The Smart Business Dealmakers Dealmaker of the Year Awards recognize exceptional individuals who are shaping the landscape of business and innovation in Houston.
In addition, The Houston 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 7 at the Houston Smart Business Dealmakers Conference. Together, they provide a strong picture of the Houston business community.
Dealmaker Of The Year Honorees
Brett Baucum and Alejandro Capetillo, have been instrumental in Agile Growth Equity’s acquisition of Kobus through a leveraged buyout on Nov. 20, 2023. As partners in a growth-oriented, private equity group specializing in innovative, lower-middle-market B2B companies, Brett and Alejandro led this acquisition, building on Agile’s successful track record. Through their leadership, Agile Growth Equity continues to expand its portfolio, supporting innovation and growth in the B2B sector. Kobus was previously owned by a group of ~60 individual and institutional investors in the United Kingdom. The transactions required meticulous legal and tax structuring and planning performed by Agile Growth Equity’s team of cross-border advisers.
Quinn Heidenreich, as Founder & Managing Partner of Allied Strategic Partners LLC, has led several transformative acquisitions in the marine and waterfront hospitality industry. In the past two years, he has overseen acquisitions such as Prairie Creek Marina in Rogers, AR, and Jayhawk Marina in Paola, KS, with the latest addition, Lake Perry Yacht & Marina, acquired in April 2023. Through a dividend recapitalization in October 2024, Quinn has strategically positioned these assets for robust growth and value creation, establishing Allied as a leader in marine hospitality investments.
David Johnson and Wayne Prejean of Drilling Tools International, Corp. (NASDAQ: DTI) have driven strategic growth for the Houston-based global oilfield services firm. In 2024, the company completed three significant acquisitions: Superior Drilling Products in August, Deep Casing Tools in March, and European Drilling Projects in October. Additionally, they secured up to $105 million in financing through an ABL Amendment and new Term Loan. Their leadership has expanded DTI’s international footprint and strengthened its capabilities in onshore and offshore drilling solutions.
Ross Lairson and Travis Roby built Bayou Midstream into a top midstream service provider for oil and gas, expanding through greenfield development, organic growth, and acquisitions. They developed an integrated system transporting over 55,000 barrels of crude daily and managing approximately 45,000 tons of sand per month in the western Bakken region. Recently, Bayou sold its subsidiaries operating crude oil gathering, storage, and transportation assets, along with a strategic sand transloading terminal, solidifying its standing in the industry.
Chris Mahoney transitioned from corporate America to build Canamtex Property Management & Development, which has flourished over five years, expanding in Canada and the U.S. His latest project, the KDH Resort in Outer Banks, NC, is a 36-bedroom beachfront property with facilities for 250 guests, featuring a pool, cabana, arcade, and sports bar. With historic significance linked to the Wright Brothers Memorial, the resort generated over $1 million in its first year and is on track to exceed 2024 revenue with 30 weeks booked in 2025.
Sergio Maiworm, CFO of Talos Energy, a deep-water exploration and production company, recently secured $1.25 billion in debt financing to fuel the company’s growth in the U.S. Gulf of Mexico and offshore Mexico. Talos, which develops offshore oil and gas resources essential to everyday life, leverages Sergio’s financial expertise to enhance its capital structure and expand its market impact. His leadership strengthens Talos’s long-term growth trajectory in energy production.
Michael Muse, CFO of EthosEnergy, led the company’s acquisition by One Equity Partners for an estimated $268.63 million on August 28, 2024. The deal involved $95 million net cash and a $42 million loan note payable in five years. EthosEnergy, a provider of rotating equipment services for power, oil, and gas sectors, will now gain expanded resources under One Equity’s ownership, positioning it for growth in asset management and energy solutions.
David Nussbaum, as CIO of Belmont Village Senior Living, has driven key financial transactions to support Belmont’s mission of providing personalized care and wellness programs for seniors. In 2024, Belmont raised $77.45 million in debt refinancing, following a previous $146.5 million debt financing in December 2023. David’s strategic vision has empowered Belmont to continue delivering high-quality, supportive living environments for older adults.
Frank Parker, CFO of Cart.com, led a successful $190 million funding round in July 2024, combining debt and equity to reach a $1.11 billion valuation. The round included $86.2 million in equity from investors like Snowflake Ventures, PayPal Ventures, and BlackRock, and a $103.78 million loan from BlackRock. Cart.com, a developer of unified commerce software, continues scaling its platform to help online businesses thrive.
Social Impact Honoree
Mitra Miller, is a transformative leader committed to empowering underserved youth through her 501(c)(3) organization, Eagle Investors. This innovative program introduces high school students from Title I schools to the world of business, investment, and entrepreneurship. Eagle Investors engages students through experiential learning, simulating investor perspectives much like the popular show "Shark Tank." Students participate in field trips to startup incubators and accelerators, engage with entrepreneurs and business leaders, and even attend pitch competitions, allowing them to evaluate startups firsthand.
A unique highlight of the program is the opportunity for students to attend the prestigious Rice University Business Plan Competition, where they award a real investment prize to a chosen company. Many Eagle Investors alumni, including a student who later launched Prairie View A&M University’s first innovation center, have gone on to study business, finance, and entrepreneurship in college.
Beyond Eagle Investors, Mitra is an influential voice in the Houston business community. As Vice President and President-Elect of the Houston Angel Network and Managing Member of Mill River Capital, she brings extensive expertise in venture capital, strategic planning, and commercialization.
Dealmakers Hall of Fame Honorees
Robert Burnett, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of 1876 Partners, is an influential force in the automotive software industry with a distinguished career marked by strategic growth and innovation. Prior to launching 1876 Partners in January 2024, Robert spent 33 years at The Reynolds and Reynolds Company, leading mergers and acquisitions for 25 years. Under his stewardship, Reynolds and Reynolds expanded through over 90 acquisitions, adding $5.5 billion in transaction value and significantly advancing its market position. Known for his expertise in high-stakes negotiations, Robert played a critical role in reshaping the retail automotive software landscape. Now, with 1876 Partners, he applies his industry expertise to guide investments across both automotive and other sectors, eager to drive future growth for the firm’s portfolio companies.
Manny González, CEO of Ethoscapes, brings over 30 years of industry expertise, shaping environmental management across the U.S. and internationally. Previously, Manny served as Executive Vice President at R360 Environmental Solutions, a leader in oilfield waste management, and was President and CEO of US Liquids of Louisiana, the foundation for R360ES. His leadership at Texas Molecular and Onsite Technology saw the implementation of innovative waste treatment solutions globally, from Venezuela to Scotland. Manny’s early career included directing oil spill response for the Texas General Land Office, where he oversaw operations along the Texas Gulf Coast. In addition to executive roles, Manny has contributed to industry standards as a voting member of the ASTM Committee F20 and is a published author of sector-related research. His dedication to environmental excellence and industry advancement has earned him widespread respect.
