Laurie Lawhorne, CPA

Chief Financial Officer (CFO)

Professional Overview
Laurie Lawhorne is an accomplished finance executive with over 30 years of experience in the restaurant and hospitality industries. As a seasoned Chief Financial Officer (CFO), she specializes in driving financial strategy, operational optimization, and growth initiatives for leading food service organizations.

Experience Summary

Current Role
Laurie currently serves as the Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Better Buzz Coffee, a premier specialty coffee brand based in San Diego, California. In this role, she is responsible for overseeing all financial operations, including budgeting, forecasting, cash management, and reporting. Leveraging her deep industry expertise, Laurie has implemented strategic initiatives to enhance profitability, improve operational efficiency, and support the company's ambitious expansion plans.

Career Progression
Prior to her current role, Laurie held the position of CFO at Mendocino Farms Sandwich Market, where she played a pivotal role in the company's rapid growth and successful acquisition by a private equity firm. She has also served as the CFO for other prominent restaurant and hospitality companies, including House of Blues Entertainment, Real Mex Restaurants, and Captain D's Seafood Kitchen / Grandy's. Throughout her career, Laurie has demonstrated a track record of driving financial optimization, implementing robust control systems, and leading cross-functional teams to achieve strategic objectives.

Academic Background
Laurie holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from Texas A&M University. She is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and has been recognized for her academic achievements, including serving as a Distinguished Executive Professor at her alma mater's Mays Business School.

Areas of Expertise

• Financial planning, analysis, and reporting

• Budgeting, forecasting, and cash management

• Mergers, acquisitions, and integration

• Process improvement and operational optimization

• Risk management and internal controls

• Strategic decision-making and business partnering

Professional Impact
Throughout her career, Laurie has made significant contributions to the organizations she has served. Notable achievements include:

• Spearheading the implementation of a comprehensive ERP system at Mendocino Farms Sandwich Market, leading to enhanced financial visibility and operational efficiency

• Overseeing the successful integration of Lone Star Funds' acquisition of House of Blues Entertainment, ensuring a seamless transition and maintaining financial stability

• Developing and implementing data-driven analytical models to improve profitability and drive strategic initiatives at Captain D's Seafood Kitchen / Grandy's

Conclusion
With her extensive experience, technical expertise, and strategic leadership, Laurie Lawhorne is a trusted financial executive poised to drive continued success for Better Buzz Coffee. Her proven track record of driving financial optimization, operational excellence, and growth initiatives positions her as a valuable asset to organizations seeking to enhance their financial performance and support their long-term growth objectives.