Jim’s recipe for creating value is simple: He listens and then he applies his unique blend of knowledge, experience, and start-up ethos to solve the problem at hand. For example, he helped a financial software company develop a strategy for integrating its software platforms, yielding a 20% annual cost savings.
He works across a wide range of projects and initiatives – in particular, with the M&A team on pre-investment thesis development, technical due diligence initiatives, and post-close integration and SaaS transition projects. He draws on more than 30 years of experience in technology to provide assessments of product architecture, design, scalability, and growth potential.
He brings an entrepreneurial spirit and innovation, having co-founded and led several software start-ups. In addition to having extensive technical background across a variety of industries, he also has first-hand experience running business functions, including sales and marketing, finance, and accounting – gained through his start-up experience and work with high-growth organizations.
Prior to joining West Monroe, he co-founded and served as chief technology officer for a SaaS-based financial services software company, Firm58. He earned a bachelor’s degree in electrical and computer engineering from Purdue University and an MBA from the University of Illinois.
What makes Jim different
When Jim is not working, he enjoys home improvement projects, bicycling, and golfing. His previous company, Firm58, was conceived and evolved over many rounds of golf. The company’s name was an aspirational testament to a once ideal golf score.
He recently moved back to Northwest Indiana, where he grew up. He loves being able to work in Chicago and yet enjoy the outdoors, especially the beach.
Where Jim makes an impact
He has a passion for creating products, teams, and companies and building talent. He finds fulfillment in mentoring junior technologists and working with a technology incubator group that teaches high school students about product ideation and starting a company. He is also an active member of ZeroCancer, raising money for prostate cancer research.