“Driven by results. Grounded in integrity. Committed to transformation.”
Craig Thompson is an accomplished executive leader whose career spans over three decades of steering finance and operations in dynamic, growth-focused environments. His journey reflects a compelling fusion of strategic foresight, operational excellence, and unwavering dedication to organizational success. Whether navigating the complex challenges of multi-national corporations or scaling up entrepreneurial ventures, Craig brings a rare blend of insight, adaptability, and authentic leadership that consistently delivers measurable outcomes.
From his earliest days in the financial sector, Craig demonstrated a keen analytical mind and a deep understanding of business mechanics. With a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Accounting from the University of St. Thomas—graduating magna cum laude—he set a firm foundation for a career characterized by continuous learning and impactful execution. His formative years at LarsonAllen and American Express Financial Advisors instilled in him the discipline of precision and a passion for translating numbers into strategies.
Craig’s career took a transformative turn during his tenure at SoftBrands, where he led an international finance team and helped steer the company through critical phases of public and private ownership. He was instrumental in driving significant improvements in EBITDA margins across multiple business units, implementing structural changes that transformed loss-making operations into profit-generating entities. These early leadership experiences honed his ability to develop and execute financial strategies that aligned with broader business objectives, setting the stage for the operational leadership roles that followed.
His next chapter at Optum, a division of UnitedHealth Group, showcased his talent for building scalable frameworks in highly regulated environments. As Vice President of Operations, Craig successfully expanded revenue by 96% and led a 200-person team through a period of extraordinary change. He pioneered an internal operating system that dramatically improved analytics and productivity and negotiated a $70 million client savings through a newly formed fraud prevention business unit. These achievements reflect his strength in cross-functional leadership and his knack for aligning strategy with execution in fast-paced settings.
Craig’s impact continued at HealthEast and Digital River, where he seamlessly shifted between finance and operations to lead enterprise-wide transformations. At HealthEast, he introduced quarterly rolling forecasts and business review processes that revitalized financial transparency. At Digital River, a $200M e-commerce SaaS company, he developed pricing strategies, optimized sales effectiveness, and revamped financial planning processes. His ability to improve structures while maintaining adaptability made him a trusted leader through periods of transition and growth.
Entrepreneurship also plays a pivotal role in Craig’s story. As the owner of Lakeville Cleaners and Director of Client Services at Certes Financial Pros, Craig embraced the challenge of small business ownership and consulting. These experiences deepened his empathy for entrepreneurs and sharpened his problem-solving skills. He not only sustained operational health in a competitive environment but also cultivated long-lasting relationships by offering tailored, high-impact solutions.
Since 2020, Craig has served as the Chief Operating Officer at Viridian Weapon Technologies, a leading manufacturer of firearm accessories. In this role, he has redefined what’s possible through a data-informed, customer-centric approach. Under his leadership, the company has experienced 126% growth and is on pace for another 50% increase in the following year. Craig implemented the NetSuite ERP system, established key performance metrics across customer service, and introduced EDI capabilities, enabling the company to engage with major retail partners. His influence extends beyond financial results—he has helped shape the strategic direction of the company, building an agile, performance-driven culture.
International experience is a hallmark of Craig’s career. He has engaged with markets in China, India, Mexico, the UK, and Australia, leading cross-border initiatives and managing culturally diverse teams. His global lens informs a leadership style that values inclusivity, resilience, and adaptability. Whether managing remote teams or evaluating international expansion strategies, Craig approaches global business with both a strategic and human perspective.
Despite his extensive experience, Craig remains grounded and service-oriented. He is not one to seek the spotlight, but rather, to lead from within—driven by the belief that sustainable success is rooted in strong people, well-defined processes, and a shared vision. He has served as Treasurer of Bloom Early Learning Childcare and contributed his time to various church, school, and athletic programs, embodying a quiet commitment to community and family.
Now actively pursuing board opportunities, Craig offers a holistic perspective shaped by both corporate leadership and entrepreneurial grit. He is especially drawn to small- and medium-sized organizations in the manufacturing, firearms, and technology industries that are poised for growth, transformation, or international expansion. Craig seeks to bring his experience to boardrooms where strategic thinking, operational discipline, and financial stewardship intersect.
Character:
Craig leads with integrity and humility, consistently placing the success of the team and organization above personal gain. His dependable nature and ethical approach foster trust and respect from colleagues, clients, and partners alike.
Knowledge:
With over 30 years of experience across finance, operations, and international business, Craig brings a deep, practical understanding of organizational dynamics. He continuously sharpens his expertise through hands-on leadership in diverse industries, from healthcare to manufacturing to SaaS.
Strategic:
Craig excels at aligning long-term business goals with tactical execution, ensuring that strategic plans translate into measurable results. His ability to identify growth opportunities and build scalable solutions has led to sustained success across complex environments.
Communication:
Craig communicates with clarity, purpose, and empathy, whether guiding executive teams or leading cross-functional initiatives. His transparent style encourages collaboration, alignment, and buy-in across all levels of an organization.
