Portico Group, Inc.

Advisement and Project Management to growth-phase companies on Operations, Supply Chain and Contract Manufacturing.

- Led a conversion to full turnkey contract manufacturing for a leading $150M medical-grade skincare company.

- Re-engineered the project management processes and reporting of all new product launches and packaging upgrades for the same company.  

- Served on the core Project Management team for a major re-formulation initiative impacting 9 product lines of a Fortune 100 consumer and skincare products corporation.

- Founded FamilyForHealth.com, a health and wellness online business dedicated to helping families become healthier when they “EAT.MOVE.BE…together”.

- Founded HealthyFamilyMealPlans.com, the simple way for families to eat healthy just one meal at a time, to grow better together and to stay healthy for life.

- Train Health Coaches and Consultants to share their authentic self and brand online so that they are better able to serve their clients.

http://michaelortiz.com

CMTC

As an independent consultant, I partner with California Manufacturing Technology Consulting (CMTC) small and midsized manufacturing businesses to serve as a business advisor, growth coach, and consultant.  By providing strategy, planning, and operational services, clients are able to expand their manufacturing businesses to new levels.

Business Advisor, Growth Coach, and Consultant

RGP - Resources Global Professionals

Industry-leading external disk storage solutions provider

Responsible for operational planning and supply chain support recommending, teaching and implementing “best practices” methods to leaders and cross-functional groups, M&A integration support, and contract manufacturer and demand flow management.

Lead Consultant, Supply Chain Management

Resources Global Professionals is a global professional services firm that helps clients solve problems, execute internal initiatives and transfer knowledge. The areas of focus includes Accounting and Finance, Information Management, Internal Audit, Legal Services, Human Resources and Supply Chain Management. Although the company has its roots as part of Deloitte & Touche and Ernst & Young, since 2000 it has operated as an independent and publicly traded company [NASDAQ (RECN)] with over 80 offices worldwide, and employing over 4,000 professionals. 

Resources has been named to Fortune magazine's list of 100 Fastest-Growing Companies, BusinessWeek's list of 100 Hot Growth Companies and spent five consecutive years on the Forbes 200 Best Small Companies list.

Director of Client Service, Supply Chain Management

Orange County Young Executives

OCYE is a collection of young professionals, executives and entrepreneurs, seeking to make a difference through philanthropy and the exchange of innovative ideas.

OCYE Membership provides exclusive access to the best professional development, social and civic programming in Orange County.

OCYE Members are committed to:

(1) philanthropy with a focus on making a real and tangible difference in Our community;

(2) developing leaders through education, mentorship, and the mutual support between Members;

(3) creating the next generation of ambassadors promoting business growth; and

(4) forming the most influential network of future business and community leaders.

Member

YMCA of Orange

The YMCA Indian Program has been helping dads be an important part of their child’s life for 85 years. The Indian Program provides the opportunity to strengthen your relationship and communication with your child by fostering experiences for parents and children that reinforce their awareness to nature, community and family ties.

Indian Princess Nation Chief

Nexiant (currently MarginPoint)

Inventory control technology and solutions provider to the industrial market

Responsible for staff development, department budgets, manufacturing, Lean programs, inventory management, sales and operations planning, and active leadership with sales, engineering, field services and customer support.

Director, Operations

CooperSurgical, Inc.

Manufacturer and distributor of health care products

Responsible for process improvements, cost savings initiatives and operations management.

SAGE BioPharma, Inc.

Manufacturer of health care products.  Acquired by CooperSurgical, Inc.

Responsible for staff and organizational development, supply chain leadership, operations expansion and ERP implementation and integration.

Pacific Andrology, Inc.

Manufacturer of health care products.  Acquired by SAGE BioPharma, Inc.

Responsible for business development, manufacturing and operations expansion.

Operations Manager

“The Ops Solutions Guy” | ⬇️ Chaos, ⬆️ Operational Freedom for Busy SMB Owners | Operations Consultant & Fractional COO for Manufacturing and Service-Based Businesses.

❖ About Me

With a passion for revitalizing small to mid-sized manufacturing and service-based companies, I am a Strategic Operations Consultant specializing in navigating complex business landscapes. My expertise lies in turning around challenging situations to foster growth, reduce costs, and harness the power of technology and e-commerce.

❖ My Journey

My career is built on a foundation of operational excellence, where I have consistently delivered sustainable solutions across various industries. From driving turnarounds in private equity-owned manufacturers to optimizing supply chains for global brands, I bring a wealth of experience in managing multifaceted projects with tangible results.

❖ My Approach

I thrive in environments where I can energize teams and cut through complexity to uncover the essence of a challenge. My superpowers include synthesizing intricate scenarios into actionable strategies and transforming complex data into compelling, easy-to-understand narratives. I believe in simplifying complexity, making the intricate manageable, and guiding businesses through transformative change.

❖ Specialties

▻ Growth & Cost Management: Expert in identifying areas for revenue increase and operational cost reduction, pivotal for businesses grappling with financial pressures.

▻ Staffing Solutions & Process Optimization: Skilled in developing strategies to overcome staff shortages and streamline business processes, crucial for scaling and growth.

▻ E-Commerce & Digital Transformation: Experienced in guiding companies through digital transitions, including e-commerce digitization and remote customer engagement.

▻ Strategic Planning & Execution: Adept at focusing on long-term strategic goals, navigating through cashflow challenges, and ensuring businesses stay competitive in evolving markets.

❖ Looking Forward

I am dedicated to helping businesses not only navigate their immediate challenges but also prepare for future growth. If you're facing difficulties in scaling your business, managing increasing operating costs, or transitioning to digital platforms, let's connect. Together, we can transform challenges into opportunities for sustainable success.

So, if you're interested and want to learn more about my services and discuss how I can help you achieve your growth potential, then let’s chat.

→ WHAT NEXT?

1/ Book some time on my calendar at https://porticogroup.co/meet

2/  Take my quiz to determine what your No.1 growth blindspot is.

>>> bit.ly/BlindSpotQuiz

Let's work together to reach your business goals!

Michael Ortiz

iA is a leading-edge provider of software-enabled pharmacy fulfillment solutions. With over 25 years in pharmacy fulfillment, iA has invented and developed a suite of software-driven pharmacy automation solutions. From NEXiA software to automated modular hardware and sophisticated counting and collation devices, iA pharmacy automation solutions and technology empower pharmacists and unleash the full potential of pharmacy. iA helps lower costs, improve efficiency, and provide comprehensive Rx tracking and real-time support. For high volume centralized fulfillment or pharmacy operations — iA can help customers transform their pharmacy operations.

Recruited to lead financial and operational transformation for an innovative pharmacy automation technology firm, overseeing finance, accounting, business systems, and IT. Spearheaded the shift to recurring revenue models, integrating software, services, and consumables to drive long-term financial stability and growth. Strengthened financial infrastructure, modernized reporting, and enhanced decision-making through advanced analytics and system integration.

Provides corporate governance leadership, working closely with the board on strategic planning, capital structure, and risk management. Leads financial reporting, compliance, and internal controls, ensuring adherence to US GAAP and regulatory requirements. Drives enterprise-wide financial discipline, optimizing cost structures, revenue models, and operational efficiencies to support sustained business performance.

Partners with executive leadership and investors to refine corporate strategy, improve transparency, and reinforce governance frameworks. Led the company’s first US GAAP-compliant audit, mitigating financial risks and strengthening investor confidence. Continues to develop scalable financial frameworks that position the company for long-term success and market leadership.

Chief Financial Officer

Qumu Corporation

Qumu is a publicly-traded (NASDAQ: QUMU, acquired by Enghouse Solutions LTD, Toronto Stock Exchange: ENGH) enterprise technology company, recognized as a category leader by all major analysts covering the Enterprise Video space including Gartner, Frost & Sullivan, Forrester, Aragon Research and Wainhouse. The world's largest organizations leverage the Qumu platform to create, manage, secure, deliver and measure the success of video-based assets, including Visa, Toyota, AT&T, Bayer, Dow, Vodafone, MasterCard, CVS, KPMG, British Telecom, and many more.

Recruited by the board to drive financial leadership, lead a turnaround, and transition the company to a SaaS subscription business model. Oversaw Finance, RevOps, IT, and Legal, ensuring financial strategy aligned with long-term business objectives. Strengthened the balance sheet, secured growth capital, and optimized financial performance through strategic planning, operational efficiencies, and enhanced financial visibility. Led the company’s transformation into a subscription-based SaaS model, securing $63M in funding to sustain growth and improve market positioning.

Strengthened investor confidence and corporate governance by improving financial reporting, regulatory compliance, and SEC/AIM adherence. Integrated real-time analytics to enhance decision-making and improve operational execution. Positioned the company for a strategic exit, optimizing financial structures and business models to maximize investor returns.

Ascent Solutions, LLC

Ascent is a consulting company delivering bespoke cybersecurity, identity, cloud, IT strategy, and infrastructure enablement solutions to mid-market and fortune 500 companies such as Target, Hallmark, Prime Therapeutics and many more.

Recruited into a high-impact CFO role to establish financial discipline and support rapid growth in the cybersecurity sector. Trusted within the professional network for expertise in strengthening financial operations, optimizing capital strategy, and scaling businesses in fast-moving environments.
Enhanced financial oversight by introducing real-time KPI reporting, improving visibility into sales, productivity, and operational performance. Increased profitability and efficiency by reducing waste in professional services, streamlining resource allocation, and tightening financial controls. Elevated team capabilities by upgrading key talent and refining processes to support sustainable business growth.

Because of his industry reputation for assimilating quickly and delivering immediate impact, the board at Qumu soon sought out his leadership to guide it through a complex financial turnaround and business model transformation at a pivotal stage.

eGrowcery

An international e-commerce software solution provider developing growing rapidly with global investor base (US, Australia, China).  Entities in the US and  Australia, providing e-commerce solutions to retailers around the world.

Recruited by a venture capital investor to drive financial transformation and scale US expansion. Sought out for specific expertise in building scalable financial models, securing capital, and structuring operations for long-term growth in high-potential markets.

Secured significant cross-border Series A funding to support business expansion and market growth. Streamlined multi-entity financial reporting across US and international operations, significantly reducing close time and improving financial accuracy. Optimized legal and accounting structures to maximize tax efficiencies and enhance overall financial performance.

Quickly recruited into the next role at Ascent to apply deep expertise in financial strategy, operational scalability, and investment readiness, reinforcing a reputation for driving rapid impact in dynamic, high-growth environments.

Noribachi

A $68m manufacturer of high output commercial lighting solutions operating on an Internet Of Things (IOT) platform. Every project is bespoke engineered and specifically tailored to deliver a virtually unlimited range of LED lighting solutions.  

Brought in by a private equity investor to build financial infrastructure, optimize capital strategy, and position the company for investment and growth. Repeatedly engaged for expertise in stepping into complex environments, implementing scalable financial systems, and enhancing profitability to support rapid expansion.

Obtained key financing to fuel sales expansion, introduced new product lines, and drove organic growth. Refined financial operations by restructuring banking relationships and establishing new credit facilities to improve treasury and e-commerce functions. Directed the company’s first GAAP audit, ensuring full compliance with financial reporting standards and regulatory requirements. Recruited into the next role at EGrowcery to create immediate impact, leveraging a track record of financial transformation, capital strategy optimization, and business scalability in high-growth environments.

Eurovestech PLC

A London based venture capital fund listed on London’s AIM exchange  investing in and developing early stage technology companies. 

BOARD OF DIRECTORS:  Toluna, Maxifier, Magenta, TUTE Genomics, Audionamix, and LogNet Systems.  

Brought in by the chairman to oversee financial strategy, governance, and M&A for a global venture capital fund, providing strategic leadership across a diverse portfolio of international companies. Evaluated emerging technologies, guided capital deployment, and collaborated with executives to drive business transformation and sustainable growth. Served as a trusted board advisor, ensuring financial discipline, risk management, and operational scalability to position companies for long-term success.

Held board seats for six global portfolio companies spanning market research, advertising technology, logistics optimization, AI-driven audio solutions, genomic analysis, and telecom billing software. Provided governance oversight, chaired audit committees, and strengthened financial controls to align with AIM regulations, IFRS, and global compliance standards. Led executive teams through strategic transactions, corporate restructuring, and leadership transitions to enhance business performance and investor returns.

Partnered with leadership teams to refine business models, drive market expansion, and develop scalable financial frameworks. Advised on capital strategy, funding initiatives, and post-merger integration, ensuring financial and operational alignment. Focused on creating high-value exits, optimizing shareholder returns, and positioning companies for sustained growth in competitive global markets.

Leveraged venture skills of value creation and business model transformation gained from overseeing international portfolio companies in this position, when subsequently recruited into high-impact leadership roles at three rapidly growing companies to strengthen financial operations, scale business models, and optimize capital strategy.

Director of Investments / Board of Directors

KSS Retail (acquired by dunnhumby Ltd)

An international software business backed by venture capital investors with entities in the UK and US, providing price optimization solutions to retailers throughout the world. The business was sold to dunnhumby Ltd in January 2010.

Recruited by the CEO to design and implement a UK and US-based corporate governance and financial framework, separating the retail price optimization business from the parent company to maximize shareholder value and position the business for acquisition. Led finance, IT, and HR functions while overseeing corporate strategy, risk management, compliance, and board relations, ensuring operational stability and regulatory adherence.

Directed investor exit strategies, legal structuring, and financial compliance, successfully negotiating and executing the business sale. Spearheaded the separation of retail operations into two international entities within 60 days, aligning financial reporting with IFRS, US GAAP, and UK GAAP while managing AIM exchange audits. Strengthened board governance, investor relations, and executive alignment, optimizing financial oversight, incentive structures, and long-term strategic expansion.

MarginPoint (formerly Nexiant)

A venture backed provider of inventory management solutions delivering integrated software, hardware and professional services to mid-market and large organizations such as Daimler Chrysler, American Airlines, United States Air Force.

Promoted to acting CFO to lead business turnaround efforts, stabilize financial operations, and position the company for long-term growth. Oversaw finance, accounting, IT, HR, and administration, strengthening financial controls, optimizing cost structures, and securing critical financing to support business continuity and expansion.

Guided the company’s transition from an OEM supplier to a direct manufacturer and distributor, expanding service and technology offerings while aligning strategic initiatives with long-term growth objectives. Streamlined revenue management and cost efficiencies, driving profitability and operational sustainability. Set up structures to improve corporate governance and financial oversight, ensuring sustainable growth and market competitiveness.

Vice President of Finance / Acting CFO

TCI Solutions (acquired by Retalix, subsequently acquired by NCR Corporation)

A public reporting company that develops and markets enterprise software and services solutions for the retail industry.  

Rehired by the CFO to lead Accounting and Finance, driving revenue growth, operational efficiencies, and financial compliance. Oversaw SEC reporting, audit relationships, and risk mitigation strategies while managing a high-performing team to enhance financial planning and decision-making. Strengthened revenue operations, optimized cash flow, and implemented strategic initiatives to support business expansion and corporate transactions.

Director of Finance & Accounting

CPI Financial & Insurance Services

Directed all aspects of the company’s operations including sales, marketing, product management, IT, HR, and accounting. Secured $4.2M business line to deploy the agency’s growth strategy.

Chief Operating Officer

Financial strategy and governance are fundamental to sustainable business growth, and Dave Ristow has built a career ensuring companies have the capital structure, financial discipline, and strategic oversight to succeed. With deep expertise across SaaS, enterprise software, and technology-driven businesses, he has guided venture-backed, private equity-owned, and publicly traded companies through market expansion, M&A, capital raises, and operational restructuring.

Repeatedly recruited for his ability to scale businesses, optimize financial operations, and enhance shareholder value, he has secured over $140M in capital, led multiple successful exits, and driven EBITDA growth exceeding 120% across portfolio companies. Whether transitioning to high-margin revenue models, strengthening investor relations, or executing post-merger integrations, his leadership ensures financial strategies are not only sound but positioned for long-term value creation.

Beyond the CFO role, he brings extensive governance expertise as a board director, advisor, and audit committee chair. Having served on six international boards, he understands the complexities of balancing shareholder expectations, regulatory compliance, and corporate risk while fostering innovation and sustainable business practices. His experience includes enhancing governance frameworks, overseeing financial reporting, and aligning executive teams with board directives to ensure disciplined execution in capital markets and corporate decision-making.

A leader in financial and operational transformation, he builds and optimizes high-performing teams, ensuring organizations operate with efficiency, accountability, and strategic agility. From implementing enterprise-wide financial systems to integrating AI-driven analytics and cybersecurity strategies, he translates complex financial and operational data into actionable insights that drive growth and competitive positioning.

At every stage of business evolution—whether scaling, restructuring, or navigating high-stakes financial decision, his focus remains creating financial clarity, governance excellence, and strategic foresight that turn business potential into measurable and lasting success.

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The Battle

Michael Ortiz

Dave Ristow, CPA, CGMA

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