Louis Zappa
*** ****** ****, **. *********, Florida 32086 ~ 904-***-**** ~ *****.*****@*****.***
Finance / Analyst
Solution oriented, multi-disciplined, management accountant with experience managing and impacting
outcomes through coordination of people, resources and processes. Confident communicator with
extensive track record of optimizing results.
CORE COMPETENCIES
Full P & L Responsibility ~ Team Building & Leadership ~ Analytical ~ Troubleshooting
Human Resources ~ Process Improvement ~ High Growth / Start-up / Turnaround
• Change Agent, leads development, communication and implementation of strategy, systems and
behavioral change thereby constantly achieving higher levels of performance.
• Focus on stabilizing situations quickly followed by innovating areas most likely to show largest
gain. Analysis combined with a balance of persistence and adaptability creates the ability to
consistently perform as well as respond to unique and unpredictable situations.
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CAREER OVERVIEW
The Garden Wholesale, Inc., General Manager (2010 – 2014) Jacksonville, Florida
Hands on integration and transition of distribution center, more than doubling bottom line results within
18 months, by reorganizing systems and establishing values, expectations, communications and team
approach focused on Customer Service.
• Improved data quality and decision-making processes by revising accounting & non-accounting
systems to provide clearer, faster and more accurate information.
• Implemented budgeting process including cost analysis and establishing pricing objectives.
• Documented systems to improve communications, effectiveness, reduce costs, pricing,
transportation, analysis and streamline planning.
• Materially, reduced overhead by negotiating financing and business insurance coverage.
• Reduced Customer Turnover by implementing Customer Satisfaction System to identify and resolve
customer issues involving procurement through order fulfillment.
• Increased Sales by developing forecasting, training and communication driven expectations
along with support systems and processes.
IPA and Watermark Management, Business Consultant (2003 - 2010) Buffalo Grove, IL
Improved cash flow, profitability and goal achievement by evaluating and implementing alternative
approaches to core business functions for clients.
• Established purpose driven plans/goals/budgets and developed systems that impact results.
• Analyzed tax and accounting records to locate issues and opportunities.
• Focused on process (operational) and profit improvement utilizing holistic approach.
• As an interim director, improved cost controls and operational delivery processes, reducing
costs by over 50% and increasing revenue by over 20% resulting in turning a losing
healthcare operation to profitability in less than 3 months.
Beach Marine, General Manager (2003-2004) Jacksonville Beach, Florida
Oversaw operations, people and financial activities of the largest marina in Northeast Florida.
• Streamlined and revised business management and tenant controls.
• Developed and implemented detailed goal setting and budget/projection process.
• Executed improved decision making and profit enhancement strategies.
Louis Zappa Page 2 of 2
320 Linden Road, St. Augustine, Florida 32086 ~ 904-***-**** ~ *****.*****@*****.***
Conch House Marina Resort, General Manager (1997-2002) St. Augustine, Florida
Directed operations for family owned resort including restaurant, marina, motel and retail operations.
• Designed and implemented management accounting, reporting and budget systems.
• Direct responsibility for P & L and administrative functions, 165 employees.
• Established ongoing financial, human resource & operational system analysis including
continuous program to improve profit margins, sales and cash flow.
ServiceMaster Rehabilitation, President (1990-1997) St. Augustine, Florida
Served as chief operating officer for high growth start-up health care firm. Primary financial and
operational responsibility for $40 MM budget with over 500 employees in 45 locations.
• Facilitated the strategic planning process including decisions on people, customers, budget,
technology and operations.
• As acting CFO revised business plan to improve profitability and validate accounting and
productivity information, directly resulting in taking the business from an operating loss to
exceeding budgeted profit by 250%.
• Led team in the development of mission statement, strategic plans and related business
operating plans and budgets. Resulting in 1300% growth in two years.
• Also served as CFO, Chief Administrative Officer and V.P. Human Resources for predecessor
organization (Horizons Rehabilitation). Responsible for project planning and implementation,
including corporate relations, financial analysis, client relations, training, development and
overall corporate administration.
Educational Credentials:
University of Louisville – Juris Doctorate Louisville, Kentucky
Wayne State University – B.S. in Business Administration (Finance) Detroit, Michigan
Professional Affiliations:
Licensed Florida Health and Life Agent
Member of SHRM
St. Augustine Bible Institute and College – Past Director
Marine Industry Association of Northeast Florida (Past President)
Instructor – St. Johns County Schools, Community Education