Aculon
CEO, Chair of the Board
As the CEO and Chair of the Board at Aculon, I took on the challenge of transforming a failing concept company with a challenging technology, leading it from pre-revenue to profitability in an impressive five-year timeframe. Crafting a high-margin, asset-light business model was crucial to minimize equity dilution, and as a result, we raised only $2 million in new capital, with our last raise dating back to 2014. Guiding our technology from lab scale to global production scale was a rewarding journey, and our efforts were acknowledged with multiple new product industry awards and recognition.
A strategic restructuring of our business model allowed us to eliminate external sales teams and instead focus on creating a robust inbound sales generation engine, which ultimately led to the establishment of a strong and diverse customer base. Witnessing our technology transition from being relatively unknown to being adopted by major global companies including by some of the worlds leading brand names, was a testament to our hard work paying off.
As the driving force behind the company, I personally led negotiations for all key customer deals and successfully established strategic partnerships with several major global chemical companies, while simultaneously recruiting a global network of distributors in each major market. To protect our innovations, we devoted substantial efforts to build strong IP protection for the company, increasing our patent portfolio from 12 granted US patents to over 40, with an additional 20 patents currently in the works.
I am immensely proud of achieving ISO 9001 qualification, as it reflects our unwavering commitment to delivering the highest standards of quality to our customers. Beyond the numbers, my focus on nurturing a strong leadership team and fostering an incredible company culture is evidenced by our consistently positive results in the annual culture survey.
At Aculon, we have instilled a set of six core values - Innovation, Speed, Customer Focus, Teamwork, Integrity, and Fun - that fuel our collective drive for success. As we continue on this extraordinary journey, led by passion and determination, I invite you to join us in shaping a future filled with endless possibilities for growth and innovation. Together, we will redefine industry standards and make a positive impact on the world.
‘08 - ‘23
PowerMetal Technologies
Founder, President & CEO
Partnering with both a Licensor and a Venture Capital firm, I co-founded a cutting-edge nanotechnology applications company with a focused mission on revolutionizing the Consumer and Sporting Goods Industries. Despite starting with revenue less than $10 million and a team of only 20 employees, we swiftly achieved remarkable milestones.
By skillfully negotiating a key customer contract, we secured a $10 million capital raise at an impressive $25 million pre-money valuation, fueling our growth and expansion. To ensure the seamless transition of our technology from lab scale to production scale, I meticulously recruited a highly talented operations and technology team.
To support our ambitious vision, we established a state-of-the-art NanoCenter in Carlsbad, CA, and a fully automated manufacturing operation in Tijuana, Mexico. These strategic moves allowed us to efficiently develop, negotiate, and manage a strong pipeline of new products, including commercially successful ones like the EPIC™ shaft, which gained recognition as the preferred choice of the 2008 Masters and 2010 US Open Champion.
Our efforts didn't go unnoticed; Lux Research recognized us as the leading Nanotechnology Company to partner within the Sporting Goods space. Moreover, through adept negotiation, we achieved a groundbreaking 15-year Strategic Alliance and investment with DuPont, valuing the company at an impressive $65 million.
Together with our visionary partners, we continue to drive innovation and success, striving to leave an indelible mark on the world of nanotechnology and beyond.
‘04 - ‘08
Taylormade Golf
General Manager
Senior Vice President North America
Global Marketing
As the driving force behind TaylorMade's North American operations, I directed a transformative journey that reshaped the industry-leading golf manufacturer's trajectory. Taking charge of a previously stagnant revenue, I orchestrated an impressive 18% growth, propelling the North American business to an astounding $320 million in revenue. Turning the worst-performing division into the best, I led a remarkable surge in profits from $26 million to $58 million, achieving this feat through sales growth, improved margins, and reduced operating costs by eliminating inefficiencies and outdated practices.
At the heart of this triumph was a strategic focus on innovation, exemplified by a new product introduction that remarkably increased market share for metal woods by 32.3% and irons by an astounding 55%. As the mastermind behind TaylorMade's global marketing endeavors, I skillfully managed a $100 million budget, flawlessly coordinating advertising, PR, e-marketing, and sports marketing.
The exceptional performance and unwavering dedication resulted in two well-deserved promotions to Senior Vice President and the global marketing responsibilities. Seamlessly integrating the sales and administrative functions of the $80 million Maxfli business into TaylorMade showcased my adept leadership and integration skills.
‘97-’04
Maxfli Golf
Founder, Vice President & General Manager
Handpicked to spearhead the transformation of Maxfli Golf business following its acquisition by TaylorMade from Dunlop Slazenger, I embraced the mission to unlock its true potential, ensuring business viability and profitability. Tasked with positioning Maxfli for seamless integration into TaylorMade, I reported directly to the CEO. Through relentless dedication and strategic prowess, I achieved remarkable results, driving profitability up by $6 million while increasing Maxfli's market share by an impressive 30%, elevating it from 6.6% to 8.6%.
One of my most significant achievements was overseeing the seamless integration of Maxfli's administration from South Carolina to San Diego, a feat that not only solidified the unit's efficiency but also resulted in annual cost savings of $6.5 million. With a keen eye for detail and a vision for success, I navigated through challenges and propelled Maxfli towards new heights, laying the foundation for its successful integration into the TaylorMade family. As we continue on this transformative journey, I invite investors and corporate leaders to witness firsthand the extraordinary impact of strategic leadership and unwavering determination in reshaping the golf industry's landscape.
2002
Dunlop Slazenger Group
/ Dunlop Maxfli Sports Corp.
Vice President, Marketing, Dunlop Slazenger North America
Vice President, Marketing, Golf, Dunlop Maxfli Golf
As the global Golf business leader with $160 million in sales, I halted revenue and market share decline, achieving over 20% annual sales and margin growth, doubling profitability by 2000. Our innovative product strategy generated $25 million in new sales, and I successfully managed contract negotiations with top golfers like Jack Nicklaus, Greg Norman, and Fred Couples. Join me on this transformative journey, where strategic leadership and unwavering dedication redefine the golf industry's trajectory.
‘97 - ‘02
Pillsbury - Old El Paso
Group Marketing Manager
Edward's early career was distinguished by a keen focus on marketing, predominantly in the food and golf industries. In the food sector, he garnered substantial experience as a vital part of the management team responsible for marketing the Old El Paso brand. Amusingly, Edward often reminisces about the unique experience of being an Englishman marketing Mexican cuisine to the American market while based in Minneapolis.
2002