The Yes Works

Our clients come to us to engineer their cultures for four things:

PROFIT     |     GROWTH     |     INNOVATION     |     FUN

Because your culture is your future.

I'm synthesizing a life of learning and a diverse career of communications, customer service, training, and leadership development to help improve the work-lives of the people I serve. There is no work/life balance. There is only a balanced and fulfilling life. Work is part of life. Let's make it good.

Happily, fulfilling work and good productive work go hand in hand as a part of a balanced life.

I work with business teams to help build habits of work, communication, and collaboration to enliven work and make it good. It's good for business, it's good for people. That's the bottom line.

Co-Founder & CEO

Giant Leap

Lead two regional groups of Chief Executives and Business owners through a peer-mentoring experience...

We're whole humans leading companies, and it can be lonely at the top. Members of these groups find peers who have no agenda with them, have no fear of them, and will therefor put their best interests frontmost and share their honest, insightful thoughts and questions.

We're helping leaders live the entrepreneurial lives of their dreams.

CEO/Owner Peer Group Leader

Vistage Worldwide, Inc.

Get the most your team has to offer today, and grow their capacity tomorrow. Leading humans humanely and effectively for high performance and high fulfillment levels. Communication and collaboration culture. Innovation and problem solving.

Speaker

First 5 FUNdamentals

Founded in 2008, First 5 FUNdamentals (F5F) is a non-profit organization whose mission is to mobilize and inspire communities to achieve their collective goals for children and families. F5F currently supports three initiatives - Project Child Success, Help Me Grow Pierce County, and the Washington Communities for Children.

Vice President Board Of Directors

Mighty Good Work Podcast

Producer & Host

Stadium High School

I teach classes in theater to High School students in every grade level, and direct the school productions in our state of the art theater.

Teach juniors and seniors a course in Business Communication -- Public Speaking and Presentation, Customer Service, Copy Writing, Marketing, Surveys and other topics.

Theatre Arts & Business Communication Teacher

Gold From Straw Theatre Company

Managing Executive Director

Infinite Encore Coaching

Guiding leaders where they are to where they want to be.

Dream it.  Do it.  Live it.

Leadership Coach

Keller Williams Realty

Real Estate Consultant

Oakland School for the Arts

Tech Director and Theatre Teacher

People-first leaders come to us to help make their good teams LEGENDARY:

➡️ Do you have a nagging sense… We could be even BETTER? 

➡️ Do you have a strong culture that's still hampered by CONFLICT & miscommunication?

➡️ Have ACCOUNTABILITY gaps cost you sales, profit, clients, employee retention?

➡️ Is MISTRUST slowing you down?

➡️ Has a KEY PERSON quit out of the blue, citing more money & growth opportunity... And you can't allow a REPEAT with anyone else?

➡️ Is your headcount GROWING -- organically or through acquisition -- faster than team CHEMISTRY?

➡️ Is it hard to see how today's team can accomplish your AUDACIOUS GOALS for tomorrow?

It's time to REFUSE to accept a status quo where:

❌ MEETINGS are a dull time-suck // when they could be fun and productive.
❌ Gaps in communication and/or accountability create CHAOS.
❌ TRUST between team members is weak, so productivity suffers.
❌ Problems are suppressed until they become CRISES // instead of being brought to light.
❌ People resist CHANGE // instead of embracing reality and driving continual improvement
❌ Fixable PROBLEMS persist // when everything they need to find the solution is right there.

We can help. 

Think you can't have SWIFT & LASTING transformation with the team you have?

YOU CAN!

Because we use a unique science-backed approach to training and consulting. And we follow the advice of Albert Einstein:

"Everything should be made as simple as possible, but not simpler."

Check out these client results:

🎯 “There’s nothing else like The Yes Works.” Joe Mc Swiney, CEO, SOG Knives. Six months after we worked with his leadership team, Joe said that they’d seen a:
50% increase in mutual appreciation. 
30% increase in mutual understanding. Conflicts were easier to navigate.
80% increase in their ability to communicate positively and constructively under pressure.

🎯 “Your work got us through COVID. We embody the principles you trained us in every day.” Joe LeRoy, CEO, HopeSparks

🎯 “What you did with us is a part of the fabric of this company.” Philip Goward, CEO, TextExpander (Then Philip and partners were able to sell TextExpander ahead of schedule.)

🎯 “Here’s how important you are to me. You give me hope that my company’s culture will be preserved through scaling. 50 years from now, I’ll want you training our leaders to keep us who we are.” Hugh Stewart, CEO - Platform Transition 


Ready to see your team's full potential in ACTION?

Then ask for a call:

📞 https://calendly.com/aaronyes/15min

🌐 https://www.theyesworks.com/

Aaron Schmookler, Culture Engineer

Creekside Consulting Co (Adjunct Operational Management Expertise for Startup or Restart Teams)

Creekside Consulting, through a full range of operational and financial consulting solutions, helps companies maneuver through turbulent waters. We provide interim executive management and advisory services for start-up/ early stage companies, restarts, small businesses that are looking to the next level and companies looking for an extra hand. 

I provide a flexible and affordable alternative for businesses that need access to high-level expertise but don't want to hire a full-time COO or CFO.

I started consulting wanting to share the extensive experience I gained solving problems and leading teams that made significant break-throughs in developing unique solutions to problems and improving day-to-day operational effectiveness through training personnel to use software/systems correctly to eliminating inefficiencies.

Extensive experience collaborating with senior leadership teams to develop operational strategy and tactical execution plans, driving implementation, and measuring progress against objectives.

* Consulting engagements range from strategic and operational planning to running day-to-day operations: including sales, operations, and administration, developing service offering, pricing, contract negotiations, financial controls, hiring staff, systems design and implementation.
* Provide a high-level of analysis and guidance for company owners and management by acting as an ad-hoc member of your management team.
* Family business advisory - exit planning.
* Strong belief in digital v. print.

Principal Consultant (Interim COO / CFO for Startups & Companies looking to grow to the next level)

Project 1. Interim CFO for a service provider. Brought in to help the owner better understand company profitability. Better understand which projects and project segments were the most profitable. Presented the analysis to the owner and project managers so they could understand the profitability of their projects, what segments could be improved to for more successful project and the impact of profitable projects had on the company success. Data was also used to understand and better bid new projects. Sharing the analysis brought the project managers together as a strong team and facilitated sharing and aligned the staff to create a stronger company. Also, provided ad-hoc analysis, supported proposal development and staff utilization, supported banking and insurance renewals and other duties as required.

Project 2. Interim CFO/COO for start-up manufacturing company specializing in turning municipal waste (garbage) into energy (steam). Customer projects included both domestic and international locations. The company was successful in developing and getting approved two environmentally permitted prototypes, an 8 ton per day (TPD) and 40 TPD system. 

* Helped develop these prototypes into commercial products to bring to market. This involved primarily working with engineering to document drawings, bill of materials including vendors who could provide the components and pricing, specifications detailing the products and how they operated. 
* Provided support to negotiate the outsourcing of manufacturing of the products to an international contract manufacturer who had the capabilities to manufacture and deploy the products to customers anywhere in the world. This allowed the company to lower the product cost, scale rapidly and considerably cut the cost of shipping. 
* Led setting up a teaming agreement with a national environmental consulting company who would support the customer projects during permitting and to support the customer's project plan for financing.

Principal Consultant (for Turnarounds, Startups - Private Sector Restructuring)

Consulting to companies primarily in the areas of corporate infrastructure development, financial systems, and supported clients in responding to customer proposals for services.

Principal Consultant

Music Group Services US (Consumer Electronics Distributor for global manufacturing company)

Music Group Services US is a wholly owned subsidiary of Music Group, Inc. one of the world’s largest holding companies for pro audio brands. Music Group is the corporate parent for world-recognized brands such as MIDAS®, KLARK TEKNIK®, TURBOSOUND®, BEHRINGER® and BUGERA®.

Recruited by Music Group Services for a newly created position that would bring structure and discipline to the US financial operations.  This was due to my broad consulting background in corporate infrastructure work.

* Managed all aspects of finance, tax, federal, state and local registrations, banking and insurance for US operations ($65 million revenue).
* Finance implementation liaison for business strategy transforming North American distribution using 3rd Party Logistics (3PL).
* Restructured 401 (k) plan that increased employee participation.
* Identified and worked with auditors to recover $196,000 in over payments of Washington B&O taxes.

Reason for leaving. The company closed local operations consolidating all services into Philippines headquarters.

Finance Manager (Acting CFO for US Operations - $65M revenue)

LyfeSystems Inc.(Insurance payment processing platform)

LyfeSystems is a startup with two wholly owned subsidiaries, LyfeBank LLC an insurance payment processing company providing an HRA program to employers to fund healthcare for its employees and Aklins LLC an insurance brokerage selling individual health insurance. 

Recruited by founder/CEO based on past experience in developing infrastructure to support rapid growth, implementing financial controls, and hiring and developing successful teams. 

* Directed all aspects of finance, accounting, tax, federal, state and local registrations, information technology, and banking and insurance.
* Implemented all accounting policies and other controls for operational consistency, efficiency, and audit performance to allow for accurate strategic decision-making.
* Developed pricing for company services and commission structure for broker partners.

Reason for leaving. Corporate downsizing.

Chief Financial Officer (Lead finance and development of corporate infrastructure)

Master Builders Association (Supporting the home building industry to providing affordable housing)

With 4,000 members, Master Builders Association is the largest local homebuilders association in America, focused on supporting the building industry and providing affordable housing to the public.

This was a new position which was created to manage day-to-day operations and develop an infrastructure that could support growth without needing to continue to add headcount.  

* Managed all aspects of operations including Accounting, Administration, Communications/Public Relations, Education, Events, Human Resources, Membership, Information Technology, and Sales/Marketing.
* Managed staff of 25, budget of $7.5 million, and investment portfolio of $6.0 million.
* Oversaw the development and implementation of the "MBA University" to provide continuing education to members and their employees.

Reason for leaving. I developed and implemented a strong operating infrastructure to support continued growth, new revenue opportunities and the needs of members. With a stable operations I chose to return to consulting to help other companies achieve their growth and profitability goals.

Chief Administrative Officer (COO for Associations Operations)

Flextronics (Leader in telecommunications network services)

Flextronics Network Services a leader in telecommunications network services, providing end-to-end solutions from design through deployment. 

Recruited by the President of the Washington Manufacturing Operations Group with whom I had worked at Egghead Software.

* Senior member of start-up Network Services business, wholly owned subsidiary of Flextronics and grew it to $5 million in first year (2000) and $12 million in revenue in second year.
* Managed all aspects of operations including Accounting, Contracts, Human Recourses/Recruiting, Information Technology, Legal, Program/Project Management, Quality, and Training.  
* Managed development of service team of 140 technicians and support staff.
* Managed two acquisitions ($47 million and $20 million in annual revenues).

Reason for leaving. Operations were consolidated with other operating entities in Dallas TX and I chose not to relocate at the time due to family responsibilities in Seattle.

VP & General Manager

SafeWorks LLC (Global leader in manufacturing and distribution powered access and safety solutions)

Part of management buyout team that negotiated the acquisition of the Access Systems Division from Flow International. 

* Raised $5 million in investment capital and $34 million in bank financing. 
* Held daily oversight of all Accounting, Tax, Financial Reporting, Cash Management, Payroll and Benefits, Information Technology and Facilities functions.  
* Created corporate infrastructure to support ongoing business, including IT strategy, timely and accurate monthly reporting processes, and a financial plan for adding new locations domestically and internationally.

Managed international financial operations: United States, Belgium, Canada, France, and Taiwan.

Reason for leaving. Company was in a strong financial and operating position which allowed me to take the experience of developing the support infrastructure and share it with other companies who couldn't afford to have a full-time COO/CFO.

VP & Chief Financial Officer (CFO for SafeWorks)

Flow International (Access Systems Division - Manufacturing and distributing powered access systems)

Recruited by the CFO whom I worked with in Finance at Egghead Software.

Managed financial planning, reporting, analysis, and forecasting of Access Systems Division with domestic revenue of approximately $30 million and foreign revenue of approximately $10 million. Developed new branch profitability reporting systems to better manage financial performance. Identified and recommended changes to several operational and reporting problems, resulting in increased control and more accurate reporting.

Led initial bankruptcy proceedings for Flow International subsidiary in France prior to separating from Flow to create SafeWorks. Managed legal and financial liability. Met with bankers, government regulators, and vendors to manage exposure and limit corporate liability. 

Reason for leaving. Part of management buyout team that negotiated the acquisition of the Access Systems Division creating SafeWorks LLC.

Finance Director

Egghead Software

Recruited by the Director of Financial Planning and Analysis whom I had worked with at Bank of America. 

- Managed the Corporate Sales ($400 million in annual sales) Operation's group that consisted of accounting and finance, contract administration, systems, and volume sales licensing. 
- Increased quality of output and customer satisfaction while holding headcount flat.
- Supported consolidation of 10 regional service centers into one center in Spokane Washington.  Prepared project budget and managed expenses favorable to budget.  Exceeded senior management expectations in implementation of the new service center.
- Managed Mid-west region ($65 million annual sales) while supporting the recruitment of a new regional director.  This included management of 15 outside account managers covering 13 states.
- Developed retail and corporate business line profitability and performance measurement system, enabling management to make significant improvements to profitability.

Reason for leaving. Recruited to Flow International by the CFO who I had worked with at Egghead Software.

Business Manager/Financial Analyst

Bank of America

Financial Analyst responsible for corporate budget and ongoing business line profitability.

Analyst responsible for reporting credit quality and corporate loan concentrations and supporting other loan analysis as needed.

Loan Portfolio Analyst/Financial Analyst

My passion is seeing companies I've been brought in to help succeed. Whether as a contractor or employee I'm known for adding significant value to the companies I work with.

I strive to share my extensive knowledge of operations, strategy, and finance increasing the value of the business through mentoring and training, processes and systems; delivering increased revenue and/or decreased cost.

Throughout my career, I have been fortunate to work for a variety of companies and to work with some very smart and talented individuals. I have been fortunate to learn and grow from each of these experiences, and I use what I have learned with each company I worked with. I'm known for my unparalleled work ethic. 

As a senior operations and financial professional with extensive hands-on experience helping companies achieve new levels of growth and profitability, I have a reputation for driving financial and operational results for both emerging and publicly traded companies.

Excellent knowledge and application of “best practice” solutions, based on broad industry background that includes heavy exposure to manufacturing, services, & telecommunications.  Outstanding track record of collaborating with senior management teams, Boards of Directors, and outside investors. Ability to communicate vision, motivate, and gain consensus among divergent teams.

• Strategic planning, decision-making, & corporate governance
• International company registrations
• International expansion
• Operational management
• Business intelligence & analytics
• Insurance & risk management
• Structuring teams for optimal effectiveness
• Growth planning & infrastructure scaling, private and public companies
• Joint venture & strategic partnership formation
• M&A due diligence & integration
• Implement internal controls to increase operational consistency & efficiency
• Exit planning
* Strong belief in digital.

Industry experience includes Manufacturing, Construction, Telecommunications/Wireless & Services.

Open to conversations with like-minded execs: mmitchell.wa@gmail.com.

taplio

The Battle

Aaron Schmookler, Culture Engineer

Mark Mitchell

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