I advise middle-market companies, across a broad range of industries, in executing M&A and capital-raise transactions. For the past 25 years I have led transaction teams as a managing director for boutique investment banks – primarily Lazard Middle Market and, now, TrueNorth Capital Partners. While all transactions go through three phases – preparation, marketing & negotiation, and due diligence & closing –– every transaction process becomes a unique journey. For owners and managers of middle-market companies, these journeys cover new territory, require substantial personal investments and contributions, and often lead to transformative (even life-changing) destinations. Given the inevitable navigational challenges and the substantial impact and rewards of these journeys, I personally assume the role of day-to-day point-person for our clients and interface directly with the potential counterparties, including corporations, private equity groups, and institutional investors and lenders. Earlier in my career, I was fortunate to work at leading Wall Street firms. In advising Fortune 1000 clients, I developed expertise in the M&A and capital markets, honed my analytical, valuation, and marketing skills, and learned the importance of attention to detail and providing top-flight client service. At that time, I also earned a CFA designation and obtained the requisite securities licenses.Dartmouth College and the Yale School of Management instilled in me a lifelong love for learning and growth. Now that my wife has begun her encore career and our three adult children are busy building their careers, I have re-engaged with formal education. At the University of Minnesota, I am a fellow in its Advanced Careers (UMAC) program, in which I am exploring ways to give back to society, and a member of the Business Advisory Group in its Technology Commercialization Office, which leverages my personal investment experience in early-stage companies as a member of Twin Cities Angels.