WARREN COOLEY

Effective Principal Consultant with expertise in strategy, economic development, and communications
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EXECUTIVE BIOGRAPHY

Warren Cooley is an accomplished Senior Executive, Consultant, and Thought Leader with more than 50 years of success across the retail, financial services, recreation, entertainment, and real estate industries. Leveraging extensive experience with strategic planning, implementation, and execution, he is a valuable advisor for a startup or an established organization looking to conduct feasibility studies for growth and expansion. His broad areas of expertise include economic development, strategy, business development, and communications.

​Throughout his executive career, Warren has held leadership positions with EDCON/ Warren Cooley, LLC, Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses, and VEDC. He has also created and more than 50 business workshops that have been taught to 2,000 business owners.

WARREN COOLEY

Key Strengths and Highlights

Business Development
Strategy
Economic Development
Communications

Company or executive-specific business strategy

Input and advice on a key project

Serve as a sounding board and second opinion on a key decision

Prepare feasibility studies for startup/ growth and expansion

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EXPERIENCE

1975 - Present

EDCON/ Warren Cooley, LLC

Economic and Business Development Consultant

I have provided economic consulting services for 50 years. First as a Senior Associate/Vice President of Economics Research Associates, then for my own firm, EDCON. In 1983 I added a construction management division to the firm. Clients have included companies such as ARCO and Marriott Corporation. Additionally, I managed the construction of VEDC’s $6.0 million Entrepreneur Center. My areas of specialty in the economic consulting sector are retail, recreation, resort and entertainment projects. I have prepared feasibility studies for two (2) world’s fairs, held in Spokane, Washington and Knoxville, Tennessee. Ski resort clients have included Keystone Mountain and Loveland Basin in Colorado, Sugarloaf Mountain in Maine, Grand Targhee in Wyoming, and Madonna Mountain in Vermont. Check out a more complete list of previous projects at www.econdevconsult.com.

  • Prepared economic feasibility studies and plans for 500 businesses and development projects, including world’s fairs held in Spokane, WA and Knoxville, TN.
  • Managed the construction of projects for the Marriott Corporation and ARCO.

2014 - Present

Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses

Business Advisor

I provide Advisor services to businesses participating in the educational component of the Goldman Sachs 10,000 Small Businesses Program. I have been providing services for the program since its’ inception in 2010, both as an independent Advisor, and as a VEDC representative for finance-related workshops. Because of my business ownership experience, and financial management acumen, I have provided valuable consultation services to more than 100 businesses from throughout the United States.

  • Provided Business Advisor services for 150 business owners.
  • Assist in preparation of financing plans for debt and equity.
  • Assist in the preparation of growth plans for businesses.

2000 - 2018

VEDC

Managing Director, The Entrepreneur Center | Vice President of Operations, Vice President of Marketing, and Chief Operating Officer

I recently served as Managing Director of The Entrepreneur Center, a $6.0 million VEDC project located in the Northeast San Fernando Valley. Through the Center a capstone program for existing businesses, referred to as the Grow Your Business, was offered. Co-working space was also provided. During my 18 years of employment at VEDC I served as Chief Operating Officer, Vice President of Operations, and Vice President of Marketing and Communications; even a short stint as Chief Financial Officer. Further, during my time with VEDC the organization expanded from a regional community development organization to a nationwide enterprise with offices in Los Angeles, Las Vegas, Chicago, New York City.

I also served as Project Manager for the City of Los Angeles’s Historic Downtown Retail Project, and was the Retail Recruitment Consultant for the City’s Great Streets Program. During my tenure at VEDC I created and presented more than 200 business workshops.

  • Member of executive team that grew the nonprofit to $9M in annual revenue with +$50M balance sheet
  • Participated in expansion of services from a local SoCal-based organization to a national entity in New York, Chicago, Las Vegas, and Miami
  • Managed the construction of the VEDC Entrepreneur Center, a $6M, 13.5K sq. ft. facility