Team

WORK EXPERIENCE – DETAILED POSITIONS

GENERAL ELECTRIC AVIATION, EVENDALE, OH JULY 2019 – AUGUST 2020

Senior Finance Manager, Global Engineering, July 2019 – August 2020 – Responsible for financial planning and analysis related to engineering spend for complex, global engineering division within GE Aviation; work regularly with operation leaders to evaluate project costs and workforce planning models; ensure established targets are being met, review complex business cases to optimize the allocation of engineering resources; collaborate with both senior finance and operating leaders to establish long and short term strategic planning

GENERAL MOTORS COMPANY, DETROIT, MI FEB. 2008 – DEC. 2018

Finance Manager, Global Engineering, June 2017 – December 2018 – Managed multiple performance improvement projects, business cases, financial analysis, and special studies for $7B global engineering division; advised CTS program team regarding next generation vehicle resulting in significant cost savings; identified and implemented efficiency opportunities related to the Australian design team; well versed in SAP, Excel, and other Microsoft Office products
Risk Manager, Global Manufacturing, January 2016 – June 2017 - Managed a financial team responsible for all risk and control related matters for the global manufacturing organization; reduced compliance efforts by 15% in NA (2017 vs. 2016)
Finance Manager, Global Manufacturing, October 2014 – January 2016 - Managed all financial aspects related to the restoration of the Warren Tech Center, including obtaining CFO approval for >$225M spend; traveled to China and partnered with Mfg. Engineering and Purchasing to study capital investment differentials between China and North America – identified an average investment gap of $35M per program; chaired Mfg. Engineering Cost Council that identified, approved and implemented numerous cost savings projects across the global mfg. engineering organization
Finance and Accounting Manager, Global Warranty Analysis, Aug. 2013 – Oct. 2014 - Managed a financial team responsible for accounting and financial analysis related to $3B+ of reserves for campaigns, policy, roadside assistance, courtesy transportation, and buybacks in North America and Europe; managed complex actuarial studies to ensure reserves, as well as rates used for both accrual and deferral purposes, were properly and accurately developed and maintained; interfaced regularly with senior operating mgmt. to improve operational efficiencies and reduce cost
Technical Accounting Manager, US Sales and Marketing, February 2008 – August 2013 - Managed a financial team responsible for multiple accounting and finance activities related to revenue recognition, deferred revenue, incentives, and fixed marketing and advertising expenses; managed complex technical accounting research projects to document the Company’s accounting positions; collaborated with multiple resources to formulate the Company’s position related to revenue recognition; led analytical support for SEC reporting requirements (i.e.10K/Q) related to US Sales and Marketing; reviewed multiple complex

contracts requiring frequent interactions with operating management to assess the financial accounting implications of proposed transactions and the impact on present forecasts and budgets; built an Access database to accurately track deferred revenue for Cadillac’s Premium Care Maintenance program; implemented Fresh Start Accounting which required finance, operational and accounting proficiency; developed and implemented analytical processes that identified and resolved multiple accounting deficiencies

FORD MOTOR COMPANY, DEARBORN, MI NOV. 1998 – JAN. 2008

Financial Planning & Analysis Manager, NA Product Development, Jan. 2007 – Jan. 2008 Managed a team responsible for multi-billion-dollar annual spending and spending related budget, forecast and business planning for NA operations; led studies regarding product spending to determine impact on cash flow, profits, and balance sheet reporting; successfully identified and implemented cost savings opportunities
Financial Control Manager, NA Product Development, May 2004 – January 2007 – Managed a team responsible for governance and oversight of financial reporting for NA Product Development including disclosure requirements for quarterly and annual filings; continuously led and directed resolution of technical finance and accounting issues such as capitalization requirements, contingent liabilities, cost accruals, and revenue recognition for both internal and external reporting requirements; successfully implemented Sarbanes-Oxley (S-Ox 404 and S-Ox 302) compliance within NA Product Development for 2004 and 2005; regularly communicated with Senior Finance and Operating Management (Group VP level) regarding financial reporting issues
Forward Model Finance Manager, NA Product Development, October 2002 – May 2004 – Managed staff of five Finance Analysts in both the US and UK to ensure future vehicle line financial targets for $4B vehicle line were accurately developed, controlled, and delivered; regularly communicated with Senior Management regarding present financial status, risks and opportunities known by the vehicle team; led vehicle management team to improve overall profitability and market position; led special studies related to improving the cost structure and profitability of future vehicle lines; advised Company regarding $1.9B investment related to future cycle plan actions; obtained Board approval for $240M vehicle line expansion
Profit Analysis Manager, NA Product Development, April 2001 – October 2002 – Managed a team responsible for $5B vehicle line budget, forecasts and business plans; developed comprehensive vehicle line profit model to support vehicle team decision-making; completed two comprehensive vehicle line studies - the first was an $800M+ study regarding the future strategy in the small car segment and the second study identified cost saving opportunities in NA by benchmarking internal and external segment leaders
Process Manager, General Auditor’s Office, October 2000 – April 2001 - Responsible for developing and implementing policies and procedures for worldwide audit staff; developed and conducted training courses in the US, Brazil, and UK to enhance auditor performance; worked with mgmt. to evaluate newly released SEC guidelines related to auditor independence; actively participated in Covisint external auditor selection process

Black Belt Candidate, General Auditor’s Office, June 2000 – October 2000 - Selected from a staff of over 150 individuals to lead Six Sigma implementation for the GAO; attended intensive black belt training and completed comprehensive project related to inefficiencies at the Company’s Stamping Operations; identified over $1 million in losses attributable to inadequate processes and control deficiencies; recommended controls and process improvements that were implemented in Jan. 2001
 Staff Auditor, General Auditor’s Office, January 1999 – June 2000 - Performed various audits for Ford Credit, Visteon, and Automotive Operations; significant findings included fraud, operational inefficiencies, financial misstatements, and policy related deficiencies; selected as lead auditor on majority of audits and consistently provided senior management with accurate audit reports
Financial Analyst, General Auditor’s Office, November 1998 – January 1999 - Finalized budget and established performance metrics for worldwide GAO
ARTHUR ANDERSEN LLP, DETROIT, MI MAY 1994 – NOVEMBER 1998
 Senior Tax Consultant – Consulted on US federal, international, and state tax matters primarily for corporate tax clients; promoted to Senior Tax Consultant within 2 years; earned CPA designation; identified multiple tax savings for clients
FIRST OF AMERICA BANK CORP, KALAMAZOO, MI JAN. 1991 – MAY 1994

Tax Accountant - Performed corporate-wide tax accounting, tax planning, and tax reporting

Financial Analyst - Analyzed and reviewed investment portfolios for the securitization department

MICHAEL A. PICKHOLZ, CFO

EMPLOYMENT
FINANCIAL & FORENSIC EXPERT CONSULTANT

2014-Present

• Provide independent advisory services to clients regarding private capital initiatives, M&A, strategic positioning, and expert financial and forensic analysis for matters involving the S.E.C., Dodd Frank regulations, the I.R.S. and other regulatory agencies.

TRANSPARENTBUSINESS, Inc. 2018-2019 Chief Financial Officer

Oversaw all financial and business operations of the corporation, including financial reporting and tax preparations to enable the company to scale.
Led multiple corporate negotiations with Fortune 50 customers.
Established accounting and reporting procedures to better manage employee and contractor expenses, tax

related filings and strategy.
Established and managed budgeting and human resources systems and procedures for the company.
Produced regular executive reports and worked directly with the CEO, President and Board of Directors.
Managed the company’s capital formation activities including the communication of the company’s growth

strategy to investors.
Restructured equity plans for the issuance of equity options and restricted stock to employees and contractors.

KVPR LLC 2013-Present Managing Member

Led purchase of an athletic, entertainment and enrichment center business.
Held sole responsibility for operations, finances and strategic planning.
Established accounting and reporting procedures to better manage employee and contractor expenses, tax

related filings and strategy.
Established and managed budgeting and human resources systems and procedures for the company.
Responsible for sourcing and hiring personnel.
Managed sales and marketing team.
Built customer base from 0 to profitability.
Negotiated strategic joint ventures to advance brand awareness.

TIGRESS FINANCIAL PARTNERS
Chief Operating Officer & Head of Investment Banking

2010 –2013

Originated and financed multiple capital raises and M&A advisory assignments in the media, retail and industrial industries.
Oversaw all financial and business operations of the corporation, including financial reporting and tax preparations.
Led operations, compliance and risk management as Operations Principal for investment bank and broker/dealer.
Implemented processes and procedures for “know-your-customer” due diligence and risk exposure assessments.
Established firm operations, hiring of personnel and strategic plan for the organization.
Negotiated asset management joint venture with major financial institution.
Oversaw day-to-day budgets of the firm and rollout of research platform.
Directed team responsible for processing trade execution and FINRA compliance.
Managed FINRA audit achieving a zero-exception report.
Held FINRA Licenses: 7; 24; 66; 79; & 99.

RIVIERA PARTNERS 2008 –2010 Principal

Provided corporate finance and financial advisory services to growth companies and executives.
Assessed all new and potential client engagements to determine transactional risks.
Established compliance procedures including risk assessment, customer due diligence and negotiation of legal

indemnifications.
Representative transactions included the creation of a new motion picture production company, funding of

online sports university, private financing and management advisory for a new online process fulfillment firm.

THINKEQUITY PARTNERS 2006 – 2007 Vice President
Investment Banking

Led deal teams in public/private equity, M&A and mezzanine capital originations and financings, including all due diligence and legal matters.
Established compliance and firm processes for interaction and reporting between investment banking, sales and research departments to limit risk exposures.
Oversaw and managed risk, compliance and daily operations for 25 person investment banking division.
Served on New Business Committee for investment banking division and led “know-your-customer” due

diligence procedures for east coast transactions.

CITIGROUP 2004 – 2006 Vice President
Mergers & Acquisitions

Served as risk, compliance and daily operations principal for NY office. Established processes and guidelines

and managed FINRA audit achieving a zero-exception report.

GE EQUITY (GE CAPITAL) 2000 – 2003 Assistant Vice President

Private Equity/Venture Capital

Risk officer for software and services division. Responsible for client risk assessment and investment due

diligence reviews.
Led multiple deal teams in the origination, structuring and investment in direct venture capital interests.
Developed and implemented operational controls and process & risk management dashboards.
Managed IT’s implementation of procedures into business’s existing systems and trained staff on integration.

Business Development/Secondary/Fund Management Team

Managed GE Equity’s $2 billion+ Fund Portfolio.
Founding Member of GE Equity’s Business Development/Secondary Private Equity Team.

Six Sigma/Black Belt Certified
BMO Capital Markets (BANK OF MONTREAL)

Associate

1998 – 2000

Corporate Finance / Private Equity Practice

Assisted in the origination, structuring and placement of private equity,
KPMG PEAT MARWICK, L.L.P. 1995 – 1998 Senior Consultant

Corporate Finance / Mergers & Acquisitions Practice

Created a strategic presentation to the Bermudian Parliament for the creation of a new financial institution.
Assisted in the merger of a domestic distribution company and several Mexican manufacturing firms into a single

Performed audits, financial analyses and preparation of registration statements and related S.E.C. filings.
Performed M&A due diligence for several acquisitions.

Selected by KPMG to participate in the PLACE executive training program in conjunction with other financial institutions and the Stern School of Business at New York University.

Attorney: Mark Demetropoulos, JD.

Experienced corporate attorney specializing in tax treaties, withholdings, and transactions with multiple years of experience drafting memorandums.

An International Attorney

Experienced researcher and memorandum writer on a wide ranging spectrum of legal business issues or disputes.
Withholding tax expertise and treaties between the US and European or Asian nations.
Foreign tax credits, wealth creation strategies, and inbound transactional structuring.

Corporate Consultation

Worked as an intern at NYSE in Securities Enforcement Arbitration, counseled Diversified Media Holdings, Tyco International, and Lally & Misir LLP, Wolffers & Cohen, and KPMG.
Advised large corporations with international operations like Citigroup, NASDAQ, Verizon, and Ameriprise Financial.

Tax Treaty Specialist

Legal education in Auditing for Employee Benefits, Transfer Pricing Rules, and Gift Tax & Estates. Educated in SALT Tax, swaps, derivatives, and corporate mergers planning, among many others.
Experience directly with Dodd-Frank, Investment Advisors Act, US Tax Treaty Issues, Anti Money Laundering, and Volcker Rule compliances, among many others.
Millions of dollars as a transactional attorney, international corporate analysis, and transfers.

Chief Executive Officer: Robby Bechler

Experienced business owner, leader, and entrepreneur with multiple years of advanced quantitative and qualitative skills specializing in business development.

Entrepreneurial Leadership

Studied Financial Markets at Yale University.
Associate Principal at The Guthrie Group (Scotland, UK), Founding Principal of The Brownstone Group, and Brownstone Corporate properties in California.
Founded U.S. based real estate group focused on negotiations, acquisitions, developments, marketing, and management of quality apartment communities.

Advanced Analytical Skills

Conducted analysis of over 100 emerging to middle market businesses in the US for clients including, but not limited to, wholesalers, retailers, contractors, and manufacturers.
Reviewed administrations, overhead ratios, cash flow, financial controls, reporting, costs, productivity, and internal procedures.
Studied Quantum Leap Analysis under Dan Peña, as well as, consulting Inc. 500 companies in Orange County, California.

Extensive Specializations

Commercial real estate acquisitions, due diligence, property management, negotiating and facilitating structured finance, for commercial transactions.
Negotiation representation, organizing and developing relationships with accounting firms, national law firms, and national/international real estate service firms.
Worked with legal and accounting teams creating validated business models. Implemented new recruiting system for top talent, developing compensation systems. Artificial Technology (AI), Quantum Computing, Neural Network, and deep learning systems creation.