Melinda Mallari, Author at Applied Business Strategy

Protect Against Unauthorized Transactions

ABS recently completed a forensic investigation for a Cleveland based house of worship. The ABS forensic team uncovered numerous unauthorized transactions of a suspicious nature. Included in the transactions were several payments that had the appearance of self-dealing. Tom Pratt led the team of investigators and authored a report for the board of directors which included several recommendations for strengthening internal controls and processes to avoid similar transactions being conducted in the future.

Melinda Mallari2023-02-20T11:48:04-05:00February 20th, 2023|

Applied Business Strategy Retained as Chief Restructuring officer

Applied Business Strategy (“ABS”), retained as Chief Restructuring Officer in October 2021 for a large, privately held food contract manufacturer (“Company”) serving several large well-known consumer brands, such as Nestle and Hershey’s, is pleased to announce the successful restructuring of the Company.

In its role, ABS developed and implemented a comprehensive business model and turnaround plan focused on price increases, cost reduction and settlement of several large contingent obligations. The restructuring was completed without a bankruptcy filing in January 2023 by selling a majority interest in the Company.

Melinda Mallari2023-03-22T14:08:42-04:00January 20th, 2023|

Tom Pratt Retained by ExWorks Capital LLC

Tom Pratt has been retained as an independent and sole Director of ExWorks Capital LLC. The engagement arose from a multi-million dollar alleged fraud perpetrated by the former management team.

Mr. Pratt provided guidance and counsel through the Chapter 11 process, including full testimony in Delaware Bankruptcy Court in support of the Debtors reorganization, which was promptly approved by the court.

Mr. Pratt was retained to serve as Liquidating Trustee for the trust, created as part of the approved Plan, to manage the ongoing lititagetion agains the former management team.

Melinda Mallari2023-03-29T12:41:10-04:00December 20th, 2022|

Vomero Appointed to Board of Positive Education Program

Dean Vomero has been appointed to the Board of Directors of the Positive Education Program (“PEP”), one of Ohio’s largest non-profit agencies. PEP provides services – both direct and consultative in nature – for children with severe mental health and behavioral challenges, their families and the professionals who support them. PEP is committed to understanding and overcoming the significant trauma and chronic stress experience by many of the children served. Your donations to PEP are greatly appreciated @Donate-PositiveEducationProgram(pepcleve.org).

Melinda Mallari2023-01-30T15:34:56-05:00July 15th, 2022|

Vomero Serving on AIRA Planning Committee

Congratulations to Dean Vomero who will serve for his second year on the Association for Insolvency and Restructuring Advisors 39th Annual Bankruptcy & Restructuring Conference planning committee. This year’s conference will be held June 4th through the 10th in Newport Beach, CA.

Melinda Mallari2023-01-30T15:43:21-05:00March 5th, 2022|

Applied Business Strategy is Sporttechie, Inc Chief Restructuring Officer

Applied Business Strategy (ABS), engaged in August 2021, served as Chief Restructuring Officer for Sporttechie, Inc., a leading sports technology periodical and event company. ABS led a pre-packaged sale of the Company to Leaders Group, the parent company of the Sports Business Journal, through a Chapter V bankruptcy filing. ABS negotiated buyer provided debtor-in-possession financing, purchase agreement and developed a methodology for streamlined bidding procedures. The Company’s sale was completed, and plan confirmed, in a few short months.

Melinda Mallari2023-03-29T12:43:11-04:00November 12th, 2021|

Sign Up for Complimentary Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) Credits

Applied Business Strategy will be hosting three complimentary, virtual Continuing Legal Education (“CLE”) programs you don’t want to miss. In case you still need 2021 CLE credits.

Business Valuation Issues in Commercial Litigation
Thursday, November 18, 2021 – 12:00pm – 1:00pm ET
Issues of Valuation are becoming increasingly more important in commercial litigation cases. In this CLE, Dean Vomero, Managing Director with Applied Business Strategy and Laura Appleby, Partner with Faegre Drinker Biddle & Reath will discuss important parameters that attorneys involved in valuation disputes should consider when presenting their case. These parameters include valuation methods that may not be accepted by the courts, the importance of forecasting cash flow, the significance of Terminal Value, and using guideline companies. Other topics that will be covered include how much data is appropriate, the validity of adjustments, the importance of case law for the valuation professional, and sources of supporting information.

Finding Fraud and Tips for Detection and Prevention
Tuesday, December 7, 2021 – 12:00pm – 1:00pm ET
Occupational fraud is common in many workplaces. This CLE focuses on the Fraud Triangle and causes of fraud. John Stark, Managing Director with Applied Business Strategy, will discuss common fraud tactics and schemes, internal controls, and statistics while incorporating real life examples of fraud in the workplace. We will explore best practices for detection and prevention, and what to do if you or your client suspects fraud.

Cyber Crime – A Threat to All of Us
Tuesday, December 14, 2021 – 12:00pm – 1:00pm ET
Cyber Crime is rapidly accelerating throughout the United States and world. This CLE will discuss the reasons why cyber crime is getting worse and not better and provide you with information to help you in the event your clients come to you with a request for help. We will have a real-life case example that impacted a local Cleveland business and the steps they took to thwart the attack. Tom Pratt, Managing Director with Applied Business Strategy will be joined by, Mike Brian, Special Supervisory Agent for the Federal Bureau of Investigation, Tim Opsitnick, EVP and General Counsel for Technology Concepts & Design, Inc. and Linda Pratt, Owner of Navis Events.

All CLE programs have been approved by The State of Ohio Supreme Court for credit.

In order to get CLE credit for attending, you’ll need to virtually “check in” to the event within the first 5 minutes and stay to the last 5 minutes. You will also need to supply the PIN number given during the event.

REGISTER HERE

Melinda Mallari2021-10-28T16:39:44-04:00October 28th, 2021|

Applied Business Strategy 501c3 Forensic Exam

Applied Business Strategy (“ABS”) was retained to perform a forensic examination of a high-profile, Cleveland-based non-profit organization.

The ABS forensic accountants team assisted legal counsel to the non-profit in assessing the potential exposure of suspicious transactions, and interviewing key personnel to determine the extent of possible accounting irregularities.

ABS found that the suspicious transactions were not systemic in nature, but were the result of inadequate training.

Melinda Mallari2023-01-30T17:19:30-05:00October 12th, 2021|

Conversations Guest | David Browning – CBRE

If you missed this session, you can still obtain the information. View the session here.

Tom and Dave discussed the impact COVID-19 is having on the commercial real estate market, as well as the effects of the social unrest is having on real estate markets across the United States. Due to his leadership position within CBRE, Dave is uniquely positioned to provide tremendous insight into what legal and financial professional should expect as we continue down the path of these uncertain times.

Dave is a Managing Director with CBRE and has over 38 years of commercial real estate experience. He joined CBRE, Inc. in 1978 and was a successful office building specialist in Chicago prior to becoming the market leader for the Cleveland CBRE office in 1987. During the past 30 years he has helped to create one of the largest and most diverse commercial real estate organizations in Northeast Ohio.

Join this virtual event and the discussion with Dave.

Thursday, Oct 1 – 4:00pm – 5:00pm
4:00pm – 4:09pm – Welcome & live cocktail making
4:11pm – 4:41pm – Virtual Networking – 2 rotations of 15 minutes
4:43pm – 5:00pm – Conversation with Tom Pratt & Dave Browning

During the first section, Tom will be preparing the “Uncle Tommy”, a unique cocktail that will undoubtedly become your new fall favorite. If you want to follow along and make the Uncle Tommy, here’s what you’ll need:

The Uncle Tommy

– 1 part Bourbon (choose your brand – we’re fans of Buffalo Trace)
– 1 part St. Germain (Elderflower liqueur)
– 1 part fresh lemon juice
– Ice
– Optional lemon for garnish

Instructions:
Add ingredients along with ice to a cocktail shaker and shake until cold. Strain into a rocks or martini glass. Garnish w/ lemon twist.

If you would like to attend the virtual event, click on the link below to sign up! Registration is limited.

Registration Site

If you want to learn more about how you can set up your own event, contact Navis Events.

Melinda Mallari2021-10-28T16:42:19-04:00November 12th, 2020|

Need 2020 CLE Credits?

Applied Business Strategy is hosting three virtual CLE programs in Q4 of 2020. There is no cost to attend, but we do ask that you register. All CLE programs have been approved by The State of Ohio Supreme Court for credit and will be held from 12pm – 1pm EST on the dates below.
– Thu. Oct. 29 – Site Visits, Management Interviews & Other Business Valuation Considerations (past session)
– Tue. Nov. 17 – The Distressed Commercial Real Estate Conundrum (past session)
– Tue. Dec. 8 – Business Forecasting Basics for Attorneys

To attend these CLE programs, please register here.

CLE brought to you by ABS with 2020 vision!

Applied Business Strategy is a unique consultancy practice specializing in damage analysis, receiverships, business valuation, forensic analysis and business strategy services. Their professionals have provided insight and expertise to multi-national Fortune 500 companies as well as mid-market and smaller entities experiencing similar issues on a different scale.

Melinda Mallari2021-10-28T18:01:00-04:00October 20th, 2020|

About Melinda Mallari