The Summit Organization, LLC

THOMAS L. SWIERS, CPA

PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE

THE SUMMIT ORGANIZATION, LLC, Lake Zurich, IL – 1992 to current

The Summit Organization, LLC (“Summit”) was formed by Thomas L. “Tom” Swiers during 1992 to provide the following services:

1. Financial and operational consulting services to owners of growing, profitable lower middle market companies who are in need of assistance as a result of their changing business.
2. Crisis and turnaround management services to companies in moderate to severe financial difficulty, including companies in bankruptcy. Engagements often result in Mr. Swiers assuming operational control as an interim COO or CFO and quickly returning the companies to profitability.
3. Assignee services to companies being operated under an assignment for the benefit of creditors.
4. Merger & acquisition and corporate finance services.

Mr. Swiers draws heavily on his experience as a entrepreneur and company owner as well as a strong financial background. His industry experience is extremely broad and includes, among others, consumer products manufacturing (apparel, sporting goods, household products and tools), capital equipment manufacturing (conveyor systems and manufacturing equipment), specialty food manufacturing, printing, specialty machining (fluid power and nuclear reactor components), distribution, specialty retailing, professional services and electronics manufacturing. Mr. Swiers has been involved with operations in various locations in the western hemisphere.

Summit has worked on numerous engagements since 1992, either directly or through another organization where Summit has been a part owner or has acted as an independent contractor. These organizations include:

Sikich Investment Banking, Aurora, IL – 2002 to 2008

Senior Managing Director – As an independent contractor, Summit, through Mr. Swiers, was in charge of all Merger & Acquisition Sell-SideTransactions for clients with annual cash flow generally less than $1 million. Mr. Swiers was responsible for securing and directing all of his clients assignments.

The Landhouse Group, LLC, Chicago, IL – 2001 to 2002

Managing Director – As an owner of this firm specializing in Turnaround & Crisis Management Consulting and Merger & Acquisition Transactions, Summit secured and directed various turnaround assignments for companies in severe financial distress and M&A transactions for businesses in financial difficulty.

Arjuna Ventures, LLC, Barrington, IL – 1998 to2001

Managing Director – As an owner of this firm specializing in Merger & Acquisition and Corporate Finance transactions, Summit secured and directed numerous sell, buy  and financing transactions for business owners and lower middle market companies.

Corcoran Partners VRS, LLP, Chicago, IL – 1994 to 1996

Managing Director - As an owner of this firm specializing in Turnaround & Crisis Management Consulting, Summit secured and directed various turnaround assignments for companies in severe financial distress.

Precision Defense Services, Inc., Irwin, PA – 1996 to 1999

CFO - During March 1996 Summit assembled a team that acquired Precision Defense Services, Inc. As a 25% owner, Summit, through Mr. Swiers,  functioned as CFO and a member of the Board of Directors. Summit sold its equity interest in this company to its partners during October 1999.

UNICORN CREATIONS CORPORATION, Arlington Hgts., IL – 1991 to 1992

Owner, President & CEO -- Acquired out of bankruptcy a domestic manufacturer of infant sleepwear and playwear with annual sales to all major U.S. mass merchants and discounters approaching $10 million. Converted the company to an off-shore manufacturer with significant operations located in Haiti, Costa Rica and Dominican Republic. Responsible for all aspects of company operations. Company liquidated during 1992 as a direct result of a coup d’etat in Haiti during September 1991.

SEITZ MFG. CO., INC., Milwaukee, WI - 1986 to 1990

Owner, President & Chief Operating Officer -- Purchased company in January, 1986. Directed all manufacturing, materials management, financial and administrative functions of this OEM manufacturer of hydraulic cylinders, accumulators, ride struts and other machined fluid power components used on construction and mining equipment. Assisted in building annual sales from $4 to $13 million. Sold ownership interest to partner during 1990.

KPMG (formerly Peat Marwick Mitchell & Co), Chicago, IL - 1978 to 1986

Audit Partner -- Provided a broad range of professional services to owner-managed businesses, including audit, tax and operational consulting. Established the firm's Schaumburg, IL office and served as Partner-in-Charge of the office's Private Business Advisory Services practice.

FENWICK, Westminster, CA - 1976 to 1978

Vice President - Finance and Administration -- Directed all financial, data processing  and administrative activities for this multi-plant manufacturer of fishing rods and related equipment.

LOGICON, INC., Torrance, CA - 1974 to 1976 

Corporate Controller -- Directed all accounting and reporting activities for this NYSE listed defense contractor. Responsibilities included overhead rate negotiations and approvals with the Defense Contract Audit Agency.

SIMMONS INTERNATIONAL, INC., Torrance, CA - 1973 to 1974 

Vice President - Finance & Operations -- Directed all financial and operations activities for this rapidly growing manufacturer of golf clubs, including international sales and procurement and supervision at the executive level of a 200+ employee workforce.

ARTHUR ANDERSEN & CO., Los Angeles, CA - 1964 to 1973 

Audit Senior Manager -- Engagement manager in the office's Small Business Division. Providing audit, tax and consulting services to owner-managed and publicly traded companies. Instructed at numerous firm training schools.

PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

• Certified Public Accountant – Illinois and California
• Illinois Society of Certified Public Accountants

CIVIC ACTIVITIES

• Village of Kildeer - Zoning Board of Appeals – 1981 to 2003
• United Way of Elk Grove Village – President - 1985 to 1987
• United Way of Elk Grove Village - Board Member - 1981 to 1988
• Sonoma Condominium Association – President & Board Member – 2005 to 2012
• The Villages, Florida - Architectural Review Committee Board Member - 2013 to present

EDUCATION

San Diego State University, San Diego, California

Bachelor of Science in Accounting