Leo Vera — Finance and Operations Executive

About

Operator first, finance always.

I am an operations-focused finance leader with a CPA background. I specialize in transforming finance functions and driving operational excellence in manufacturing and consumer businesses, particularly during periods of transition, challenge, or growth.

Currently, I oversee finance and operations at Diedrich Roasters, a private-equity-backed commercial coffee roasting equipment manufacturer.

Previously, I served as CFO, guiding a public company through an SEC relisting. I was co-founder, President, and CFO of Swiftmile, a VC-backed EV charging company serving clients such as Tesla and SpaceX. As President and CEO of Ergomotion, I led growth from $70M to $124M and managed a successful exit. I also served as COO of Reverie, overseeing manufacturing, materials, customer service, and R&D.

Today, I am passionate about combining deep accounting expertise, modern systems, and AI. I leverage technology to empower lean finance teams to deliver exceptional results.

Capabilities

CFO and VP Finance COO and operations leadership FP&A Close and GAAP reporting SEC reporting Cost accounting and manufacturing finance ERP Turnarounds Private equity and lender relationships M&A and exit readiness AI in finance

Experience

Where I have worked.

I have twenty years of leadership experience in growth and transformation. This chapter began in 2006, when I moved from consulting into industry, overseeing financials for thirteen manufacturing plants, and progressed to managing director roles across multiple business units. I earned my first C-suite position in 2011 and have since remained at the executive level, leading finance and operations as an engaged business partner.

Diedrich Roasters

Vice President, Finance

Oct 2024 – Present · Sandpoint, Idaho

Private-equity-owned manufacturer of commercial coffee roasting equipment. Leading finance and operations.

Founded and led

2015 – 2024 · 10 yrs · San Carlos, California

VC-backed EV charging infrastructure; customers included Tesla and SpaceX. Co-founded with two partners after the Ergomotion sale and built over ten years, while I continued to hold senior finance and operations roles.

President

Jun 2021 – Oct 2024

Co-Founder, Chief Business Officer & CFO

Jan 2015 – Jun 2021

Held concurrently

2018 – 2024 · 6 yrs · Madison Heights, Michigan

Chief Financial Officer

Supplier of own-branded lens care and tech-hygiene products to big box and independent retailers. Public company CFO through an SEC relisting.

2015 – 2018 · 4 yrs · Bloomfield Hills, Michigan

Chief Operating Officer

Mattresses, adjustable beds and pillows. Owned manufacturing, materials, customer service, and R&D.

Ergomotion

2011 – 2014 · 3 yrs · Santa Barbara, California

OEM design and manufacturer of power beds to consumers and retailers. Grew the business from $70M to $124M before its sale to a strategic buyer.

President & Chief Executive Officer

Jun 2014 – Sep 2014

Chief Operating Officer

Oct 2012 – Jun 2014

Chief Operating and Financial Officer

Oct 2011 – Oct 2012

Pyrotek

2006 – 2011 · 6 yrs · United Kingdom & United States

International supplier to the aluminium, foundry, glass, zinc and steel industries. Privately held, with operations in more than 30 countries and revenues over $300M.

Managing Director, TAB Refractories

Jan 2010 – Oct 2011

Managing Director & Financial Director, Melt Circulation & Recovery

Dec 2007 – Jan 2010

Divisional Controller, Asia-Pacific & South America

Jan 2006 – Dec 2007

Earlier

Consulting and audit.

The first ten years of my career established my foundation. I began in Big Four public accounting in the San Francisco Bay Area, auditing high technology, semiconductor, healthcare, and venture capital clients, including Cisco, Polycom, Sequoia Capital, and Stanford, through IPOs, acquisitions, and SEC filings. This early exposure taught me what truly differentiates businesses. I then moved into technology-enabled transformation, leading ERP deployments at Deloitte and spending five years at IBM Business Consulting Services across automotive and high technology sectors. Later, I managed CFO and CIO initiatives at Bio-Rad, Navistar, and a Ford–Navistar joint venture in Monterrey. Since then, my work has focused on finance and operational leadership.

ZCI Consulting

Managing Consultant · 2003 – 2005

IBM Global Services

Managing Consultant · 1997 – 2002

Deloitte Consulting

Senior Consultant · 1997

PwC (formerly Coopers & Lybrand)

Senior Auditor · 1995 – 1997

Education

My alma mater, learn by doing.

California Polytechnic State University, San Luis Obispo

Bachelor of Science, Business Administration · Concentration in Accounting

Sep 1990 – Dec 1994

NCAA Soccer, 1990–1994. Co-captain, 1994.