Steven Jones

Chief Executive with more than 30 years of experience leading founder-led organizations through growth, operational transformation, and organizational change. Proven record of building leadership teams, improving financial performance, developing scalable operating systems, and positioning companies for long-term success. Executive experience spans CEO, CFO, founder, entrepreneur, and strategic advisor roles across manufacturing, consumer products, real estate, and wine & spirits.

Recognized for helping founders transition from owner-dependent businesses into professionally managed organizations without losing the culture and passion that made them successful.

Chief Executive Officer (Contract) at CALI CUSTOM CRUSH, INC. (2023-01 – 2026-12)

Recruited by the founder to build the operating infrastructure required to transform a successful side business into a scalable commercial enterprise.

• Built the operational foundation, licensing, production systems, and management processes supporting commercial growth.
• Negotiated a three-year production agreement generating approximately $500K in recurring annual revenue while expanding commercial capabilities.
• Grew annual revenue to nearly $800K, expanded operations into a 22,000-square-foot bonded production facility, and guided the business through a strategic repositioning during an industry downturn.

Chief Executive Officer & Equity Partner at VINTAGE WINE & SPIRITS, LLC (2022-01 – 2023-12)

Appointed to lead the operational turnaround and strategic growth of a multi-brand wine company following a complex ownership transition.

• Directed executive leadership for a $1.7M organization with responsibility for operations, finance, sales, production, and strategic planning.
• Secured a $6M senior credit facility supporting growth initiatives and acquisition opportunities.
• Improved operational performance, strengthened financial discipline, integrated Ground Effect Wine Company, and rebuilt the Rabbit Ridge leadership platform.

General Manager at S.T. RENT-IT (1994-01 – 2009-12)

Recruited to lead daily operations while enabling the founder to focus on strategic expansion and new business opportunities.

• Directed multi-location operations, improving financial performance, customer satisfaction, and organizational consistency.
• Built leadership systems and standardized operating procedures that reduced founder dependence and supported long-term growth.
• Led expansion into a new geographic market while developing a culture centered on accountability, empowerment, and operational excellence.

Founder & Principal Advisor at JONES GROWTH ADVISORS (2016-01 – Present)

Partner with founders and executive teams to improve organizational performance, strengthen leadership, and prepare businesses for long-term growth.

• Guided founders through organizational scaling, leadership development, succession planning, and operational transformation.
• Developed strategic growth initiatives including a $100M acquisition strategy and a $40M capital structure supporting business expansion.
• Served as a trusted advisor helping leadership teams improve organizational performance and enterprise value.

Vice President, Mergers & Acquisitions at THE POST OAK GROUP (2025-01 – Present)

• Advise founders on strategic growth, ownership transitions, and capital planning.
• Structure investment opportunities for institutional investors and private equity firms.
• Coordinate transaction teams supporting strategic financing and acquisition initiatives.

Chief Financial Officer (Contract) at RABBIT RIDGE WINE SALES, LLC (2020-01 – 2022-12)

• Directed financial planning, budgeting, forecasting, and executive reporting during a complex ownership transition.
• Partnered with ownership on operational planning, financing initiatives, and strategic priorities.
• Promoted to Chief Executive Officer & Equity Partner of Vintage Wine & Spirits.

Co-Founder & Managing Partner at WINE RESOURCES, LLC dba THIEF & BARREL WINE CO. (2017-01 – 2020-12)

• Co-founded and launched a premium wine brand, establishing its strategic direction and market position.
• Secured exclusive commercial partnerships with the Palmdale Amphitheater and Lancaster JetHawks.
• Earned 2019 Winery of the Year honors in the Antelope Valley.

Managing Director at NEW CENTURY INVESTMENT GROUP (2009-01 – 2016-12)

• Built a referral-driven investment business sourcing residential and commercial acquisition opportunities.
• Negotiated complex transactions while coordinating investors, lenders, attorneys, and escrow professionals.
• Developed the relationship-building, negotiation, and leadership skills that became the foundation of later executive leadership roles.

Bachelor in Business Administration & Management – California State University, Northridge

Certificate in Sommelier • Certified Wine Specialist – Institute for Culinary Education

Certificate in Six Sigma – Management & Strategy Institute