Sales Management

DELIVERING STRATEGIC LEADERSHIP FOR

James S. Ford... TOP-LINE GROWTH AND BOTTOM-LINE IMPACT

PO Box 15262 • Plantation, FL 33318 • 954-***-**** • ***********@*******.***

Senior Operations / General Management Executive who partners with company leadership to

formulate and implement business strategies, processes and controls that build corporate value and

drive organizational growth and expansion. Guides companies through tumultuous and changing

market conditions by cultivating talents and skills of employees to create cohesive, productive and

responsive multi-site teams that build revenue, enhance efficiencies, profitability and client service.

Recognized for an exemplary work ethic, strategic focus, integrity and perseverance. Notable

strengths and successes…

Driving Change for Organizational Cohesiveness: Tripled client base and grew market share, year over

year at the Neptune Society. Created a paradigm shift and fostered cooperation between sales and

operational teams through training and behavioral seminars and institution of incentive plans that

rewarded both segments.

Delivering Focus for Top and Bottom-Line Improvement: Grew market share by 200 basis points to 24%+,

reducing A/R $10M+ on $100M revenue and strengthened employee morale at Service Corporation

International Australia (SCIA). Executed wholesale restructuring of senior leadership and conducted

town hall meetings to address morale issues, communicate vision and emphasize role and value of

each of 1,300+ staff, at the 155 locations, to resolving out of control receivables, service issues and

declining market share.

Facilitating Inorganic Growth: Undertook start-up of newly established region at Service Corporation

International (SCI), incorporating 250+ existing and acquired locations across seven states, into the

organizational structure and building $250M region. Established strong regional leadership team that

progressed, as key contributors, to increasingly senior positions.

Critical Competencies that Drive Tangible Business Outcomes

Strategic / Tactical Planning and Execution Multi-site Management

Operations Management Process Improvements

Start-up, Turnaround and Fast Growth Client / Business Relationship Management

Financial / P&L Management M&A / Acquisition Integration

Cost Analysis, Controls and Reductions Contract Negotiations / Vendor Management

Global Operations Cross-functional Team Building, Leadership and

Human Resources Leadership Training

A Career of Delivering Organizational Growth, Stability and Service Excellence

NEPTUNE MANAGEMENT CORPORATION / THE NEPTUNE SOCIETY

The largest provider of affordable cremation services in the US.

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER / SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT, CREMATION OPERATIONS,

Plantation, FL, 2004 – November 2013

Joined organization to drive both organic and inorganic growth. Worked with sales and financial leadership teams

to formulate budgets, staff goals and roll out new company policies. Managed multiple vendor and state

regulatory relationships.

Grew revenues to $103M on $95M budget for y/e 2013.

Attained A+ rating with the Better Business Bureau.

Oversaw operations during period of significant growth from 13 to 60+ locations, plus 12 NCS locations in

three states.

Served as point person with Service Corporation International, following its 70% acquisition of Neptune.

James S. Ford Page 2

SERVICE CORPORATION INTERNATIONAL

North America’s largest single provider of funeral, cremation and cemetery services, with a presence throughout the US and Canada,

REGIONAL PRESIDENT, Indianapolis, IN, 2000 – 2003

Upon completion of a critical two-year engagement in Australia, returned to oversee Indianapolis-based region.

Faced with turbulent market conditions, tasked with providing both top and bottom line growth. Accountable for

operations, sales and financial performance.

Improved operating profit 13% on same store comparisons, through streamlining.

Exceeded financial expectations in 2001 and 2002 and ahead of plan through first 10 months of 2003.

CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER, SCI AUSTRALIA, Sydney, Australia, 1998 – 2000

Following SCI’s acquisition of 150+ locations throughout Australia, chosen to grow market share and significantly

enhance financial performance. Maintained full accountability for operations and finance, reporting to

International Division Vice President and the COO of Service Corporation International.

Rebuilt senior leadership team within first six months.

Improved cash flow $10M on $100M revenue by coaching employees on collections techniques.

Exceed financial goals year over year, through aggressive public relations initiatives and merchandise

changes.

REGIONAL PRESIDENT, Kansas City, MO, 1996 – 1998

Relocated from Chicago to support domestic reorganization, following explosive growth in the preceding year.

Selected for newly created position, with operational, sales and financial oversight of what grew into a 250-

location, $300M region.

Leased new regional office space, hired administrative staff and reorganized field operations, including

promotion of key performers to vice president and area management positions.

Improved financial and operational efficiencies by increasing utilization of personnel and assets with the

creation of several centralized cost efficient facilities that better utilized assets in given markets.

Worked closely with corporate development team on property acquisition and mergers.

Surpassed profitability expectations during both fiscal years of involvement with this region.

REGIONAL / ASSISTANT REGIONAL VICE PRESIDENT, Denver, CO / Chicago, IL, 1990 – 1996

AREA GENERAL MANAGER, CEMETERY DIVISION, Denver, CO, 1987 – 1990

Initially joined SCI to turn around recently acquired facilities, and progressed from oversight of four, 14 and

subsequently 100+ locations, with accountability for financial performance vs. budget. Integrally involved in staffing,

vendor relationships and execution of corporate policies, standards and procedures.

Achieved settlement, as lead negotiator with cemetery union, during strike impacting over 30 locations.

Rolled out enterprise software solution for sales and operational reporting, working with KPMG and Oracle for

development of the proprietary product.

Led implementation of new pricing models and staff training protocols.

Member of Illinois, Michigan, and Wisconsin Cemetery Boards of Directors and member of the Board of Indiana

Funeral Directors Association.

Education

Biology Major

Loyola Marymount University, Los Angeles, CA

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