Steve Zingsheim

About

As a highly-motivated and results orientated executive within the building products distribution and manufacturing sectors, I have a proven track record of providing exemplary operational improvement results to our client’s bottom line.

My 30 years of experience providing impactful results in industry has benefited our clients in rapidly identifying opportunities and effectively implementing profitable change.

I am most passionate about improving our client’s utilization of the data they own and available external data to drive operational improvements in pricing, cost, margin, revenue, inventory and logistics. I believe in transparency and accountability when delivering business analytics. I strive to develop business analytics that are intuitive and actionable to drive decision making without the additional interpretation that is needed when viewing mainstream “out of the box” business intelligence platforms.

I enjoy expanding my personal and professional relationships thru my past and present clients and industry trade associations.

Resume

SENIOR EXECUTIVE with 30 years of progressive experience in strategic planning and producing industry-leading results in commercial and industrial markets. Diversified business leader that significantly expanded the company’s footprint, market share, operational efficiency’s, revenue and EBIT. Strong track record of developing staffs and organizations via teamwork continuous improvement. Well networked with customers at an executive level, competitors and suppliers. Demonstrated strengths include:

• Strategic Business acumen
• Value proposition and profit optimization
• Creative branding and vertical marketing
• Identifying emerging customer trends
• Multi- Channel sales development
• Pricing optimization
• Performance enhancement & succession planning
• Major account development
• Product life cycle strategies
• Organizational effectiveness
• Contract management and execution
• Resource deployment

Employment Experience

2017-Present
Managing Partner Exactus Advisors LLP.  |  Chicago, IL
Exactus Advisors is a Chicago boutique advisory firm specializing in driving operational improvement. We excel in quickly addressing complex business problems for our clients, providing the roadmap and support to deliver maximum value. We work with you and are a force multiplier to your management team, helping illuminate the greatness of your employees. We are direct, to the point and very passionate about the work, results and success of our clients. We provide exactly what you value—and exactly what you need.

2014-2017
Senior Advisor Liberty Advisor Group  |  Chicago, IL
Liberty Advisor Group is a mission-focused advisory and strategic consulting firm. We partner with our clients to solve their most complex business issues and improve enterprise value. Our experienced team has a proven track record in Business and Technology Transformation, Data Analytics, Business Threat Intelligence, and Mergers and Acquisitions. We offer original thinking combined with factual data to develop comprehensive, situation-specific solutions that work. With straight talk and proven results, we accelerate growth, drive efficiency and reduce risks.

1996-2013
SVP/GM Bradley Corporation  |   Menomonee Falls WI
Industry leading manufacturer of commercial plumbing fixtures and washroom accessories. A privately held company since 1921 in its fourth generation of family ownership. Financially strong and historically profitable with a positive reputation for new product innovation and strong brand recognition. The multi-channel sales approach has expanded sales; offset downturns in the economy, competitor penetration threats and single, large customer vulnerability. Products are marketed to architects, plumbing engineers, design/build contractors and owners with distribution through industrial distributors, plumbing wholesalers, specialty distributors and contractors.

1993–1996 Kraft Foodservice, Inc. District Sales Manager
1990–1993 Reinhart Foods Inc. District Sales Manager
1987–1990 Sysco Food Service Sales Representative
1985-1987 Zinger’s Bar and Restaurant Owner

Education

1981-1985
University of Wisconsin  |   Madison, WI
Business Administration
Post college programs at UW – Madison – Business Management
Professional seminars on marketing, e-business, sales, strategic planning, national account management, distribution channel logistics, and product management

Affiliations:

American Supply Association, Construction Specifications Institute, American Society of Plumbing Engineers, Door and Hardware Institute, Plumbing Manufactures institute, National Safety Council, International Contract Management.

Publications:

Biz Times weekly (2010), The Wholesaler (1996, 1998, 2000, 2002, 2005, 2007, 2009), The Global business blog (2010), Money Talks (2010), Building operation management (2003), Recreation Management (2002), Supply House times (Numerous).

Hobbies:

Golf, Fishing, Community Service, Theater, politics, Macro/Micro Economics, Business owner and investor