Issue link: http://read.dmtmag.com/i/330408
Inside AED 8 | www.cedmag.com | Construction Equipment Distribution | June 2014 There are finance people and then there are finance people who can communicate. Jason Blake, AED's new senior vice president and chief financial officer believes he fits into the second group. "I try to take financials and communicate them in a way that everyone understands," said Blake. As he settles into his new role at AED he is looking forward to being an important resource and trusted partner for the association members and staff. During his first days in the position Blake has focused on gaining understanding of the key financial metrics for AED, which will then be incorporated into strategic planning efforts. "I think the CFO needs to be a leader in change and help lay a roadmap for the team," he said. "Everyone needs to know where we are at, where we are going, and the levers that we will utilize to be successful as an association." While new to the equip- ment industry, Blake is no stranger to monitoring pending legislation and industry issues that may create financial challenges. Prior to joining AED, Blake served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of the Technol- ogy | Manufacturing Aligned, an Illinois-based manufacturing association, where he worked for five years. After immers- ing himself in AED in his first few weeks on the job, he expects to step out and become more engaged with members to learn more about their business. Blake started taking finance classes in college while he studied aviation at Lewis University, but it soon became his passion. He earned an MBA in finance from Roos- evelt University in 1997. As his career transitioned from personal to corporate finance, Blake completed more than 24 hours of additional accounting classes. In addition to his financial education, Blake brings to AED the knowledge gained from working in finance for leading companies such as Hewitt Associates, CitiBank, AT&T and J.P. Morgan Chase. To tap into Jason's financial expertise or welcome him, members can e-mail jblake@aednet.org or call 630-468-5138. AED's new senior vice president and CFO Meet Jason Blake Proposed New Members This list is published each month as required by AED bylaws. Comments on the applicants should be directed to AED President and CEO Brian McGuire 800-388-0650, ext. 326. Digga North America Dyersville, Iowa CEM Heavy Equipment Taber, AB. GE Capital CDF Norwalk, Conn. Bobcat of New Hampshire Chichester, N.H. Bidspotter.com Gig Harbor, Wash. Relevant CRM Wake Forest, N.C. Construction Fine Art Kapaa, Hawaii Unified Purchasing Group South Jordan, Utah BASYS Processing Lenexa, Kan. Jason Blake Status: Married 20 years Children: 3 Resides: Crystal Lake, Ill. Education: MBA, Roosevelt University; B.S. Lewis University Interests: Finished 10 Ironman Triathlons Introducing the new legal hotline for AED members provided by Kopon Airdo, LLC, AED's general counsel. Features of this new member benefit include: 6WDIIHGE\DWWRUQH\VIURPWKH&KLFDJRRIILFHRI.RSRQ Airdo, LLC, with a network of attorneys nationwide. &DOOHUVUHFHLYHLPPHGLDWHJXLGDQFHRQFRPPHUFLDO employment, and litigation-based legal questions, enabling them to evaluate possible courses of action – and to understand the ramifications of such actions – when a legal situation arises or is looming. 7KHKRWOLQHVHUYLFHLVIUHHDVDQH[FOXVLYHEHQHILWIRU$(' members. 6WULFWFRQILGHQWLDOLW\LVDGKHUHGWRRQDOOFDOOV Call (312) 506-4480 to speak with attorney Michael Airdo or another Kopon Airdo professional. More details to come next month. Meanwhile, AED members are also encouraged to use www.koponairdo.com as a resource for educational articles and materials. Call Counsel! Got a legal question? Pick up the phone and call AED's lawyers – at your service, no charge.