Wayne Kalish
Experienced advisor for small and mid-sized businesses, specializing in organizational growth, M&A, and financial consulting.
I excel working with small and middle market owner-managed businesses that have plateaued from an organizational growth perspective. I have the ability to quickly diagnose where these companies stand, and what is needed to rekindle sustainable growth. The next logical step is often to represent these businesses in sales to Private Equity or Strategic Buyers.
My expertise includes:
- Capital Markets Consulting
- Sell-side M&A Financial Advisory
- Management Consulting
- Finance
- Treasury
- SEC Reporting
- Financial Planning & Analysis
- Financial Reporting
- Investment Performance Analysis
- Negotiating Contracts
- Change Management
- CEO/Board Support
- Consolidations
- Cost Center Reporting & Budgeting
- Risk Management
- Revenue Recognition
- Internal Controls
- Strategic Partnerships
- Financial Systems
My extensive experience in the financial sector spans Orlando and Atlanta, where I have honed my skills in capital markets, finance, accounting, and reporting. My hands-on approach has allowed me to lead diverse teams, ranging from small private firms to large public and private equity-backed organizations. This breadth of experience has given me a deep understanding of the financial landscape, enabling me to navigate complex financial environments effectively and drive strategic initiatives that align with organizational goals.
In addition to my practical experience, I am a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and hold a Master of Business Administration (MBA). These credentials have provided me with a strong theoretical foundation in business and finance, complementing my hands-on expertise. My CPA designation attests to my proficiency in accounting principles and practices, while my MBA has equipped me with advanced knowledge in business management and strategic planning. Together, these qualifications have empowered me to make informed, data-driven decisions that enhance financial performance and mitigate risks.
Throughout my career, I have also specialized in treasury and risk management, ensuring the financial stability and growth of the organizations I have served. My leadership in these areas has been instrumental in optimizing cash flow, managing financial risks, and implementing robust reporting mechanisms. By combining my technical skills with a strategic mindset, I have successfully led teams to achieve their financial objectives, fostering a culture of excellence and accountability in every organization I have been part of.
Some examples of significant initiatives that I have led, and their benefits to my clients and employers, include:
- Playing a key role on the team that guided Darden through its $1.4 billion acquisition of Rare Hospitality Group in 2007. The resulting transaction added 500 restaurants and $3 billion in revenue annually to the Darden business.
- Facilitated the development of investment valuation tools/standards and portfolio performance reporting for a worldwide investment company. Also developed a worldwide financial reporting package and implemented/strengthened accounting and investment-related controls.
- Facilitated the sale of a 30-year-old Atlanta-area-based metal roof manufacturer to a Private Equity buyer, with sellers maintaining a leadership role and minority ownership stake in the ongoing business.
- Worked with a team of business owners to construct deep water wells for rural Costa Rican families.
- Played an instrumental role in implementing a zero-accident workers’ compensation protocol/culture change for a large multi-family home developer.
- Worked with Executive team, improved business profitability to the point where financially troubled company drew the interest of 20 plus potential acquirers. The business was ultimately sold to a Private Equity firm that will continue to operate the company, as opposed to breaking up and selling real estate assets.
- Facilitated significant Cash Management cost reductions through banking renegotiations and increased use of technology.
- Developed an Investment analysis tool to evaluate estimated liquidating payouts to multiple investor classes. The tool identified significant previously unknown disparities in favor of certain investor classes in long-held investments.
With a distinguished career that began as a Certified Public Accountant at KPMG Peat Marwick, I honed my skills managing audits and navigating complex accounting issues. My pivotal role at General Mills Restaurants (now Darden, Inc.) and subsequent leadership at Tavistock Corporation underscore my proficiency in global financial reporting and investment management.
I bring experience in various roles, including interim, part-time, and project-based solutions in Private Company and SEC Accounting, Finance, Internal Control, and Business Model Efficiency. I excel in Financial Personnel Recruitment, Treasury and Risk Management, and guiding clients through Capital Transactions and Insurance Placements.
I have a passion for philanthropic service, volunteering on local boards and supporting international initiatives for rural communities.
Additionally, I am frequently contracted to speak on mergers and acquisitions at esteemed institutions such as the University of Central Florida and Rollins Crummer Graduate School of Business.
Previously, I held executive financial positions at mid- to large-sized companies including:
- CFO, Founder – Arcadia Title
- Principal – Wayne Kalish & Associates, LLC – Business Owner Sell-Side M&A Representation
- Principal – KDO Capital, LLC
- CFO, Managing Partner – Park Place Resorts, LLC
- Corporate Controller and Chief Accounting Officer – Ruby Tuesday
- CFO, Executive Vice President – Concord Management
- Group CFO, VP, Accounting and Finance – Tavistock Group
- VP, Accounting and Corporate Planning and Analysis – Darden Restaurants, Inc.
- Senior Director, Financial Planning and Analysis and Marketing Analysis – Olive Garden Division of Darden Restaurants, Inc.
- Senior Director, Corporate Planning and Analysis, and Manager and Director, Corporate Reporting – Darden Restaurants, Inc.
- Senior Manager – KPMG
Education and Certifications
- Certified Public Accountant
- MBA, Finance – Crummer Graduate School of Business at Rollins College
- BSBA, Accounting – University of Central Florida