Elevating an organization’s trajectory often hinges on securing the right funding, particularly for startups. Having someone with a proven track record and an extensive network can be instrumental. At DKR Advisors, we bring a wealth of experience, having successfully raised almost $100M across various ventures.

Our achievements include securing funding through equity at OSS, WSI, and ASSIA, along with orchestrating debt financing at WSI, ASSIA, PLX, and Kilopass. We’ve played key roles, participating in diverse financing strategies such as Registered Directs, Bridge Loans, Personal Board Loans, Convertible Debt, IPOs, Venture Capital, Technology Investment, and standard financing.

One notable instance involves Dave’s involvement in a company facing a looming balloon debt payment amidst stagnant sales, depleted cash reserves, and significant losses. Through strategic planning and storytelling, he showcased cost-cutting measures, innovative sales strategies, and a pathway to profitability. This effort resulted in a successful debt refinancing coupled with equity investment.

Navigating challenging covenants tied to debt is another facet of our expertise. We’ve successfully persuaded tier-one lenders to reconsider their stance on companies they had previously written off, a testament to our commitment to executing well-defined plans, instilling confidence in management, upholding our reputation, and driving profits to record levels. At DKR Advisors, we don’t just raise money; we shape success stories.

Achieving a successful business turnaround is no small feat, often demanding a comprehensive strategy and the ability to navigate unique challenges. Invariably, the path involves more than just boosting sales; it requires a dual focus on increasing revenue while optimizing operational efficiency —an area where many leaders encounter difficulties. The key lies in making tough decisions regarding personnel and expenditures, addressing the situation head-on.

In his leadership roles, Dave has spearheaded three company turnarounds, each presenting distinct challenges and opportunities:

OSS: As CEO, orchestrated a transformative turnaround for this technology public company.  The result? Record revenues and profitability, a compelling multi-billion dollar strategic plan and vision, elimination of debt, $20M in cash reserves, while doubling shareholder value. Prior to this intervention, the company faced financial distress, lacked focus, and struggled for funds, requiring borrowing from the board to sustain operations.  Today, the company has a solid multi-billion dollar leadership strategy that should propel it to the next level.

PLX: Led this public technology company to its most profitable years in 2013 and 2014, a stark contrast to heavy losses the previous year. By boosting revenues, inspiring cost-cutting measures, divesting underperforming businesses, securing record design wins, and exclusively focusing on the company’s leading product line, he positioned PLX for success. His strategy emphasized being the undisputed leader in the competitive semiconductor space, resulting in over 70% market share (90%+ for latest products) and a substantial increase in margins to ~60%.

ASSIA: Turned around a scenario of heavy losses, stagnant growth, and depleted cash reserves in 2016 to achieve 50%+ annual growth in 2017 and nearly 40% operating margins in 2018. This transformation not only drove record profits but also significantly reduced the company’s debt. The journey showcased our ability to revitalize a struggling enterprise, fostering substantial growth and financial stability.

In contemplating your own business turnaround, DKR Advisors stands ready to collaborate with you in defining and initiating the transformation process. With Dave’s hands-on experience spearheading successful turnarounds in various companies, we bring a wealth of strategic insight and practical solutions to guide your organization through its unique challenges. Let us work together to define and implement the strategies necessary for your business to thrive once more.

Implementation and Execution: Best Processes and Plans

In the intricate realm of strategic planning, the implementation and execution of a business plan is the linchpins that transform a vision into tangible success. At DKR Advisors, we recognize that a solid business plan is more than a static document; it’s a dynamic blueprint that requires meticulous processes and thoughtful execution strategies. Here’s how we approach the implementation and execution of business plans:

1. Detailed Action Plans:

Our methodology involves breaking down strategic goals into detailed action plans. Each plan is a roadmap, outlining specific tasks, timelines, and responsibilities. This granular approach ensures that every aspect of the business plan is translated into actionable steps.

2. Continuous Monitoring and Adaptation:

Business landscapes evolve, and successful execution requires continuous monitoring and adaptation. We implement robust tracking mechanisms and regularly assess progress against predefined metrics. This allows for agile adjustments to the plan, ensuring it remains relevant and effective in the face of changing circumstances.

3. Stakeholder Alignment:

Successful execution is contingent on the alignment of all stakeholders. We facilitate communication and collaboration among team members, ensuring everyone understands their roles and responsibilities. This alignment fosters a unified effort towards the common goals outlined in the business plan.

4. Risk Mitigation Strategies:

Anticipating and mitigating risks is integral to successful execution. Our approach involves a thorough risk assessment, identifying potential challenges, and developing proactive strategies to address them. This foresight minimizes disruptions and keeps the execution on track.

5. Resource Optimization:

Efficient resource allocation is crucial for successful execution. We work closely with organizations to optimize resource utilization, ensuring that financial and human capital are directed towards initiatives that align with strategic objectives.

DKR Advisors’ Experience and Success Stories:

In our journey spanning over two decades, we have played a pivotal role in shaping and executing business plans that transcend mere objectives. Dave’s multiple leadership roles as VP of Marketing and CEO have been marked not only by the creation of comprehensive business plans but by his hands-on involvement in their successful execution.

One notable success is our role in propelling the PCI Express Switching business to over $100M in annual revenue with a market share of 70%. The strategic business plan implemented under his guidance positioned the business for significant growth, culminating in a successful acquisition by Broadcom/Avago, ultimately turning it into a $250M venture.

Our advisory role has extended beyond his leadership positions. As a trusted advisor, he has guided numerous companies in developing and executing their strategic roadmaps. This collaborative approach has yielded successes across various industries, showcasing the adaptability and effectiveness of our strategic planning methodologies.

Success in strategic planning is not a theoretical concept; it’s a result of understanding the unique needs of each organization, aligning objectives with a dynamic vision, and ensuring that the business plan created is not just a document on paper but a living, breathing guide for sustained growth and success. Partner with us to turn your strategic vision into a success story.

Recognizing the indispensable role of metrics, KPIs, and targets in monitoring and enhancing organizational performance is universally acknowledged. This crucial aspect is intertwined with accountability—a cornerstone of successful business management.

Having witnessed both failures and successes in this realm, we have had the privilege of collaborating with diverse and talented individuals. The key to efficacy lies in meticulously establishing the right metrics, ensuring consistency and transparency, garnering the collective buy-in of the entire team, and seamlessly integrating them into daily operations and the organizational culture. Crucially, these metrics must align harmoniously with the overarching vision, mission, and strategic objectives of the company.

In addition to this, it is imperative to tether employee variable compensation to these objectives and the overall company performance. This alignment ensures that the entire organization, or at least the management team, is motivated by and accountable for achieving the outlined goals.

The crux of effective board interaction lies in a strategy that prioritizes transparency and balance. By maintaining openness in communication, a symbiotic relationship between the board and the management team is cultivated. It’s essential to go beyond merely sharing positive news; a well-thought-out board presentation entails balancing achievements with areas that require attention or potential challenges on the horizon. This deliberate approach communicates a commitment to transparent communication, acknowledging that not everything is always rosy. When leaders present only the positive aspects, it tends to make board members uneasy, prompting them to challenge the presenter or communicator.

Successful board presentations are not just about showcasing accomplishments; they are an opportunity to foster a collaborative dialogue that acknowledges both successes and challenges. This approach strengthens the partnership between the leadership and the board, ultimately contributing to more informed decision-making and a more resilient organization.

With a rich tapestry of experience spanning over 25 years, Dave has had the privilege of collaborating with and learning from exceptional leaders and board members. This journey involves actively participating in countless board meetings—both as a presenter in roles such as VP, COO, President, and CEO, and as a board member on the receiving end of presentations.

Effective management presentations for M&A and investor meetings are a critical in shaping perceptions and garnering support. Crafting these presentations demands meticulous planning to weave a compelling, believable narrative that is substantiated with robust data and illustrative examples. The art of these presentations lies not just in their length but in their ability to distill complex information into a concise, impactful story.

Experience speaks volumes, and with a track record encompassing over 20 transactions as well as countless investor meetings, Dave has been at the forefront, serving as the main presenter, storyteller, and architect of these pivotal presentations. This journey has spanned both full-time senior roles and advisory positions, providing a comprehensive understanding of the many approaches that yield success and the pitfalls to avoid.

These presentations are not merely a string of information; they are an opportunity to convey a vision, instill confidence, and align stakeholders with the strategic direction of the organization. The delicate balance between brevity and substance is a key theme, ensuring that the core story remains focused and impactful without dilution.

The depth of experience informs a strategic approach to crafting presentations that resonate with key stakeholders, whether it’s during M&A negotiations or in addressing the expectations of shareholders. Each presentation is an opportunity to shape perceptions, inspire confidence, and drive the narrative towards a successful outcome.

With an expansive career spanning over 25 years, Dave brings executive-level expertise to the table, having held key leadership roles in 13 distinct positions across 8 diverse companies. His experience extends to the C-Level and Senior Management echelons, encompassing a spectrum of companies ranging from pure startups to those with revenues scaling up to $10 billion:

• One Stop Systems: CEO, President, Director
• PLX Technology: CEO, President, Director, EVP/GM, VP Marketing
• ASSIA, Inc.: President, COO, Interim CFO, Director
• Broadcom/Avago: VP/GM
• Home Bay: COO
• Pericom Semiconductor: VP Marketing
• Actovate: Founder/CEO, Director
• WSI: GM, VP Marketing & VP of Sales

Dave is actively seeking additional opportunities in board, advisory, and consulting capacities, open to interim roles, and potentially considering long-term management positions for the right opportunity. This wealth of C-Level and executive-level experience positions him to provide valuable insights and strategic guidance across a spectrum of business scenarios.

With over 20 years of experience at the senior management and board levels, Dave has collaborated with exceptional teams in NASDAQ-listed companies spanning a range of sizes, from $40 million to over $10 billion in sales. His impactful roles include:

Senior Management:

• One Stop Systems: CEO, President
• PLX Technology: CEO, President, EVP/GM, Business Development (M&A), VP Marketing
• Broadcom/Avago: VP/GM
• Pericom Semiconductor: VP Marketing

Board:

• One Stop Systems (OSS): Audit Committee Chair, Nominating & Governance Committee
• PLX Technology: Director

At DKR Advisors, Dave is dedicated to leveraging his wealth of experience to provide strategic guidance and advisory services, specifically aimed at helping and advising public companies navigate the complex challenges and opportunities they encounter.

With a wealth of experience spanning over 25 years, Dave has demonstrated his leadership prowess in a variety of private companies, from pure startups to those boasting approximately $50 million in revenue. His impactful roles include:

Senior Management:

• Actovate: CEO, Founder
• ASSIA, Inc: President, COO, CFO (Acting VP of Sales & Marketing)
• Home Bay: COO/Advisor
• WSI: GM, VP Marketing, VP Sales

Board:

• Kilopass: Chairman
• One Stop Systems: Director (before the IPO), Audit Chair, Nominating & Governance Committee
• ASSIA, Inc: Observer
• Simblee: Advisory
• Actovate: Chairman
• Magma: Advisory

Dave’s commitment to leveraging his experience extends beyond his roles in senior management and on boards. In his current role at DKR Advisors, he is driven to utilize his extensive skills to not only address the immediate needs of private companies but also strategically prepare them for the possibility of going public in the future.