During our spring semester, Ezra Swanson, (MBA ’23) Finance Director, Performance Technologies, at Modine Manufacturing Company shared his unique career journey and insights during a guest alumni lecture as part of our Current Topics in Finance course. With experience spanning military service, manufacturing leadership, mergers & acquisitions (M&A) and financial planning & analysis (FP&A), Ezra provided a great perspective on how finance and data analytics can drive strategic decisions, particularly within the context of M&A and corporate business transformation.
A Journey from West Point to Finance
Ezra’s path to leadership began at the United States Military Academy at West Point, where he graduated in 2006 with a degree in economics. After serving 10 years on active duty, Ezra was a diving officer in the Army and managed recovery operations in some of the most challenging locations, including France, Palau, Papua New Guinea, and Laos. His service in the Army prepared him for high-pressure environments, a skill that would later prove invaluable in his career.
Following his military service, Ezra transitioned into the manufacturing sector, taking a leadership development role at Amcor in Oshkosh. He found a passion for finance after shadowing a finance colleague at the plant. This spark led him to pursue an MBA at the Wisconsin School of Business while continuing to work in manufacturing, setting the stage for his future in M&A and corporate strategy.
A Rising Star in M&A at Modine
Ezra’s career took a pivotal turn when he interned at Modine, where he met CEO Neil Brinker and was introduced to the world of mergers and acquisitions. Ezra’s deep dive into M&A involved working on complex financial models during major transactions. One of his most significant contributions was during the $190M acquisition of Scott Springfield, a deal that coincided with the rapid rise of the data center sector. Ezra played a critical role in analyzing accretion/dilution impacts, transaction expenses, and modeling EPS and leverage ratios to ensure strategic alignment.
His subsequent position as Business Intelligence Manager at Modine allowed him to leverage data to inform major corporate decisions. Utilizing tools like Power BI, Ezra transformed the company’s data infrastructure, creating a comprehensive data cube that tracked sales performance. His ability to turn raw data into actionable insights became a key asset in Modine’s ongoing transformation.
Bridging Finance and Technology
Ezra’s move into the role of Finance Director, Performance Technologies, marked the next phase of his career. Focusing on performance in the automotive sectors, Ezra used his expertise in both finance and data analytics to guide the company through critical strategic decisions. One of the key highlights was his role in the spinoff of Modine’s Performance Technologies business and merger with Gentherm, a $1B transaction that redefined the company’s market position. Ezra was part of the small internal deal team and served as the lead for preparing the data cube and conducting reverse due diligence on Gentherm. He also had oversight into the integration of Modine’s operations into Gentherm’s and ensuring a smooth transition from a financial perspective.
Five Key Takeaways from Ezra’s Career
In his MBA journey and professional career, Ezra has infused his experience into five valuable lessons:
- Blend complementary disciplines – Combine expertise in finance, accounting, data analytics, or supply chain to make a lasting impact in today’s fast-evolving business environment.
- Be intentional with your time – Limit unnecessary meetings, prioritize problem-solving, and focus on building solutions.
- Understand the data – Know the inputs and adjustments behind the numbers you’re working with.
- Focus on results, not busyness – Accomplish key tasks that drive value; don’t mistake activity for productivity.
- Master database design – Organize your thinking around data structures, such as the Star Schema, to gain deeper insights and clarity.
Conclusion
Ezra Swanson’s presentation offered invaluable insights into how finance professionals can blend technical skills with financial acumen to drive value. His experience in M&A, data analytics, and strategic decision-making serves as a powerful example of how modern finance is evolving to be more dynamic, data-driven, and strategically impactful. As businesses continue to leverage data for competitive advantage, Ezra’s career underscores the importance of being both a financial expert and a data-savvy leader.