementing a manufacturing standard cost system, first ever annual budget and daily cash flow model. The financial staff was increased and upgraded to ensure timely and accurate internal and external reporting. A corporate Human Resources function was created with the hiring of a VP of Human Resources and appropriate staff. First year SOX implementation succeeded with a clean opinion. The Company raised over $34 million through a private placement, requiring modeling and shareholder due diligence.
  • Interim Chief Financial Officer for a manufacturer of plastic knives, forks, spoons and straws for the restaurant and fast food industry. Created both 13 and 40 week cash flow models. Implemented report writer tool, producing first time detailed product and customer profitability analysis. Wrote pricing policy and instituted shipping/freight program, reducing costs by 10%. Reduced stocking units by 48%, resulting in improved working capital utilization. Implemented cycle count program improving daily inventory accuracy.
  • Interim Chief Financial Officer of a $1.2 billion manufacturer of foam products in bankruptcy. Drove upgrades in systems use across 32 manufacturing plants and instituted cycle counting to improve accuracy of forecasts and the monthly close. Implemented significant staffing changes and upgrades in the financial organization from senior VP’s to staff accountants. Identified and implemented cost reductions via reduced staffing within the cash collections and disbursements departments. Wrote and instituted pricing policy and procedures across all divisions. Created formal monthly close process with 50% reduction in time to close. Implemented first year SOX requirements with clean opinion.
  • Responsible for documentation and shutdown of the accounting and operations for a $1 billion construction trust in New York, owned by Exelon. Included multiple trips to Mexico to document procedures for training and handoff to headquarters staff.
  • Served as Chief Financial Officer for 11 years of a $500 million manufacturer of industrial batteries and power conversion electronics with a multi-national staff of 75. Responsible for all facets of financial information and reporting including budgeting, cost accounting, financial analysis, risk management, SEC reporting, taxes and treasury. Directly responsible for Corporate IT, Purchasing and Logistics.
  • Completed successful Stock Transaction including European and U.S. road shows
  • Purchased and assimilated 13 companies over 11 year period
  • Performed all investor relations activities
  • Managed sale of company facility’s
  • Led corporate wide ERP installation
  • Implemented successful worldwide Regulation 404 “Sarbanes-Oxley” compliance

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