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Bio Snapshot:

• Turn around expert troubleshooter for retail/distribution corporations.
• Operations Manager for a subsidiary of a Fortune 100 Corporation. Revitalized the infrastructure systems and processes of a start-up retail distribution company. Navigated the corporation through an acquisition. 
• District Manager for a national retail chain 16 stores in 10 cities in 2 states. Maintained record revenue during a severe recession.
• CEO of a start-up furniture manufacturing company, building it from scratch into a globally recognized company.
• CEO: Successful furniture manufacturer turnaround in two years.
• Investment Advisor: Securities licensed Investment advisor for investments, risk management, and retirement programs.
• Regional Director for National Mergers and Acquisitions Firms in Chicago and Dallas, advising over 250 corporate CEOs ranging from $1 million to $700 million on funding, selling, acquiring, and growing their enterprises.
• Key Note Speaker for National Conventions for Veterans on How to Write a Winning Business Plan and Turning obstacles into opportunities.
• Seminar Speaker: Conducted seminars on how to write a winning business plan every six weeks for five years.
• Key Note Inspirational Speaker: Turning Obstacles into Opportunities. Local and national business conventions and groups.
• Business Plan Author: Wrote business plans for multiple private corporations and secured various funding from  VC firms and divisions of Qualcomm, Verizon, and Kyocera, as well as other alternative funding sources.
• Business Book Author: Published three books on business. Getting the Money Over the Fence, How To SUCCEED in Business, Hostile Takeover - From Bullets to Boardrooms.
• Fundraiser:
  • Raised $100,000,000 in 7 months for a Canadian start-up.
  • Raised $6,000,000 for a Physical Therapy corporation out of Chicago.
  • Raised $3,000,000 for a technology company out of Ft. Lauderdale.
  • Raised multiple rounds of seed and growth funding.

James Wittmack is a highly respected advisor and business strategist who has been guiding CEOs across industries through his Mind Dump vision board process since 1989. His expertise spans corporations ranging from $1 million to $700 million, helping executives gain clarity, refine strategic direction, and drive transformative change.

With over a decade of post-college experience as a turnaround specialist, James has successfully navigated companies through crises and restructuring and accelerated growth across diverse industries. His ability to diagnose challenges and implement rapid solutions has made him a trusted expert for companies seeking strategic repositioning.

As a certified investment advisor and 401(k) expert, James has designed and implemented effective business retirement programs. He holds Series 7, 6, and 63 certifications and has advised organizations on financial strategies that enhance long-term stability and employee benefits.

James’s entrepreneurial journey is both remarkable and instructive. He built a globally recognized furniture manufacturing business from the ground up and later moved operations to Mexico to improve profitability. However, in a shocking turn of events, his company was forcibly taken from him at gunpoint. As he crossed the border in 1989, James became laser-focused on protecting other entrepreneurs from similar vulnerabilities. This mission quickly gained traction, and in 2000, he formalized it into a dedicated advisory firm that has since guided countless business owners toward sustainable success and risk mitigation.

His expertise is further reflected in his tenure as a CEO of a leading furniture manufacturer, where he led strategic initiatives and operational improvements. Following that, he held Regional Director roles in M&A firms in both Chicago and Dallas, where he provided high-level advisory services to businesses navigating acquisitions, exits, and expansions.

James has also played a pivotal role in business education, conducting business plan writing seminars every six weeks for five years, significantly contributing to the success of companies nationwide. Under his mentorship, several businesses have scaled into national corporations, solidifying his reputation as a leading expert in business growth and development.

Known for his straightforward, no-nonsense, results-driven approach, James excels in tackling challenges head-on, streamlining operations, and guiding founders toward achieving their strategic and financial objectives in record time. His insights are highly sought after by executives, entrepreneurs, and law firms nationwide, positioning him as the premier resource for pragmatic, high-impact solutions.

For organizations facing leadership gaps, James serves as an exceptional fractional CEO, seamlessly integrating into executive teams to drive strategic initiatives, optimize performance, and ensure long-term success. Through his membership in a national network of 8,000 seasoned professionals, each with a decade or more of expertise, he can curate elite advisory teams—ranging from HR specialists to fractional C-suite executives—to fortify organizations with top-tier leadership.

James’s vast experience, strategic foresight, and hands-on leadership make him the ideal partner for businesses seeking to scale, pivot, or navigate complex challenges with confidence.

Beyond his professional achievements, James’s personal story reflects unwavering resilience and dedication. As a single father, he raised his children after the tragic passing of their mother, just two weeks after his daughter's 13th birthday. His commitment to family remains at the core of his life and values.

An avid outdoorsman, James finds balance through adventure, engaging in motorcycle rides through the mountains, golf, surfing, paddleboarding, kayaking, boogie boarding, pickleball, and camping. He actively participates in events alongside his son, daughter, and colleagues, valuing shared experiences and personal growth.

His son serves as a firefighter paramedic in Chula Vista, CA, while his daughter is on track to complete her Master’s Degree in Architecture at UCLA by 2025. James’s ability to blend professional excellence with personal fulfillment underscores his well-rounded, dynamic approach to leadership and life.