Strategic CFO Hire Fuels Next-Stage Evolution of Market Leader

The
Client

Park Industries, North America’s largest countertop and architectural fabrication equipment manufacturer

Park Industries is an award-winning, family-owned manufacturer and distributor of high-precision capital equipment used for residential and commercial stone cutting and fabrication.

They employ nearly 350 team members and, in over 70 years of rich history, have earned a reputation for innovation, exceptional customer service, and a differentiated company culture.

The Challenge

Positioning for the next stage of growth during a market slowdown

Park’s newest CEO Joan Schatz, a 17-year veteran of the company, had developed a 5-year strategic growth plan in partnership with the company's highly talented, independent Board of Directors.

The company faced some slowdown due to the current market cycle of new home starts. However, they realized it was an opportune time to make intelligent investments and creative capital expenditures to prepare for the next market upswing, particularly knowing the severe shortage of homes in the US.

Park reached out to us for help preparing for this next stage of growth.

The Solution

Recruiting an experienced CFO who would be a strong cultural fit

With a solid balance sheet and targeted growth opportunities, Park needed a seasoned CFO who could intelligently drive the company's investments into organic and potential inorganic growth initiatives. As the CEO’s right-hand advisor, the ideal executive candidate would have experience in manufacturing and would seamlessly align with Park’s unique people-first culture.

Using our PrecisonPath™ process, we cast an incredibly wide net, engaging 172 CFO prospects in/around the western Minneapolis metro, central Minnesota, and surrounding regional markets. During this phase, we clearly articulated a highly engaging, detailed storyline about Park’s ethos, leadership team, and history.

By serving as compelling client ambassadors, we attracted and retained the interest of prospects who would be an invaluable asset to Park’s uniquely strong culture and growth opportunities.

The Outcome

A CFO with a proven track record in strategic leadership

"I had an exceptional experience working with Cultura. They invested a significant amount of time getting to know me, not only from a career perspective but also from a personal one. The process never once felt "transactional.” And their "opportunity overview portal" was invaluable in helping me navigate the critical due diligence phase of the process."

Park chose to hire an experienced CFO we recruited directly from Upsher-Smith, where he served as CAO overseeing finance, IT, and administrative functions. Prior to his time at Upsher-Smith, he held several key finance and corporate development roles at Medtronic and spent earlier career time with KPMG.

He has made a substantial impact already, enhancing Park’s strong culture and advancing its strategic planning efforts as the company moves into its next stage of growth.

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