1. CONTACT CAREER SUMMARY
Jeffrey has twenty-seven years of community banking experience with fifteen of
those spent as CEO, President and Chairman. For the past seven years, Jeffrey has
provided private consulting for various firms including Chicago Capital Holdings,
LLC and Bayard Business Capital. He is presently the CEO of his own practice,
Zenith Capital Advisors, LLC, consulting with companies involved in international
trade, banking and agricultural business.
+1.217.653.4644
jeff@zenithcapitaladvisors.com
linkedin.com/jeffreystarkzenith
zenithcapitaladvisors.com
KEY SKILLS
Business Development
Market Share Improvement
Restructuring
Marketing
Client Management
Strategic Planning
Startups
Turnarounds
Licensing
Lending and Administration
Training
WORK EXPERIENCE
CEO Zenith Capital Advisors 2014-Present
The firm is based upon an experience-based consulting practice. The central themes are financing in
situations that may be challenging, advising on a wide range of business challenges and providing
interim management
Managing Director Chicago Capital Holdings, LLC 2009-2016
Worked as the primary contact in an organization of seven professionals, assisting commercial
banks with their asset remediation issues.
Chairman/CEO Corn Belt Bank 1994-2009
Career encompased all phases of community bank operations, lending, administration and trust
department activities. Obtained superior ratings in all phases.
EDUCATION ACCOMPLISHMENTS
Bachelors of Science in Finance
Western Illinois University
American Bankers Association
Certified Trust and Financial Advisor
The Cannon Financial Institute
Kaplan
Turnaround Management Association
Graduate School of Banking
University of Madison Wisconsin
Managed Liquidation and Salvaged Loan Portfolio
Theagricultureindustrywasexperiencingextremefinancialdifficulty,affectingthebank’sportfolio.Established
tightmonitoringproceduresandwasappointedtrusteetomanageliquidationofacomplicatedestate.Saved
hundredsofthousands,equatingto10-15%oftheloanportfolio.
Negotiated Credit Facility Discount Allowing Company Growth
Crippling debt hindered the survival of a manufacturing concern. Negotiated 70% reduction, restructured
company ownership and converted shareholder debt to preferred equity. Maintained company viability
and spurred growth from $13M to $20M.
Designed Sophisticated Estate Plan
Privately held family business sought effective financial plan for $20M in assets. Developed prudent
estate plan, including succession planning for the firm and income tax strategies to protect assets.
Developed Plan to Catapult Asset Base
Experienced a time where agricultural lenders were in retrenchment. Developed marketing plan to attract
borrowers and assure clients of our commitment to lend. Garnered new business from campaign, setting up
long-term growth and management plan. Grew assets from $5M to over $100M over a five year period.
Integrated Profitable Trust Department
Obtained a trust charter, but it was not contributing to the institution due to inactivity. Trained personnel
on the benefits of a trust department that would increase profits. Integrated new trust department, boosting
assets of the department from $3M to $120M in seven years and obtained profitability.
Implemented Plan to Increase Growth Pattern
Bank needed additional management to continue on positive growth track. Utilized outside consultants
and created business plan. Implemented plan, employed a new management team and successfully
grew revenues and assets. Generated asset growth of $360M.
PROFESSIONAL MEMBERSHIPS
Certification in Negotiation
Univeristy of Notre Dame
PRESENTATIONS
“Nepotism Is Not The Answer”
Suelthaus and Walsh Law Firm
Farm Real Estate Lending
University of Illinois
“Bank Financial Crisis”
Turnaround Management Association
NOTEWORTHY
Established Customer Service Culture by Sourcing Other Assets
Obtained Worth Knowledge of Operating a Family Business
Expanded into the State of Missouri by Purchasing a Charter Enabling the Company to
Offer Full Services.
Company Recognized in 1994 as One of the “Most Efficient Agricultural Banks in America”
by American Banker.
Jeffrey Stark
1201 Oak Hill Drive Pittsfield, IL 62363
Sheshunoff High Performance Affiliation
American Bankers Association
Turnaround Management Association
The World Trade Center
St. Louis Agri-Business Club
The Chicago Farmers
Rotary International
Sheshunoff Affiliation Services
Farmers Business Network