Ms. Ward is the President and founder of
Dovetail Business Advisors, Inc. She is an accomplished,
award-winning entrepreneur and
businesswoman with 30 years experience in corporate management, mergers and
acquisitions and non-profit fundraising.
Prior to founding Dovetail Business Advisors, Ms. Ward began her career at
Hallmark Cards, Inc. in the areas of graphic arts, printing, manufacturing,
quality control, procurement, marketing and merchandising. At Hallmark, she
developed and implemented a key supplier program; was responsible for
negotiating contracts resulting in $7 million in annual savings for the company;
facilitated and implemented a strategic plan that resulted in $5 million annual
savings in the Merchandising Division and was awarded Hallmark's prestigious
Minority Supplier Partnership Award in recognition of her efforts to develop and
grow the Minority Supplier Program.
After a successful 16 year career at Hallmark Cards, Inc., Ms. Ward spent 7 years
in leadership roles for several non-profit organizations. In 2002, Ms.
Ward joined a nationwide mergers & acquisitions firm as a Managing Director.
She represented sellers of privately-owned middle market companies and
corporate, private equity or entrepreneurial buyers throughout the United
States.
Ms. Ward's value-added services have included strategic and tactical planning,
management development, facilitation, project management, business process
analysis and implementation, cost containment programs, new product development,
business valuations and mergers and acquisitions. This experience has
given Ms. Ward a practical, insider's understanding of many industries and many
different types of companies, both large and small.
Ms. Ward's corporate, entrepreneurial and mergers and acquisitions experience
provides her with the experience needed to help prepare business owners for a
successful transition. She knows what factors create value so that the
business is ready to go to market. She and the Dovetail team always strive
to create a win-win for everyone.
Ms. Ward earned her Bachelor of Science degree from Rochester Institute of
Technology Degree, where she graduated Summa Cum Laude. She is a Certified
Exit Planner, a Certified Business Intermediary, a Certified Business Coach and
a Licensed Real Estate Broker-Officer. She also earned her machinery and
equipment certification and a number of corporate and individual assessment
certifications. In 2011, she was named a “Woman Who Means Business” by the
Kansas City Business Journal.
