WILLIAM J. MCREA
2535 Corona Street ~ Lemon Grove, CA  91945
619-241-1132 ~ admin@knowninfo.com

CEO / CFO
Bank Negotiations  ~ Operations and Restructuring  ~  Acquisitions and Mergers

“Attention to the bottom-line brings company stability. Attention to people brings positive growth.”

Results-focused executive with over 25 years’ experience in operations management, business finance, banking relations and information systems.  Superior negotiator and highly capable at restructuring companies for growth opportunities or sale.  Strong leadership and employee development skills with emphasis on training and motivation through performance-based objectives. 

Finance and Accounting ~ Business/Financial Planning ~ Acquisition and Mergers
Sales Management and Marketing ~ P&L Management ~ Strategic Planning ~ Growth Management Personnel Management ~ MIS Implementation ~ Bank Negotiations

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

LAING THERMOTECH, INC., Chula Vista, California 2005 – Present
Multi-nation pump manufacturer with assets over $50 million.
Chief Financial Officer and Vice President, Finance

• Full charge authority for U.S. branch of foreign-owned company.  Manage finances and planning for $50 million in revenues and oversee company operations. Secured company’s long term European business growth through implementation of appropriate financial controls and use of keen strategic planning/negotiations capability.
• Reorganized accounting and finance department, automating financial reporting and bringing greater efficiency and transparency to the company’s finances.
• Used strong negotiation skills to refinance long term debt, saving the company $750,000 per year. Restructured banking covenants, resulting in an increase in tangible net worth of $750,000, allowing company to redistribute funds to foreign parent to subsequently secure a new $30 million order.  
• Saved company potential loss of $500,000 through thorough investigation of potential customer and ultimate unfavorable recommendation.

MC DEVELOPMENT SALES INC. / 24HOURGUITAR.COM, Ceres, California 2002-2004
Small, wholesale business and business development firm with revenues of $3 million.
President, CEO and Owner

• Created successful music instrument startup company in 6-month timeframe, with no reliance on investors.  Drove revenues upwards rapidly through carefully devised auction marketing strategy and solid public relations techniques suitable for Internet environment  Created 3 separate web sites and maintain ownership of guitarwarehouse.com.
• Sold company for profit.

McCALIF GROWER SUPPLIES INC., various locations, Northern California  1985-2002

Wholesale business with revenues exceeding $100 million.
President and CEO, 1996-2002
Vice President and CFO, 1990-1995
Controller, 1985-1990

• As President, negotiated merger with a Canadian publicly-traded firm and refinanced existing operation with Bank of America, the CIT Group and other lending institutions, using outstanding negotiation skills to gain best rates.  Managed 13 business units, nationwide, for 2 companies (McCalif and VJ Growers Supply).  Served on Board of Directors for both firms and managed staff of over 200 personnel, growing business to over $100 million in annual revenues.
• Negotiated acquisition of VJ Growers Supply in Florida, serving as President and CEO from 1997-2000 and managing operations in Florida, South Carolina and Costa Rica; prepared company for sale, refinancing debt using ABL financing with Nations Business Credit. Ultimately sold VJ Growers for solid profit after turning around the failing operation. 
• Coordinated yearly audits by Grant Thornton, Moss Adams, and KPMG PeatMarwick.  All  audits routinely achieved on schedule, on budget through careful planning that reduced costs by up to 30% and allowed for seamless audit execution while daily activities continued, uninterrupted.
• During Vice Presidency, relocated firm and managed purchase and construction of 85,000 square foot distribution center.  Built banking relationships with ABL lending and traditional lending institutions.  Prepared business for sale, negotiating excellent sales price and gaining promotion to CEO and 35% ownership in the business.
• As Controller, wrote and implemented the company’s first business plan, turning company into efficiently run operation and improving the bottom line, leading to company’s first major banking relationship. Efforts led to sustained profitable growth with sales growing from $3.5 million to over $50 million.

Early experience on request.

EDUCATION
UNIVERSITY OF CALIFORNIA, Davis, California
Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, 1985
Bachelor of Science in Agricultural Science, 1985

AFFILIATIONS
North America Horticultural Supply Association, President 1998-2000; Board of Directors 1992-1996
National Association of Wholesalers-Distributors
National Association of Music Merchants