I work with businesses that practice as sustainably as possible and that aspire to be world-leaders without compromising ethics and integrity. I am a self-driven entrepreneur with a 30-year record of supporting and/or leading firms from concept->launch->international marketing.
I learned during good times and learned more during difficult times. I know how a business can prosper through all situations with good management, with the right mix of conservatism and assertiveness, and most importantly, with honesty and teamwork.
I look to understand and find a fair balance between the wants and needs of customers (most importantly), and suppliers, staff, executives and shareholders, and look to communicate with them to achieve the company vision and provide practical solutions to their problems.
Global Operations and Finance
Orba Shoes Ltd. (July 2020 – Present)
I’m honored to be working to help develop, test, manufacture and market the “Orba Ghost”, a sneaker that is “designed to biodegrade”. A world first, in the way we’re doing it! This is a stylish street sneaker that is thoughtfully designed for the planet and the people, as it is crafted from highly renewable plant-based materials. Our aim is to help solve the problem of 20 billion polluting shoes made per year that will finish in landfill.
Chief Operating Officer
Extreme UAN LLC (Jan 2017 – Oct 2021)
Project: Develop a heavy lifting autonomous UAV capable of carrying 140 kg in extreme conditions and related business planning and implementation.
Responsibilities:
• Project “ownership”.
• Business strategy, detailed planning, implementation.
• Support and mentor on going software development and prepare for prototype build and test.
• Support CEO in raising venture capital.
Role Overview & Achievements:
• Conceived all aspects of a unique and effective go to market strategy, including brand and image development.
• Project completed to equip CEO and Board for Venture Capital raise.
Business Development Consultant
Amano Corporation Ltd. (Jan 2009 – Dec 2017)
- Business development, sales & marketing, software development for sustainability clients:
- Energy Hero Ltd
- The Wgtn Power Saver Ltd
- Phatt Bros Insulation
- Dollar Solar Australia Pty
- The Total Saver Ltd
- China National Silk Corp
- Tianjin Chengdu Verlinde Engineering Corporation
- 3rd Millennium Electric Vehicles Ltd
Chief Executive Officer
Amano Corporation Ltd. (Jan 2005 – Dec 2009)
Responsibilities:
• The firm delivered market feasibility, market development and market entry strategies for western companies entering Japan, and Asian firms entering western markets, preparing business plans, identifying and making relationships with in-market partners, supported/executed business plans as required by clients.
• Identified and signed 20 (approx.) clients for entry into Japan and North Asian markets.
• Maintain client relationships, oversee in-market staff.
• Recruited, trained, mentored and responsible for 12 employees.
• NZ, Australian and US-based clients, public listed corporate and private company clients.
• NZ Trade and Enterprise referrals to myself as a business mentor.
• Lived in Japan and China.
• Worked (amongst others) with Itochu Japan (12 months), a big six trading company.
• Worked (amongst others) with China National Silk Corporation (30 months), one of China’s 10 largest trading companies.
Role Overview & Achievements:
• Relationships with senior level business and business people in the relevant markets.
• Knowledge of the correct way to enter several international markets.
• Supervised, negotiated and granted Japanese patents and launched technology products as a result.
• Identifying and quantifying the business opportunity in Japan, conducting feasibility studies.
• Ministerial trade missions (Paul Swain NZ Minister of Trade).
• Conference speaker, conference and trade show delegations.
• Employees bought the business while I moved to focus on one client (electric bicycles consultant).
Self-Employed (25 years)
Accountant in Public Practice
- Tax Accountant and Business Advisor for selected international clients.
Commercial Manager
Project: 900 new home residential property development, plus including new village centers, mixed use commercial zones, entertainment, recreational and educational areas.
Responsibilities:
• Employed by the landowners to re-jig and manage the go to market stage of the business development process after initial results that had been less than satisfactory.
• Re-position and define major activities to ensure the initial reason for the project, namely the project owners’ ethical values, are able to be achieved.
Role Overview & Achievements:
• Address sales and marketing issues, business systems issues, long term business and financial planning, and restructure banking and finance relationships. Review and improve management especially in construction. Cut unnecessary costs.
• Removed factors that were ineffective or obstructive to the business.
Tech Venture Capital / CEO / Managing Director / Co-Founder
Companies: Advanced Communication Technologies (NZ), Angel Capital Limited, Exicom Technologies Limited; and related group of companies and subsidiaries.
Responsibilities:
• Financed, directed and managed sales for 15 software and technology start-ups.
• Sales & Business consulting
• Grew the group from concept, zero to 250 employees, zero to 420 private investors.
Role Overview & Achievements:
• Grew the group from concept, zero to 250 employees, zero to 420 private investors.
• BACCIS in global partnership with Tandem Computers (later Hewlett Packard Enterprise) from concept to 150 staff, $28 million turnover, ready for $400 million NASDAQ float.
• Exicom Technologies Ltd, electronics manufacturing especially radio, managed from receivership to 60 staff and $12 million turnover.
• ProTouch Hospitality Cash register system from 25 to 1000 lanes in 5 countries.
• Globe.Net Communications Ltd, Internet Service Provider and Web Development Company.
• VAM (Value Added Metering), then a world first smart electricity metering system. Exited by trade sale to Electricity Utility.
• Speeches.com, web-based automatic speech writer. Exited by sale to management.
• Contracts and sales operations developed in 67 countries.