Paul Lytle

Financial and Operations Manager with extensive experience in start-up, turnaround and high growth organizations. Significant background in problem identification, problem solving, and strategic development. Created and implemented corporate financial systems with full P & L responsibility for manufacturing, property management and venture capital companies. Established financial risk control programs that reduced fraudulent claims and improper payouts at multiple companies.

Areas of expertise: Strategic Planning & Direction, Financial Planning & Reporting, Financial Analysis, Risk Management, Negotiations, Process Improvements, Budgets, Cash Management, P & L, Variance Analysis, Cost Reductions, Forecasting

CONSULTANT (2025-01 – Present)

Worked on several startup and acquisition projects. Served 2 periods as interim controller as a new controller was recruited and trained.

• Worked with a small privately held company struggling with financial leadership.
• Stepped in to fill Controller roles for two 90-day periods.
• Worked with a startup company exploring land and/or building acquisition. Explored available inventories as well as designing a custom solution.
• Played a key early role in the acquisition of an established company.

CONTROLLER at Commodore Homes, LLC (2011-01 – 2025-01)

Commodore was a privately held, 70-year-old company specializing in the production of affordable housing with premium quality. In 2021 Commodore was purchased by Cavco Industries, creating the #2 producer in the industry. Recruited to provide strong financial hands-on leadership. Established risk management and compliance standards that were lacking or not current. Reevaluated service providers to ensure their services were needed, adequate, and competitively priced.

• Helped lead the Indiana division to substantial increases in Sales (2x) and Net Income (10x).
• Started a second division in Wisconsin in 2016, managing all financial functions for both locations.
• Business partner to department heads assisting them in identifying and resolving operating issues and recommending cost savings.

CONTROLLER at Fleetwood Enterprises / Fleetwood RV (2006-01 – 2010-01)

Fleetwood Enterprises was a $2B manufacturing company that failed during the recession in 2009. Fleetwood RV is the recapitalized Motor Home Division of the old company. Worked closely with the Division President in 2006 to evaluate and reposition our product offering relevant to opportunities in the market. At a time when our competitors were experiencing a 40% reduction in sales, we were able to achieve 2 years of record sales and profitability along with significant market share gains.

When Fleetwood

Enterprises failed from unmanageable accumulated debt, we were the only division posting profits. Controller for not only the largest manufacturing facility in the corporation at $600M in annual sales but also charged with multiple service, warranty, and parts distribution business units.

• Recovered $100K in taxes paid in error by my predecessor due to a poorly executed payroll conversion that led to taxes paid in error. Discovered this mistake shortly after arrival and lead recovery from multiple state and federal agencies.
• Directed all accounting, financial, and IT functions in the Midwest region for motor homes representing nearly $1B in sales. Managed reporting for 12 business units.
• Streamlined accounting departments leading to increased performance with lower headcounts.
• Played a critical role in establishing the motor home division as its own entity after it was purchased in 2009.
• Instrumental in securing legal, risk management, payroll, accounting and supplier commitments, agreements and updates.

CFO / INTERIM PRESIDENT at Falcon Luxury Homes (2005-01 – 2006-01)

Falcon Homes was a troubled manufacturer of mobile and modular homes with annual sales of $25M. It had been through multiple bankruptcies and ownership changes and was in complete disarray. Promoted from CFO after a few months, we successfully rebranded this three time failure. Company was restored to profitability through a revamped product offering, simplified purchasing and extensive cost reduction initiatives.

• Reduced product offering by 50% and headcount by 15% while not losing sales.
• Increased manufacturing throughput while simultaneously reducing warranty costs.

CFO / PLANT MANAGER at PulverDryer USA (2004-01 – 2005-01)

PulverDryer is an international environmental solutions company that develops and markets disruptive products that provide environmentally friendly and cost effective alternatives for material processing. Quickly promoted from CFO for the American startup of this international technology company. Successfully transitioned company from research to manufacturing operation in 2005.

• Full financial responsibility including interaction with overseas counterparts, customers and investors in Singapore, Australia and South Africa.
• Established production line for assembly of company's flagship product.
• Created plan to combine separate production and R&D facilities under one roof in a new custom designed facility.

CFO at Xavier Builders (2002-01 – 2004-01)

Xavier Builders acquired Lifetime Homes and continued to service the manufactured housing market. Annual sales peaked at about $10M in a market that declined 33%. Held full P & L responsibility as the only manager asked to stay with the company after the transfer. Dealt directly with local, state, and federal governments regarding tax and environmental issues. Interacted with the bank daily to maximize our cash position.

• Formulated tracking system for sales, service department and customer complaints for trend and opportunity analysis.
• Established financial credibility for this untested start-up.

FINANCIAL DIRECTOR / EVP OPERATIONS at Lifetime Homes (1999-01 – 2002-01)

Start up manufacturer of HUD code homes. Sales peaked at $12M annually. Founded this new company with full financial oversight including P & L, treasury, reporting, and forecasting. Created a market for our product despite a 55% industry contraction.

• Implemented SBT Pro Series ERP system
• Negotiated and approved all customer and supplier contracts.
• Led the creation and implementation of Employee Handbook, setting forth policies and procedures for all facets of the organization and including safety program.
• Company was acquired by Xavier Builders.

VP FINANCE at Heritage Group (1993-01 – 1999-01)

$200M venture capital company with investments in real estate, insurance, automotive, hospitality, and manufacturing industries. Holly Park Homes Division - Involved in resurrecting Holly Park from bankruptcy. Built company to $50M in sales and 2 new production facilities within 5 years. Managed Accounting, HR, Purchasing, Service, and IT.

• Designed software program to track claims and expenditures that slashed fraudulent payments $75K annually. Recouped payments through collection process.

VP OPERATIONS at Heritage Group (1991-01 – 1993-01)

$200M venture capital company with investments in real estate, insurance, automotive, hospitality, and manufacturing industries. Corporate Office - Managed operations for 20 multi-family residential communities across 4 states.

• Reduced payment delinquency 60% with no decline in occupancy rates.
• Motivated a staff of 30 to achieve company records in sales (up 40%), operating revenue (up 30%), and occupancy.

CONTROLLER at Heritage Group (1988-01 – 1991-01)

$200M venture capital company with investments in real estate, insurance, automotive, hospitality, and manufacturing industries. Corporate Office - Produced monthly financial statements and managed cash for 30 business entities.

• Negotiated a new tax exemption from the Indiana Department of Revenue on gas used for heating in fiberglass production that saved $400K for Covermaster Fiberglass. Exemption did not previously exist for this application. Obtained refunds for previously paid taxes.
• Reviewed property tax records and appealed valuations for portfolio companies.

Bachelor of Science in Business Management – Production and Operations – Ball State University