ALBERT J. BELL, J.D.

**** ********** ***** ****** ***********, OH 43082 H: 614-***-**** C: 614-***-**** ace2dk@r.postjobfree.com

EXECUTIVE-LEVEL MANAGER & EXPERIENCED ADMINISTRATOR

Highly accomplished Senior Executive with proven record of managing multi-million dollar Fortune 500 company privately held companies. Expertise in general management, charitable fundraising, operations, legal, personnel, organizational development and administrative services. Accomplished innovative change agent delivering sustainable revenue generation through charitable fundraising and improvements in organizational efficiency.

Executive Leadership Competencies:

Vision and Growth • Charitable Fundraising • Change Management • Legal • Brand Identity

Loss Prevention • Real Estate • Mergers & Acquisitions

Roll Ups • Transition & Growth • Corporate Governance

Philanthropic Board Memberships – focused on Non-Profit charitable organizations:

• Archie Griffin Scholarship Fund – raises money to support non-revenue sports in Central Ohio.

• St. Charles Preparatory School – College preparatory school. Also serves on Development Committee.

• St. Paul Parish – As Chairman of Capital Campaign raised over $15 million to build new church.

• Material Assistance Providers – former Chairman of annual Gala, and fundraiser.

• St. Anthony Hospital – former member of Development Committee, and event organizer.

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

AUDUBON BELL, LLC, Columbus, OH 2005-Present

MANAGING MEMBER/ CEO

A leadership company specializing in business development, growth, and legal services by providing strategic direction, business planning, and organizational effectiveness. On-site corporate leadership identifying strategies to develop and implement into sustainable best practices for new and mature organizations.

Moochie & Co.: Chief Executive Officer 2005-2014

Senior Business Advisor

Developed and grew a specialty retail chain of twelve stores selling unique products for dogs, cats, people and their homes. Leader of rapid growth resulting in expansion from one store to twelve. Direct management responsibility for all non-merchandising functions. In addition, started a wholesale business and opened 50 miniature stores in veterinary clinics and pet boarding facilities. Transitioned to investor in February, 2014.

Provide management expertise and strategic direction for businesses in varied industries:

• Pet Palette, LLC - a unique, one-of-a-kind distributor for the pet industry, specializing in unique and high-end products for mid to high-end pet boutiques.

• ComResource, Inc. – Information Technology solutions provider and program delivery services with project managers, business analysts, IT architects, developers.

• SealPak Innovations LTD – manufacturer of automotive accessories and truck merchandise.

• Strategic Financial - provides business valuation and financial advisory services to emerging growth and middle market companies.

• Jones Builders, Inc. – home builder and remodeler.

Attorney-at-Law

Representing individuals and families in estate planning and administration, and charitable giving strategies.

Personal practice representing companies in business growth strategies, transactions, capital funding and M&A.

BIG LOTS, INC. (BLI), Columbus, OH 1987-2004

A $4.5 billion NYSE company with 1500 general merchandise stores and 45,000 associates.

CHIEF ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICER 2000-2004

• Leader of the executive team, Vice Chairman of the Board of Directors, responsible for the strategic and tactical direction of the company. Leading all support functions including Finance, Real Estate, Human Resources, Information Technology, Loss Prevention, Legal, Construction and Procurement.

ALBERT J. BELL,J.D. PAGE 2

H: 614-***-**** C: 614-***-**** ace2dk@r.postjobfree.com

• Led development and implementation of a 5-year Strategic Initiative Program designed to rebuild company. Plan had five goals: Building The Team, Building The Brand, Customer Driven Merchandise, Customer Driven Stores and Supply Chain Improvement.

• Championed the initiative to build one brand identity from four different store names impacting 650 stores throughout the United States. Awarded by the Board of Directors the investment of $175 million to upgrade store presentation.

• Developed and implemented store standards, training programs and marketing plans to Re-Grand Open the stores. Efforts resulted in sales increases of 20%.

• Media Ready: Appeared on CNBC, CNN, MSNBC, and local media as spokesperson for the Company.

EXECUTIVE VICE PRESIDENT 1995 – 2000

• Led growth of Big Lots, Inc. from 200 stores, $300 million chain operating in seven states, to a 1500 store, $4.5 billion chain operating in 46 states.

• Led major acquisitions including the 1300 store chain KB Toys and a $1 billion merger with MacFrugal’s/Pic-n-Save.

• Managed the sale of the KB Toys division in 2000 leading company to “single focus, single brand” strategy.

• Oversaw the Finance Department through challenging refinancings, divestiture and SEC reviews.

• Hired or promoted numerous Vice President and Director level individuals, then trained, motivated and managed them into successful executives.

• Managerial Courage: Replaced the CIO and other executives in the Information Technology Department, leading to a strategic alignment of IT services with the needs of the business while reducing expenses.

• Senior Sponsor of Human Resources organization of 100+ professionals, which included training/development, compensation/benefits, recruiting, associate relations and HRIS.

• Team Member Engagement: Led project “Q12” partnering with the Gallup organization to measure associate engagement. Over a 3-year period, instituted programs which moved scores into the top quartile. Personally received highest score for a senior executive in Gallup’s history.

SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT 1992 – 1995

• Full scope and P&L of all facets of opening over 90 new stores annually.

• Brand Extension: Initiated and created Big Lots Furniture Stores and furniture departments in existing stores.

• Talent Acquisition: Hired two experienced executives, established a full business strategy, and managed rapid development of a new furniture concept.

• Led growth of the Furniture division from a new concept to $600 million in annual sales and $250 million in gross profit with furniture now being sold in all Big Lots stores as a leading category.

• Initiated a strategy to reduce shrinkage at all stores, while simultaneously reducing overhead. Partnered with store operations to integrate loss prevention ownership.

• Technology Driven: Pioneered the introduction of advanced technology with 35% cost reductions and a 30% drop in shrinkage, resulting in adding $40 million to the bottom line.

VICE PRESIDENT, GENERAL COUNSEL AND SECRETARY 1987 – 2000

• Planned all Board of Directors and Board committee meetings and activities. Served as a Senior Advisor to fellow Board members on numerous difficult and complex matters.

• Instituted corporate controls and processes required for Sarbanes-Oxley certification and attestation, including establishment of internal audit function.

• Played key role in preparation and presentation of financial results to analyst and key investors at annual meetings, conferences, quarterly analyst teleconferences and investor meetings.

EDUCATION / AFFILIATIONS

Juris Doctorate Degree, Capital University Law School, Columbus, Ohio

Bachelor of Arts, The Ohio State University, Columbus, Ohio

Supreme Court of the United States, admitted to practice before the Court

American Bar Association, Ohio State Bar Association, Columbus Bar Association

National Association of Corporate Real Estate Executives, International Council of Shopping Centers

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