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Mr. Kemp is the head of the Houlihan Smith Operational Improvement and Restructuring Division, specializing in advising companies that are undergoing transition, underperforming or are in trouble. His industry expertise includes manufacturing, consumer products, consumer services, specialty retail, and wholesale/distribution.
Before joining The Houlihan Firm, Mr. Kemp was the head of the Chicago office for Amherst Partners, where he advised middle market companies on operational improvement and turnarounds, growth strategies, and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to holding that position, he held executive positions in the retail and automotive aftermarket industries, including serving as Vice President of Automotive Stores for Sears, Roebuck and Co. While at Sears, Mr. Kemp had P&L responsibility for the nation's largest retailer of tires and related services, consisting of 830 Sears Auto Centers and 225 National Tire & Battery (NTB) stores, with over 21,000 employees and revenues of $2.2 billion. Under his leadership, profitability and customer service improved dramatically. Later during his tenure Mr. Kemp led NTB through a successful divestiture from the parent company.
Mr. Kemp helps clients at The Houlihan Firm by focusing on operational and financial issues that adversely impact performance, while working with management teams to develop strategic alternatives as well as business and communication plans. As a former line leader, Mr. Kemp understands the importance of customer service, revenue growth and profitability, while staying focused on a few key metrics and implementing lean operating disciplines. To improve communication with lending institutions and investors, Mr. Kemp works with clients on developing effective budgeting and capital allocation processes, including a particular focus on working capital.
Working collaboratively with clients Mr. Kemp looks to identify not only what’s wrong, but to implement solutions that address root cause problems, while building a pathway to turnaround and performance improvement.
Mr. Kemp holds an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, and earned his BA from the University of Michigan with High Honors. He serves on the Governing Board of the Chicago Zoological Society, and is a member of the Chicago chapters of the Turnaround Management Association (TMA) and the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG).
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