The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards recognize exceptional individuals who are shaping the landscape of business and innovation in Chicago.
In addition, The Chicago 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 October 16 at the Chicago Smart Business Dealmakers Conference. Together, they provide a strong picture of the Chicago business community.
Dealmaker Of The Year Honorees
Brad Bostic co-founded Health Cloud Capital, a firm specializing in cloud-based software for the health care and digital health sectors. Under his leadership as CEO, the company made early-stage investments, including a $10 million Series A for DecisionRx and a $3 million seed investment in 3Aware. Brad's vision is driving the future of health care technology.
Todd Cruikshank co-founded SIA, a medical device company revolutionizing soft tissue support products for reconstructive and aesthetic surgery. In December 2022, SIA was acquired by Integra Lifesciences Corporation in a deal valued at $140 million, setting a new standard in the medical device industry.
Paul Couston is the co-founder and CEO of Ascent Integrated Tech. He is a second-time founder who has dedicated his career to making the world a safer place. As CEO of Ascent Integrated Tech, he has raised over $10 million in venture capital and secured more than $5 million in defense contracts to enhance real-time situational awareness for first responders and warfighters. A Forbes 30 Under 30 honoree, Paul is passionate about safety through innovation.
James Hedrick co-founded Azul 3D, a leader in advanced 3D printing machines that use rapid printing technology. With recent Series A1 and A2 funding totaling $15 million in rounds led by Dupont de Nemours, as well as investments from GS Futures, 3D Ventures and Beta Lab, the company is building out technology development in high-value applications and scaling production in promising markets, including manufacturing medical devices. Azul 3D's groundbreaking technology is poised to revolutionize the industry.
Hafeezah Muhammad is the Founder and CEO of Backpack Healthcare. She developed Backpack Healthcare, an innovative online platform dedicated to addressing the behavioral and mental health needs of children. In a remarkable achievement, the company secured $14 million in Series A funding led by PACE Healthcare Capital. Hafeezah's leadership is transforming the future of children's mental health.
Tom Parro leads MERK Capital Corporation, a private equity firm that invests in companies across multiple industries, including packaging, consumer products, food and building materials, automotive, aerospace, and business services. Under his leadership, MERK Capital has played a crucial role in helping businesses in these sectors achieve growth and operational success. In February of 2024, the firm received an undisclosed amount of development capital from The Riverside Company, further empowering its investment strategy and expanding its reach. Tom was pulled out of the country for a deal at the last minute, so accepting on his behalf is Erin Parro, Chief Communications Officer.
Lee Vandermyde is a Principal of Stone Pointe LLC. He led the sale of Vapor Power to Thermon Group Holdings, a global leader in industrial process heating solutions, earlier this year. Stone Pointe is an independent sponsor, and Lee played a pivotal role in this successful transaction, building value in Vapor Power before its sale and positioning the company for future growth.
Social Impact Award Honorees
Ilyce Glink is the CEO of Best Money Moves, a holistic financial wellness platform designed to provide users with a personalized experience to improve their financial well-being. Her platform is used by over 1,000 companies to lower employee turnover and healthcare costs by offering tailored solutions that reduce financial stress. She works with leading financial training programs, providing tools to community colleges, the American Heart Association Scholars program, and other educational institutions. Her platform offers special programs for nonprofits, donating 10 percent of revenue from built-in partners to support their general funds. In addition, Illyce has created specialized versions of Best Money Moves for Black and Brown entrepreneurship programs, working with the Illinois State Black Chamber of Commerce to help small businesses thrive.
Marlon Mitchell is the President of Emergent Ethos, a firm committed to socially responsible investing. He focuses on sustainable innovation through investments in renewable energy, sustainable agriculture, and emerging technologies. Marlon's investments, like expanding electric vehicle charging infrastructure through GreenMiKATIEV, help reduce environmental impact while creating jobs. He is also dedicated to empowering economically disadvantaged communities by supporting local businesses and fostering financial literacy. His strategic investments are creating a brighter future for both people and the planet.
Dealmakers Hall of Fame
Andrew Berlin is a Chairman and Managing Director at Shield AI and a longtime investor in both business and baseball. A former Chairman and CEO of Berlin Packaging, Andrew has been a key figure in business development and private equity, leading Berlin Packaging to become one of the largest packaging suppliers in North America. He also owns the South Bend Cubs, a minor league affiliate of the Chicago Cubs, blending his love for business and baseball in a truly unique way. Andrew’s leadership extends to his role as a trustee at Syracuse University, where he actively contributes to the Investment and Endowment and Athletics Committees. With numerous accolades and a career spanning multiple industries, Andrew’s leadership and business acumen are truly remarkable.
John DeBlasio is Chairman and Owner of DT Global and DT Institute, both of which he founded in 2019 after the successful merger of Development Transformations and the international development arm of AECOM, as well as Chairman of Continuity Global Services. John is a 1989 graduate of the U.S. Military Academy at West Point and served 21 years in active and reserve service, before retiring as a Lieutenant Colonel in the U.S. Army Reserves Civil Affairs branch in 2011. He holds degrees from the University of South Carolina Master of International Business Studies program and has completed studies at the School of Advanced Military Studies. Under his leadership, DT Global has been instrumental in driving international development projects, focusing on infrastructure, governance, and economic growth in post-conflict regions. His leadership extends to numerous boards, including the Chicago Council on Global Affairs and the Rafik Hariri Center for the Middle East, where he is shaping policy and driving impactful change.
John Major is the Founder and President of MTSG, a seasoned executive with a distinguished career in technology and corporate governance. He has served as a board director for several publicly traded companies, including Littelfuse, Lattice Semiconductor, and Lennox International, driving growth and profitability throughout his tenure. John’s leadership was instrumental in guiding companies through acquisitions, including Broadcom and Pulse Electronics, helping these organizations thrive in competitive markets. With degrees in mechanical engineering, business, and law, John’s visionary leadership has made a lasting impact on industries ranging from semiconductors to industrial electronics. His commitment to innovation and corporate responsibility has set a high standard in the business world.
Gordhan Patel is the Chairman of American Standard Circuits LLC, a company that plays a pivotal role in producing components for military aircraft and numerous other industries. Gordhan, trained as a pharmacist in India before becoming an entrepreneur, has built a legacy of creating and supporting businesses across multiple sectors, from electronics to pharmaceuticals. He has also helped his family establish self-sustaining companies in fields such as radio frequency solutions and metal fabrication, making a significant impact on the Chicagoland business community. Gordhan’s entrepreneurial spirit and commitment to continuous improvement have driven the success of many ventures, contributing to technological advances and job creation.
Dr. Susan Scanlon, a practicing gynecologic surgeon and leader in the Illinois health care space, started her business with three doctors, negotiated a merger with Midwest Center, and has grown the practice north of 110 providers. In the last 16 months, she has closed deals with five physician groups, most recently in southern Illinois, and is in negotiations to add two more physician groups by first quarter 2025. Susan negotiated a partnership with Unified Women’s Healthcare, an MSO backed by private equity, in order to be better capitalized and compete against institutional health care and major hospital networks while maintaining physician autonomy. Susan is third generation physicians in her family, each focused on innovation. Her late father, Dr. Patrick Scanlon, cofounded Loyola Department of Cardiology which remains a leader in cardiac research in the US. In addition, Susan is a member of the U.S. Women’s Health Alliance and lobbies on the Hill in support of private practice.
Dr. Atif Zafar is a serial entrepreneur and visionary in medical devices, computing technology, and renewable energy. He co-founded X-Silicon, Pixilica, and Meridian Cardiovascular Systems, focusing on innovations that impact health and technology. In addition to his entrepreneurial ventures, Atif is deeply involved in academic research, regularly presenting at technology conferences and lecturing at the University of Buffalo. He is also leading the NEXUS Fund, a $200 million initiative investing in transformative healthtech and semiconductor companies, positioning himself as a driving force behind cutting-edge technological advancements. Dr. Zafar’s passion for technology and entrepreneurship is reshaping industries worldwide, inspiring a new generation of innovators.
