Jon Ochetti, CFO – Outsell
Jon Ochetti, CFO of Outsell, leveraged his background in finance, strategy, M&A and team building, to work with Outsell’s management team and board of directors to reach a successful exit in June 2024. Outsell, a SAAS based Customer Engagement Platform for the automotive industry that’s incorporated AI for years, was acquired by Impel AI, based in Syracuse, NY. Jon’s prior experience includes financial leadership roles at Star Tribune, Meredith Corporation, Regis and McDonald’s Corporation. Known as a level-headed business partner and trusted advisor, Jon quickly earns the confidence of those around him. His willingness to embrace new challenges, expand his experience, and his track record of success made Scouts Talent curious to learn more…
If you could try a different job for a day, what would you choose?
I’d choose to be either the lead guitarist in a rock-n-roll band or a master carpenter—an unusual pair, I admit! But I’ve always been fascinated by people who have excelled in both of those careers.
What advice would you give someone starting out in your industry?
Be patient and invest in yourself by taking on projects that push you beyond your comfort zone and/or may require extra work. Always make your boss look good. Network with many people at your company. Get to know them and don’t forget to include people outside of Accounting and Finance roles. If you do these things while treating people with respect and maintaining integrity, good things will happen in your career, and you will have more fun at work.
What is your mantra?
Integrity matters. Protect it at all costs. Once lost, it’s rarely regained. Especially in a financial and corporate role.
How do you get yourself out of a slump?
I’ve always found physical activity, or a good workout helps clear my head. Praying, talking with a friend, colleague or my wife are also helpful for some slumps. Lastly, I like to play the “thankful game” if I ever feel down. Most people have so much to be thankful for in their life.
What companies or leaders do you admire?
There are too many people to name… but two names stand out to me.
- Steve Lacy, retired CEO/Chairman of Meredith Corporation. Steve has a contagious energy and always has encouraging words to motivate and guide leaders at his company.
- Mike Wethington, Founder and CEO of Outsell. I was amazed at how this entrepreneur started, built, and led a company for 20 years, with a consistent focus on values and caring for his people.
What has been the biggest shift you’ve noticed in your industry in the last decade?
The retail automotive industry tends to lag in the adoption of cutting-edge technology and the use of data when marketing to consumers. That changed dramatically in the past decade, and I expect it to accelerate in the coming years.
Who has been most instrumental in your career?
There are too many to name. I’ve been blessed to work for incredible CEOs, CFOs, and Managers who believed in me. I’ve also been surrounded by amazing team members and colleagues.
What is your go-to celebration meal, drink or tradition?
My wife and I celebrate significant occasions or milestones at Gianni’s Steakhouse in Wayzata, MN. They have great food and a whiskey-old-fashioned that is out of this world.
