Brandon E. Gillig, CFA, is a seasoned financial and operations executive with over 11 years of experience driving business transformation, profitability improvement, and strategic growth. With a proven track record across the manufacturing, logistics, banking, distribution, and landscaping sectors, Brandon combines analytical expertise with hands-on leadership to deliver measurable impact at scale.

Since 2020, Brandon Gillig has led his current business, Swift Straw, through two transformative leadership roles. As Chief Operating Officer (Feb 2020–Jun 2024), he reshaped the company’s structure and operations—streamlining regional teams, pricing, and customer segmentation to enhance efficiency and profitability (63% increase); built foundational IT, business intelligence, HR, and ERP capabilities; established a vertically integrated raw materials pipeline; restructured fleet ownership; and overhauled compensation systems. Since November 2022, as Chief Financial Officer, he’s strengthened the company’s financial position by refinancing debt, integrating three acquisitions into core operations, renegotiating major land and asset leases, implementing fixed-asset management and automated reporting systems, and revamping the insurance program for greater stability and scalability.

Alongside his executive roles, Brandon leads a private investment group that deploys seed and early-series capital into high-growth ventures across broadband infrastructure, online learning platforms, healthcare, insurance, logistics, and building materials. He also advises a North American treated-lumber startup on capital strategy, operational planning, and go-to-market execution.

Prior to Brandon’s role with Swift Straw, he was a Senior Advisory Consultant at Crowe, Brandon led numerous turnaround projects, optimizing working capital, implementing lean framework, and improving EBITDA. He spearheaded the financial integration of multiple third-party service providers, resulting in material bottom-line improvement for middle market businesses to publicly traded. His creation of customer and product profitability models has enabled executive teams to make smarter business decisions and refine operational focus.

Brandon has deep expertise in M&A advisory, process improvement, and global strategy. His experience includes restructuring retail networks, streamlining post-merger operations, and advising clients on manufacturing and distribution strategy. Earlier in his career, at Deutsche Bank, he drove technology cost savings and improved financial communications across global banking units.

He holds dual Bachelor of Business Administration degrees in Banking & Finance and Risk Management & Insurance from the University of Georgia’s Terry College of Business and is a CFA charter holder. Brandon is also an experienced public speaker, having delivered presentations at Salesforce ERP events, manufacturing forums, colleges, and business galas. His communication style is direct, insightful, and grounded in real-world application.

Outside of work, Brandon enjoys hunting, fishing, and training his hunting dog, and values the time he spends with his child. He is now pursuing additional board and advisory roles where his operational experience, financial acumen, and leadership can help organizations thrive.

Character: Brandon demonstrates integrity, discipline, and a strong commitment to delivering value through hands-on leadership and consistent follow-through.

Knowledge: With dual business degrees and a CFA designation, he brings deep financial expertise and operational insight across multiple industries.

Strategic: He excels at identifying growth opportunities and driving profitability through turnaround strategies, M&A support, and operational restructuring.

Communication: Brandon communicates complex financial concepts with clarity and confidence, as evidenced by his impactful presentations at industry events and academic institutions.