Jim has a proven record of successfully managing financial and business results across multiple industries. As CEO of a privately held holding company for the past eight years, he led the successful growth of operations across multiple locations. His strong background in acquisitions, integration, strategic planning and team development resulted in successful enterprises for all stakeholders.

Previously, Jim served as Vice President of Finance and Head of Mergers and Acquisitions for Dairy Farmers of America, Inc. In this capacity, he was responsible for supporting the financing and strategic aspects related to DFA, while managing transaction activities of the company. Jim served as Director of Corporate Development at Sprint Nextel Corporation and Director of Business Development responsible for the Mobile Financial Services Group at Sprint PCS.  He served as Managing Director in the investment banking division of Hoak Breedlove Wesneski & Co.’s Leawood, Kansas office, and spent twelve years in various locations within the NationsBanc organization including Managing Director of Corporate Finance at NationsBanc Montgomery Securities, LLC and Senior Vice President of Corporate Finance with NationsBank. Jim began his banking career with Commerce Bank of Kansas City in their commercial banking department.

Jim has been responsible for the origination, structuring, negotiation and integration of numerous successful transactions valued at more than $5Bn including public and private debt, mezzanine and equity capital placements, mergers and acquisitions, shareholder value enhancements and strategic planning. He has started and directed two successful business units and has significant experience within the food, telecommunications and financial services sectors. From 1978 to 1984, Jim served as an Officer in the United States Navy.

Jim earned a B.S. degree from the United States Naval Academy and holds an M.B.A. from Rockhurst University.

Jim and his wife reside in Overland Park, Kansas.