Eric Grott is a seasoned financial and operational executive with over 25 years of experience driving business growth, operational excellence, and shareholder value across diverse industries. Renowned for his strategic vision and hands-on leadership, Eric has successfully navigated roles in startups, manufacturing, distribution, and medical devices, consistently delivering measurable results and fostering innovation.
Currently serving as Chief Financial Officer and Chief Operating Officer at Power/mation, a privately held high-tech automation distribution company with $180 million in annual revenue, Eric oversees finance, accounting, IT, purchasing, and warehouse operations. His transformative leadership has been instrumental in aligning organizational strategies post-ERP implementation, enhancing gross margins by 2 percentage points, reducing debt by 37%, and optimizing working capital to capture $5 million in past-due accounts receivable. With a team of 100 employees, Eric’s focus on scalable processes has supported the company’s substantial $50 million growth over the past four years.
Prior to Power/mation, Eric served as Contract CFO/COO for New Plastics Plus, where he steered a privately held custom thermoforming plastics business to achieve 20% sales growth and an 80% EBITDA increase within one year. His focus on operational efficiency, lean manufacturing, and a data-driven mindset significantly enhanced production output and reduced warranty claims.
At Tiller Corporation, a $200 million privately held gravel and asphalt company, Eric played a pivotal role in increasing enterprise value by $250 million. As Director of Finance, he spearheaded initiatives that captured $28 million in sustained margin improvements through pricing strategies, product rationalization, and operational efficiencies. His ability to embed data-driven decision-making practices empowered teams across all levels of the organization.
Eric’s leadership extends beyond finance, with a strong track record in operational transformation. At Milltronics, a global manufacturer of CNC machines, he developed a unified strategy across international operations in the U.S., China, and Taiwan. This effort led to cost reductions, faster product development, and enhanced market responsiveness. Eric also successfully led the company’s system transition to Microsoft AX, ensuring post-transition SOX compliance, and implemented a product line profitability analysis to identify new market opportunities.
Eric’s career is marked by a consistent ability to deliver exceptional outcomes in complex environments. His extensive experience spans pivotal roles at Despatch Industries, Valspar, ALLETE, Cirrus Design, Onvoy, and PwC, where he honed his expertise in financial planning, operational strategy, and market growth.
With a robust academic foundation, Eric earned an MBA in Accounting from the University of St. Thomas and a Bachelor of Science in Environmental Studies with a minor in Chemistry from Bemidji State University. He has cultivated a diverse skill set in ERP systems, business intelligence tools, and process improvement methodologies, including Lean Philosophy and Six Sigma Green Belt training.
Outside of his professional endeavors, Eric has served on advisory and nonprofit boards, including a sand and gravel company and a Minnesota-based nonprofit, where he held the role of president. He is passionate about the outdoors, boating, and fostering connections that drive personal and professional growth.
Eric’s leadership philosophy is grounded in collaboration, innovation, and a relentless focus on value creation. His commitment to helping organizations achieve their goals and his ability to adapt across public and private sectors make him a sought-after executive for board service and strategic advisory roles. With a personal motto of “Work hard, play hard,” Eric exemplifies a balance of ambition, resilience, and enthusiasm in all that he undertakes.
Character
Eric Grott exemplifies integrity and collaboration, fostering trust and teamwork across diverse organizational levels.
Knowledge
With over 25 years of expertise, Eric possesses deep insights into finance, operations, and strategic growth across various industries.
Strategic
Eric is a visionary leader adept at aligning organizational goals with data-driven strategies to drive profitability and efficiency.
Communication
A skilled communicator, Eric effectively bridges complex financial and operational concepts to inspire action and achieve consensus.
