Ken Kaplan is an accomplished financial executive with over 45 years of professional experience, specializing in corporate financial management, strategic planning, and exit strategy execution. As the Founding Partner and Director of Business Development at Kaplan CFO Solutions, Ken has dedicated his career to providing financial leadership to companies that do not require a full-time CFO but still need the expertise of senior financial management. His passion for helping companies grow, coupled with his deep knowledge of strategic finance, has made him a sought-after advisor for businesses across various industries, including manufacturing, healthcare, and distribution.
Ken’s leadership has been instrumental in guiding businesses through significant financial challenges. He has successfully turned around three companies that were experiencing significant annual losses, drawing on his expertise in financial modeling, budgeting, and forecasting. His ability to provide timely and accurate financial insights has empowered organizations to make informed decisions that positively impact their growth and profitability. Whether working on embedded engagements or specific projects, Ken’s approach is always centered on delivering value and ensuring long-term sustainability for his clients.
Throughout his career, Ken has held fractional CFO roles at several companies, including Aeroflow Health, FLS Energy, and Astral Buoyancy Corporation. His extensive experience in these positions allowed him to bring immediate financial oversight and leadership to fast-growing companies that required strategic direction. Ken has also been a key player in multiple mergers and acquisitions, where his skills in financial analysis, private equity negotiations, and due diligence were critical to closing successful deals.
Before founding Kaplan CFO Solutions in 2008, Ken held executive roles in a range of industries. As Vice President and CFO of American Threshold Industries, he successfully raised $16.5 million in debt and equity to implement a management buyout. Within three years, Ken negotiated the sale of the company to a strategic buyer, doubling its value. This achievement is a testament to his ability to enhance a company’s financial health and drive substantial returns for shareholders.
Ken’s financial expertise extends beyond traditional accounting and reporting functions. His roles as General Manager at Olinger Distributing, as well as leadership positions at FLS Energy and Moog Music, provided him with a deep understanding of operations, management, and process improvement. His work with fast-growing businesses and turnaround strategies demonstrates his ability to tackle complex financial challenges with ease and precision.
In addition to his professional accomplishments, Ken is an active board member, serving on the boards of Electronic Office and Deltec Homes. His contributions as a board advisor have been invaluable, providing companies with fiduciary oversight, strategic guidance, and long-term planning. Ken’s ability to mentor management teams and guide organizations through periods of growth is reflected in the strong testimonials from his clients, who commend his operational and financial insights.
Ken holds a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in Finance and Entrepreneurship from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business and a Bachelor of Business Administration (BBA) in Accounting from the University of Cincinnati. Although his CPA licenses in North Carolina and Ohio are currently inactive due to retirement, his decades of experience and knowledge remain relevant and impactful in the finance world.
Character:
Ken’s personal motto, “Always Do The Right Thing,” reflects his commitment to integrity and ethical leadership. His clients trust him not only for his financial expertise but also for his honest and transparent approach to managing their businesses.
Knowledge:
Ken’s breadth of experience spans multiple industries and financial disciplines. His experience includes manufacturing, distribution, healthcare, service industries and non-profits. His deep understanding of corporate finance, strategic planning, and financial modeling makes him an invaluable resource to any organization, ensuring long-term financial health and success.
Strategic:
Ken’s strategic insight has been instrumental in guiding companies through turnarounds, mergers, and acquisitions. His ability to develop and execute long-term financial strategies is key to helping businesses grow, achieve stability, and maximize shareholder value. Ken also has a deep appreciation for the importance of marketing strategy and the need for growing businesses to develop marketing resources.
Communication:
Ken’s ability to communicate complex financial information in a clear and actionable way is one of his greatest strengths. He excels in providing his clients with the guidance they need to make informed decisions, driving both immediate and long-term success.
