Helping Companies Grow With Skillful Planning


I bring clarity, focus, and financial expertise to business challenges, regardless of their complexity. That’s what I find most business executives want, allowing them to focus on the things they do well.

Business solutions often seem simple after you identify them, but they are not always easy to spot, and they are usually hard to implement.

When I started as a consultant, one of my first clients was growing quickly and doing many things right, but cash was a real problem. After making sure that their reporting was good and doing some breakeven analysis, it became clear that their pricing structure was low by about 40%!

Much to their credit, they were able to make that phenomenal adjustment and put themselves on a stable footing. They were talented people with savvy advisors, but they needed help with finance.

I offer that kind of help, and I make it accessible and understandable.

In addition to my current consulting practice, my previous business experience is listed below.
Crosscut.com, Seattle, WA 2008-2009
COO/General Manager – Part time
Oversaw all business and technical aspects of this news Web site start-up.

Chicago Reader, Inc, Chicago, IL 2004-2008
COO and Publisher
In charge of all operations of this $35MM, multi-city newspaper company, including playing a key role in its sale to a larger company.

Seattle Auction House 2002-2008
Co-managing Member
From inception, responsible for financial operations and capital planning of this auction house of estates, fine furnishings and collectibles.

Barclay Seed Company, LLC, Seattle, WA 2002-2004
President, COO and Member
Together with primary investor, created this marketing company to import and sell the finest quality Dutch flower seed in the gift and floriculture industries. Responsible for all aspects, including procurement of products from both Europe and Asia.

Corporate Vat Management, Inc, Seattle, WA 2000-2002
CFO/VP Finance/Investor
Brought professional financial management to this rapidly growing financial software development company, completing first audit and dealing with venture capital firms.

Seattle Weekly 1981-2000
CEO/Publisher/Board Member
In roles of increasing responsibility beginning as general manager, oversaw all aspects of the Pacific Northwest’s largest weekly newspaper company, including the launch of a new division and the ultimate sale of the company.

Private consulting practice, Seattle, WA 1978-1981
Provided accounting and planning services to companies in the Seattle area.

Hilker Dingwall Associates, Seattle, WA 1975-1978
Company Manager
Managed multi-million dollar projects for this event promotion company.


Education

Bachelor of Arts, Finance, University of Washington, Seattle, WA
Stanford University Publishing Course: Curriculum for senior executives in publishing.
“How to Raise Private Equity Capital”, University of Washington CLE Program, 2001
Entrepreneurship Program, City University of Seattle, 2009
Social Media In Business Certificate program, University of Washington 2010 - 2011

Professional Associations/Affiliations

U of Washington Social Media in Business Certificate Program, Board Member
Member, Institute of Management Consultants
Seattle Children’s Hospital Autism Guild Board Treasurer, 2009-Present
ASTAR Center for Autism Treatment, Board Member 2003-2009
Association of Alternative Newsweeklies – Board Member/Treasurer, Executive Committee 1992-1994