Lisa W.

Strategic Finance Leader | Driving Profitability & Operational Efficiency in Logistics

Greater Milwaukee

About

Experienced leader adept at steering business success through finance, risk management, insurance, and compliance. Skilled in identifying inefficiencies, fostering teamwork, and driving growth. Known for crafting adaptable business models and igniting process improvements for enhanced efficiency. Dynamic financial executive with a proven track record of driving growth and ensuring compliance. Strong leadership abilities focused on innovation and continuous improvement.

Experience

  • Controller at Direct Drive Logistics
    Jul 2024 - Present · 2 yrs

  • Majority Owner - Vacation Rental Properties at Self-employed
    Mar 2018 - Present · 8 yrs 4 mos

    • Oversee property management, compliance with state and local laws, financials, and vendor management. • Continuously make property enhancements reflective of marketing studies and research to maintain optimal occupancy and profitability at each property. • Achieved and maintained a Superhost status with Airbnb since 2018, with around 70-75% occupancy.

  • Vice President, Finance & Business Administration at Kühlhaus Logistics Systems
    Jul 2019 - Jul 2024 · 5 yrs 1 mo

    Responsible for comprehensive business oversight, encompassing finance, compliance, and fiscal management. Provide strategic leadership to drive business growth and operational efficiency, focusing on budgeting, profitability, growth, compliance, and safety. I manage day-to-day financial operations including accounts payable, accounts receivable, payroll, and contract management and oversaw all Human Resource functions, including recruitment, onboarding, and policy enforcement. - Increased sales from $3M to $7.5M and expanded the fleet from 13 to 20 trucks through effective risk management. - Developed scalable business models and standardized operational protocols tailored to unique market needs, including transforming the company’s COGS account management and O2C Process. - Reduced financial transaction errors by 75% over 3 months through the implementation of streamlined processes. - Achieved 81% annual savings by renegotiating contracts and establishing new vendor relationships. - Reduced daily financial closing time from 5 hours to 2 hours. - Implemented a new payroll service provider, reducing workload on tax filings and establishing employee benefits and savings programs. - Developed and implemented employee handbooks, safety policies, and contract packages to ensure compliance and protect the company. - Prepared and presented comprehensive financial and company safety reports to investors and industry regulators resulting in successful completion of Unemployment, OSHA, Department of Labor, and DOT Audits. - Led risk management initiatives by overseeing all company insurance and claims, conducting audits, and collaborating with stakeholders to enhance operational efficiency and safety protocols. - Conducted forensic analyses during critical due diligence, identifying $120k in irrelevant accounts payable and later uncovering a $2.3 million loss in misrepresented assets, demonstrating strong risk management skills.

  • Northwestern Mutual (Full-time · 14 yrs 1 mo)
    • Business Project Management Consultant
      May 2020 - Apr 2021 · 1 yr

      Led intricate cross-departmental projects aimed at driving business growth through process enhancement and system development, resulting in cost savings and increased profitability. I provided expert analysis of state regulations, mitigated compliance risks, and ensured alignment with company systems, all while mentoring staff and facilitating data-driven decision-making. - Independently led complex cross-departmental projects, ensuring adherence to scope, risk, and schedules, while collaborating with diverse teams to ensure effective risk management and project success. - Assumed risk management responsibilities, continuously evolving and refining processes to proactively address potential issues. - Developed a centralized repository for company-wide forms, reducing costs and enabling streamlined digital development, orchestrating the consolidation of over 100 forms into electronic formats. - Implemented innovative solutions utilizing digital application forms and e-signature capabilities, which led to increased sales opportunities amidst the COVID-19 pandemic. Demonstrated strategic risk management by updating application forms through consolidation for enhanced efficiency and adaptability.

    • Product Compliance Consultant
      Nov 2011 - May 2020 · 8 yrs 7 mos

      Oversaw complex corporate filing projects for insurance contracts, forms, and digital products. Serving as a central Subject-Matter Expert, I collaborated across internal departments to guide compliant product design and operational strategies, streamlining state approval processes. I acted as a liaison between internal teams and regulatory agencies, providing valuable insights into regulatory requirements, changes, and procedural enhancements across diverse product domains. - Oversaw comprehensive compliance efforts for product development, launches, and ongoing management. This included managing state filing processes, negotiating with regulators and cross-functional teams, and providing guidance on compliance and risk mitigation strategies. - Fostered relationships to guarantee timely delivery of contracts, forms, and marketing materials, aligning with business strategy. Integrated compliance and efficiency measures to balance quality and operational effectiveness. - Led a strategic state filing process, achieving notable time and cost savings. Demonstrated expertise in process optimization and secured approval for a hybrid Life/LTC policy across all states, highlighting dedication to product integrity and effective negotiation skills. - Introduced process enhancements that lowered costs, increased efficiency, and upheld compliance standards. Implemented innovative tools for revision control and ensured consistent responses to regulatory agencies. Proactively researched and interpreted regulatory changes to facilitate policy adjustments aligned with evolving industry standards.

    • Senior Long-Term Care Specialist | Long-Term Care Specialist
      Nov 2008 - Nov 2011 · 3 yrs 1 mo

      Provided guidance, support, and consultation to insurance agents on marketing strategies and industry knowledge. I developed and implemented marketing strategies and materials for various audiences, led sales presentation training schools and seminars for the field, and played a pivotal role in driving sales revenue through effective marketing initiatives. - Increased sales revenue through effective marketing strategies and materials. - Enhanced insurance agent credentials and promoted repeat sales via strategic marketing initiatives, training schools, and seminars. - Collaborated with insurance agents to optimize retirement planning and financial security solutions for their clients. - Orchestrated diverse advertising campaigns targeting various audiences, showcasing versatility in marketing approach. - Coordinated the implementation of various materials and support resources, showcasing my ability to manage multifaceted projects. - Led pivotal projects, including the introduction of a new product and improvements to internal systems, driving innovation and enhancing user experiences.