Indiana University Bloomington

President COO Board Member

Partnered with private equity investors and the Claridge team to transition a 75 year old family business to a modern manufacturer with new LEAN factories, expanded distribution centers along with updated ERP and BI systems.  Built an energetic and effective "Claridge Way" culture along with a high functioning executive team. Led sales channel clarity, organization structure and brand development for customers in education, commercial, health care, A & D and Fortune 500 companies. Implemented new pricing tools, process and discipline to improve margin 350 bps. The new and enhanced company capabilities sets the stage for significant sales and EBITDA growth.

Claridge Products

Led the internal alignment of the organization’s employee, consumer and retailer-facing operations, which includes global sales, sales operations, information systems, manufacturing, global supply chain, DTC, communications, project management office and human resources.  Led the Kids2 Way based culture approach with employees to enhance and improve day-to-day operational excellence so the company can better serve and create unique experiences for families in all areas of the world.  Built greenfield China manufacturing plant, grew double digit global revenue and doubled EBITDA during tenure.

Kids2

President

Led P&L improvement working with the CEO to develop and implement the strategic direction for this global organization which manufactures high quality textile matting products for commercial,  industry and consumer uses in 9 countries including the United States, Europe, Asia, South Africa and South America.  As the COO, I led a transformation of our Asia business, hired a new European MD & CFO to accelerate growth & EBITDA, acquired two South African businesses and hired a global Director of IT to implement an EU ERP strategy.  Kleen-Tex exceeded sales and EBITDA plans in both FY 2016 and 2017 resulting in strong enterprise value growth.

Kleen-Tex Industries, Inc.

President and Chief Operating Officer

Led the North American division of this global leader and manufacturer of wall décor products. Served on the global senior executive team for overall company strategy.  Grew sales and market share during declining industry units while introducing Operational Excellence which led to 330 basis pt. margin expansion, greater than $3.5 million expense reduction and delivering a  2x growth in operating income. Through the process, we dramatically improved operations morale and employee engagement scores.

Larson-Juhl, a Berkshire Hathaway Company

President, North America

LED US business unit to a 12% EBIT in 2006 & 2007 during initial industry wide unit decline. Grew business to a 10% market share gain in 2008 & 2009 through Great Recession and industry unit decline of 35%. Led a $10.6 million expense reduction initiative while maintaining strong customer service levels and a positive company culture achieving a 5% EBIT during 2008 & 2009.

President, US

Led 12 distribution General Managers in a 25 state region. Increased market share sales performance each year leading to record revenue in 2006 while leading the company in quality, service and profitability. Region also had highest number of President’s Club winners and overall performance location award winners in company. Achieved an EBITDA of 13% each year.

Western Regional Manager

Was promoted to turn around the Company's 2nd largest distribution location. Improved distribution quality from last to first in 18 months and achieved significant sales growth of 38% and profit growth of 61%. Received Bronze Award for overall location sales, operations and profit performance excellence in 1998 and the Company's Gold Award in 1999.

General Manager - Los Angeles

Was promoted from a Sales Representative in Indiana to turn around new distribution location after a poor opening. Achieved significant sales growth of 29% and profit growth of 31%. Received the Company's Bronze Award in 1995 and the Gold Award in 1996 for overall location sales, operations and profit excellence.

Dave Calhoun