The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards recognize exceptional individuals who are shaping the landscape of business and innovation in Charlotte.
In addition, The Charlotte Dealmakers Hall of Fame recognized a class of dealmakers that has made an often-groundbreaking impact on their organizations, industries and the region over the course of decades in business.
We celebrated the accomplishments of the 2024 class of winners on November 14 at the Charlotte Smart Business Dealmakers Conference. Together, they provide a strong picture of the Charlotte business community.
Dealmaker Of The Year Honorees
Andrew Ashur, is the visionary co-founder and CEO of Lucid Bots, an AI robotics company dedicated to extending human reach through highly productive robots capable of performing dangerous and demanding tasks, like power-washing a corporate building. In May 2024, Lucid Bots raised $9.1 million in Series A funding, led by Cubit Capital, with support from Danu Venture Group, Trinity West Ventures, IDEA Fund Partners, Gratus Capital, and Y Combinator. This funding will enable Lucid Bots to advance its autonomous robotics portfolio and scale operations into new markets. Additionally, the company recently acquired Avianna, an AI robotics software firm, enhancing Lucid Bots' capabilities in AI-driven software and sensor technology.
Tripp Davis, Leroy Davis, and Andy Johnston, have led Charlotte-based 7 Mile Advisors, a boutique investment banking firm specializing in IT services, to new heights through their recent acquisition by Houlihan Lokey. The transaction, signed on July 7, 2023, expands Houlihan Lokey’s geographic footprint and strengthens its industry expertise in IT services. Their combined expertise has made 7 Mile Advisors a key player, now positioned for even greater impact as part of Houlihan Lokey.
Alex Smereczniak and Daniel D'Aquisto co-founded 2ULaundry, a subscription-based, on-demand laundry and dry-cleaning service providing free, convenient pickup and delivery. In January 2023, they raised $20 million in venture funding, including $15 million in Series B funding led by Level 5 Capital Partners and $5 million in debt financing. This funding supports 2ULaundry's expansion of physical locations, making their efficient laundry service accessible to families nationwide.
Social Impact Honoree
Juan Garzón has dedicated his career to fostering innovation and supporting entrepreneurs in the Charlotte region. As Managing Director of Innovate Charlotte and Head of Innovation-led Entrepreneurship for the City of Charlotte, Juan has made a significant impact in the city’s economic growth and building a vibrant startup ecosystem. His dedication to making a difference, helping to create jobs, and providing support needed to build successful businesses with a more equitable economy can be seen through his spearheading of gALPHA and gBETA accelerators in partnership with gener8tor. gALPHA is dedicated to helping women and minority founders build scalable businesses, while gBETA assists companies with high-growth potential in securing investments. Juan also revived the Seed The South Capital Summit, bringing together over 350 entrepreneurs, investors and community leaders to drive positive change and collaboration across the region. For more than a decade now, and 500 startups later, Juan’s leadership as Director of PitchBreakfast is one of the many other examples of how his work serves as an inspiration to others and embodies the spirit of social impact.
Dealmakers Hall of Fame Honorees
Joe Giordano, Co-Founder and CEO of Payzer, has revolutionized payments and software technology for the HVAC and plumbing industries. Under his leadership, Payzer grew from a startup through a $250 million exit to WEX in November 2023. Joe’s innovation in contactless and alias-based payments began at ExxonMobil and Bank of America, where he was a senior payments and retail executive for more than 25 years. He founded Speedpass, pioneering RF and tokenization technology, and garnering more six million users in the U.S., Canada and Tokyo. His accomplishments have earned recognition from publications like Wall Street Journal and Fast Company, and he was named one of the Top 30 Retail Executives by RIS News. A primary inventor on seven U.S. patents, and secondary inventor on two others, Joe’s strategic insight and groundbreaking work in payments technology have left an indelible mark on the industry.
Over the past three decades, Jay Jester, Partner at Plexus Capital, has left his mark on the world of private equity. He joined Audax Group in January of 2000, and over the next 19 years served as a senior member of the leadership team in both Audax Group and Audax Private Equity. While he focused on deal sourcing, Jay also played in active role in charting the strategy and direction of Audax, significantly contributing to Audax’s present and future through recruiting efforts, training, building out investor relations, shoring up financing and assisting with portfolio operations. Over that time he was instrumental in the growth and success of dozens of Audax’s investments, including multiple profitable exits. Jay previously spent time as a Partner at Florida Capital Partners. A graduate of UNC-Chapel Hill, today Jay also actively contributes to the M&A community through organizations like YPO and ACG.
Matt Lindberg, Founder of Plumb Line Capital Partners, is an investor and adviser for private companies in Charlotte and outside the region. At Plumb Line, he partners with family offices and strategic investors to drive growth for founder-led and entrepreneur-owned companies. He has overseen successful investments in diverse industries, including Abatemaster, a leader in environmental services, and Vivid Metal Prints, a high-definition printing firm. Previously, he was involved in the investment holding company strategy for Power Curbers & Power Pavers, a top manufacturer of concrete machinery. With previous experience in private equity and investment banking, Matt has been involved with numerous mergers and acquisitions, and been part of several significant capital raises for dozens of organizations. A graduate of Wake Forest University, Matt resides in the Charlotte region with his family, contributing both professionally and personally to the local entrepreneurial community.
Robert Maynard, Founder of Won Life Brands, has built a diverse portfolio of successful ventures that span the food, service and education industries. His brands include Famous Toastery, VaVia, Big Burger Spot, Cartridge World and Flour Power Cooking Studios. Starting in corporate finance, Robert’s entrepreneurial journey has transformed him into a prominent founder, partner and adviser. He emphasizes mentorship, aiming to empower his partners and teams with meaningful career opportunities. Beyond his brands, Robert is active in real estate development and private equity, with a hands-on approach that promotes growth and innovation. His guiding principle, “If not you, then who?” reflects his drive to make a lasting impact on both his businesses and his community.
Mark McDowell, General Partner of the Charlotte Fund, has three decades of experience as an investor and entrepreneur in digital technology and telecommunications. As co-founder of the Charlotte Fund, Mark’s focus includes emerging technologies like AI, robotics and blockchain. He has served on over 20 venture and private equity-backed boards and has been involved in numerous significant company financing rounds, exits and several IPOs. A graduate of MIT, Mark combines deep technical knowledge with strategic vision, fostering growth and innovation in the Charlotte area. His impact on the local startup ecosystem is profound as he continues to mentor and support the next generation of entrepreneurs.
Jon Perry, Executive Chairman of Specialty Products & Insulation, began his career with General Electric, spending 11 years in their aerospace, power systems, medical systems and industrial systems before moving to a material handling distribution company and machine tool manufacturer in key leadership roles. After a six-year stint as president of C.C. Dickson Co., a large regional HVAC distributor, Jon was hired to be the CEO of Global Medical Imaging and later the COO of Carrier Enterprises, the largest distributor of Carrier HVAC products in North America. In 2019, Jon joined SPI as CEO, where he now serves as the company’s Executive Chairman. Under his leadership, SPI has become a dominant player in the insulation industry, focusing on high-impact operational growth. Jon is known for his commitment to both business excellence and community support, including his involvement with Freedom School Partners, a literacy program for young children.
