Drone Interdiction, Very Light Jet & UAV Strategy Executive
Resume:
KERRY S. LEPPO
CUSTOMER CENTRIC "C" LEVEL EXECUTIVE
Beverly, Massachusetts, US
***********@*****.***
CORE COMPETANCIES
Poised to pivot
PROFESSIONAL SUMMARY
Kerry is a transformative C-suite leader with a proven record of scaling organizations from early-stage inception to multi-million-dollar revenue milestones. Combining agency-side agility with client-side precision, he specializes in identifying shifting customer demand drivers to build sustainable competitive advantages for both B2B and B2C legacy enterprises.
A sophisticated architect of brand value, Kerry integrates deep expertise in marketing innovation with a rigorous financial background spanning investment banking, private equity, and complex DoD procurement. This unique dual-lens allows him to deliver operational excellence while navigating the capital requirements of large-scale transformations.
Beyond the boardroom, Kerry is a recognized thought leader who has guest lectured at the Babson Graduate School of Business and appeared on prominent industry podcasts. His leadership is further informed by a high-performance background in professional motorsports and the arts; as a former partner in a NASCAR Xfinity Series racing team and an active musician, he brings a unique perspective on team synchronization and brand sponsorship in high-pressure, high-visibility environments.
New Products Development & New Manufacturing Processes Development
Adept Business Acumen
Transition/Change Management including Mergers & Acquisitions
WORK EXPERIENCE
TRANSCENDENT AEROSPACE, INC 2018 - present
President, CMO, Co-Founder - Providence, RI & Colorado Springs, CO
•Launched two new Very Light Jet (VLJ) aircraft at 2019 Dubai Airshow that generated 300 orders and over 100 requests for flight demonstrations.
Strategic Thinker
Raised $40 M in Private Equity capital to begin full production.
Strategic Partnership Relations & Designing Competitive Barriers
Marketing & Advertising Expertise
Brand Development & Positioning, Marketing Strategies, Tactics, Promotions and Sponsorships
• Pivoted the company to expand product line to include UAVs during Covid 19 shutdown.
•Negotiating with three countries to acquire manufacturing rights and the IP for two VLJs and two UAVs
BRIGGS CAPITAL, LLC 2009- - 2018
Partner - Dedham, MA
•Closed 24 successful mergers and acquisitions of emerging and middle market companies.
Led as interim executive for seven 'turnaround' businesses to insure successful investment banking project implementation.
Produced all business valuations, market place analyses and systematic due diligence for investment firm clients.
RELEVANT WORK
EXPERIENCE
Abbot, Ames Advertising, Inc. - CEO, Creative Director, Founder - Boutique broadcast and print ad agency.
Developed all new business pitches and client advertising strategies. Managed client services and relationships for our clients including John Hancock Financial Services, Braun, Gillette (Personal Care Div), Rowenta and Butcher Block Meats in our client base. Merged with Wickerham, Hunt, Schwartner (a Division of Arnold International).
KSG INNOVATIONS, INC 2005 - 2009
CMO, President, Board Member - Dedham, MA
•Created and designed our manufacturing systems, marketing, branding, advertising and product launch. Developed sales networks for specific product verticals and training materials for our sales force.
•Sold $4M USD in just first year's revenue eventually including clients such as Nike, Polartec, US Army and Columbia Sporting Goods in our client base. Our IP was evsold to J&G Coatings a subsidiary of Exxon, Naples, FL
KESTRAL COMMUNICATIONS, INC 1996 - 2005
COO, Board Member - Westwood, MA
•Achieved status as largest national distributor of consumer software for nearly a year with clients from Fortune 1000 companies such as AT&T, AOL, Sprint, Dish Network and AMEX.
EXTRA-CURRICULAR ACTIVITIES
•Advertising Club of Greater Boston Hatch Award received on numerous occasions recognizing the BEST of Boston's Advertising and Marketing community.
•Publisher of MusicWorld magazine photographing acts and interviews including Bonnie Raitt, James Taylor, Emmie Lou Harris, Kinks, 38 Special, The Eagles, Robert Palmer among many others.
•Produced FOX TV show
Sportfishing the Northeast.
•Sportfishing videographer - Petersburg, Alaska.
•Partnership with Retired Harlem Globetrotters promoting Health & Wellness for communities in Tuskegee, AL.
Won licensed software content contracts totaling $9M USD for our online customer retention, incentive and loyalty programs.
Originated the marketing model of "Product is Free" just cover cost of "Shipping and Handling."
EDUCATION BOSTON COLLEGE
Chestnut Hill, MA
Biology Major, Chemistry Minor, Four-year full athletic scholarship, NCAA D1 Men's Track Record Holder.
HARVARD COLLEGE
Cambridge, MA
Marketing, Entrepreneurship and Executive-Role courses completed at the Business School
ENTREPRENEURSHIP OUTREACH
Advisory Board Member & Mentor, F.W. Olin School, Babson Graduate School of Business, 2019- present.
Mentor, Pitch Contest Judge & Advisory Board Member, The Venture Forum (TVF) of Worcester & Central MA, 501(c)(3), 2018-present.
Contact this candidate