- How long have you been a member of AM&AA, and what leadership roles have you held?
I joined AM&AA in early 2024 after attending an event in Chicago that left a strong impression on me. By February 2025, I was honored to be appointed Chair of the Atlanta Chapter—an exciting opportunity to help grow the region’s M&A ecosystem and support dealmakers across disciplines.
- What drives your passion for your work and the M&A industry?
Great question—I could write a book about it! My passion comes from a mix of deeply rooted interests.
First, I’ve always been fascinated by people—how we’re alike, how we’re different, and how those dynamics shape communication, trust, and decision-making. That human element is at the heart of every transaction.
Second, I’m endlessly curious about how the world works. I find it captivating how one physician specialty can drive growth across an entire health system, or how a company’s move into a new market can fuel a decade of regional development. I’m intrigued by how policies like tariffs can create new industries while stifling others. Even the transformation of sand into semiconductors or the role of salts in drug delivery is interesting to me. It’s all connected—and it all matters.That blend of curiosity, communication, and trust is what fuels the most rewarding part of M&A: helping business owners turn their vision into reality. Especially in the middle market—often an owner’s life’s work—transactions carry emotional weight that goes far beyond the numbers. It’s about legacy, purpose, and progress.
Ironically, the middle market is often overlooked, despite representing nearly half of U.S. non-farm employment. These companies are the backbone of innovation and resilience. Supporting them is not only a privilege—it’s a passion.
In short, it’s the convergence of people, purpose, and possibility that drives me. I’m passionate about helping entrepreneurs and owners move closer to their definition of success—because when that happens, everyone benefits.
- What’s one piece of advice you wish you had when starting out in the industry?
Live walking distance from the office—even if it’s a shoebox with a hotplate. When you’re working 80+ hour weeks, that “quick” 45-minute commute feels like a full-blown Ironman. Your future self (and your dry-cleaning bill) will thank you.
- What’s currently top of mind in your business?
I’m thinking a lot about how AI and geopolitical shifts—especially tariffs—are affecting small and midsize businesses. These companies often don’t have in-house strategy teams, so uncertainty hits much harder. In a world overflowing with conflicting information, organizations like AM&AA are more important than ever. They help create trusted relationships and open channels for peer insights. People want clarity and connection—not just more data.
- How has AM&AA membership supported your professional growth?
The AM&AA Winter Conference and my involvement with the Atlanta Chapter have been incredibly valuable. I’ve connected with growth capital providers whose mandates align closely with my clients’ needs. Those relationships have turned into real solutions—and real momentum—for the business owners I serve.
- What kind of legacy or impact would you like to leave on the industry?
I want to help raise the standard for middle-market advisory—where strategy, capital, and execution are aligned with both sophistication and humanity. If I can help business owners feel more confident about their future, and advisors feel more capable of shaping it, I’ll consider that a legacy worth leaving.
