Kari Blankenship

PE-Backed Signage And Facilities Maintenance Enterprise: As C-suite finance executive for this $220MM portfolio of companies, Kari stewarded the organization’s financial strategy through exponential growth in 18 months with a cascading team of 56 across the US, Mexico, India, and the Philippines. She tucked in two acquisitions, each the size of the legacy company, and partnered closely with private equity stakeholders, internal management, and BOD to define a 3-year plan and exit strategies. Kari maintained a zero balance on revolver, optimizing cash with tools such as a 13-week cashflow forecast and weekly controllers meeting. She executed the first enterprise-wide budget, driving post-acquisition financial and operational leverage to capitalize on synergies. Kari constructed sophisticated board decks, elevating stakeholder knowledge of opportunities and risks. She also served as a key liaison in ERP cutover, as well as standardization of other platforms and post-UKG implementation cleanup. Kari built a scalable team structure, including formal FP&A, to facilitate subsequent acquisitions, integration, and cross-selling growth. She pioneered the Philippines offshore shared services team of 20.

Commercial Cleaning Business: As Chief Financial Officer, Kari executed hands-on stabilization of finance operations after an unexpected turnover of the accounting/finance team in its entirety. She was a key player in successfully negotiating $1MM in non-contractual price increases during the unprecedented labor bubble. Kari saved the organization over $100K by terminating Captive and shopping out commercial insurance lines. She also developed actionable reports including first-ever forecasts, a monthly financial packet, KPI dashboards, and an open-hours trend. Kari led the charge to reduce SG&A costs by nearly 40% during a record inflationary period. 

PE-Backed Pipeline Construction Company: As Chief Financial Officer, Kari returned operational liquidity to the business. She implemented monthly onsite financial reviews with Division Presidents resulting in a 15% increase in profitability. Kari also restored confidence in CIBC facilitating loan amendments that maximized funding availability, minimized investor capital injections, and optimized growth during high season. The balance sheet was deleveraged in its entirety, $9MM, for the first time in company history under her leadership. Kari instituted a host of technology tools, which advanced remote onboarding of crews, expense tracking with phones, expedited contract negotiations and virtual meetings. 

Consulting Firm: As Interim Chief Financial Officer, Kari led financial adviser to a publicly held, international, management consulting company. She acted as Corporate Controller to ensure effective corporate governance and strong operations. Kari constructed valuation modeling that resulted in strategic segment divestiture. She also led operational improvement initiatives, which shortened the close cycle, enhanced general ledger integrity, and improved controls. Kari documented many first-time-ever standard operating procedures and assisted with 10Q and 10K filings. As the Interim CFO for a biopharmaceutical company, Kari compiled and filed annual SEC Form 20-F and all other public/external reporting. She also constructed an annual plan and five-year forecast for the CEO. 

Heavy Equipment Aftermarket Replacement Parts Distributor: Kari was the executive officer reporting directly to the Board of Directors for this $100MM distribution leader of aftermarket replacement parts for heavy equipment with operations throughout the US and Canada. She operated as De facto CEO directing and managing all aspects of the business. Kari returned 20% profitability improvement to the underperforming business by building and executing a strategic plan to reposition resources, right-size the organization, and modify product offerings. She was the liaison to Wells Fargo successfully leading the organization through forbearance, restructuring, and re-financing activities with a disciplined focus on critical 13-week cash flow forecasting. Kari brought the company into compliance executing improved internal controls, tax filings, and business license monitoring. 

Publicly Held Worldwide Chemical Distributor: As General Manager, Kari reported to the CEO to build out the Oil & Gas footprint in the Bakken Shale formation of North Dakota. She started Univar’s business position to take advantage of the emerging high-growth opportunities in the Bakken Shale region which included creating the 5-year strategic plan, forming a management organization, establishing operating facilities/ offices, and building out distribution and sales channels. Kari recruited, hired, and managed the Operations Manager, Material Handlers, Truck Drivers, and Administrative support. She established a strategic partnership with a Canadian company to ensure uninterrupted service to the world’s largest drilling customers. Kari led the sales organization in developing commercial relationships for $50MM year-one revenues. She also met all quantitative and qualitative company targets.