Blake Ekelund
// ABOUT ME
Finance Operator, Builder & Partner
I'm not just a spreadsheet guy — I build the financial backbone that startups scale on. From investor-grade models to CRM systems and revenue tooling, I turn finance into infrastructure. Whether you're raising, growing, or just trying to make sense of your runway — I help founders make smart, fast decisions with clarity.
8+
YEARS IN STRATEGIC FINANCE
20+
MODELS & INTERNAL TOOLS BUILT
100%
DRIVEN TOWARD THE CFO SEAT
// CAREER HISTORY
Experience
Origin AI
VP of Finance
Mar 2024 – Present
Hybrid
- Leading finance strategy at a pioneering Wi-Fi Sensing AI company
- Driving GTM, FP&A, and strategic decision support
Director of Finance
PROMOTEDMay 2023 – Mar 2024
Remote
Promoted to VP of Finance after leading finance transformation
- Built forecasting systems and investor dashboards
- Enabled scaling teams with strategic finance tools
ProAmpac
Senior Analyst, FP&A
May 2017 – May 2023
Remote
Left to join a high-growth tech company (Origin AI)
- Led budgeting, forecasting, and scenario planning for $1B Flexibles division
- Automated commission reporting, cutting process from weeks to one day
- Delivered financial insights that guided cross-functional decisions
- Partnered with CSR and IT to design internal CRM and inventory systems
Sr. Sales & Marketing Analyst
PROMOTEDOct 2018 – Jun 2021
Hybrid
Promoted after strong performance in reporting automation
- Led commercial insights and margin analysis
- Built dynamic pricing and promo dashboards
Sales & Marketing Analyst
PROMOTEDMay 2017 – Oct 2018
Hybrid
Promoted after strong performance in reporting automation
- Supported GTM planning and quarterly reporting
// FINANCE INFRASTRUCTURE
Portfolio
Investor Portals
Problem: Founders and finance teams struggle to present clear, interactive financial data to stakeholders.
Solution: Built custom investor portals with real-time dashboards, downloadable Excel models, and secure data access—streamlining updates, scenario planning, and investor communications.
Excel Financial Models
Problem: Operators lack actionable tools to model headcount, revenue, and franchise or SaaS expansion scenarios.
Solution: Designed and delivered high-clarity Excel models for FP&A, including cash flow forecasts, cohort tracking, and sensitivity toggles for strategic decision-making.
Custom CRM Systems
Problem: Teams were losing leads and context due to fragmented, spreadsheet-based sales tracking.
Solution: Developed tailored CRM systems using React and Supabase, with contact pipelines, task workflows, and embedded analytics dashboards for sales visibility.
Workflow Automation
Problem: Operators were wasting hours each week on manual data pulls, status updates, and reporting tasks.
Solution: Automated internal workflows using no-code tools and custom scripts—connecting Google Sheets, Slack, email, and dashboards to eliminate bottlenecks.
// CORE CAPABILITIES
Skills
Strategic FP&A
I help startups and small businesses make smarter capital decisions through rigorous planning, forecasting, and scenario analysis — no fluff, just clarity.
Insights & Automation
I turn raw financials into action — dashboards, dynamic Excel tools, and automated workflows that give operators leverage and visibility in real-time.
Soft Skills & Leadership
I lead with clarity, push for focus, and know how to translate financial complexity into something people can actually act on. No spreadsheet speaks for itself — I do.
Data & Technical Execution
I build what I need when I need it — from custom CRM systems to live investor portals. Finance should move as fast as the business does.
// GET IN TOUCH
Contact
I’m always open to hearing from thoughtful people — whether you’re reaching out about a collaboration, opportunity, or something else entirely.
I don’t share my direct email or phone, but you can use this form and I’ll follow up if it aligns.