fred crowe

Offered to Azalea Capital and BOD to focus on driving sales and business growth in 2013 and assisting the Chairman in preparing the business for sale. Instrumental in the sale of Star Packaging from Azalea Capital to Nicolet Capital/InterFlex Group in December 2013. Following the sale, advised InterFlex Group in all aspects of the business during the integration and transition. Concluded the advisory role in February 2015.

Following the acquisition of Star Packaging with Azalea Capital, led the operational and organizational integration of Star and Master, rebranding the new entity and positioning the business for future growth. Navigated through operational issues in the new entity, driving organizational changes and rationalizing the unprofitable customer segment, leading to improved EBITDA on 8.4% sales growth.

Assumed overall management of SFA at the request of Azalea Capital. Achieved 106% of Sales plan and 109% of EBITDA plan in 2008, budgeting 28% and 38% respectively for 2009. Initiated $1.4MM capital expansion projects to transform manufacturing facility and expand capacity. Implemented quality management, process improvement, and material cost reduction programs. Led organization through the sell process and was instrumental in the sale of the business in December 2009 to Linsalata Capital (Cleveland), generating greater than 6X ROI for investors.

Full operational and financial responsibility for FujiSeal US business (3 manufacturing/$100MM in Sales) as well as the US shrink sleeve machinery business. The business operated with a wide variety of printing capabilities (rotogravure, flexographic, and off-set) for shrink sleeves, printed foam polystyrene, and printed/laminated labels. Implemented a capital expansion plan to add printing, film making (oriented polystyrene and PETG), sleeving, and rotogravure engraving equipment. Identified and reconciled key financial and operational shortcomings, restructuring management team to support the changing market focus and manufacturing platform while expediting an integrated financial and manufacturing reporting system; implemented Sales and Operations Planning.

Led the North America Hygiene/Medical business (6 facilities, US/Mexico/Canada, 700 employees, $200MM in sales) for a British Holding Company (BBA Group PLC). Achieved $205MM in sales despite $35MM product discontinuance by largest customer. Increased operating cash flow by $40.7MM from 2000 to 2001, exceeding budget by $22.2MM. Improved operating profit in 2002 by 23.5% despite flat sales. Created leaner cost structure (reduced headcount by 17% over 2 years) while introducing Sales and Operations Planning, reducing safety incidents by 20%, maintaining productivity, quality, and morale. Implemented capital projects totaling $74.4MM over two years for key technology upgrade/shift.

Managed the integration of Printpack's acquisition of James River Flexible Packaging.

Responsible for management of Printpack's largest account.

Appointed President/CEO of Master Packaging by Azalea Capital following the sale of Spartan Foods of America. Increased EBITDA 9% pts from 2009 to 2010. Implemented operational improvement plans with focus on an enhanced quality management system. Rationalized low margin customer base and invested to transform environmental compliance position. With Azalea Capital, drove the acquisition of and merger with Star Packaging with closing in June 2011, doubling the size of the business and facilitating access to new markets and technologies.

Led Exopack's Paper Business (7 facilities/$340MM in sales), manufacturing multiwall paper products for both consumer and industrial markets. Implemented capital expansion projects to transform manufacturing platform. Established foundation of manufacturing best practices and Sales & Operation planning. Sales increased 9.7% and EBITDA 69.6%. Assumed leadership of the Plastics Business (9 facilities/1,300 employees/$323MM sales), serving both consumer and industrial markets. Consolidated three separate business units in 2005 and restructured Exopack Canada during 2007. Implemented business-wide quality management initiatives. Generated sales and EBITDA growth despite a challenging raw material price environment, a declining construction industry, and competitive aggression.

* Crowe and Associates LLC - Accelerating Business Performance - formed for the purpose of: * Providing consultation and resources to industry to enhance business processes and accelerate financial performance (sales/marketing/business development, operational performance, project management, quality management and improvement, supply chain/logistics management, sustainability, organization development, leadership development) * Advising on mergers and acquisitions in the packaging industry * Assisting or leading merger and acquisition integration and transition * Sourcing materials for packaging and material manufacturing entities * Providing packaging (predominantly flexible) solutions for manufacturers of food and industrial products The business networks as needed with selected partners/entities with exceptional skills and/or knowledge to deliver on expectation.

Activities and Societies: Alpha Tau Omega, Army ROTC (4 Yr Scholarship)