Todd Aaron Resume

1. Todd M. Aaron
2311 Central Park Avenue
Evanston, IL 60201
312-953-1769
ToddMAaron@gmail.com
www.LinkedIn.com/in/ToddAaron
https://Twitter.com/ToddAaron23
Progressive, results-driven P&L financial services, technology, and operations executive with expertise in digital
transformation of businesses through innovative, customer and client-centric, technology-enabled solutions. Highly
successful in solving financial services and technology challenges by converting complex business problems into
actionable roadmaps. Adept at program and project management for automated, scalable solutions that optimize
strategic direction, digital advisory, and industry experience and vision needs. Creates data-driven growth engines that
achieve consistently profitable, end to end sales solutions, risk mitigation, and customer loyalty. Deep functional skills
in consumer and commercial financial services, digital transformation, C-Suite and business leader collaboration, sales
enablement and productivity, business value proposition, leadership, strategic direction, e-business deployment, new
product innovation, and impactful process design. Builds and mentors agile high-performing teams by leveraging
individual strengths to exceed KPI targets. MBA in finance.
EXPERIENCE
GREAT AMERICAN FINANCE CO. 1996 – Present
One of the nation’s largest and oldest privately held near-prime finance companies providing retailers with white label
consumer finance products and consumers access to quality financing solutions. Partners with the nation’s premier
merchants to provide in-store and online industry-leading financing programs that enable merchants to expand their
customer base, provide more purchasing power, and increase sales volumes. Auxiliary businesses offer B2C cash loans
and B2B equipment leasing.
Technology & Operations Leader|Fintech|E-Commerce|Digital Transformation|Strategy|BI|AI|BPI|Credit|Lender
Led the strategic vision and day-to-day operations as Chief Innovation and Operating Officer of this 63-person B2C/B2B
sales finance company that started in 1932. Responsible for executive and tactical decision making, delegation, and
communication. Oversaw all business operations, technology development, digital transformation, and adoption. Drove
strategy, policy, and performance measures using artificial intelligence, digital ledgers, and business process
improvement to reduce cost and risk. Researched and led pursuit of all new sales innovations. Fostered employee
alignment with corporate goals directing human resource management with passion for delivering superior client service.
Reported to the CEO. Steered company to a successful sale to private equity. Great American Finance Co. was
supported by a $35 million debt facility.
 Grew sales to $60 million, producing 29% year-over-year growth by creating proprietary SaaS platform
and integrating off-the-shelf technology products. Within an intensively competitive environment, led sales,
relationship management, engagement, retention, and operational results for all largest merchant accounts
with up to 100 locations.
 Created a $2 million proprietary, multi-channel electronic loan origination and servicing platform that
represented the company’s leading points of differentiation. Spearheaded all research, integration and
problem-solving efforts. Led the ideation, program strategy and innovation, project execution, and cross-
functional alignment which processed 3,500 electronic credit applications in peak weeks and 640,000 total
credit applications.
 Increased assets from $10 to $47 million through technology enabled services. Reduced costs by 45%
and improved cash flow by 51%. Re-engineered all non-automatic functions into a consolidated electronic
assembly line that eliminated friction points and drove error rates to zero. Recast the company as a
differentiated analytics and wide-moat capital provider. Improved client retention by embedding the firm’s
SaaS platform into merchants’ ERP systems.
 Engineered multiple computer algorithms with Chief Developer enabling instant credit approval and turn-
down decisions in excess of $100 million of loans. Expanded sales to $1.2 million per week, scaling the
business to 24/7 credit granting, while standardizing and stratifying credit risk.

2.  Developed all channels and strategic alliances focusing company on revenue growth, new market
exposure, product integrations, and solution selling. Optimized growth opportunities while simultaneously
considering financial risk and technology capabilities.
 Sold $15 million in new product, open-ended, revolving credit programs versus lesser risk, closed-ended
installment sales contracts and consumer installment loans. Responsible for all vendor selection,
integrations, and legal compliance.
 Brought to market and co-led B2B equipment leasing initiatives focusing on ticket sizes in excess of $1
million and transactions ranging from $35,000 to 75,000.
 Co-led senior and mezzanine lender relationships, treasury functions, and collection activity.
JOSEPH J. BLAKE & ASSOCIATES 1992 – 1995
A leading national commercial real estate valuation and consulting firm offering appraisals, market and feasibility studies,
litigation support, and consulting services. Clientele comprises prominent banks, insurance companies, pension funds
and fund advisors, sovereign wealth funds, and governmental agencies.
Commercial Real Estate Appraiser
Performed appraisals of investment grade property throughout the U.S. Focused on single asset portfolio valuations,
quarterly valuations, and debt valuation that formed the basis for mortgages, sales, mergers, and balance sheet
management. Expertise included valuation of industrial, office, multifamily, regional malls, and shopping centers.
 Leveraged cost, market sales, income, and discounted cash flow analysis modeling to substantiate
valuation.
 Produced written appraisals for clients demonstrating the ability to analyze problems coherently and
provide precautionary advice while making major improvements.
ACCENTURE (FORMERLY ARTHUR ANDERSEN & CO.) 1991 – 1992
An $8 billion global professional services firm. Clientele comprised prominent insurance companies, pension funds,
and fund advisors.
Commercial Real Estate Appraiser
Appraised nationwide investment grade properties. Subject matter expertise included detailed inspection and valuation
of industrial, office, multifamily, regional malls, shopping centers, railroad right-of-ways, and an operating hospital.
 Utilized analytical expertise focused on discounted cash flow analysis modeling, establishing market
valuations.
EDUCATION, CERTIFICATIONS, & AFFILIATIONS
MBA Finance DePaul University Kellstadt Graduate School of Business Chicago, IL 1998
BA Liberal Arts / Psychology Emory University Atlanta, GA 1990
Resident Advisor for three years; Delta Tau Delta fraternity member.
The Analytics Boot Camp Incorta & Microsoft Chicago, IL 2019
Project Management Certification Boot Camp Coursework Completed PMtraining 2019
Commercial Investment Real Estate Institute & Appraisal Institute Chicago, IL 1990 – 1993
PROFESSIONAL & PERSONAL ACTIVITIES
 Treasurer of the Independent Finance Association of Illinois – 2 years
 Member of the Independent Finance Association of Illinois – 21 years
 Founding Member of Chicago Vistage Chapter – 3 years
 Avid athlete:

3. o Six-time Chicago Marathon finisher. Highlight includes having my 12-year-old son join me for
the last six miles of the race.
o Four-time Olympic Distance Chicago Triathlon finisher.
o Wisconsin 2017 Tough Mudder 10-mile race. Highlights include finishing the race with my
14-year-old daughter and 16-year-old son and 16-year-old niece.
o Soldier Field 10-mile race finisher with my son who ran the entire race at age 11.