Passing the Torch: Best Practices Pre and Post Transaction for Owners and Their Advisors

Dan began his insurance career in 2004 at AIG. Since starting at Henderson Brothers in 2006, Dan has worked with numerous organizations on their risk management and insurance programs in the private equity, real estate, transportation, construction, manufacturing, energy and technology industries. Dan was promoted to the Managing Director of Property & Casualty in April of 2022. Dan has oversight and responsibility of managing and growing the Commercial and Personal Lines divisions of Henderson Brothers. Henderson Brothers is one of the largest privately held insurance brokers in the United States, serving clients domestically and internationally.

Michael's focus is on helping clients manage the complexity of significant wealth and liquidity events. He offers a broad range of services designed to address the needs of successful business executives and entrepreneurs. Michael’s clients look to him and the team for specialized support and careful planning in the context of their unique circumstances. Together, they harness their talents and those of Merrill Private Wealth Management to advance client goals in multiple contexts.

Michael and the team also have significant and unique experience in the distinct planning and financial management issues faced by families where a member has a medical disability, severe illness or special needs. The Duckworth Haggerty group is a seventeen-person team that serves 100 core families. 

Michael joined Merrill in 2008 with 15 years of experience in the private client advisory group of a large commercial bank. He earned a bachelor's degree at the University of Pittsburgh. Michael is the immediate past President of the board of directors for the Children's Museum of Pittsburgh. He and his wife Tracy live north of Pittsburgh with their three children.

Valerie Galinskaya is a managing director and head of the Merrill Center for Family Wealth®. She guides families in communicating about wealth and developing governance to make informed decisions, applying 19 years of experience as a strategist, facilitator and management consultant. Valerie’s insights on wealth decision-making have been featured in leading outlets such as The Wall Street Journal, The New York Times, Barron’s and Bloomberg. Valerie holds an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Science, magna cum laude, from New York University’s Stern School of Business.

Matthew Taylor is an accomplished entrepreneur with a proven track record in the automotive and real estate industries. He began his career as an Operations Consultant for Garber Management Group in Saginaw Michigan and eventually became the youngest Nissan Dealer Operator in the U.S. at age 27. Matthew later returned to his family business in Youngstown, OH where he bought into the Taylor Automotive Group. Matthew led its expansion from a single dealership to a multi-location enterprise generating over $250 million in annual revenue. His leadership emphasized a values-driven approach, earning the company numerous accolades, including multiple Presidents Awards and the World Dealer of the Year Award. In 2022, Matthew successfully negotiated a nine-figure exit from the Taylor Automotive Group.

Following the sale, Matthew relocated his family to Charlotte, NC and launched Knock Realty, a real estate brokerage redefining fiduciary standards in the industry. With a commitment to exceptional service and community impact, Knock Realty donates over 25% of its earnings to local charities, reflecting Matthew’s dedication to making a positive difference.

Jack has over 35 years of experience as an entrepreneur and CEO in the healthcare field operating businesses that provide diagnostic imaging, radiopharmaceuticals, equipment services, and wellness programming. During his tenure, the companies have received 18 awards representing Fastest Growth, Best Places to Work and Healthiest Employer. In 2012, he was awarded the Ernst and Young Regional Entrepreneur of the Year in the Healthcare Division.

Jack has also made numerous acquisitions in growing his successful companies. His most recent endeavor was the sale of TTG Imaging Solutions to private equity firm, Sentinel Capital Partners. He plans on capitalizing on his success from an acquisition and investment standpoint and build a portfolio of exceptional healthcare businesses that have a positive impact on patient/employee health and cost reductions for businesses and corporations.