With over three decades of financial and operational leadership, Jim Conners specializes in helping privately held businesses achieve their financial goals. Whether you need to improve liquidity, grow profitably, or prepare for a strategic exit, Jim brings a wealth of expertise to every challenge... SEE MORE
Jim’s career journey is defined by transformative results. From refinancing a $140 million credit facility to facilitate a $50 million dividend for owners, to driving double-digit EBITDA growth through targeted strategies, Jim knows how to unlock value for his clients. His broad industry experience includes education technology, professional services, manufacturing, & distribution making him a versatile partner for any business leader.
Jim’s entrepreneurial background, including the successful acquisition and sale of a franchise business, gives him a unique perspective on what it takes to build and sustain a successful company. He has also played pivotal roles in preparing businesses for sale, securing attractive offers, and navigating the complexities of mergers and acquisitions.
Partner with Jim to take your business to the next level.
Key Accomplishments:
Improved Cash Flow
• Improved liquidity by refinancing credit facility from $140 to $190 million.
• Facilitated $50 million dividend to owners and retirement of costly preferred equity by refinancing debt with a new credit facility.
• Reversed liquidity crisis by improving working capital $2 million, implementing detailed cash flow forecasting, and securing new debt financing.
Helped Companies Grow Profitably
• Achieved 10% revenue CAGR and 16% EBITDA CAGR with multi-pronged initiatives including 8 acquisitions, a new pricing strategy, supply chain capacity expansion, supplier negotiations, and expanded sales reach.
• Achieved double digit revenue and EBITDA growth by defining growth strategy, including new product investments, new sales channels, and search engine optimization (SEO).
Increased Company Value
• As founding CFO, led the transformation of a company from $30 million in annual sales to $180 million within five years, leveraging a balanced approach of organic expansion and strategic acquisitions.
• Successfully integrated acquired companies, achieving consistent top-line revenue growth of 10% or more annually across all acquisitions.
Planned Strategically
• Enhanced commercial execution. Drove $2 million in new sales opportunities with free product trials as part of COVID go to market strategy. Delivered 40% CAGR in website traffic with SEO initiative.
• Realized $25 million in cost synergies and integrated 8 acquired companies’ back-office operations. Established common information technology, 401k, business insurance, and HR policies. Combined operating facilities.
Prepared a Business to Sell
• Prepared company for multiple exit paths by strengthening business performance, drafting S-1 and pitch deck, fortifying control environment, implementing ASC 606 on public company timeline, hiring an investment bank, and conducting road shows.
• Secured an offer to buy the company at an attractive multiple. Drove company sale process, including creation of pitch deck, due diligence, and road shows with potential buyers.
Enhanced Financial Operations and Reporting
• Strengthened subsidiary finance capabilities, including upgrading talent, improving processes, and implementing cloud-based reporting platform. Created forecasting, budgeting and strategic planning processes. Accelerated close to 6 days.
