Paul has been interim CFO & controller for early stage venture backed companies as well as projects for established companies with short-term needs. Paul has worked with over 50 companies since 1994 on short and long-term engagements. His focus is on start-ups and companies in transition, particularly in the tech and internet space.

What are you passionate about?

I’m passionate about a lot of things.  I’m passionate about family and miss those on the east coast.  I love music, collect records and CDs, and had the privilege of volunteering at KCRW on Morning Becomes Eclectic for almost 20 years. Baseball and baseball stadiums are important to me,  and I have been a Dodger fan since I was a kid in New Jersey. I’m passionate about JDRF – their mission is to find a cure for Type 1 Diabetes (T1D), and improve the lives of those with T1D.  My daughter was diagnosed in 2002 and I do all that I can to support this great cause in her honor (including five 100 mile bike rides to date) – she is now 28 and healthy.  And because of JDRF, I’m now passionate about road biking and find it a great way to stay fit.  I’m also very passionate about the work I do…I’ve had the pleasure of working with many start-up companies in Los Angeles for most of my career. Many of the clients at those companies were folks I worked with previously. It means a lot to be remembered by entrepreneurs as they are building their “babies”. Working with people smarter than me just makes me better at what I do.

What one piece of advice would you give to an early stage startup regarding your area of expertise?

I think that many startups don’t think enough about the finance side of their business, except when it comes to their initial fundraising.  Getting an early start on finance and accounting operations – as well as cash management, having quality partners and a good financial plan are all aspects of the work that I bring to my clients and the Preccelerator portfolio. Finance can’t save a bad business, but it certainly helps the good ones grow more efficiently.

What do you like best about mentoring at the Preccelerator?

At least two things: (1) Being part of the startup ecosystem in LA with access to a wide variety of professionals who are mentors and advisors, and (2) getting to work with smart, enthusiastic entrepreneurs who may not have an expertise in the work that I do, so my experience has value to them.