Joseph Strauss

Joseph C. Strauss San Clemente, California-- Professional Profile A highly experienced and resourceful business development executive specializing in delivering innovative solutions to increase company revenue. I maintain up-to-date knowledge of the latest technologies and industry developments, demonstrating a logical approach to solving complex problems. I leverage exceptional interpersonal skills to influence decision-makers, share creative ideas, and communicate complex financial information. I build and maintain strong business and industry contacts, enabling key partnerships and alliances. I provide a strategic perspective to all potential business deals, quickly identifying opportunities to add value to the company. I enjoy leading and being part of a successful, productive team and thrive in high-pressure and challenging working environments. Key Achievements • • • • • • • • • Transformed businesses through strong analytical expertise combined with business, financial acumen, corporate growth, and business development experience. Evaluated over 600 businesses, resulting in over 60 M&A transactions worth over $600 million. Identified and facilitated over $300 million in corporate joint ventures and over $200 million in new business development. Planned and managed $500 million operating and $200 million capital budgets. Provided key leadership in the strategic direction of businesses, including deal origination, corporate development, economic modeling, pricing, and competitive analysis. Recognized by a board member of a Fortune 200 company for performance with a closure rate of 98% on all deals, including mergers, acquisitions, joint ventures, and divestitures. Exceeded all company benchmarks for revenue, profit, and returns, while expanding market share in new markets, new geographic regions, and new countries. Delivered expert management consulting on organizational, strategic, customer, and performance improvement challenges in all industries. Demonstrated leadership skills with the ability to motivate others, present complex concepts, and successfully negotiate contracts. Career Summary PARTNER – Vista Business Group, Orange County, CA (2015 - Present) • Provide expert advice for strategic buyers within private equity groups and corporations, focusing on mid-size target company acquisitions and owners looking to sell. • Demonstrate expertise in identifying target companies, valuation, analysis of capital requirements, business marketing, and acquisition strategies. • Identify potential growth strategies through M&A and sell-side representation. • Successfully prepare and negotiate deals and definitive agreements, as well as direct, facilitate, and oversee due diligence and the closing of transactions. • Maintain strong relationships and networks with founders and senior executives of mid-size and industryleading companies to effectively facilitate M&A activities. BUSINESS DEVELOPMENT - Saudi Aramco, Dhahran, Saudi Arabia (2011 - 2014) • Played a key role in the ongoing success of one of the most valuable companies in the world. • Advised and guided on the strategic development and execution of multi-billion-dollar projects. • Worked on a portfolio of projects designed to leverage the Kingdom’s reserves with new technologies in upstream, downstream oil and gas, onshore and offshore, renewable energy and water sectors. • Planned and executed creative economic development projects to diversify and grow the commercial base of Saudi Arabia. • • Provided leadership on key projects including intellectual property commercialization, real estate development, and optimization of the deal origination process. Determined project scope and collaborated with team members to develop a project plan, including schedules and budgets, of a $6B integrated gasification combined cycle project. MERGERS & ACQUISITIONS ADVISOR - Meritage Partners, Inc, Anaheim Hills, CA (2007 - 2011) • Advised business owners on selling their companies, bringing in a partner or purchasing another company. • Advised private equity groups and corporations with their acquisition strategies. • Directed the entire M&A process, leading to a smooth transition and a successful outcome for the client. DIRECTOR OF ACQUISITIONS - RideNow Powersports Management Grp, Tempe, AZ (2006 - 2007) • Served as a key member of the executive management team, providing direction on vision, policy development, strategy, and organizational goals. • Led and managed all aspects of the acquisition process, including identification, sourcing, valuation, due diligence, and negotiation efforts with target companies. • Achieved the best terms for each transaction in support of the overall U.S. business strategy. MANAGEMENT CONSULTANT - Strauss and Associates, Villa Park, CA (1999 - 2006) • Provided advice and guidance on key business initiatives such as organization, business planning, strategy, transformation, sustainability, globalization, emerging markets, and performance improvement. • Assessed and provided guidance on commercial opportunities, including corporate development, value creation, growth strategies, operations, risk management, and maximization of business performance. • Advised companies across multiple industries and sectors, including oil and gas, business and financial services, commercial real estate, waste management, insurance, health care, media, public sector, wholesale and retail, telecommunications, construction, travel, transportation, and logistics. • Built and maintained relationships with key clients including CBRE Group Inc., Hunt-Wesson, Inc., and ConAgra Foods, Inc. DIRECTOR OF CORPORATE DEVELOPMENT - Waste Management, Anaheim, CA (1988 - 1999) • Led the strategic and corporate development functions for leading providers of integrated environmental companies. • Sourced acquisition targets across 13 western states in support of company and market expansion goals, as well as financial objectives. • Managed all aspects of the due diligence process, including marketing and financial data, conducting comprehensive business evaluations, and obtaining board approval. • Negotiated and signed the letter of intent, as well as prepared the purchase agreement to ensure smooth closure of acquisitions and transition to post-acquisition integration. • Coordinated and managed municipal bids and contracts in alignment with bid requirements, competitive pricing, and company contract negotiation guidelines. • Oversaw Greenfield projects, divestitures, and initiation and closure of joint ventures. • Represented the company at industry events. FINANCIAL ANALYST - Geneva Companies, Costa Mesa, CA (1986 – 1988) • Evaluated over 200 client companies for merger and acquisition potential, including market, industry, and strategic analysis. • Advised clients on opportunities for sales growth and margin improvement. • Provided specific forecasts for sales, margins, debt structure, working capital requirements, and discounted future cash flows. • Demonstrated expertise in a wide variety of industries, including services, manufacturing, wholesale, retail, construction, and transportation. Education and Qualifications Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a concentration in Finance, San Diego State University Licensed Real Estate Salesperson (1985 - Present)