David Allen

Executive Director & Market Team Lead
J.P. Morgan Private Bank

David Allen is an Executive Director and Market Team Lead in the Cleveland office of J.P. Morgan Private Bank, covering Northern Ohio. Dave manages a group of professional advisors and specialists dedicated to designing integrated strategies that help families plan, invest, bank and borrow. A native of Cleveland, he delivers a local presence, extensive industry experience and the global capabilities of J.P. Morgan.

Dave is particularly focused on working with executives, entrepreneurs and business owners to help unlock the value of their concentrated wealth. As a former Chief Operating Officer, he is attuned to the diversity of their needs and takes a personalized approach to address their complex ecosystem. Dave is a dynamic leader who builds an environment of excellence for team members and clients alike. He is known for his ability to solve problems, remove obstacles and turn challenges into successes.

Over the course of his 20+ year career, Dave has built a well-diversified and successful background in financial services. Before joining J.P. Morgan, he was the Chief Operating Officer with Equity Trust Company, and spent the majority of his career in senior roles with Goldman Sachs Asset Management.

Dave has a B.S. from Miami University and an M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University, specializing in Finance, Strategy & Marketing. He holds FINRA Series 7, 9, 10 and 63 securities licenses.

TJ Asher

President, Acquisitions & Development
Weston, Inc.

Hometown: Cleveland, Ohio

Passions: TJ loves everything about the great outdoors from camping and fishing to snow skiing. A boat owner and avid water-skier, he enjoys spending time on the 360-acre family property in northeast Cleveland.

His Role at Weston: Today, as President of Weston Acquisitions and Development Group, he is instrumental in identifying strategically located properties in target markets and port cities, securing financing, and finalizing each project through to its closing and stabilization period.

Most recently he has acquired the company’s largest group of properties to date, a 5.5 million square feet industrial portfolio of manufacturing, warehouse, flex space and industrial properties in South Carolina known as Carolina Industrial Properties.

A Cleveland native, he and his wife and three children live in Aurora.

Eric Beck

President & CEO
ESO

Eric is CEO and President at ESO (Austin, TX).  He helps improve community health and safety through the power of data. He began his career as a firefighter and paramedic in Ohio prior to becoming an emergency physician. His experience is a unique blend of entrepreneurship, innovation and growth experience in large public, private and early stage companies.

Previously Eric has served as the president and COO of the University Hospitals Health System in Ohio (UH) and President of UH Ventures, the innovation, commercialization and investment arm of the health system.  Before UH, he was the president of the clinical enterprise at the University of North Texas Health Sciences Center, as well as president and CEO of Evolution Health and CEO of Integrated Delivery at Envision Healthcare (NYSE: EVHC). 

Robert Berdanier

Managing Director
Riveron

Robert Berdanier is a Managing Director in Riveron’s Business Restructuring & Turnaround Services practice. His focus is on middle-market companies, both distressed and healthy, seeking financial and operational improvement through interim leadership and re-organization. Robert is a seasoned restructuring professional, with significant experience in the manufacturing, distribution & hospitality.

Paul Bodnar

Chief Investment Officer, Partner
CM Wealth

Partner at a multi-family office with $1.7 billion under management focused on investment strategy, client relationships and management of the firm. Leads a private capital program which invests in private equity, venture, real estate, and non-correlated assets and built a successful co-investment program across these asset classes. Prior to joining CM Wealth in 2015, Paul was an equity research analyst covering industrials.

Al Caperna

Chairman
CMC Group

Al Caperna made a personal commitment to Jesus Christ as his Lord and Savior in 1974 on the campus of Bowling Green State University. Al does not believe faith in Jesus should be restricted to Sunday. This belief, coupled with a management style that helps encourage strong business ethics, innovation, achievement and selective risk taking, has helped Al achieve success in starting and developing businesses.

After starting his own business in 1980 with his partners, he now has multiple businesses  and has been recognized nationally as a business leader. Al is the Chairman of CMC Group, an association of companies that has been selling to retail and industrial customers in the U.S. and Internationally for over 40 years. However, Al’s main goal is not just to be a success in business; it is “to embody the Christian life in business practices”. He credits his success to God, his employees, and faithful customers.

David Collier

SVP, Cyber Solutions
Aon Corporation

Dave Collier is a 20+ year veteran in the cybersecurity and technology space. He currently serves as SVP of the Central Region for Aon's cyber practice and supports a diverse client base. Dave's expertise focuses on cyber diligence, Incident response investigations, proactive security and technical system testing.

Andrew Connors

Managing Director, Chief Growth Officer
Fairport Wealth

Andrew R. Connors is a Certified Financial Planner™ professional with 20 years of experience in the personal financial management arena. He has experience in advising family business owners how they can align their personal, family and business goals. His mission and purpose is to positively impact the long-term well-being of closely-held and family business owners by helping them create and maintain multi-generational wealth. He is known for his ability to translate complex financial strategies and concepts into understandable, actionable ideas.

Prior to receiving his MBA from the Weatherhead School of Management at Case Western Reserve University, Andrew attended John Carroll University where he earned a B.S.B.A. He earned his Certified Financial Planner^TM (CFP^®) designation from the College of Financial Planning.

Craig Cook

Investor/Attorney
Precision Production and Veroroc Holdings

Craig Cook is the former CEO of Precision Production LLC, a supplier of machined components and assemblies serving global OEM customers across various markets. Craig co-founded the business with a partner in 1994, and previously practiced law with Reminger LPA in Cleveland. In 2019, Craig and his partner sold a majority stake to PE, positioning the company for future growth as a platform investment. Under Craig's leadership, Precision Production made a strategic acquisition in 2021 as part of its expansion strategy. In 2023, Craig transitioned from his daily role at Precision Production to pursue new ventures as an active owner or silent partner. His background in M&A, law and manufacturing offers a unique perspective on the challenges faced by small and medium-sized businesses seeking strategic growth investments or a liquidity event.

Alan Davis

Investor
McCarthy Capital

Alan Davis is a member of the investment team at McCarthy Capital, which is investing out of its 8th private equity fund. His responsibilities include evaluating new investment opportunities, structuring and executing private investments and management oversight of portfolio investments. He currently helps manage the firm’s investments in App Academy, Corkcicle, Smartlink and Progressive Dental Marketing.

Dan Delgadillo

Managing Director
Northwest Sponsor Finance

Dan Delgadillo is the founder and head of Northwest Sponsor Finance, a national lower middle market provider of senior cash flow financing solutions supporting private equity backed buy outs, recaps, and growth investments. Prior to founding Northwest Sponsor Finance, Dan was the co-founder and co-head of Byline Sponsor Finance. He also held roles at TCF Capital Funding, Mid America Bank, and Wells Fargo Bank.

Dan DeSantis

Partner
Provariant Equity Partners

Dan is a founding partner of Provariant Equity Partners, a Cleveland OH based equity investor focused on the lower middle market. Prior to Provariant, Dan was a partner with Linsalata Capital Partners, a private equity firm, for 18 years. Prior to that, Dan was with Ernst & Young where he was a Senior Manager providing M&A transaction support services to middle market clients. Dan received a B.S. in accountancy from Miami University, and he earned an M.B.A. with distinction, from Northwestern University. Dan’s responsibilities at Provariant include sourcing and transacting new investment opportunities as well as managing portfolio company oversight. Dan currently serves on the Boards of three Provariant investments: MWE Holdings, Stanisci Design and Smart Vent Holdings.

Victor DiGeronimo Jr.

CEO
DiGeronimo Companies

Victor DiGeronimo, CEO of DiGeronimo Companies, leads its transformation and client services, managing multimillion-dollar procurement and fostering key relationships. With a BS in Industrial Engineering and Marketing, he rose from equipment operator to CEO. Victor drives urban redevelopment projects including Cornerstone Business Park and Valor Acres. Actively involved in industry organizations and philanthropy, he was recognized as Ernst & Young's "Entrepreneur of the Year" in 2017.

Rocco DiLillo

Chairman
PCX Corporation, City Visitor Inc., PorchLight Destination Services, Advanced Hydro Solutions, Habacoa

Rocco A. Di Lillo was winner of the Ernst & Young, NASDQ and USA Entrepreneur of the year in 1997. Rocco’s career spans the fields of advertising, the development of hydroelectric energy, corporate housing, manufacturing in the construction industry, marina development and philanthropic development. He has operated 12 companies in his career, seven he founded and five he acquired. He founded his first company, City Visitor Inc. in 1980 with the mission of serving travelers and the businesses that serve them. City Visitor published relocation books, visitor guides and specialty publications for Sea World, Rock N Roll HOF, Six Flags, and numerous other museums.

Rocco is the former founder and CEO of Corporate Lodgings and founder of BridgeStreet Accommodations, which provides fully furnished housing for travelers in over 130 markets around the world. Rocco successfully completed an initial public offering of BridgeStreet in 1997 on the NASDAQ market.

In addition, he is the former CEO of Cooperative Resource Services, the third largest relocation company in America which was sold to Allied Worldwide. Rocco is the founder and past chairman of Porchlight Rental Services, the leading provider of professional rental finding services, nationally, for corporate transferees looking for rental assistance in North America.

As Chairman and majority owner of PCX Corporation, the manufacturer of off-site electrical and mechanical gear for the construction industry, Serving International companies like Walmart, Meta, and Amazon, which he sold to Hubbell Controls in 2022.

Rocco is the founder and Chairman of Advanced Hydro Solutions, a developer of hydroelectric facilities for the purpose of generating Green Renewable power.

Rocco is the 2016 honoree of the George Dively Entrepreneurship Award which is granted annually by the Harvard Business School Club of NE Ohio.

Rocco’s latest development is Habacoa, an Iconic Real Estate and Marina in South Abaco, Bahamas. When completed it will be the largest marina in North America and the newest luxury residential community in the Bahama’s. Habacoa will offer a private airstrip, superyacht club, casino, golf courses, upscale hotels, and luxury homes.

Rocco has spent his life working for a variety of charitable and social services organizations. He was inducted into the Dealmakers HOF in 2024. Rocco supports numerous Philanthropic organizations ranging from Health Care, Education and Entrepreneurship. As a supporter of Christian Education, he supports the Northern Ohio Italian American (NOIA)-Northern Educational Legacy Program which serves the advancement of Christian education.

He grew up in NE Ohio and now lives with his wife, Joan of 48 years in Naples, Florida.

Dominic DiPuccio

Partner, Chair Mergers and Acquisitions Group
Taft Stettinius & Hollister LLP

Dominic focuses his practice on mergers and acquisitions, and public and private equity and debt securities offerings. He represents entrepreneurs, emerging-growth, and seasoned companies (public and private), investors, venture capital, and private equity funds, and real estate sponsors in a wide variety of corporate finance transactions. Dominic is chair of Taft’s Mergers and Acquisitions group.

Deborah Donley

Founder & Chief Experience Officer
Vocon

Deb Donley is the Founder and Chief Experience Officer of Vocon. Since its inception in 1987, Debbie has grown the company to include a 250+ team of workplace strategists, designers, architects, graphics and branding specialists. Vocon is a Top 100 architecture and design firm, with a coast-to-coast clientele of Fortune 500 companies and an award-winning record of designing work environments that reflect cultures, personalities, strategies, and operational needs. Debbie believes in marrying design with workplace strategy to create offices that are ripe for creativity and collaboration and perfect for supporting clients’ evolving needs across a broad spectrum of fast-moving industries.

An expert in helping businesses navigate the pandemic-related disruption of offices and workplace culture, Debbie led the charge with Vocon – adapting to change and uncertainty through the strategic transformation of space. Debbie also set a standard for the industry by confronting the demands of an ever-changing planet through sustainable, flexible, efficient, and resilient building design. She is committed to inclusivity in employment, nurturing top-level talent and hiring diverse industry-leading experts. Throughout her career, Debbie has sought to create a culture of authenticity, acceptance, and inclusivity, enabling employees to bring their true selves to work. This effort has been widely recognized, with Vocon receiving numerous accolades, including the firm’s 19-time designation as one of Cleveland’s Best Places to Work.

Debbie measures success by the relationships the firm builds with clients. These critical connections are fostered by firm Principals’ active participation throughout every stage of a project’s life cycle. Debbie is a mother of three and is proud of the way that Vocon actively encourages employees to lead balanced lives with clear priorities. She is an active volunteer in the community, pursuing professional development opportunities with groups such as In Counsel With Women, the Greater Cleveland Partnership, the Group Plan Commission, and the Cuyahoga Community College Foundation. In addition, Debbie is a member of the University School Board of Directors and the Elon University Parent Council.

Constantine Elefter

Partner
MPE Partners

Constantine is a Partner at MPE Partners based in the firm’s Cleveland office. Constantine has prior private equity experience at The Riverside Company and Norwest Equity Partners and started his career in investment banking. Constantine graduated with a M.B.A. from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and a B.S.B.A. from The Ohio State University.

Michael Fox

Managing Partner
Zorro Capital, LLC

Michael Fox is a senior business executive with more than 20 years of experience in business management in a variety of industries including manufacturing, distribution and B to B services. His investment firm, Zorro Capital LLC, focuses on matching small to midsize manufacturing and distribution company owners with up-and-coming entrepreneurs. Zorro Capital provides streamlined and improved methods for business owners to transition their businesses to a new generation of business managers.

Bobby George

Founder & CEO
Ethos Capital Partners

A Cleveland native, Bobby George is an entrepreneur with a majority stake in over 40 companies, including locally acclaimed Townhall, first-of-its-kind LYV The Wellness Space, and many others. Holding a degree in finance and economics from Ohio University, George chose the path of entrepreneurship driven by a deep-rooted passion for business and leadership. This fervor not only spearheads his business strategies but also continuously propels his success.

As the founder and CEO of Ethos Capital Partners, George has cultivated a broad and influential presence that transcends industries. His investment portfolio is remarkably diverse, amassing more than 4.5 million square feet of primarily urban, historic real estate that includes several rehabilitations to the standards of the Secretary of the Interior. George looks to start or acquire businesses that allow him to leverage his proven track record in revenue generation and operational excellence to drive value creation.

George is not only a savvy businessman but also a visionary leader who emphasizes the importance of being disruptive to gain competitive advantage. His leadership ethos is a delicate blend of command and compassion, fostering a culture that demands nothing short of excellence. In George's world, success isn't only measured in profits, but in the lasting impact his ventures have on the community and those who put their faith in his bold leadership.

David Gilbert

President & CEO
Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and Destination Cleveland

David Gilbert serves as president and CEO of Greater Cleveland Sports Commission and Destination Cleveland. Greater Cleveland Sports Commission is an organization dedicated to making Greater Cleveland the nation’s foremost destination for amateur sporting events and activities. These events have contributed more than $860 million in local economic impact. David leads the Destination Cleveland team, the region’s destination, marketing and management organization to carry out the organization’s mission of stimulating economic growth by attracting people and connecting them to experiences that illustrate Cleveland’s diversity, creativity, and contagious passion.

His honors and awards include recognition as one of Cleveland’s “30 influencers of the past 30 years,” Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year and the SME Cleveland Business Executive of the Year. David also dedicates his time to several organizations.

Bob Girton

Partner
Edgewater Capital

Bob Girton is a partner at Edgewater Capital, a private equity firm focused on investing in smaller performance materials businesses. In addition to traditional PE roles in sourcing, executing, and managing investments, Bob chairs Edgewater’s DEI initiative and is the partner in charge of the firm’s business development efforts. He lives in Shaker Heights, is a life long learner, and is very proud of his two kids, Ava and Theodore.

Kelly Greene

VP, Mergers & Acquisitions
Park Place Technologies

Kelly Greene is the VP of Mergers & Acquisitions at Park Place Technologies.  In her 10 years at Park Place, Kelly has facilitated in excess of 30 acquisitions globally, in each of those years meeting or exceeding the company’s targets for growth by M&A.  With a background in industry, customer service and the human capital of organizations, Kelly brings added perspectives and tools to the economic calculus of deal-making.

Greg Harris

President & CEO
Rock & Roll Hall of Fame

Greg Harris has guided the Rock & Roll Hall of Fame through an era of unprecedented transformation with a focus on innovation to drive growth. Under his leadership, the Museum has significantly increased attendance, revenue, fan engagement and community impact.

Before joining the RRHOF, Greg spent 14 great years as a senior executive at the National Baseball Hall of Fame & Museum.

Jayne Juvan

Partner and Chair of the M&A and Securities & Capital Markets Practice Groups
Tucker Ellis LLP

Michael King

Vice President, Charitable Wealth Strategist
National Christian Foundation

Michael serves as a charitable gift and estate-planning attorney with the National Christian Foundation (NCF).He works closely with generous families sharing concepts and strategies that allow them to leverage the impact of their giving by minimizing their income and estate tax liabilities.

In his role with NCF, Michael’s primary focus and expertise is facilitating charitable gifts of complex assets including closely held businesses, real estate, intellectual property, oil and gas interests, collectibles, precious metals, etc. He also helps families to plan their estates in a manner that dramatically increases their charitable giving, and in most cases avoids estate tax completely—regardless of the size of their estates. 

Prior to joining NCF in 2006, Michael spent over ten years with an international tax and accounting firm, and a wealth management firm/multi-family office.  In these roles, he counseled affluent families on a broad range of wealth management issues including both financial and non-financial aspects of wealth.

Michael received his undergraduate degree in finance from Penn State University, and his law degree from the U.C.L.A. School of Law. Michael and his wife, Tammy, were high school sweethearts and have been abundantly blessed with five children.

Steve Kirk

Executive in Residence; Former COO; Former Board Chair
Cleveland State University; Lubrizol; Valvoline

Following his retirement from Lubrizol in December 2011, Steve Kirk joined Cleveland State University as Executive in Residence in the Monte Ahuja College of Business. In this volunteer role he works primarily with the Executive MBA program as Leadership Coach and helps prepare students in the program for senior level leadership and executive positions.

Steve enjoyed a 43-year career at Lubrizol, a global $6 billion Fortune 500 Company. He was elected Chief Operating Officer in 2008, leading over 6,500 people, half of them overseas and half working in the United States (with ~2,000 in the Greater Cleveland area).  Prior to that, he served as President of Lubrizol Additives. He joined LZ as a co-op/intern in 1968 and full time in 1972, and enjoyed roles in engineering, sales and marketing until being elected Corporate Vice President in 1993. Lubrizol was acquired by Berkshire Hathaway in 2011. 

Dustin S. Klein

Chief Content Officer
Smart Business

Dustin is an award-winning business journalist, bestselling author, and the chief content officer of Smart Business. Over the past 30 years, he has interviewed thousands of business and civic leaders, and helped more than 50 CEOs and entrepreneurs transform their ideas into books. A trained investigative politics reporter and former digital media entrepreneur, Dustin joined Smart Business in 1997 after serving as an editor at several daily newspapers.

Brian Krusz

Founder, Director of Growth & Development
Sgt. Clean Car Wash

Founded in 2013, Sgt Clean Car Wash is an express exterior chain, currently with 16 locations throughout Northeast Ohio. Sgt Clean is a five time Inc 5,000 winner, five time Weatherhead 100, 3 time Vet100 winner, Smart50 Honoree and two time Smart Culture Award recipient. Brian spent eight years in the United States Marine Corps and graduated from Kent State University with an undergraduate degree in Business Management.

Brian Leonard

Managing Partner, CFO, & CCO
Edgewater Capital

Brian leads Edgewater’s finance, accounting, compliance, HR, and IT functions. His responsibilities include managing the firm’s accounting and tax requirements, investor relations, portfolio company financial oversight, and financial and tax diligence on potential investments. Prior to joining Edgewater, Brian was a director in the transaction services practices of two international accounting firms for five years. Before that, he spent nine years in the assurance and transaction services practices of two “Big 4” accounting firms where his clients included Fortune 500 companies, privately held companies, and private equity firms focusing on the industrial products, chemicals, coatings, and information technology industries. Brian was also the CFO of an electronic health records company.

Michael Makofsky

Principal Attorney
McCarthy, Lebit, Crystal & Liffman Co., LPA

Michael D. Makofsky, a principal attorney at McCarthy Lebit, handles diverse business matters, including sales, mergers, and acquisitions. Michael specializes in complex M&A, advising on structuring, due diligence, financing, and negotiations. He also works with financial institutions, providing counsel on various transactions, from asset-based lending to commercial/industrial loans and real estate financing, among others.

Mike Malley

CEO
Malley's Chocolates

Malley re-joined the family business in 2012 after a progressive 23-year career in the publishing industry. He was Advertising Director and Sales Manager at Crain’s Cleveland Business before returning to chocolate, and previously held multiple executive editorial, publisher-level and sales management positions with Questex Media and Advanstar Communications, Inc. Throughout his career, Malley was recognized for leading innovations in traditional print and electronic media, and for helping business-to-business publications expand their audiences and advertising sales revenue.

At 58, he is also active in several local and civic organizations, including as Director, Board Member for Cleveland Roots, an organization dedicated to urban agriculture while providing affordable access to fresh produce; Board member Cleveland-Cuyahoga County Food Policy Coalition which strives to bring about public and private policy-based solutions that bring about a healthier food system; and was past Director, Board Member of LifeBanc, a local organ procurement agency and past Director, Board Member for the Cleveland Boys and Girls Club of Cleveland.

Mark Mangan

President
Turf Care

Mark has over 35 years of industry experience and has played an important role in growing the value of the Turf Care business. Mr. Mangan has served as Chief Operating Officer of the Company since 2015, prior to which he has held multiple leadership positions at Turf Care. He has played a pivotal role in expanding commercial relationships, entering new markets, and developing strategic partnerships.

Mark Mansour

Founder & Senior Managing Partner
MCM Capital Partners

Mr. Mansour has been an active private investor with MCM Capital Partners since 1992 and co-found the first institutional fund, MCM Capital Partners, L.P. in 1998. His responsibilities include the execution of investment transactions and management of portfolio companies. Mr. Mansour serves on numerous portfolio company Boards including Performance Plastics, RMB Products and Zinkan Enterprises.

Prior to co-founding MCM Capital Partners, he was a partner at Erlitz & Mansour, Inc., which provided corporate finance and acquisition and divestiture advisory services. During his tenure at Erlitz & Mansour, Inc., he advised on numerous smaller middle-market acquisitions and divestitures.

From 1981 through 1984 Mr. Mansour was employed on the audit staff of Price Waterhouse (Cleveland). He left Price Waterhouse in 1985 to work as a consultant with Picker International, an international manufacturer and distributor of medical imaging equipment and hospital supplies. While at Picker International he specialized in reviewing and evaluating inventory control and reporting systems.

Mr. Mansour received a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Wittenberg University and a Master’s Degree in Business Administration from Miami (Ohio) University. Mr. Mansour is a Certified Public Accountant.

Al Melchiorre

President
MelCap Partners, LLC

Al Melchiorre is President and founder of MelCap Partners, a middle market investment banking firm that he founded over 22 years ago, Over the past few years, MelCap has been recognized as boutique investment banking firm of the year multiple times by The M&A Advisor. MelCap's clients are predominately privately-held, family owned businesses going through a once in a life-time transaction.

Michael Moran

CEO & Managing Partner
Walnut Ridge

Mike leads a multigenerational family office for the founders and owners of GOJO / PURELL, where he is also on the Board. Mike was previously a private equity partner at Linsalata Capital Partners and an M&A investment banker at KeyBanc Capital Markets. Mike has degrees from Miami University (BS Finance) and Northwestern's Kellogg School of Management (MBA).

William Murphy

Managing Director-Wealth Management
UBS Financial Services Inc

As a founding partner of The Cleveland Wealth Management Team, Bill has unparalleled experience delivering investment guidance and financial education. He offers a specific focus on the complex wealth management needs of families and business owners. Building close relationships, he and his team offer comprehensive solutions to offer holistic strategies on cash flow, tax mitigation, asset preservation, liability management, estate planning, philanthropy.

Linda Olejko

Senior Vice President, Principal Client Strategist
BNY Mellon

Linda is a senior vice president, client strategist for BNY Mellon Wealth Management. In this role, she works directly with clients to address their investment and wealth management needs.

Linda joined the firm in 2023 and has more than 35 years of experience in the financial services industry. Her previous experience includes serving as a Business Development Managing Director for Glenmede.

Linda received a bachelor’s degree from Indiana Wesleyan and is a CFP® (Certified Financial Planner), has acquired a CEPA® designation (Certified Exit Planning Advisor) and CDFA® (Certified Divorce Financial Analyst).

Specialties: Investment and Portfolio Management, Business Development, Endowments, Investment Strategy, Legacy Investing, Strategic Account Management, Wealth Advisory, Foundations, Charitable Giving, Women in Leadership Advocacy.

David Pease

Partner
Pease Bell CPAs

David's role as Managing Director with Pease Capital Advisors includes directing the day to day operations and leading client relationships. He also plays a pivotal role in evaluating client opportunities, term sheet preparation, and negotiations.

Prior to founding Pease Capital Advisors, David worked in corporate insurance consulting, with a specialty of mitigating risk during a transaction.

Boyd Pethel

Executive Vice President - Metro Commercial Banking
First National Bank

Patrick Pitrone

Principal
PJP Companies

Pat is an award-winning Founder and President with 20+ years of experience building highly successful franchise businesses in the Home Services industry nationwide. He spearheaded the growth of USA Insulation via Franchising and grew the business to over 60 units in 20+ states to become the largest Residential Retrofit Insulation Franchise System in the U.S., being acquired by Riverside in late 2020. Pat is now continuing his entrepreneurial journey seeking to acquire a business that fits his investment criteria.

Jonathan Pressnell

Partner
Blue Point Capital Partners

Jonathan rejoined Blue Point Capital Partners in 2015. He was previously with Blue Point from 2007 to 2010. Most recently, Jonathan was a principal at Greenbriar Equity Group. Prior to joining Blue Point in 2007, Jonathan worked as an analyst for KeyBanc Capital Markets in the mergers and acquisitions group, and he began his career as an auditor at Ernst & Young. Jonathan holds a B.S.B.A. in Accounting from the University of Pittsburgh, an M.S. in Accountancy from the University of Notre Dame and an M.B.A. from the Amos Tuck School at Dartmouth College.

Ken Randazzo

Partner, Transaction Services
Cohen & Company

Ken has more than 15 years of experience working with companies in both advisory and assurance roles. With a background that includes national firm experience, Ken has advised a wide range of clients on both buy-side and sell-side business transactions. He focuses on areas such as quality of historical earnings, purchase price adjustment mechanisms, closing procedures and working capital requirements to maximize value for clients. Ken has worked with clients in a variety of industries, including manufacturing, wholesale and distribution, professional services, and transportation and logistics. 

Joe Saldutti

Managing Director
Gridiron Capital, LLC

At Gridiron Capital, Joe focuses on new investment opportunities, due diligence, and value creation at current portfolio companies. Joe currently serves on the boards of Erie, Essential Cabinetry Group, Foundation Wellness, and Leaf Home™. Joe previously served on the boards of Gridiron Capital partnerships, including Electronic Systems Protection, Quality Solutions, and Ramsey Industries.

Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Joe founded Head Start Capital in 2007, where he was chairman of the board of Enjoy Life Natural Brands, the leading allergen-free food company. Previously, Joe served as president of TDA Capital Partners focused on international middle market consumer, manufacturing, and service investments. Joe worked with General Electric as a process engineer, a quality control engineer in a military procurement business, a shop floor manager, and a financial and operational measurement manager in GE’s Manufacturing Management Program. Joe started his career working on the loading dock, in accounts receivable, and as an off-hours dispatcher in his family’s short haul trucking business.

Jerry Schill

Founder & CEO
Schill Grounds Management

Jerry Schill founded Schill Grounds Management in 1993, and as CEO he sets the strategic vision for the company and makes executive and financial decisions that drive profitable growth and scale.

Beginning in 2020, Jerry partnered with Argonne Capital to proactively drive consolidation in the highly fragmented commercial grounds management and snow and ice removal industry by acquiring independent privately held businesses that add contiguous geographic expansion for SGM.

Jerry has three decades of leadership experience, and he believes in running the business with family values, integrity, respect and honesty. He also holds leadership positions with industry professional organizations including serving as an active member of the Accredited Snow Contractors Association’s Government Affairs Committee and the Ohio Landscape Association’s Snow and Ice Committee.

Jerry earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management from Glenville State College, where he was the wide receiver on the football team and was a member of the Fellowship of Christian Athletes. He is also the founder of Holiday Feast, an annual event that provides free meals for thousands of people in the Cleveland area. Jerry’s contributions to the industry were recognized when he was chosen for the National Leadership Award by SNOW Magazine and Lawn & Landscape Magazine.

Jeff Schwab

Sr. Vice President - Private Equity Services
Oswald Companies

Matt Buder Shapiro

Chief Marketing Officer
Vytalize Health

Matt is the Chief Marketing Officer of Vytalize Health, a leading value-based care platform helping primary care doctors strengthen relationships with their patients through data-driven, holistic, and personalized care. Vytalize helps over 5,000 providers and manages over $4 billion in medical spending. Matt previously was the Founder and CMO of MedPilot, which Vytalize Health acquired after helping navigate over 1 million patients through their healthcare experience.

Michael Shaw

Partner, Managing Director
Copper Run Capital

Michael Shaw is a Partner and Managing Director at Copper Run. He has led over 100 buy-side and sell-side M&A deals for companies in the U.S. and abroad. Michael has advised private equity firms, family offices, and family-owned businesses, with clients including The Riverside Company and MPE Partners. He has special expertise in executing M&A growth plans, and ownership transitions.

Greg Skoda, Jr.

Partner
Marcum LLP

Ed Weinfurtner

Executive Chairman & Co-Owner
Great Day Improvements

Nick York

Founder & CEO
Elevo Advisors

Nick is an Entrepreneur, Strategic Business Advisor and Attorney with experience ranging from startups to Fortune 500 companies, universities and national non-profit organizations.

Prior to dedicating himself full-time to his entrepreneurial endeavors, Nick had a highly successful twenty-year legal practice with firms in Cleveland, Chicago and Columbus. As an Entrepreneur, Nick has been an owner, investor, director and partner in several companies throughout his career with domestic and international operations. Nick’s motivation and passion over his 25-year career has been to inspire and help people and organizations maximize potential. He has played leadership roles in a number of community and nonprofit organizations focused on improving the lives and conditions of the communities around him. Nick is the Co-founder and Board Chair of the Ohio Innovation and Technology Associaiton (OITA). Nick has served as Vice Chair of the University of Akron Board of Trustees. He has been a champion of entrepreneurship on the national level as a Board Member of the National Small Business Association (NSBA) in Washington, DC, and as Vice Chair of the Council of Smaller Enterprises (COSE), the largest small business member organization in the country

Brian Zimmerman

CEO
Cleveland Metroparks

Brian is responsible for the management of more than 25,000 acres of green space in Northeast Ohio including 18 park reservations, nine golf courses, and the nationally acclaimed Cleveland Metroparks Zoo.

Since assuming the role of CEO in 2010, Brian has acquired land at the fastest rate in the park district’s 105-year history aside from the park founder, adding over 3,000 acres of protected park land and forests. Brian has helped revitalize Cleveland’s urban core with the acquisition and transformation of nearly 750 acres of lakefront property including the Re-Connecting Cleveland TIGER trails project that links more than 66,000 Cleveland residents to Lake Erie and the region’s vast network of parks and trails.

He has strategically expanded park access to 49 communities across six counties, adding more than 60 miles of trails, bringing the park's trail network to more than 325 miles of trails. He has also improved park relevancy through enhanced programming, connections, and opportunities, attracting more than 19 million annual recreational visitors in each of past three years.

Through broad support and investment, Brian has helped expand and connect Cleveland’s Emerald Necklace into both a tremendous community asset and tourist destination. Under his leadership, the Park District secured more than $150 million in external grants and donations to maximize investments in projects across the park district. A recent study revealed that Cleveland Metroparks contributes $873 million in economic impact to the region. Brian has also laid the groundwork for some of the park’s most transformational investments to come including a state-of-the-art Primate Forest at Cleveland Metroparks Zoo and the “CHEERS” project to create a more accessible, equitable, and resilient lakefront on Cleveland’s east side.