Darrell B Howell is a seasoned Chief Financial Officer (CFO) with more than 20 years of experience leading financial operations and driving growth across a variety of industries. Throughout his career, he has successfully spearheaded financial transformations, implemented effective cost-saving measures, and expanded businesses from single-location operations into multi-million-dollar enterprises. He's results-oriented approach has consistently positioned companies for long-term success, ensuring they thrive in competitive markets.

Financial Leadership

Darrell's expertise in financial leadership has been instrumental in guiding organizations through periods of growth and change. His ability to oversee all aspects of corporate finance, from financial planning and analysis (FP&A) to budgeting, forecasting, cash flow management, and financial reporting, has been crucial to his success. He is known for his strategic approach to financial management, ensuring that each decision made not only strengthens the financial position of the company but also aligns with its long-term goals. His leadership has consistently delivered results that exceed expectations, making him a trusted figure in the organizations he has served.

Process Improvement and Efficiency

A key strength of his is his ability to streamline financial operations. Throughout his career, Howell has focused on implementing effective internal controls and leveraging technology to increase efficiency. His process improvements have led to cost reductions, enhanced accuracy in reporting, and better auditor relationships. His commitment to operational excellence has resulted in more efficient workflows and higher productivity levels within the finance departments he has led. His focus on continuous improvement ensures that the businesses he works with remain competitive and agile in ever-changing economic environments.

Strategic Thinking and Business Acumen

Darrell's strategic thinking is a defining characteristic of his approach to financial management. With strong analytical skills, he has a deep understanding of how financial decisions impact overall business performance. His ability to analyze financial data and turn it into actionable insights has been key to driving growth and profitability in the companies he has led. His broad business acumen spans industries including construction, real estate, technology, service franchises, and roofing. His diverse experience allows him to apply a comprehensive understanding of market dynamics and business challenges to each new venture.

Leadership and Team Development

Throughout his career, Darrell Howell has demonstrated a strong ability to build and lead high-performing teams. His leadership style emphasizes collaboration, trust, and empowerment, allowing his teams to achieve and exceed their potential. He understands the importance of developing talent within the finance function and fostering a culture of accountability and excellence. He takes pride in mentoring team members, ensuring they have the tools and guidance they need to succeed. His leadership not only benefits his teams but also drives the success of the entire organization by ensuring that the finance function is strong, efficient, and aligned with the company’s strategic objectives.

Notable Career Achievements

Darrell's career is marked by several significant achievements. One of his most notable accomplishments was expanding the offerings at Bluebird Roofing and establishing a commercial division, which resulted in increasing the company’s annual target revenue from $28 million to $40 million in just one year. In addition, he led the successful implementation of a stock equity program for a Fortune 500 company, which greatly contributed to the financial stability and growth of the organization. At Kenco Distributors & Entities, he streamlined financial operations, leading to improved efficiency and stronger relationships with auditors. Another highlight of his career was expanding a Pizza Hut franchise from a single location to ten across three states, which generated substantial sales growth and regional recognition.

Educational Background

Howell's journey in finance began with a strong academic foundation. After completing high school, he took various business courses, eventually focusing on accounting and management. He graduated from the University of North Alabama in 1989 with a Bachelor of Science in Accounting and a Bachelor of Science in Management. He values the education he received, but his time at the University of North Alabama holds an even deeper significance—during this period, he met the love of his life. He and his wife married in June 1990 and now have two children. He later earned his Master of Business Administration in Accounting from Middle Tennessee State University, further solidifying his expertise in financial management.

Commitment to Philanthropy

Darrell is passionate about giving back to his community. He actively contributes his time and expertise as the treasurer of his local church, Donelson First Baptist, where his faith plays a central role in his life. He also participates in various philanthropic efforts, including Gobble Gobble Give, a local Thanksgiving initiative that ensures families in the community can enjoy the holiday. His commitment to philanthropy extends to his family, as he strives to impart the importance of giving back to his children. His active involvement in charitable causes demonstrates his deep-rooted belief in community service and supporting those in need.

Personal Life and Interests

Beyond his professional and philanthropic achievements, Darrell B Howell is a devoted family man who values spending time with his wife and children. His lifelong passion for sports is a significant part of his personal life, and he maintains his physical health by staying active, particularly through his love for golf. He also enjoys attending Tennessee Volunteer football and basketball games, frequently returning to Knoxville to support his favorite teams. Traveling is another important aspect of his life. He believes that exploring new places offers fresh perspectives and experiences that enrich both personal and professional growth. He looks forward to the adventures he will continue to share with his family, always eager to discover new destinations and cultures.

Darrell's career as a CFO is defined by his ability to lead financial operations, drive growth, and create efficiencies across diverse industries. His strong leadership skills, coupled with his strategic thinking and business acumen, have made him an invaluable asset to the organizations he has served. Beyond his professional success, his commitment to his family, community, and personal well-being exemplifies his values of integrity, service, and excellence. His enduring contributions to the business world and his dedication to giving back make him a well-rounded leader, both in his career and in life.