Lamar Stanley, Managing Director at Highland Rim Capital, has been a member of the AM&AA for 9 years. He also sits on the Advisory Council. He took the time to share some of his past experiences and his current career focus.
How long have you been a member of AM&AA and what leadership roles, if any, have you held throughout that time?
I have been a member of AM&AA for 9 years. During my time with the organization, I have held several leadership roles, including serving on the conference committee and the organization’s Advisory Council.
What drives your commitment to your craft and industry?
My commitment to the M&A industry is driven by a passion for facilitating transformative business deals that help companies achieve their strategic goals. The ever-evolving nature of the industry keeps me motivated, as each transaction presents unique challenges and opportunities. Additionally, the satisfaction of seeing businesses grow and succeed as a result of our work is incredibly rewarding.
What are some insights or at least one piece of advice you wish you would have known when you first started in the industry?
One piece of advice I wish I had known when I first started is the importance of building and maintaining strong relationships. The M&A industry is heavily relationship-driven, and having a robust network of contacts can make a significant difference in sourcing deals and closing transactions. Another piece of advice that I regularly give to people new to the industry is “take the meeting.” We’re all busy and anxious to keep our schedules clear whenever we can, but it’s rare that I ever meet someone face to face and regret having taken the time.
What is top of mind for you in your business right now?
Culture. I recently joined a new firm, and while I have worked together with my new colleagues previously for years, I now have the opportunity to contribute to building a new firm culture based on lessons learned from our prior experiences. A key part of this is fostering a culture of partnership—ensuring that I am an excellent partner not only to my colleagues but also with the intermediaries, service providers, management teams, and stakeholders we work with. I believe that a collaborative, transparent, and value-driven culture is essential for long-term success. This means promoting open communication, valuing diverse perspectives, and ensuring everyone is aligned with a shared vision and goals.
How has being a member of a trade association resulted in business growth for you?
Being a member of AM&AA has significantly contributed to my success in the industry. It’s easy to look at my list of meetings at an AM&AA conference as a list of prospective deal opportunities, but the camaraderie that AM&AA has provided has offered much more value by helping me build and foster close relationships. It has allowed me to create a network of friends—not just industry partners or colleagues. The most recent deal I helped to close was born out of meetings I had with a Chicago firm that I met back in 2017 at AM&AA. And while I obviously talk deals with the members of this firm, I’m more often discussing college football and Chicago restaurants with the members at the firm when we meet up for drinks.
What legacy industry impact would you most desire to be known for?
Every day when I drop my kids off at school, the last things I tell them are “work hard, be kind, and tell the truth.” That is what, in the end, I hope I am known for. I’d like to be known as a person who helped “grow the pie” by working hard, helping and connecting others, and always shooting straight with people. Doing these things, in my opinion, will benefit the landscape of the lower middle market by contributing to a culture of collaboration.
