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Libby Antognoli
Controller at TMPartners
Professional Background
Libby Antognoli is a highly experienced and growth-focused Senior Financial Leader and Strategist, who has played an integral role in reshaping various financial landscapes across multiple industries. Throughout her impressive career, Libby has demonstrated an unwavering commitment to driving profitability and revenue growth while building and leading high-performing teams. As a senior member of the executive leadership team at LSI (Landscape Services Inc.), she was pivotal in growing the company from $27 million to $40 million in annual revenues. This remarkable achievement was not only about increasing numbers; it was also about strategically enhancing net profits by 4% over a five-year period, a feat that speaks volumes about her strategic thinking and financial acumen.
Libby’s approach to finance includes a masterful application of Lean Process Improvement, Problem Solving, and Critical Thinking, which she employed effectively to reduce costs and enhance efficiencies. Under her guidance, LSI experienced a robust annual growth rate of 12-15%, showcasing her ability to implement strategies that deliver exceptional results. Her recruitment, training, and inspiration for the accounting and financial team aligned perfectly with the ambitious strategic goals set forth by the company, demonstrating Libby's capability to nurture talent and foster a motivated environment.
In her role, Libby worked closely with the executive team to lead strategic planning initiatives that helped develop and implement quarterly and annual strategies, reinforcing her position as a vital contributor to LSI's long-term vision. Notably, she has successfully managed and leveraged essential relationships with banks, legal advisors, insurance companies, and major suppliers to mitigate costs and risks, ensuring LSI remained a competitive player in its sector.
Education and Achievements
Libby's educational background is as diverse as her career achievements. She holds a Master's degree in Finance and Accounting from Keller Graduate School of Management, which provides her with a solid financial foundation. Moreover, her studies in Computer Science at The University of Akron equipped her with critical technological skills that she has successfully integrated into her financial practices. In addition to these technical competencies, Libby also holds a Bachelor of Arts degree in Psychology and French from Youngstown State University. This unique combination of skills underpins her remarkable ability to navigate complex strategic decisions by employing emotional intelligence in her leadership approach.
Notable Contributions
Throughout her career, Libby has restructured and implemented new procedures and software systems to enhance operational efficiencies. Examples include the integration of Concur for automated Accounts Payable and Receivable, the Aspire Production Operating System, QuickBooks Online for accounting tasks, and Yaypay for collections and cash management solutions. These technological advancements resulted in improved workflows that enriched customer experiences and provided valuable operational support for several divisions within the organization.
She has also been proactive in analyzing financial data through monthly debriefing meetings with division leaders. These strategic meetings, focused on breaking down customer wins and losses, have been vital in recognizing areas of improvement, leading to the development of actionable 30- and 90-day performance corrections. This hands-on approach ensures that all levels of management understand financial dynamics and can respond effectively to changing conditions.
Libby's astute judgment in divesting an unprofitable branch allowed the reallocation of resources to more productive avenues, showcasing her ability to identify growth opportunities strategically. Her implementation of cash management strategies has been instrumental in rapidly accelerating growth, while her automation efforts within the Accounts Payable and Receivable departments have not only improved efficiencies but have also transformed financial operations completely.
Conclusion
Libby Antognoli exemplifies the qualities of a successful entrepreneur blended with the disciplined approach of a seasoned executive. Known for her exceptional personal energy and strong emotional maturity, she is adept at navigating ambiguity with resourcefulness and a robust skill set across strategy, corporate finance, and executive leadership. Libby’s dedication to driving growth through data-informed strategies and high-performance team building truly sets her apart in the business finance landscape.
Achievements
- Integral role in growing LSI (Landscape Services Inc.) from $27M to $40M in annual revenues while enhancing net profit by 4%.
- Achieved a 12-15% Annual Growth Rate through Lean Process Improvement and strategic management.
- Developed and executed effective Cash Management Strategies that accelerated growth significantly.
- Recruited, trained, and inspired a high-performing accounting and financial team aligned with strategic goals.
- Successfully managed key relationships with various stakeholders to minimize costs and risks.
- Restructured financial procedures and implemented advanced software systems to improve operational efficiency.