ABOUT AAKEN
AAKEN was founded in 2008 to help business owners improve operational performance in their companies and to offer those owners better representation during the merger and acquisition process. Since that time, we’ve acted as outsourced CEO and COO – turning around troubled businesses. We’ve deployed numerous best-in-class business advisors to transform businesses on behalf of their owners. We’ve helped owners decide whether to sell, restructure, or simply ride it out to the end.
Our goal is to maximize outcomes in order to achieve their ultimate objectives.
ABOUT ANDY PETERS, MBA
With almost three decades of business leadership expertise, I have developed a unique perspective for analyzing organizations. I’ve owned businesses of my own, operated them for others, bought and sold companies, and helped to turn around organizations that were struggling. I believe in inspiring transformational change far beyond quick fixes and temporary solutions. Working inside my clients’ businesses as their objective partner and trusted advisor, I help them implement instant impact ideas, improve financial performance, and develop strategies for optimizing their value.
I do not work alone. My team includes best of class professional resources. I manage these collaborators to ensure that they efficiently and cost-effectively meet my clients’ needs and the needs of their companies.
CREDENTIALS
Arvinyl Laminates LP - Operating Partner
Custom Laminates Manufacturer
2011 - 2016
Prysmatic Advisors - Founder
Operational Consulting Mergers & Acquisitions
2011 - 2015
The Independence Group - Consultant
Operational Consulting Mergers & Acquisitions
2007 - 2011
TPL Metals - General Manager
Metals Distributor
2004 - 2007
Paragon Steel - VP of Sales
Metals Distributor
2003 - 2004
Western Square - Operations Manager
Powder Coated Welded Assemblies
2001 - 2003
Solectron - Materials Program Manager
Contract Electronics Manufacturer
Trimble Navigation Program
2001 - 2001
Materials Sciences Corporation - Materials Manager
ERP Implementation Team
IT Manager
1998 - 2001
California Steel Industries
Inside Sales, Product Analyst, Inside Sales Manager, Outside Sales
1989 - 1998
CONSULTING ENGAGEMENTS
DRJ Technologies
Aerospace Repair Station
M&A Advisory. Acquired interest of two shareholders (brothers) resulting in 100% ownership. Ongoing financial, operational and succession consulting.
5/2015 - Present
Taurus Engineering
Oil Production Equipment Manufacturing
Organizational restructuring and operational consulting. Interim Manufacturing Manager.
9/2017 - Present
Protect-All
Liquid & Aerosol Cleaning and Manufacturing Products
Part-time CEO & M&A Advisor. Restructured company to outsource manufacturing model. Rationalized product lines and SKUs. Turned company from five consecutive years of losses to profitability in five months. Sold to a strategic buyer in less than 10 months. Achieved four times (4X) original valuation.
4/2015 - 3/2016
Paragon Steel
Steel Distributor & Fabricator
M&A Advisor and Consulting. Sold Fabrication division to reduce overhead and generate cash flow. Advised owner on restructuring bank debt.
6/2013 - 4/2014
National Health Benefits Corporation
Healthcare Cost-Containment Company
M&A Advisor. Presented company to alternative buyers on behalf of Receiver in lieu of stalking horse bid. Company sold for over two times (2X) the Valuation opinion by two separate valuation firms.
2/2012 - 11/2012
EDUCATION
CA Bureau of Real Estate
Salesperson Licensee #01817716 valid thru 08/09/2019
UCLA - Anderson School
MBA 1995
Claremont McKenna College
Bachelor of Arts - Political Science 1989
House Republican Conference
Washington DC, Intern 1987