RONALD L. ASKEW
Chief Executive Officer
RONALD L. ASKEW has significant experience in investment banking with an emphasis on the capital markets, financial restructuring and all facets of commercial banking.
Prior to being a founding member of the Askew Kabala Firm, Mr. Askew was a Managing Director and Partner of a prominent national investment banking firm, headquartered in Los Angeles and was executive vice president of Benefit Capital Company; investment banking firms engaged in mergers and acquisitions, mezzanine and subordinated debt financing, capital formation, and consultation with management and shareholders on client and company value drivers to enhance shareholder value. His responsibilities included corporate marketing, client relationships, contract negotiation, maintaining financial relationships with banks, venture capital and equity funds. He has arranged and conducted seminars on investment banking services throughout California.
Mr. Askew was previously the chairman of the board of Pacific Inland Bank a public company and regional business bank engaged in commercial lending and real estate construction lending. Under his leadership, this financial institution and its wholly-owned subsidiary, Pacific Inland Mortgage Company, grew to combined assets of $1.7 billion.
Before becoming the chairman and chief executive officer of Pacific Inland Bank, Mr. Askew was the Orange County regional vice president of Imperial Bank (now Comerica Bank), a major diversified financial institution in California. Mr. Askews lending and banking experience also includes service as an officer of Coast Bank (as president and chief executive officer), Union Bank and Wells Fargo Bank.
Mr. Askew has served on a number of boards of directors and commissions, including Olive Crest Home for Abused Children; Little Company of Mary Hospital, Cystic Fibrosis Foundation, City of Placentia Planning Commission; Orange County Boy Scouts of America; Real Estate Investment Advisory Committee of the California Bankers Association; South Coast Repertory Theatre; and Alzheimer Association of Orange County. He currently serves as a member of the Board of Directors of Coastal Family Therapy Services. Mr. Askew is a Reserve Deputy Sheriff with the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Mr. Askew is a member of the Board of Directors of several private and publicly held companies, inclusive of: STM Wireless, Inc. (NASDAQ), a developer, manufacturer and provider of wireless-based satellite communications infrastructure and user terminal products currently in use in over 30 countries being utilized in public and private telecommunications networks for broadband and telephony applications; and with the American Medical Aesthetics Corp., a service provider of non-surgical cosmetic treatments with medical laser technology at selected day spas and health clubs nationwide.
Mr. Askew received his BS in Finance from the University of Arizona, his MBA from Golden Gate University (San Francisco) and Executive Management and Lending Certification from the University of Washington (Seattle). Mr. Askew has completed courses of study at the University of California, Los Angeles, receiving certification in Corporate Governance and Corporate Directorship from the Anderson School of Business, consisting of the Audit Committee Module on the Sarbanes-Oxley Act of 2002.
Contact Mr. Askew at: raskew@askewkabala.com.
JAMES CHAMBERLAIN
Managing Director
JIM CHAMBERLAIN highly respected professional with over 30 years of financial management accomplishments in private and public companies, Mr. Chamberlain has extensive industry experience in chemical and petroleum manufacturing, publishing, EDI systems for health care, internet services and product distribution. He has established a unique network of long-term personal relationships at the highest level in the corporate financial, investment banking and venture capital communities. He has raised venture capital and private equity funding in excess of $50 million for two start-up operations. He has managed IPOs, acquisitions and divestitures, turnarounds and bankruptcies. He has demonstrated strong skills in financial reporting, investor relations, treasury management, budgeting, valuations and financial forecasting. His expertise also includes Controllership, SEC reporting, ERP systems implementation, debt/equity recapitalization and financial engineering.
Work History and Education:
During the past five years he has served as the CFO for the Flynt Family of Hustler branded companies. For three years prior to that, he provided CFO consulting services to numerous private companies in valuation methodology, business planning, organizational restructuring and capital structure reengineering. During 2000 as CFO of Silicon Valley based On Radio.com, he directed the sale of its legacy web hosting business and funded new business initiatives in Internet rich media.
From 1997 to January 2000 he was Vice President of Financial Planning for ETM Entertainment Company, a startup network enabled ticket service provider, which grew to over $40 million in revenue. In that capacity he raised over $45 million in private equity and mezzanine financing and successfully positioned the Company for an IPO. From 1994 to 1996 he was CFO and a founder of EDiX Corporation, a national electronic medical records documentation company that was sold to a NASDAQ company. At Edix he raised $8 million from venture capital and private investors and directed the acquisition of several regional transcription service companies.
An officer of Times Mirror Corporation from 1984 to 1994, he held positions as Assistant Corporate Controller and Director of Financial Planning and Analysis. As Assistant Controller, he managed the Company’s SEC and shareholder reporting, accounting policies and management reporting. As Director of Financial Planning, he had oversight for all M&A activity and implemented Times Mirror’s shareholder value management methodology. In this role he directed engagements with the foremost economic value added (EVA) consulting firms including the Boston Consulting Group, Stern Stewart & Co., Holt Value Management, Alcar, and McKinsey & Company. His team developed Times Mirror’s proprietary valuation models used to measure and enhance shareholder value for all subsidiary companies and acquisitions.
Prior to joining Times Mirror, Mr. Chamberlain served as the General Manager of corporate planning for Fluor Corporation in Irvine, California. Before that, from 1978 to 1983, he was CFO of Occidental Petroleum’s Technology Center in Irvine, California and was CFO of Occidental Chemical’s world scale chemical complex in Taft, Louisiana. In 1974 Mr. Chamberlain was promoted to CFO of the Chemical Systems Division of Stauffer Chemical Company in Westport, Connecticut. During his tenure this division grew from $10 million in sales to over $100 million.
He began his career in finance with Ernst and Ernst in San Francisco. Mr. Chamberlain holds a BA degree from the University of California at Berkeley and an MBA in finance and accounting from the University of Bridgeport in Connecticut. He is a Certified Public Accountant and a Certified Management Accountant.
Contact Mr. Chamberlain at: jchamberlain@askewkabala.com
WILLIAM C. PRENTICE
Managing Director
William C. Prentice was the founder, and CEO of Kiosk Networks, Inc., formed to complete the development and financing of the FundStream Program initiated by Competisys (www.kiosk-networks.com). Mr. Prentice formed the firm, arranged for the purchase of FundStream and related assets from Competisys (below), raised initial operating capital for KNI, initiated a corporate financing plan, engaged investment banking and financial advisory firms to obtain the necessary expansion capital. Mr. Prentice was also the founder, Chairman and CEO of Competisys Corporation, a leading innovator in the area of providing alternative sources of telecommunications and energy services to new planned communities and municipalities, large industrial utility customers, and large commercial property owners. Competisys provided comprehensive energy management and energy utility negotiation services to large property developers and owners, including Clarion Properties and The Irvine Company. Competisys developed HomeStream, the first integrated network to reliably transmit video, entertainment, voice and data services across an all-fiber IP-based system.
Mr. Prentice has wide experience in the energy and natural resources firms. He was the founder of Power Exchange Corporation ("PXC"), which developed and implemented innovative strategies for enabling utility customers to gain access to competitive, wholesale energy markets through the use of the rights and authority of public agencies and large landowners such as community development firms - PXC ranked 10th in the U.S. in 3rd Quarter 1995 in wholesale electric power trading volume. Mr. Prentice was also the founder, Chairman and CEO of Western Power, a successful developer and operator of non-utility power and alternative energy facilities. Under Mr. Prentice, Western drove industry-wide change and innovation in such areas as power industry regulatory reform, more efficient and environmentally compliant technology, and in the structuring of major project financings over $100mm. Mr. Prentice divested Western in 1987 (in three differenct transactions), at which time the firm's initial investors achieved returns of 7:1 in a period of 3 years. Prior to founding Western Power, Mr. Prentice headed up the turnaround of Mesquite Lake, Inc., a troubled energy firm, was an officer of Ultrasystems, Inc. and a founder of its UltraPower division, and was employed at Fluor Corporation, where he was involved in significant energy and natural resources projects around the world.
Mr. Prentice has served as a private consultant in the areas of electric power, synthetic fuels, alternative energy, technology, and security, and has participated as an investor to early stage technology companies. He has participated in several technology, energy and waste management ventures, both independently and in partnership with leading venture capital companies. Current engagements include acting as an advisor to a Pakistani firm on a 200mw+ thermal power station in Sindh Province, Pakistan, and to energy and resources firms in Central America. Mr. Prentice has also provided security-related consulting, planning and implentation services to firms with overseas projects in third-world locations, activities included drafting and implementing successful business development studies, plans and proposals for energy, resource, and technology ventures.
Mr. Prentice holds a Master's Degree from the University of California, Irvine, Graduate School of Management (1979), and two Bachelor of Science Degrees in engineering from Arizona State University, Tempe, AZ (1974, 1975).
Contact Mr. Prentice at : wprentice@askewkabala.com
LARRY S. HARTMANN
Managing Director
LARRY S. HARTMANN has significant experience in finance, management consulting and in working with new developing companies in becoming successful enterprises. He is adept in assisting troubled companies into positive turn-around situations. As a management consultant, Mr. Hartmann assists companies to conceptualize and produce strategic business and development plans. He is successful in navigating a company through the venture capital as well as the conventional funding process.
Prior to Mr. Hartmann associating with the Askew Kabala Firm, he was with Quadrant II Management Consulting and SysPro, Inc. in a management consulting capacity. Prior to these engagements, Mr. Hartmann was the chief financial officer with Dinamation International Corporation and played a key role in their turnaround. Mr. Hartmann spend a number of years with Ernst & Young and Arthur Andersen & Co. in senior consulting, tax and accounting assignments.
Mr. Hartmann holds a BS and Masters in Accountancy from Brigham Young University. He is a Certified Public Accountant.
Contact Mr. Hartmann at: lhartmann@askewkabala.com.
JOHN P. MURRAY
Managing Director
JOHN P. MURRAY, in addition to his responsibilities with Askew Kabala & Company, is a strategic management/planning consultant to the hi-tech industry. For the past 20 years, Mr. Murray has guided start-up companies, as well as corporate divisions, to tremendous sales and revenue growth, most recently serving as Board member for STM Wireless. Prior to that, he acted as CEO/President at MicroSensors, a subsidiary of Irvine Sensors Inc. (IRSN:NASDAQ). Additionally, Mr. Murray served as Sr. VP and General Manager for Linkatel Pacific, a partnership of Time Warner and Colony Cable, in the creation of a network infrastructure enterprise. Further, Mr. Murray has served as Director of Sales and Marketing, and Regional Manager for various companies in the paper, computer, and telecommunications industries. Mr. Murray holds an M. A. in Administration from California State University.
Contact Mr. Murray at: jmurray@askewkabala.com
DANIEL L. THOMAS, CPA, CFE
Managing Director
Mr. Thomas has over 28 years of public accounting experience; primarily serving closely held businesses. He began his accounting career with Price Waterhouse and then moved to KPMG. Thomas has also served as a Partner with Moss Adams and most recently was a Partner with Corbin & Wertz. In addition, Thomas has also held the positions of CFO, Vice President of Finance, and COO for a variety of privately held companies. His experience in coordinating audit engagements and consulting with business owners is extensive, particularly in the manufacturing, distribution, service, real estate and high technology industries. His business consulting experience includes part-time CFO services, fraud prevention and investigation, acquisition consulting, transaction due diligence, internal control review and systems implementation.
Mr. Thomas is a Certified Public Accountant in the State of California and he is also a Certified Fraud Examiner. He holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting from California State Polytechnic University Pomona (summa cum laude). He was inducted into the University’s Hall of Fame in 1992.
Mr. Thomas is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants, the California Society of Certified Public Accountants and the National Association of Certified Fraud Examiners. Thomas is the immediate Past President of the Orange County Chapter of the Association of Certified Fraud Examiners and he has also served on the Board of Directors for the Orange County Head Start program. Thomas also is currently a Reserve Deputy Sheriff for the Orange County Sheriff’s Department.
Contact Mr. Thomas at: dthomas@askewkabala.com
ALEX S. KIM
Managing Director
ALEX S. KIM has significant experience in the steel, medical, media, data storage, real state, and mortgage industries focusing on finance, strategic planning, industry analytical profiles and funding companies.
In addition to being associated with the Askew Kabala firm, Mr. Kim is an Executive Officer of a financial services company providing consumer and business financial services nationwide. Previously, Mr. Kim was the creator of a new company focused on the development of open architecture/integrated healthcare-practice management business solutions systems as an application service provider to the medical industry. This architecture integrated medical and office applications from various software vendors into scaleable customized packages.
Mr. Kim was the Vice President of Finance and Strategic Planning for a $1 billion annualized funded residential mortgage banking firm, focusing on wholesale and direct consumer marketing strategies. Prior to that assignment, he was with Clayton Homes, Inc. (NYSE), the nation’s largest vertically integrated manufactured home company with annual revenues in excess of $1.3 billion where he held various assignments in management, finance, operations and internal auditing. Before joining Clayton, Mr. Kim was with Worthington Industries, Inc., a leading processed steel manufacturer with annual revenues in excess of $2 billion as a corporate financial analyst.
Mr. Kim was educated at Indiana University with a BS in Business. He is fluent in the Korean language.
Contact Mr. Kim at: akim@askewkabala.com
Mr. Ashland’s career as a strategic business consultant has spanned over 25 years and has included assignments for many of the world’s largest and most recognizable companies. He is a specialist in public affairs and corporate communications, strategic planning, and conflict and dispute resolution.
Prior to his affiliation with Askew Kabala, he held executive sales and senior management positions with national and international engineering and information services companies. He has been a small business owner, having founded and directed three such firms:
- The Ashland Group, a full service government affairs (lobbying) firm which represented the political advocacy needs of financial, audit, telcom, wireless, engineering and healthcare companies in California, Texas and Florida.
- Ashland Development Services, a project management and strategic planning consultancy serving the land development and real estate industry throughout the southwest.
- Ashland Wooldridge Pierson, a political affairs company specializing in direct mail and constituency management and communications.
Mr. Ashland’s experience and his unique ability to see the core issue of a problem, and to work within a consulting environment contributes significantly to Askew Kabala & Company’s strategic consulting business line.
He has served on the Board of Directors of several large private companies, as well as numerous commissions and boards for civic, non-profit healthcare, and charitable organizations. He is a member of the American Association of Political Consultants, the National Association of Industrial and Office Properties, the International Council of Shopping Centers and is a Commissioner with the Orange County Sheriff’s Advisory Council. Mr. Ashland is a member of the American Legion, Post 291.
After spending 6 years in the US Navy as a combat Search and Rescue specialist, Mr. Ashland received his B.A. from the University of California Irvine and attended graduate school at Cal Poly Pomona.
A native of the San Francisco Bay Area, Mr. Ashland and his wife have resided in Orange County since the mid 70’s.
Representative List of Clients:
American Airlines, Southwest Airlines, TWA, Muse Airlines, KPMG, PSI Inc., General Electric, Ericsson, HDR, Environmental Management Group, Stewart Information Services, Inc., Bank of America, Shapell Industries, Bell Canada Enterprises, AT&T, Centel/Sprint, SMS, Rockwell, PRC/Toups, NorthernTelcom, United Western Medical Centers, Morrison Knudsen
Contact Mr. Ashland at: bashland@askewkabala.com
JAY H. STEWART specializes in a wide range of marketing services, covering International and Internet marketing, multi-lingual packaging, international and domestic trade show activities, business start ups with international joint ventures and strategic partnerships.
Mr. Stewart's draws on 10+ years of expatriate residency in Latin America and Europe and is fluent in Spanish and Portuguese, conversant in French and Italian. Additionally, he has a background in International Trade, both as supplier and buyer, having traveled to 52 countries, and completed business with approximately 100 countries.
Prior to associating with the Askew Kabala firm, he was president of Etools4all, a consulting firm specializing in international importation/exportation of industrial equipment. He was the founder and chief executive officer of Armoloy Corporation, Ultramar Marketing and co-founder and managing partner of Lexicon, S.R.L. of Buenos Aires, Argentina; co-founder of IMCO, S.R.L. of Sao Paulo, Brazil.
Mr. Stewart articles have been published in Industrial News, Office Equipment Exporters and La Oficina. He has been a panelist and speaker at a number of International Trade Organizations, including the U.S. Dept. of Commerce New to Export seminars and as a featured speaker at the Banking and Office Expo in Moscow. Mr. Stewart was educated at Kansas Wesleyan University and Washburn University.
Contact Mr. Stewart at: jstewart@askewkabala.com.
JOSEPH E. WUJCIK
Associate
Mr. Wujcik specializes in corporate strategic planning, marketing and consumer/business research. He has extensive experience in the following industries: toys, fast food retail, television media, retail automotive, finished clothing retail, advertising and business equipment. Examples of his assignments has consisted of identifying key buying patterns for a major NYSE consumer products company, identifying and strategically repositioned a division of a national insurance company and developing target industries for the marketing group of a start-up capital goods company.
His corporate assignments have included work for Dinamation International, Corp., Transamerica Specialty Insurance, The Disney Channel, Mattel Toys, Burger King Corp. and Firestone Tire and Rubber Company.
Mr. Wujcik received his BS in Business from the University of Kansas and an MBA from the University of Southern California.
Contact Mr. Wujcik at: jwujcik@askewkabala.com
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