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Who we are
Our Team
Meet the seasoned PCE experts, whose wealth of experience and depth of knowledge are unrivaled.
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The leadership team
Our leaders bring decades of experience in buying, operating, and selling businesses like yours. You can rest assured they have the real-world knowledge to help you achieve your goals.
David Jasmund
Managing Director
David Jasmund, a founding partner at PCE, brings over 30 years of expertise in mergers and acquisitions, ESOP transactions, and corporate finance. He heads PCE’s Healthcare practice and possesses extensive experience in the Insurance, Business Services, and Food & Agriculture sectors.
With a career spanning four decades, David offers a unique perspective as a highly successful entrepreneur, business owner, and advisor. Before joining PCE, he transformed a small insurance start-up with just three employees into a major enterprise, employing over 1,200 staff and generating annual revenues exceeding $700 million. Additionally, he has skillfully guided operations through various phases, including start-ups, business strategy redefinitions, debt restructuring, de-franchising, mergers, and equity capital placements in the Southeast.
David’s achievements include leading significant M&A transactions, such as dual-track engagements and private equity placements. He has been instrumental in positioning several smaller companies for acquisition by publicly traded entities and has played a key role in driving revenue growth through strategic M&A transactions.
Certifications Affiliations
- FINRA Series 7, 24, and 79 Securities Licenses
- General Property & Casualty and Life & Health Insurance Licenses – Florida
Service
- Board of Directors of National Chiropractic Mutual Insurance Company
- Board of Directors of Builders Insurance Group, Atlanta
- Member of Association for Corporate Growth, Atlanta
- Member of National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO)
- Past Board of Directors of UF Health Shands Hospital
- Past Chair of the Coalition for the Homeless of Central FL
- Past Chair of the Board of Governors for MD Anderson Cancer Center Orlando
- Past Finance Committee of the Catholic Diocese of Central Florida
- Past Executive Committee and Board member of the Florida Blood Centers
Education
- University of Florida, Bachelor of Science
Deborah Domroski
Managing Director
Deborah Domroski focuses on advancing PCE’s mission to serve middle-market companies with insightful strategies and creative financial solutions. With over a decade of experience in the financial services industry, Deborah skillfully supports PCE’s strategic marketing and business development efforts. Specifically, Deborah oversees PCE’s brand management, website development, media relations, content marketing and social media.
Certifications & Affiliations
- American Marketing Association, Central Florida Chapter
- FINRA Series 99 Operations Professional
Education
- University of Central Florida
Michael Poole
Managing Director
Fueled by an internal drive for success, Michael Poole has been at the helm of PCE for over two decades. His dedication has established a middle-market investment banking, valuation, and advisory firm that is without peer.
During this period, Michael has played a pivotal role in fostering PCE’s philosophy of teamwork, industry leadership, and client focus. He finds his greatest satisfaction in helping business owners identify unique and imaginative strategies to achieve their goals. Michael understands the importance of prioritizing his client’s needs, always recommending ideas and tactics that he would personally pursue.
With nearly 40 years of M&A and corporate finance experience in both the public and private sectors, Michael specializes in the Building Products, Construction & Engineering, and Finance industries. His extensive career spans managing transactions across North America, Europe, Asia, and Australia.
Certifications Affiliations
- FINRA Series 7, 24, 28 and 79 Securities Licenses
- Member of Association for Corporate Growth, Orlando
Service
- Federal Reserve Bank of Atlanta, Jacksonville Branch as a board member for two terms
- Gubernatorial appointment as the founding chairman of WAGES, the state of Florida’s welfare reform effort, which he served four terms
- Former Chairman & President of the Central Florida Coalition for the Homeless
- Former Chairman of Winter Park Health Foundation
- Actively engaged with Winter Park Health Foundation to create successful economic solutions to the growing problem of America’s uninsured
- Board of Advisors for the Crummer School of Business, Rollins College
- Advisor at the Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation, University of Florida
- Board member of the University of Florida Foundation
- Leadership Florida, Class XII
- Named one of the “Most Influential Floridians” by Florida Trend
Education
- University of Florida, Bachelor of Science
- Rollins College, Crummer Graduate School of Business, MBA
Michael Rosendahl
Managing Director
Michael Rosendahl leads PCE’s M&A practice. With more than two decades of investment banking and corporate development experience, he guides high-profile clients through complex transactions. Mike's insightful analysis and creative approach ensure that deals align with his client's best interests. He is a respected thought leader, frequently presenting at conferences and publishing in industry journals.
Mike has developed considerable industry knowledge in various sectors, focusing on industrial manufacturing, distribution and services, power, and heavy transportation.
Prior to joining PCE, Mike worked with a middle-market boutique outside New York City, where he managed the sales of multiple companies. He also has held director-level positions at an electronic brokerage firm, where he led investments and acquisitions for the fintech, financial services, and exchange sectors.
Certifications Affiliations
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charter Holder
- FINRA Series 7, 24 and 79 Securities Licenses
Service
- Member – Specialized Carriers & Rigging Association (SC&RA)
- Member – Association for Corporate Growth, New Jersey Chapter
- Member - Tulane Fund Advisory Board
- Member – CFA Institute
- Member – New York Society of Security Analysts
- Former Committee Chair – Allied Industries Committee
- Former member – CFA Society of Orlando (board member, 2008–2011)
Education
- BA, Economics, Tulane University, New Orleans, LA
- MBA, The Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California, Los Angeles, CA
Will Stewart
Managing Director
Will Stewart, a partner at PCE and head of the firm’s Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP) practice, is regarded as an expert in the ESOP community. Since joining PCE over two decades ago, he has closed more than $3 billion in ESOP transactions. He is a frequent speaker, panelist, and presenter at both regional and national ESOP-focused conferences and events.
Having a deep understanding of the benefits business owners and employees can realize through an ESOP, Will actively advises owners on all their transaction options. He offers his clients a personalized approach to identifying, implementing, and executing an ESOP suitably structured for the future well-being and sustainability of their business.
Before joining PCE, Will was a vice president in the private wealth management practice of a major bank holding company, personally managing over $300 million in assets. Earlier, he served as a credit officer, underwriting commercial and corporate loan packages valued between $5 million and $100 million.
Certifications Affiliations
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Charter Holder
- FINRA Series 7, 24 and 79 Securities Licenses
Service
- Board Member of the Florida Center of Employee Ownership
- Member of ESOP Association
- Member of the ESOP Association Finance Committee
- Vice President, New South Chapter, ESOP Association
- Member of National Center for Employee Ownership, (NCEO)
- Member of Association for Corporate Growth (ACG)
- Board Member of ACG Orlando
- Member of the Employee Owned S Corporations of America (ESCA)
- Member of CFA Institute
- Member of CFA Society of Orlando
- Former Board Member – CFA Society of Orlando 2008-2011
- Former Membership Chair, CFA Society of Orlando 2010
- Former Public Relations Chair, CFA Society of Orlando 2009
- Member of Florida Citrus Sports
- Selection Committee (2009-2011)
- Rookie of the Year 2009
Education
- Denison University, Bachelor of the Arts, Economics
Paul Vogt
Managing Director
Located in PCE’s Atlanta office, Paul leads the firm’s valuation practice. Paul has more than 20 years of consulting and valuation experience, focusing on the valuation of public and privately held businesses, business interests, intangible assets, intellectual property, and related matters for purposes of financial statement reporting, corporate planning, tax planning, litigation support, and other purposes.
Paul has been primarily focused on providing intangible asset purchase price allocation, goodwill and long-lived asset impairment testing analyses for financial statement reporting purposes pursuant to FASB ASC 805, 350, and 360, and valuing equity securities issued as compensation pursuant to FASB ASC 718 / IRC 409A. In addition, Paul has extensive experience in the valuation of privately held equity securities in complex financial structures, convertible debt, performance and market-based equity awards, warrants with price protection features, embedded derivatives, and contingent consideration for financial statement reporting and other purposes.
With his broad experience, Paul has advised public and private companies, private equity firms and their investors, nonprofits, attorneys, and government agencies in valuation, investment, and other financial consulting matters across multiple industries including technology companies focused in information services, ecommerce, social media, and cloud/SaaS, healthcare companies consisting of hospitals, physician practices, and medical clinics, manufacturing, consumer product retailers, and automotive retailers just to name a few. Paul also has prior experience in litigation support in shareholder disputes, marital dissolution and civil and criminal investigations.
Certifications & Affiliations
- FINRA Series 63 and 79 Securities Licenses
- American Society of Appraisers, Candidate Member for the Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA)
Education
- BBA, Finance, Kennesaw State University, Atlanta, GA
Eric Zaleski
Managing Director
Located in PCE’s Chicago area office, Eric Zaleski is a part of PCE’s ESOP Advisory Group. With 25 years of experience advising middle market clients with liquidity and growth financing initiatives, often involving ESOPs, Eric understands the challenges that business owners face in growing and funding their companies.
With tremendous insight into the benefits associated with ESOPs, Eric has the analytical and organizational skills to guide business owners through the most complex ESOP structures. Over decades, Eric has established a proven track record of providing business owners with strategic advice for the implementation and financing of ESOPs to meet their objectives.
Prior to joining PCE, Eric served as Senior Vice President – ESOP Division Manager of a Chicago based bank. Throughout his banking career, Eric has managed nearly half a billion in commitments on middle market debt instruments. Additionally, during his 15+ years as an ESOP banker, Eric was responsible for sourcing more than $1 billion in ESOP and leveraged financed opportunities.
Certifications Affiliations
- Member – National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO)
- Member – The ESOP Association
- Member – The Ohio Employee Ownership Center
- Member – The ESOP Association's Advisory Committee on Fiduciary Issues
- FINRA Series 24 & 79 Securities Licenses
Service
- Executive Committee Member – Small Business Growth Corporations
- Former Board Member – Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation (2006 – 2009)
Education
- BA, Criminal Justice/Psychology, Aurora University, Chicago, IL
The PCE team
Our team of highly qualified specialists puts their complete scope of expertise at your disposal. You’re in the best hands.
Joe Anto
Managing Director
Joe Anto is a Managing Director in PCE’s investment banking group. With more than 20 years of finance, M&A, and C-level experience in various industries, he is well-equipped to advise middle market clients on potential M&A and financing opportunities.
Throughout his career, Joe has executed more than $3.5 billion in M&A and financing transactions across a variety of sectors. As a former business owner and C-suite executive, Joe understands the challenges clients face when evaluating strategic transactions.
Prior to joining PCE, Joe was CEO and CFO for a publicly-traded retail and pharmacy chain with 550+ stores and $2 billion+ in revenue. Joe also served as SVP of M&A and Investments for one of the largest newspaper holding companies in the U.S. Earlier in his career, Joe served as Director of Investments for a distressed and special situations hedge fund and also worked in venture capital and investment banking.
Certifications & Affiliations
- FINRA Series 24 and 79 Securities License
- Member - Association for Corporate Growth, New York Chapter
Education
- Emory University, BBA with Concentrations in Finance & Information Technology
- Columbia University, MBA with Concentration in Finance
Jeremy Chen
Analyst
As an analyst, Jeremy supports PCE’s valuation practice with detailed financial analysis and modeling. He plays a pivotal role in PCE’s valuation practice, where he assists with both public and private company valuations for various purposes. These include valuations for mergers and acquisitions, financial reporting, tax compliance, gift and estate planning, ESOPs, fairness opinions, and other purposes. Jeremy also assists with valuations of complex financial instruments and other hard-to-value assets.
Prior to his role at PCE, Jeremy gained considerable financial experience in the accounting and insurance industries.
Certifications and Affiliations
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Level 2
Education
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Master of International Business, University of Florida, Gainesville, Florida
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Bachelor of Finance, University of Iowa, Iowa City, Iowa
Daniel Cooper
Director
As a Director of PCE’s business valuation practice, Daniel advises public and private companies across multiple industries on valuation matters.
Daniel focuses on valuation issues related to Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs), working on transactions ranging from $1 million to $200 million in enterprise value. Daniel is a frequent speaker at ESOP events and co-authored the NCEO’s Guide to DOL ESOP Investigations (2019).
Daniel’s experience also includes valuing operating companies for estate tax purposes. Working with trust and estate attorneys, he helps high-net-worth individuals transfer wealth efficiently. He has valued holding companies for gift tax reporting purposes and has successfully defended valuation discounts during IRS audits.
Daniel has completed purchase price allocations (pursuant to ASC 805) for companies of various sizes across the manufacturing, service, and technology sectors. Other financial reporting areas of expertise include impairment tests (ASC 350) and valuations related to stock-based compensation (ASC 718).
Certifications & Affiliations
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), Charterholder
- Member, The ESOP Association
- Member, NCEO
Education
- University of Oxford, Bachelor of Arts in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (Major in Economics)
Jennifer Dodich
Marketing Specialist
Jennifer furthers PCE’s mission to serve middle-market companies through creative design and branding.
Her specific areas of expertise include in-house graphic design projects, email design, and video editing. Jennifer also heads PCE’s CRM and website maintenance in addition to assisting with other content marketing efforts that keep our clients educated and informed.
Prior to joining PCE, Jennifer managed marketing communications and event planning for a private medical practice.
Certifications & Affiliations
- FINRA Series 99 Operations Professional
- Inbound Certified – HubSpot Academy
- Email Marketing Certified – HubSpot Academy
- Content Marketing Certified – HubSpot Academy
- Salesforce Administrator & App Builder (Developer)
- American Institute of Professional Bookkeepers
Education
- University of Central Florida, Bachelor’s Degree
Jim Fray
Associate
Jim is engaged in all aspects of PCE’s investment banking practice. Jim’s areas of focus includes buy-side and sell-side engagements, recapitalizations, and general corporate advisory transactions. Through comprehensive industry research and financial analysis and modeling, Jim provides the data points necessary for insightful strategies and professional guidance for clients.
Before joining PCE, Jim interned with the Florida House of Representatives where he was responsible for researching topics used for the development of proposed legislation. Jim specialized in legislative research and due diligence for Florida Tax and Infrastructure Priorities. He also acted as a liaison for constituency outreach and communication.
Jim interned with PCE several times totaling more than ten months, giving him significant exposure to the investment banking process.
Certifications & Affiliations
- FINRA Series 79 Securities License
Education
- Florida State University, Bachelor of Business, Finance BS
Anthony Galvan
Associate
Anthony is involved in all aspects of PCE’s investment banking practice, focusing on buy-side and sell-side engagements, recapitalizations, and strategic corporate advisory. Utilizing his expertise in financial modeling, industry research, and transaction analysis, Anthony supports PCE’s clients with informed strategies and professional guidance to help them achieve their financial and strategic goals.
Before joining PCE, Anthony was an Investment Banking Associate with a leading global financial institution, where he advised clients on strategic options and developed financial models for mergers & acquisitions and leveraged buyouts. He played a significant role in major transactions, including Aerojet Rocketdyne’s $4.7 billion sale.
Anthony began his career as a Senior Business Analyst for the Latin America Corporate and Investment Banking division, supporting business decisions for a $3 billion franchise. He also gained experience as a Credit & Portfolio Analyst for institutional clients.
Certifications & Affiliations
- FINRA Series 63 and 79 Securities Licenses
Education
- Simon Business School, University of Rochester, MBA, Finance
- University of Rochester, BA, Business
Zavier Garcia
Analyst
As an analyst, Zavier delivers meticulous financial analyses and modeling related to mergers and acquisitions (M&A), employee stock ownership plans (ESOP), and corporate advisory transactions. With a keen eye for market trends and experience in quantitative research, Zavier supports transaction processes, ensuring clients benefit from informed and strategic decision-making.
Before joining PCE, Zavier gained valuable financial experience at a mezzanine fund and a private equity firm.
Certifications & Affiliations
- FINRA Series 79 Securities License
- New York Institute of Finance Investment Banking Certification
Education
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Bachelor of Business Administration, Finance, Florida International University, Miami, Florida
Adam Geller
Vice President
As a member of PCE’s ESOP practice, Adam is involved with sell-side and buy-side engagements, recapitalizations, and general corporate advisory. With a background in leveraged finance, he plays an important role in providing financial analysis, modeling transaction alternatives, and optimizing companies’ capital structures to help clients reach their goals.
Most recently, Adam was an assistant vice president of business development at a U.K. financial services firm, where he was responsible for boosting the company’s U.S. presence.
Adam gained extensive experience assisting corporate and private equity clients on M&A, LBO, refinancing, and dividend recapitalization transactions at both a U.S. bulge bracket investment bank and a Japanese multinational investment bank in the firm’s leveraged capital markets groups.
Certifications & Affiliations
- FINRA Series 79 Securities License
- Member of National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO)
- Member of ESOP Association
Education
- Indiana University - Kelley School of Business, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Finance
Jon Gogolak
Director
Jon Gogolak is a Director in PCE's ESOP Advisory Group. As a dedicated finance professional with extensive experience in capital markets, investment banking, and treasury operations, Jon skillfully offers financial guidance to shareholders and fiduciaries, assisting them in structuring transactions that align with the client's desired goals and objectives.
Before joining PCE, Jon was responsible for the build-out and expansion of the capital markets function at one of the largest non-bank agricultural lenders in the U.S. As the Director of Capital Markets, Jon led the treasury strategy, focusing on cash management, collateral optimization, and loan funding.
With his strong analytical skills, collaborative approach, and deep understanding of the capital markets and ESOP landscape, Jon is committed to providing middle-market business owners exceptional ESOP services. He strives to deliver strategic solutions that optimize value and drive success for his clients in a dynamic and competitive business environment.
Certifications & Affiliations
- Member of National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO)
- Member of ESOP Association
- FINRA Series 24 and 79 Securities License
Education
- DePaul University, Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Minor in Community Services Studies
- DePaul University, Master of Science in Economics: Economic Policy Analysis
Ethan Harrison
Analyst
As an analyst, Ethan provides detailed financial analysis and modeling for mergers and acquisitions (M&A), employee stock ownership plans (ESOP), and corporate advisory transactions. His sharp market insight and proven financial modeling expertise streamline the transaction process. This high skill level gives clients the confidence to make informed strategic decisions.
Before joining PCE, Ethan gained hands-on experience at several Big4 accounting firms, where he honed his skills in audit and financial analysis.
Certifications & Affiliations
- Bloomberg Market Concepts
Education
- Master of Science in Finance, Bentley University, Waltham, MA
- Bachelor of Science in Accountancy, Minor in Computer Information Systems, Bentley University, Waltham, MA
Melissa Holdcraft
Firm Coordinator
Melissa’s efforts center on supporting PCE team members and furthering PCE’s mission to serve middle-market companies. Having worked in the banking industry for more than 20 years, Melissa skillfully ensures the administrative activities are handled with exceptional efficiency and thoroughness. Melissa’s specific areas of expertise include accounting, compliance, and facilities management.
Prior to joining PCE, Melissa was responsible for overseeing all aspects of performance and client services for an investment advisory firm and managing administration and compliance activities for a large financial corporation.
Certifications & Affiliations
- FINRA Series 99 Operations Professional
- PAI and PAII (Retirement Plan Administration)
Education
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Valencia College
Bryan Karen
Marketing Specialist
Bryan contributes to PCE’s mission to serve middle-market companies through imaginative marketing campaigns and insightful data analytics. His expertise includes lead generation through sales campaigns, SEO management, and content development.
Before joining PCE, Bryan managed numerous marketing initiatives for various clients as the senior marketing coordinator for a marketing agency. His previous success in sales unifies the efforts of our sales and marketing teams.
Certifications Affiliations
- HubSpot Inbound
- CRLA Master Tutor
Education
- Florida Atlantic University, Bachelor of Arts in English, French Minor
Nicole Kiriakopoulos
Director
As Director of PCE’s investment banking group, Nicole Kiriakopoulos leverages her strong business and technical background to effectively support middle-market clients through buy-side and sell-side engagements.
With nearly 20 years of experience, Nicole has participated in more than 100 M&A and financing transactions totaling more than $1 billion in transaction value across various sectors, with an emphasis on facility services. She has extensive experience in the residential and commercial HVAC, waste and sustainability, medical waste, patient communications, software, clean room, and secure document destruction industries.
Before joining PCE, Nicole worked at a boutique investment bank where she led the sale of multiple facility service companies. Previously she gained extensive buy-side M&A experience during her tenures at Reedy Industries, LLC and Stericycle, Inc.
Certifications & Affiliations
- FINRA Series 79 Securities License
- CPA Candidate
Education
- Northern Illinois University, Bachelor of Science in Accountancy
Ari Leibowitz
Associate
As a member of PCE’s ESOP Investment Banking practice, Ari is involved with sell-side and buy-side engagements, recapitalizations, and general corporate advisory. With a background in financial planning and analysis and public accounting, he plays an important role in providing financial analysis, modeling transaction alternatives, and optimizing companies’ capital structures to help clients reach their goals.
Most recently, Ari served as Manager of Global Financial Planning and Analysis at a leading publicly traded fintech company, where he was responsible for annual budgeting, quarterly forecasting, and ad hoc projects covering 30+ lines of businesses totaling $3Bn in annual revenues for the consolidated group.
Ari started his career at Deloitte, specializing in international taxation issues for private equity & real estate fund clients. His achievements include improving engagement efficiencies, reducing client costs, and helping implement innovative tax consulting strategies for clients.
Certifications & Affiliations
- Certified Public Accountant (CPA), State of Georgia
Education
- BBA with Concentrations in Accounting, Georgia State University, Robinson College of Business
- MBA with Concentrations in Finance, Emory University, Goizueta Business School
- Master of Taxation, Georgia State University, Robinson College of Business
Ali Masoud
Vice President
Ali brings a wealth of experience and a proven track record of success to PCE's M&A practice. As Vice President, he spearheads critical deal execution, from crafting compelling presentations to managing meticulous due diligence processes. Ali specializes in buy-side and sell-side transactions, recapitalizations, and general corporate advisory transactions.
Prior to joining PCE, Ali honed his expertise at several globally recognized investment banking firms, leading transactions across diverse industries, including a strong focus on software and technology. He possesses a deep understanding of the entire deal lifecycle, having actively participated in origination, execution, and post-closing support. His proven ability to effectively manage teams and clearly communicate with stakeholders has been instrumental in closing numerous successful deals.
Ali's qualifications extend beyond his financial acumen. He holds a Master's degree in International Finance and Economics, bringing a strategic mindset to every transaction. His experience as a Turnaround CEO further underscores his adaptability and problem-solving skills. With his collaborative spirit and passion for the industry, Ali is committed to delivering exceptional results for our clients.
Certifications & Affiliations
- FINRA Series 7, 63 and 79 Securities License
- Member - Association for Corporate Growth, New York Chapter
Education
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Columbia University, School of International and Public Affairs, Master of International Finance and Economics
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University of New Mexico, Master of Science, Physics
Michael (Misha) Muskepo
Analyst
Misha leverages his diverse financial experience to deliver insightful analyses and client support throughout the merger, acquisition, and ESOP transaction process. He keenly understands financial modeling and market trends, ensuring clients make informed and strategic decisions.
Prior to joining PCE, Misha honed his financial acumen across various industries. He played a key role in budgeting, financial analysis, and valuation at a leading aviation and aerospace component manufacturer. He also gained valuable experience in a private equity firm, where he evaluated potential investments and drafted communications for investors and target companies. His experience with search funds as a capital provider also gave him a strong foundation in business analysis and acquisition strategy.
Certifications & Affiliations
- FINRA Series 79 Securities License
- Wall Street Prep Financial Modeling
- Certified Associate in Project Management (CAPM®)
Education
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B.A. Economics, Vanderbilt University
Steven Orozco
Senior Associate
As a member of PCE’s ESOP practice, Steven is engaged in sell-side and buy-side engagements, debt financing, and general corporate advisory. With a strong background in finance and strategy, he contributes to financial analysis, modeling transaction alternatives, and optimizing transaction structures to support client objectives.
Most recently, Steven was a Finance Specialist at a leading medical equipment manufacturing company, where he assisted the regional sales manager in reaching a $70 million quota and served as the primary liaison for financed transactions under $1 million.
Earlier in his career, Steven was a Business Strategy Analyst at the largest non-bank agricultural land lender in the U.S., where he played a key role in launching a private equity fund focused on agricultural investments. He started his career at a bulge bracket investment bank, supporting debt capital market transactions for Latin American clients, including sovereign, quasi-sovereign, and corporate issuers.
Certifications & Affiliations
- FINRA Series 79 Securities License
Education
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Georgetown University, McDonough School of Business, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, Accounting and International Studies
Jacob Pacansky
Associate
Jacob contributes to PCE's ESOP practice by providing analytical and quantitative insights to help clients achieve their objectives. He is involved in ESOP transactions, buy-side and sell-side mergers and acquisitions, recapitalizations, and corporate advisory transactions.
Jacob worked for an Orlando distribution company before joining PCE, where he gained valuable experience in business operations.
Certifications & Affiliations
- FINRA Series 79 Securities License
Education
- MBA, Finance Concentration, Crummer Graduate School of Business, Rollins College
- BA, Economics, Rollins College
Rachel Pearl
Vice President
Rachel Pearl is engaged in all aspects of PCE’s business valuation practice including fairness opinions for ESOPs. With over nine years of experience, she has extensive valuation experience providing financial advisory and consulting services to both public and closely held businesses for transactions, gifting and estate planning, forensic accounting and litigation support, and financial reporting purposes.
Before joining PCE in 2019, Rachel gained substantial valuation experience as a senior consultant for a leading advisory, tax, and assurance firm where her work involved valuations across multiple industries including construction, healthcare, manufacturing, real estate, food and beverage, and agriculture.
Throughout her career, Rachel has provided sound solutions and strategies to business professionals, attorneys, adjustors, and government agencies.
Certifications and Affiliations
- Certified Fraud Examiner
- Member - National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO)
- Candidate Member - American Institute of Certified Public Accountant (AICPA)
- Candidate Member - American Society of Appraisers (ASA)
Education
- University of Central Florida, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration/Accounting
- Florida Atlantic University, Master of Accounting, concentration in Forensic Accounting and Business Valuation
Ken Sommers
Managing Director
Ken is a Managing Director in PCE’s ESOP Advisory Group. He is a seasoned financial executive based in Denver, Colorado, with over 27 years of experience in finance, operations management, and accounting. As a Certified Public Accountant (CPA), he has demonstrated his ability to lead organizations and teams through ownership transitions.
As the Chief Financial Officer for an established manufacturing and distribution company, he was instrumental in driving the company's growth and financial success. Ken solved a company succession issue by installing an ESOP in 2010 and then managed the day-to-day decision-making for the ESOP until negotiating the sale of the ESOP to a private equity firm in 2021.
Ken has successfully implemented strategies to increase productivity, efficiency, and profitability across multiple industries. He combines hands-on experience and analytical skills to develop innovative solutions that yield bottom-line results.
Ken's previous experience at PricewaterhouseCoopers LLP provided a strong foundation in audit and business advisory services. He worked with emerging and established companies, gaining valuable insights into inventory processes, revenue recognition, and accounting practices across different industries.
Certifications & Affiliations
- FINRA Series 24 and 79 Securities License
- Certified Public Accountant
- Member of National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO)
- Member of ESOP Association
Education
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BS, Business Administration, Accounting, University of California, Berkeley
Andrew Weyrauch
Analyst
As an analyst, Andrew delivers detailed financial analysis and modeling for mergers and acquisitions (M&A), employee stock ownership plans (ESOP), and corporate advisory transactions. His acute insight into market trends, along with his extensive experience in financial modeling, enhances the transaction process. This enables clients to make well-informed strategic decisions.
Before joining PCE, Andrew gained considerable financial expertise at both a private equity firm and an investment firm.
Certifications & Affiliations
- FINRA Series 79 Securities License
Education
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Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, University of Albany, Albany, New York
Woody Whitcomb
Director
As a lead member of PCE’s investment banking team, Woody is responsible for helping business owners develop strategies to attain their growth and liquidity goals. Woody’s background includes more than 30 years of corporate finance experience, highlighted by capital acquisitions and M&A transactions of more than $200 million.
Prior to joining PCE, Woody served as the co-founder and CFO of FFI Holdings, Inc., where he transformed FFI’s rapid growth from start-up to industry leader with capital acquisitions totaling $40 million of both equity and debt capital. Woody also served as CFO of Value Financial Services, Inc. where he helped engineer a sale of VFS to a competitor in excess of $100 million. Woody began his career in corporate finance with Pepsi-Cola, followed by financial management roles at Coca-Cola Enterprises and Marriott International.
With more than a decade experience assisting businesses, Woody offers substantive experience with buy-side and sell-side mergers and acquisitions, along with expertise in recapitalizations, ESOPs and general corporate advisory services.
Certifications & Affiliations
- FINRA Series 79 Securities License
Service
- Board of Directors Member for Association for Corporate Growth (ACG)
- Board Member of Florida Citrus Sports
- Named CFO of the Year by the Orlando Business Journal, 2011
Education
- Northeastern University, Bachelor of Science
- Boston College, Master of Business Administration
Rich Winston
Associate
Richard Winston plays a key role in PCE’s business valuation practice. He is responsible for performing valuations for public and privately held companies for diverse purposes such as mergers and acquisitions, financial reporting, tax compliance, gift and estate planning, fairness opinions, litigation support, and various other valuation-related assignments.
Before joining PCE, Richard established and ran a valuation practice, providing clients financial and consulting services including the valuation of business enterprises, business interests, and various intangible assets (e.g., software, patents, technologies, contracts, trademarks, covenants not-to-compete, customer relationships, and other related assets).
Richard also worked for a “Big 4” accounting firm where he gained substantial valuation experience. Throughout his 30+ year career, Richard has provided business executives in various industries with thoughtful and insightful valuations.
Certifications and Affiliations
- Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA), 1992 to Present
Education
- Georgia Institute of Technology, Master of Science in Management, concentration in Finance
- University of Florida, Bachelor of Science in Business Administration, concentration in Management
Kyle Wishing
Director
Kyle Wishing is a Director in PCE's ESOP Advisory Group and is located in our Atlanta area office. In this role, Kyle provides financial advice to shareholders and fiduciaries to structure transactions that meet the client’s stated goals and objectives. With more than a decade of consulting and valuation expertise advising middle market clients on ESOP transactions and financing activities, Kyle understands the obstacles business owners encounter when attempting to grow and fund closely held enterprises.
Kyle’s past work experience includes providing valuation and financial advisory services for a national valuation firm, where he served as the firm’s ESOP practice leader. In addition to Kyle’s ESOP specialization, he prepared valuations for tax planning and compliance, forensic analysis and dispute resolution, strategic information and corporate planning, and financial reporting purposes.
Kyle has a diversified background, working with public and private companies in various industries.
Certifications and Affiliations
- Accredited Senior Appraiser from the American Society of Appraisers
- Chartered Financial Analyst charterholder and member of the Atlanta CFA Society
- FINRA Series 24 and 79 Securities License
- Member of the ESOP Association
- Member of the National Center for Employee Ownership
Education
- Middle Tennessee State University, Bachelor of Business Administration in Corporate Finance
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