Helping privately-held companies to maximize their value

Steve Spagnolo brings to the table a multi-disciplinary skill set that includes finance, accounting, operations, business process/systems development and has worked for or consulted with over 100 privately-held distribution and/or manufacturing companies during his career.

Upon graduating cum laude from Drexel University, Steve started his career with PriceWaterhouseCoopers, earned his CPA certification and moved on to a variety of privately-held manufacturing and/or distribution companies where he was intimately involved in their financial, operational and systems initiatives as COO, CFO, General Manager and V.P.-Finance/Administration.

Steve was hired by Apprise Software, Inc., an ERP system for mid-market consumer goods importers and distributors, to fill multiple roles. He simultaneously was the CFO, a Senior Consultant, and was responsible for creating the business specs for a significant portion of the feature/function set, including some very sophisticated Distribution Resource Planning functionality. Apprise was sold in May, 2017 to Aptean and Steve was a primary contributor and advisor during the entire acquisition process.

• CFO-To-The-Rescue ℠. Some projects or circumstances need a seasoned CFO to step in and take control of the accounting and financial functions within the company. If you have an accounting disaster on your hands, we come to the rescue.
• Strategic Sounding Board. Vent your ideas and strategies through the lens of an objective experienced executive who can guide you through a SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats) analysis to help you craft the right strategy for your unique circumstances.
• Organizational and Logistical Structuring. Getting the right people in the right seats on the bus is key to implementing strategic initiatives. Logistical optimization is a key factor that impacts customer satisfaction as well as bottom-line results.
• Systems and Processes Optimization. Are you using the right systems, powered by efficient processes and a well-trained team? Get an objective evaluation, and as well assistance with selection and implementation.
• Company Life Cycle Management. Is your company ready to take the next big step, either to take significant initiatives to grow organically, or acquire another company or to be acquired? 

  “I’ve known Steve for over 20 years and he’s a real quality person. When he joined our team, he was instrumental in finding an acquisition with new technology that accelerated the growth of Apprise Software. Steve’s skill set, experience and creativity was instrumental in the company’s success – in addition to being the CFO, Steve developed many of the business specs and documentation for the software’s feature/function set, consulted closely with clients on their implementations and was a team player always willing to pitch in when needed. When Apprise Software was acquired, Steve was a key player throughout the entire M&A process.” 

  Jeff Broadhurst, founder and former owner of Apprise Software, Inc.

 "Steve was an vital resource throughout the entire M&A process for a privately-held multi-national, global ERP software company. Despite its complexity, the financial records were pristine and clear, and the company was able to easily sail through the financial due diligence process with the buyer. Steve’s prompt responses and attention to details made for a smooth transaction, as well as a smooth transition for the buyer."

Dennis Rourke, Partner, AGC Partners

Strategy selection starts with doing a complete SWOT analysis to identify your key Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats.

You can select a good strategy, but if the execution is poor, it will not be successful. Execution requires the rethinking of your logistics and organizational structures that will be responsible for supporting the strategy.

Even with the right structures, the strategy could fail if not supported by efficient, effective processes underpinned by key systems (such as a ERP focused on your industry's needs).

Regardless of where you are on the path of your company's life cycle, we can help you get to the next step. Every company has its own unique set of circumstances and issues that don't necessarily fit into nice, neat boxes on an organizational chart or structure diagram. These idiosyncrasies are more normal than one would expect and can sometimes result in competitive  strategic advantage if played right. Remember, if you are not moving forward, then you are moving backward.

• ERP systems expertise, especially Apprise Software training & implementation
• Supply Chain expertise, with a focus on optimizing your logistics structure and processes to improve customer fulfillment satisfaction while minimizing inventory levels and costs
• Accounting, financial and operational control expertise
• Cash and line of credit management expertise
• Asset management expertise, especially in the areas of Accounts Receivable and Inventory
• Financial analysis and deal structuring expertise
• Organizational restructuring / incentive compensation packages
• Screening potential key hires
• Special projects requiring confidentiality and external expertise