Rich Bergsund, Founder -- a career CEO and management consulting Partner

Bottom Line:

What I love to do — crunch the data, build a great product, and energize the team to create breakthrough results.

Focus:

As an experienced private equity CEO and management consulting partner, I combine sound strategy with high-energy execution to deliver industry-leading results. I am obsessed with measurable impact, continuous improvement, and the power of a positive company culture.

Method:

My approach has been well-tested and proven to deliver results. It is grounded in understanding unmet customer needs, competitive and market dynamics, and the company's financial profile. Key metrics are identified in all functional areas and monitored relative to internal and external benchmarks. I am a strong believer in building an engaged, aligned, and accountable team, fueled by a common purpose and shared values.

Experience:

During my career at Bain & Company, eventually as a Partner, I developed analytical skills and tools designed to create value across a broad range of industries, companies, and functions. In two long-tenure CEO roles, one startup (grew from zero to $25M revenue) and one middle market (grew from $20M to $200M revenue), I've applied those skills and tools to build a track record of positive leadership, relentless execution and top and bottom-line results.

Next:

Helping middle market companies win. Every company has untapped potential. My next mission is to bring my codified approach to like-minded CEO’s and executive teams to help them delight their customers, engage their teams, lead their competitors and create new levels of economic value for themselves and their stakeholders.

Founder Experience

CEO, Wine.com

Recruited by private equity firm to turn around and grow a small, struggling online wine business. Built Wine.com into the nation's leading online wine retailer. Grew revenue ten fold. Built an upscale brand, with the mission of inspiring the wine lifestyle through innovation. Product innovations included offering the world's largest wine selection, providing live chat and personalized recommendations, introducing the leading wine commerce mobile app and a host of features to make delivery the most convenient in the industry. Led year-round team of 200, growing to 1,000 during fall peak season.

CEO and Co-Founder, IdeaForest

Recruited by Bain Ventures to found and lead an early online crafts retailer. Built IdeaForest.com, now operating as Joann.com, into the leading online retailer of hobbies and crafts, with the mission to inspire and serve creativity. Combined project idea content with convenient delivery of the required supplies. Business sold to JoAnn Stores, a leading hobby and crafts retailer.

Partner, Bain & Company

Selected, with three other Partners, to start and operate Bain’s new Los Angeles office. Developed and served clients in consumer products, retail, private equity, wholesale, automotive, entertainment, technology (software, semiconductors, computer peripherals), aerospace & defense, utilities, real estate, and medical products. Led projects on business unit strategy, corporate strategy, growth, turnarounds, cost-reduction, marketing, M&A, process improvement, manufacturing, and distribution. Grew the Los Angeles office to 75 professionals in 3 years, achieving the #1 ranking in employee satisfaction among all Bain offices worldwide.

MBA, Stanford Graduate School of Business

Full scholarship provided by Bain & Company.

BA, Stanford University

International Relations, with distinction. Phi Beta Kappa.

Rich Bergsund, Founder -- a career CEO and management consulting Partner

Founder Experience

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