Joel Lesser is a CFO who makes decisions—with his own brand of diligence, integrity and thoughtfulness—that ensure reliable foundations on which businesses and talent may grow. Relied upon to partner with the executive team to establish strategies and specific objectives in support of the company’s vision, what really sets Lesser apart is his patience for also managing the details and developing his staff in the process. Acutely aware of the domino effect of change, he constantly asks himself, “Are we not only doing it right, but also are we doing the right thing?”
A Solid Foundation
Throughout his career as a corporate controller, vice president of finance and chief financial officer, Lesser has a history of completing challenging initiatives that improved policies and infrastructure, increased productivity, cut costs with negotiations or outsourcing, improved cash flow, minimized tax exposure, secured funds for capital expansion and turned around finance departments.
While at Ion Systems, he was a key player in the acquisition of Tantec and the sale of Ion Systems to MKS Instruments the following year. As one of the first employees of Qualys, an Internet start-up, he established international branch offices and the administrative, IT and accounting systems that supported the company’s rise to $50 million in revenues today. He also led a project to analyze redundant technologies and develop a single ERP system for California Eastern Labs. In 2006, GSC Logistics recruited Lesser to replace their CFO (in part because of his unimpeachable ethics). He redeveloped the accounting department, steered the company back on track to profitability and guided the owners in settling multiple disputes and a class action lawsuit.
Teams That Run Like Swiss Watches
Lesser is known for building well-trained teams who are focused on the organization’s goals and thrives in a respectful culture of thought-provoking collaboration and ongoing professional development. Fortunate to have experienced inspirational managers in his early career, he’s committed to remaining a confident, likable leader and mentoring and coaching his staff. He communicates expectations clearly, fosters consensus and is open to making course corrections. Inherent in Lesser’s effectiveness, is his ability to build and maintain relationships with colleagues, bankers, CPAs, investors and board members. He’s mindful that success is often based on a series of constant, decisive actions rather than sweeping change.
The Privilege of Wearing Many Hats
Because he’s most productive when working cross-functionally, Lesser enjoys getting projects accomplished in a fast-paced, small to mid-sized, global technology company. Across a variety of industries, he’s been adept at examining all organizational processes, leading projects and reporting positive results. He has his finger on the pulse of the inner workings of the company and serves as the CEO’s “right-hand” resource and sounding board. Perhaps the hat that suits Lesser best is the one of planner and implementer. He excels at methodically thinking through and prioritizing problems and options and initiating solutions that increase shareholders’ wealth. He even relishes applying this same discipline to family life, like making the most of vacations with his wife, JoAnne, and two daughters.
Learn more about Joel Lesser's career highlights.
