Our People

David joins to launch and help lead Vikings M + A efforts in the Southeastern Virginia market. He joins the team with 35+ years in the technology field (23 years as a business owner).

David’s experience owning, operating and selling his own business and commercial real estate property gives him a unique and first-hand perspective in assisting other business owners as they consider and plan their exit strategy. David’s experience through the years, during both strong and weak markets, makes David uniquely qualified to guide entrepreneurs across Virginia with the most important financial transaction of their lives – selling their business.

David’s reputation aligns especially well with our core value of Integrity: We strive to uphold the highest level of professional behavior and ethical standards so that our clients are treated respectfully and fairly each and every time.

A native of the region, David is very familiar with the business climate, geography and regional economic market engines that drive business growth. David and his family call Chesapeake, Virginia home. He can be reached at 757-403-5377 or at [email protected].

Kevin joined Viking in 2015 after they successfully sold his company. His varied career includes 25+ years in corporate sales and product management at Corning and Rubbermaid before moving to Charlotte to work in various executive-level positions at Springs Global in Fort Mill. More recently, he was the 10-year owner/operator of a marketing services business offering graphic design, printing, direct mail, and website design services. He is also a licensed Realtor® in North and South Carolina. A graduate of Lafayette College with a BA degree in Economics & Business, Kevin went on to obtain his MBA from the University of Pittsburgh.

At Viking, Kevin looks for opportunities to apply his experience and knowledge of large and small business for the benefit of his clients. Analytical by nature, he approaches every opportunity or challenge with personal integrity, hard work, a strategic perspective, and is guided by the Golden Rule. Combining Kevin’s “next step” mentality with Viking’s disciplined selling process help him achieve maximum value for his clients’ businesses.

While not at work, Kevin enjoys spending time with his wife of 45 years and visiting their grown children in Jacksonville, Winston-Salem, and Seattle. He’s an avid investor and loves travel, tennis, and anything outdoors. He’s also a licensed real estate broker in NC and SC and is Board President of his Uptown Charlotte condominium association.

Jeff joined the Lake Norman office of Viking Mergers & Acquisitions in 2017 after a successful career in the economic development profession in North and South Carolina, advising and assisting companies on new locations and expansions. He spent twenty-eight years in Charlotte where he led those efforts. Jeff worked with a very diverse client base of small, medium, and large companies as well as both domestic and international firms.

Jeff brings a professional, client-focused approach he learned in the economic development profession to Viking and understands the importance of confidentiality throughout the process. His skills for project management and problem-solving help keep deals moving forward. He understands the need for attention to details and the emotional aspects of selling a business. His goal is to make the process seamless and an enjoyable experience for his clients.

During his time at Viking, Jeff has worked with a wide variety of businesses including metal fabricators, plastics manufacturing, cabinet manufacturing, B2B services, automotive services, personal services, construction and motorsports businesses.

Jeff and Angela, his wife of 21 years, live in the Lake Norman area with their daughter, whom they adopted in Ukraine. They attend Grace Covenant Church in Cornelius and enjoy traveling, kayaking, motorsports, and supporting animal rescue groups. Jeff is a graduate of Furman University where he played soccer and was a member of the Pi Kappa Phi fraternity. He is also a graduate of the Institute for Organization Management at the University of Georgia and the Economic Development Institute at the University of Oklahoma. He serves on the board of the 600 Festival Association and is a board member and immediate past chairman of the Polymers Center of Excellence in Charlotte. He serves on the Fifth Third Bank Motorsports Advisory Board and is also an active member of the Lake Norman Economic Development Corporation, NC Motorsports Association, and the Sports Car Club of America. Jeff is also a licensed real estate broker.

Matt joined the Houston Viking office with eight years of experience across early stage and mature organizations in the Automotive and Commercial Vehicle industries. He has held a range of sales, engineering, and operations roles with an emphasis on technical selling and key account management.

Having proven his aptitude for helping small business owners, Matt was selected to lead Viking’s expansion office in Austin, TX.

Most recently, Matt dedicated five years to Hyliion, an Austin-based electric powertrain manufacturer seeking to disrupt the heavy-duty trucking industry. Matt assumed various Sales and Operations leadership roles, contributing to the organization’s journey from an early-stage start-up through a successful $560M SPAC merger in 2020. A member of the transaction core team, Matt led all Sales and Customer diligence as investors weighed the pre-revenue nature of the business.

Matt has a track record of championing the customer voice, building meaningful client relationships, navigating complex sales cycles, and managing dynamic environments, a unique perspective that will offer value to Viking clients transitioning to new chapters in their professional and personal lives.

Prior to his industry experience, Matt spent four years playing professional soccer in the US and Canada, including Toronto FC of Major League Soccer. Matt studied Mechanical Engineering as a student-athlete at Ohio State University and later completed his MBA at Ohio University with a Finance concentration. Matt and his wife Lauren reside in Austin, Texas where they enjoy Lake Austin, Mexican food, sports and the outdoors.

Phil has over 30 years of experience as a real estate broker, entrepreneur and intermediary. Phil started a real estate company, building it into a successful business with three offices and over 60 agents. He has proven success in commercial and residential real estate as well as in running a business.

Since joining Viking Mergers & Acquisitions in 1999, Phil has helped clients find unique combinations of value that truly maximize the benefits to all parties involved. He brings his enthusiastic, creative, and professional approach to every business sale opportunity, large or small, and has consistently been a top producing broker.

Brad Holman brings over 18 years of experience in financial strategy, entrepreneurial leadership, and client advisory services, with a deep focus on serving business owners through every phase of their journey—including growth, exit, and reinvention.

Brad began his career in sales in 2007, quickly rising to national recognition as the youngest top-performing membership executive at Sport & Health Clubs. In 2008, he transitioned into financial services with New York Life, where his innovative, client-focused approach earned him multiple honors, including Executive and President’s Council distinctions and membership in the prestigious Million Dollar Round Table.

In 2017, Brad co-founded Bull Run Financial Group, an independent insurance and investment firm that grew to support over 30 advisors. He later launched Bull Run Investment Management, where he served as Managing Partner and led the firm through a strategic transformation—shifting from commission-based contractors to a salaried advisory model and implementing digital systems to enhance client outcomes. In 2020 alone, the firm brought in over $30 million in new assets under management.

Throughout his tenure at Bull Run, Brad specialized in working with business owners—not just on their personal financial strategies, but also through the complex processes of selling their companies, acquiring new businesses, and planning successful transitions. It was during this time that he developed a deep appreciation for M&A advisory work and the lasting impact it can have on the lives and legacies of entrepreneurs.

In addition to his financial ventures, Brad has been an early investor and strategic contributor to Powur, a leading digital solar energy platform that has grown from $1.3M to over $360M in annual revenue. He also helped launch Zerapy Inc., an AI-based physical therapy startup, contributing to its early-stage strategy and investor relations. Brad remains an equity partner in both companies.

Now as a Senior Advisor with Viking, Brad leverages his diverse background and firsthand experience as both an advisor and business owner to guide clients through one of the most significant events of their lives—selling their business. He brings a calm, confident presence and a deep commitment to integrity, helping owners unlock value and achieve the best possible outcome.

Reed grew up in Dyersburg TN and graduated from The University of Tennessee in Knoxville. Upon graduation he began his career as a Financial Advisor and enjoyed a 30-year career in the Wealth Management business with roles including Divisional management with responsibilities for over 200 direct reports and over 100mm in annual revenue. Reed had stints in Nashville, Knoxville, Charlotte, and Richmond.

After leaving the Wealth Management business, he started managed, grew, and sold a commercial kitchen ventilation systems and fire suppression systems company.

Reed and his wife, Polly, have 4 grown children that they are extremely proud of. Two boys serving in the US Marine Corps and two girls, each employed by Fortune 500 companies.

Reed brings many great qualities and a wealth of knowledge to our dedicated team as he is also a Certified Finance Planner (CFP) and enjoys everything about his role, but most especially consulting with business owners on all the aspects of transitioning their business.

John joined Viking in 2025 to assist in launching the new Washington DC office. John brings 38 years of experience to the position, spanning from the military as a Navy pilot to 17 years a business owner himself.

John started his career after earning a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute in upstate NY. His first 10yrs were on active duty in the Navy flying throughout Asia, the Middle East, and the United States. After leaving the military, John worked in the high-tech world for a semiconductor company, a telecommunications company and logistics company, before deciding to start his own business. During his 17 year entrepreneurial career, John purchased and sold several small businesses before finally selling his core business to a private equity company in 2022.

John’s experience owning and operating a small business, as well as selling and buying several small businesses give him first-hand perspective in assisting other business owners as they consider their own exit strategies. As an entrepreneur in the D.C. market himself, John is uniquely qualified to help prospective sellers and buyers through this journey in this market.

John also spends time volunteering as a mentor for SCORE, a non-profit organization assisting new entrepreneurs and existing entrepreneurs to start and grow their business.

Born and raised in Florida, Robert grew up in a family of entrepreneurs. His family owned an educational business serving Tampa Bay for 23 years. After obtaining two Bachelor of Science Degrees in Finance and Accounting, he went on to accomplish his Master of Science Degree in Entrepreneurship from the University of South Florida.

Robert utilized his Masters and Entrepreneurship to excel in finance and accounting roles in the healthcare and energy industries before joining the University of South Florida and becoming their Director of Business & Administration for the College of Nursing. Throughout his career, Robert has been deeply involved in all aspects of a business from operations to finance, HR and business development providing senior level operational leadership that culminated in improved profits and ensured overall company future growth and success. Robert later worked as a Controller with an oncology healthcare company and a CFO with a law firm before joining Viking this year.

On a personal note, Robert enjoys hunting, outdoor activities, and spending time with family.

Robert is an integral part of the Viking Mergers & Acquisitions team as a Senior Advisor. He has over 20 years of financial and operational experience within a broad range of public and private sector companies with a proven record of leading organizations to unprecedented growth. His highly diverse career and broad spectrum of senior leadership experience has tied him into nearly every facet of business operations. This has given him a highly unique perspective and allows him to recognize corporate operational impacts, as well as financial barriers to seamlessly assist his clients in facilitating the sale or purchase of their business.

Robert brings a broad background, high energy, and a fresh perspective to each of his endeavors. He is collaborative, innovative and creative with an entrepreneurial mindset that is at the cornerstone of his immense success. Robert has deep business acumen and exceptional business instincts. His expertise lies in enhancing business operations, financial positioning, and overall enterprise value providing a favorable and lucrative exit strategy.

Clients enlisting the services of Mr. Lugo know they are getting a leader in the industry to personally address their needs. Robert focuses completely on his clients, and their situation or need. After carefully analyzing their specific requirements, he works collaboratively with them to form a succinct strategic plan which helps them to effectively facilitate the most favorable business divesture. Robert values the importance of communication with clients to provide the best customer care as they transition to new opportunities.

Matt joins the Nashville office after moving from Maine where he owned and operated a small business on The Mid-Coast for over six years. He has over 20 years of experience in business management and operations.

After 9 years in the Army, Matt worked at GE, in several start-up businesses as well as a family-owned business. In that time, he gained an appreciation for all that entrepreneurs do to make, build and grow a business. These experiences led Matt to purchase the small business in Maine business and ultimately sell the business to a new owner/operator. He is excited to facilitate the process of ownership transfer by serving sellers and buyers.

Matt and his wife Lisa are the proud parents of four children. He graduated from the United States Military Academy at West Point with a degree in Systems (Industrial) Engineering.

Mike McCoy comes to Viking as a licensed CPA with a diverse background working with both large and small companies, beginning his career as a Senior Audit & Assurance Associate with EY. During his career, he worked with various Fortune 150 clients as well as emerging growth companies, both owned privately by individuals and private equity groups. He also participated in the audit of significant mergers and acquisitions, ranging from $500MM to $11B.

In 2021, he was proactively recruited for his expertise by an emerging middle market accounting firm, Withum. In this role, he spearheaded buy and sell-side quality of earnings and financial due diligence, inclusive of asset purchases and capital injections. He also prepped domestic and foreign corporations to get listed on the NYSE via IPO and SPAC acquisition. Mike was hand selected and participated in the largest audit in company history, performing the audit of three separate acquisitions while supervising internal and external valuation experts.

In 2022, Mike joined Blue Compass RV under the acquisition division as a Senior Corporate Development Associate. As a member of a lean team, he contributed to the full deal cycle, including origination and identification of potential RV dealership targets, conducting valuations, managing due diligence procedures, integration preparation, and deal closing. During his brief time at Blue Compass, Mike was an integral member of the team to close 9 significant transactions from coast to coast. He now brings this expertise to Viking with a strong skill set to guide buyers through the acquisition process and ensure sellers achieve their objectives.

Mike obtained his Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting and Master of Science Degree in Accounting, graduating Cum Laude from Florida State University, College of Business. While in college, he was President of a significant on campus organization and served as the Director of Recruitment for the university’s largest student run organization.

Mike resides with his fiancé and their dog Nellie in Fort Lauderdale, Florida. In his spare time, he enjoys golf, Florida State football, and spending time with friends and family.

Raised in an Army family, Tim went on after college to serve as an Army Aviation officer; serving most of his time in Germany. Upon exiting the service, he moved to Minnesota with the intention of getting an MBA in Finance. Tim took a position with a small start-up that sold refurbished IBM enterprise servers where he was tasked with developing and growing their tech center. For the first two years, he was responsible for all back-end operations of the company. The owners then offered him a position as a computer broker, which he accepted. What started as a job to pay the bills while in grad school led to a 20+ career with the company. Tim was the IBM Power Systems product manager when he left the company, responsible for all IBM sales and inventory management. Tim moved with his wife and two children to Charlotte in early 2021 and took a position with a M&A brokerage headquartered in NY. It was while working with this group that he came into contact with Viking. He recognized immediately that Viking is a great organization and joined the team in mid-2022.

Jacob is a solid addition to the Viking team. Jacob works out of the Tampa Office serving in a key role by providing transactional support to Viking M&A transaction teams throughout Florida. A Florida native born and raised in Parkland, FL, Jacob is a graduate of Florida State University and holds two degrees, including a bachelor’s degree in finance, as well as a master’s degree in finance with a specialization in real estate. As an undergraduate, Jacob held leadership positions within the FSU Real Estate Society where he first found his passion for the transaction industry. While completing his undergraduate degree, Jacob was elected President of a National Registered Student Body Organization where he represented over 250 scholars. While completing his master’s degree, Jacob was a Graduate Teaching Assistant working in the finance department under renowned business faculty.

Jacob began his career in the finance and real estate industry for JLL in Florida. There, he assisted in facilitating brokerage activity, conducting market research, targeting prospective clients, and producing marketing content. Through this experience, Jacob fell in love with the rich history, and ever-changing economic and geographic markets. After graduation, Jacob went on to enhance his professional career working with a Fortune 500 building materials and supplies company, where he marketed the company’s services to account executives of national builders throughout the West Florida region.

As a long-time employee within the service industry and son of an entrepreneur and owner operator of a successful metro area optometry practice, Jacob understands the personal sacrifice, operational focus and relational investments that business owners personally make for their staff and clients.

On a personal note, Jacob enjoys fishing, diving, hunting, and spending time with family in the Florida Keys.

Keenan brings over 30 years of successful business experience to Viking with over 20 years in Senior Management positions including CEO, President and COO.

Keenan has extensive experience and expertise in both the buying and selling of businesses. Having spent over 25 years in the Franchise Industry, he’s also very adept at working closely with entrepreneurs. His experience and skill-set enables him to develop productive working relationships with both sellers and buyers.

Keenan is a graduate of the University of Illinois at Champaign-Urbana with a B.S in Psychology and a minor in Business Administration. He’s married and he and his wonderful wife have four great children and four fantastic grandchildren.

Paul comes to Viking after an accomplished 30+ years in specialty pharmaceuticals, operating room disposables, and capital equipment. Over the course of his career, Paul has demonstrated a keen ability to drive growth, penetrate new accounts, and maximize business potential across a range of healthcare settings. Recognized for an ability to develop versatile selling strategies and quickly establish value with new clients.

Throughout his career, He has consistently achieved outstanding sales results, including driving impressive year-over-year growth, earning numerous accolades, and being repeatedly recognized as Sales Representative of the Year as well as President’s Club membership for outstanding achievement for consecutive years. He is also promoted to National Sales Manager for a Cardiac Independent Sales Group and Sales trainer for companies like Johnson & Johnson, Medtronic and Smiths Medical throughout his career. His most recent sales experience had him concentrating in the Southeast US and the Caribbean.

With a deep understanding of Group Purchasing Organizations, Integrated Delivery Networks, distribution channels, and the complexities of the healthcare market, Paul has built long-term partnerships with clinicians, hospital administrators, and key decision-makers across multiple disciplines. Whether launching new products or enhancing existing business, he has a proven ability to educate and collaborate to ensure the successful adoption of innovative medical technologies.

Paul thrives in roles that require proactive problem-solving, strategic relationship-building, and delivering measurable value to clients.

Paul is a native Floridian and moved to Richmond for his previous position. Paul and his wife Darriel, like to hike with their dog and visit the beach in the Outer Banks.

Matt is a seasoned entrepreneur and business development expert with a deep understanding of the home services industry. Having successfully grown a family-owned business to a successful exit, Matt brings invaluable insights to his role at Viking Mergers and Acquisitions.

With a proven track record in new construction and home services, Matt has advised numerous PE-backed businesses. His expertise in sales, marketing, key account management, and team building has driven significant growth and success.

At Viking, Matt leverages his experience to guide business owners through the complex process of valuing and exiting their life’s work. He is committed to providing strategic advice and support, ensuring a seamless and beneficial transition for clients. With a focus on ethical practices and empathetic understanding, Matt helps business owners achieve their goals while maximizing the value of their businesses.

Mr. Span has been assisting business owners with the sale of their businesses since 2010 and joined Viking Mergers & Acquisitions in 2022. His current and former clients traverse various industries including technology, manufacturing, transportation, construction, light industrial, professional services, automotive, and specialty retail.

Prior to his current role, Mr. Span accumulated a broad business background of over 25 years in both the technology and manufacturing sectors. His experience includes working with large publicly traded engineering/technology companies, small privately owned businesses, as well as several government entities. During his tenure at Michael Baker International, an ENR Top 50 Design Firm, Span served as a General Manager in the geospatial services and software division overseeing some of the largest projects in the industry.

Mr. Span’s experience in the manufacturing sector includes various positions including General Manager of Operations and Dealer Sales, with responsibilities involving streamlining manufacturing workflows through automation as well as dramatically increasing sales volume through aggressive channel development. Beyond his managerial strengths, Span worked closely with his clients in the areas of Strategic Planning, Change Management and Workflow Optimization to ensure successful implementations of a variety of business initiatives to increase revenue while reducing operating costs.

Jimmy earned his MBA from the College of William & Mary in Williamsburg, VA. He also holds a Bachelor of Science in Computer Science from the University of Pittsburgh. Jimmy was a certified Project Management Professional (PMP) through the Project Management Institute and a certified Geographic Information Systems Professional (GISP) from the GIS Certification Institute.

Roger is a seasoned finance professional, with over 25 years of international experience in leading Consulting, Corporate Finance, M&A, Treasury and Corporate Banking functions. He is a Certified Treasury Professional, CFA level 1, and MBA, who had the opportunity to work for multinational corporations in Americas and Europe. He is a Certified Franchise Broker, a licensed Real Estate Agent in Texas, and also an Entrepreneur who started two businesses on his own in the past, which sold successfully.

Roger is an avid learner whose real passion is about advising and helping other people to pursue their dreams and succeed.

He loves traveling and usually spends his free time with family and friends.

Nick joins Viking M&A with over 12 years of real estate experience where, for the past 8 years, he focused on light industrial, multifamily, and investment sales. In 2016 he began selling local businesses, successfully representing sellers in asset sales ranging from family-owned businesses to national franchises. Mr. Childs’ combined expertise in commercial real estate and main-street business sales brings a valuable skill set to Viking M&A and his clients.

Nick is Co-GP and Asset Manager on over 100+ self-storage units for a private equity firm out of Silicon Valley.

He enjoys playing in local chess tournaments and loves spending time outdoors with his family and two children, Kennedy and Remington.

Michael joins the Charlotte office of Viking Mergers & Acquisitions. Prior to joining Viking, Michael was an Investment Lead and Operating Partner for a private equity group focused on acquiring and managing complex, multi-national corporate divestitures. With this group, Michael originated and acquired non-core divisions & geographies from Fortune 500 companies across the US, Europe, and Asia. Additionally, he led operations and go-to-market strategy for a talent assessment software company prior to the company’s exit in 2023 to a private equity group.

Michael started his career at a secondary private equity group focused on purchasing limited partner interests in fund-of-funds & tail-end funds from institutional investors with exposure across all asset classes. In addition to being on the investment team, Michael attended global investor annual meetings for private equity groups, led capital raising efforts, and helped launch a B2C home furnishings company.

Michael grew up in Traverse City, MI and attended the University of Michigan where he was a member of the club hockey team. After many cold Michigan winters, Michael and his wife, Allyson, moved to Charlotte to enjoy golfing, boating, and playing tennis for more than 4 months in the year.

Haydn was born in Toronto, Canada before his family immigrated to Massachusetts at an early age. He then moved to Charlotte, North Carolina in 2006 where he has primarily lived since then. Haydn attended North Carolina State University where he graduated with honors in two degrees, a Bachelor of Science in Economics, and a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Studies, concentrating in Economy & Environment.

Upon graduation, Haydn developed a passion for entrepreneurship, specifically in the sustainability and real estate sectors. After running his own real estate investment company and becoming licensed in Florida and North Carolina, Haydn joined one of the fastest-growing solar companies in the country where he progressed to Director of Sales and built a team of 65 sales representatives. From there, he started a nationwide solar energy brokerage for residential and commercial properties, specializing in the marketing, sales, and consulting side of the industry. Through his company’s 30+ partnerships, he learned the importance of proper communication and creative problem solving with several parties involved.

Before joining Viking, Haydn worked with a sustainable agriculture technology company helping global businesses, nonprofits, and educational institutes start or scale their sustainability programs. This experience helped Haydn grow his strength in connecting with people from all different backgrounds. Haydn is now married to his college sweetheart, Morgan, and they love to travel every chance they get.

Ian Giovinco was born and raised in Tampa, Florida. He graduated from Jesuit High School in 1984 and Florida State University in 1989 where he attained a double major in Political Science and Economics. Following graduation from law school in Mississippi, Ian returned to Florida where he has been a member of the Florida Bar Association and licensed to practice law in Florida since 1993.

Mr. Giovinco practices in the areas of estate planning, asset protection, and business continuity planning. The majority of his practice involves drafting trusts, wills, health care documents and performing asset protection audits for his clients. As part of this practice, Ian also drafts buy-sell agreements among business partners to ensure the smooth transfer of business assets upon death, disability, retirement or sale of the business. Giovinco is also a speaker for the Continuing Education Academy, the largest provider of continuing education classes for contractors and developers in the state of Florida.

As an Estate Planning Attorney with many family owned business clients, Giovinco knows that one of the most frustrating parts in managing and selling a business is determining its value. He knows that Viking’s ability to value their client’s business on an annual basis is priceless. Giovinco wants clients to know that valuations not only help prepare the client’s business for sale but provide information and the time to potentially increase the value of the business operation. He says that there cannot be a successful exit strategy without a thorough valuation of the business and the factors that create that value.

“Maximizing the value of the business takes planning by all parties,” says Giovinco. “The company attorneys, accountants and financial advisors all have a part to play in creating a successful exit strategy and sale of the company. Viking has a long history of working with the professionals to help maximize the value of the business and provide for the most tax advantaged exit plan.”

Max is an Advisor with Viking Mergers & Acquisitions with a broad professional background that includes experience in politics, sports, M&A transactions, media, and business operations.

After graduating from Florida State University, Max began his career in the U.S. House of Representatives before serving as Director of Government Affairs for a global wine and spirits company. After earning his MBA from Pennsylvania State University, he joined Deloitte Consulting’s M&A practice, where he advised clients across a range of industries and worked on engagements across various phases of the deal lifecycle, from pre-deal strategy to post-close integration and restructuring. He left Deloitte after being presented the opportunity to combine his business experience with his life-long passion for college sports as Chief Operating Officer of Florida State’s NIL collective, where he was responsible for operations, fundraising, and growth strategy. Following that role, Max founded Moody Sports Management, where he served as a trusted advisor and contract negotiator to college and professional athletes.

Having worked in both a large consulting firm and the fast-paced environment of small businesses and start-ups, Max brings a sophisticated business skillset and the practical experience to identify and communicate the value each business derives from its unique characteristics.

Ben is a driven and accomplished professional with a dynamic blend of M&A expertise and entrepreneurial spirit. With almost 3 years of management consulting experience and having supported over $25 billion in M&A transactions at Deloitte Consulting’s M&A practice, Ben has honed his skills in managing integrations and separations, serving as a sell-side analyst, and enabling clients to become prepared sellers. His meticulous approach to day 1 planning, value capture modeling, and operational management across multiple industries grants him a unique perspective that he adeptly applies to small business owners.

Before joining Deloitte, Ben’s academic background in Chemical Engineering from Texas A&M University laid a strong foundation for his analytical and problem-solving abilities. Demonstrating his entrepreneurial drive, Ben founded a Specialty Ammunition Manufacturing R&D company, catering to the needs of local police officers. This venture showcased his capability to innovate and address specialized market demands effectively.

Ben’s extensive experience in big-firm M&A transactions and his entrepreneurial ventures enable him to bring a sophisticated, yet personalized approach to small business owners. His ability to navigate complex transactions and tailor strategies to each client’s specific needs ensures maximum value and successful outcomes.

Born and raised in Seminole, Florida, Max attended Florida State University where he obtained a Bachelor’s degree in Business Management and a Master’s degree in Business Administration. While at Florida State, Max chaired two separate finance committees where he was responsible for allotting annual budgets to better fit the needs of his fellow students and peers on campus.

Having a passion for both service and people and being a natural leader, Max became an entrepreneur at a young age. While growing his vending services business through his high school years, he expanded his knowledge into real estate and the business development sectors. He successfully generated exponential growth from inception by providing outstanding customer service to a wide-ranging list of long-term contract commercial clients. Through his company’s partnerships, he learned the importance of proper communication and creative problem solving with several parties involved. Being a former business owner, Max brings an understanding and empathetic approach to dealing with current and potential clients. His hands-on experience and education have allowed him to develop a well-rounded skill-set and fundamental understanding of the big picture that owners contend with.

Max comes from a family of entrepreneurs and watched them own, operate, and sell small-to-medium sized businesses across the country so he has a clear understanding of business operations and what is involved with transactional sales. As a key member of the Viking team, Max walks both buyers and sellers through the sale providing a high level of support, insight, and integrity throughout the entire transaction ensuring a seamless process. His excellent project management and problem-solving skills help keep deals moving forward. Max works with lower middle market companies in various industries and has strengths in financial analysis, exit strategy development, business valuations, financial and legal due diligence, transaction negotiations, and buyer management. His exceptional people skills are what draw clients to him, as he is a superior advocate of their needs and typically exceeds their expectations.

In his personal time, Max enjoys golf, boating, and hunting.

Ryan joined the Viking team in May 2022, as the Financial Analyst. In that role, he supported each Viking office and all advisors with business valuations, financial modeling, industry analysis and more.  In October 2024, Ryan transitioned to the role of Associate Advisor in the Charlotte office.

Ryan has obtained the Business Certified Appraiser designation through the International Society of Business Appraisers. He is certified to do business valuations for a variety of reasons, including acquisitions, estate planning, divorce, shareholder buyouts, etc.

Ryan attended Appalachian State University where he earned a bachelor’s degree in finance and banking. He also earned his MBA degree at Appalachian State with a concentration in interdisciplinary business.

Ben was born in Cincinnati, Ohio and grew up playing soccer. After receiving a scholarship to play at North Carolina State University, he spent two years in Raleigh before transferring to Lipscomb University in Nashville to complete his undergraduate and graduate degrees in business as a student-athlete.

During his MBA program, Ben launched a small business in partnership with his family that specialized in providing coworking space, rentals, and entrepreneurship programs for the fast-growing creative market in Nashville. Within 2.5 years, the company became profitable, scaled quickly, and employed three of his five family members. Shortly after their third year in business, Ben managed and completed a successful sale of the company in July of 2022.  Through these experiences, he developed a passion for working alongside other business owners and creating value in both their personal and professional lives.

Ben is now firmly planted in the Nashville community, loves spending time with his family, getting outside, and writing about the world around him. Before joining Viking, he received a publishing deal with Harper Collins and his first book is set to be released in July of 2024.

Born and raised in St. Petersburg, Florida, Tom attended the University Florida where he obtained a Bachelor of Science Degree in Accounting. He went on to acquire his Master of Science Degree with a Concentration in Audit. Tom is also a CPA, giving him a unique combination of analytical skills, a strategic mindset and strong understanding of financial principles to foster exceptional client outcomes. In his role as an Advisor for Viking Mergers & Acquisitions, Tom leverages his Big 4 accounting acumen to drive strategic financial decisions and deliver value-added solutions for his clients to ensure organizational growth and success.

After completing undergraduate school, Tom completed a finance internship with JBT Corporation in their AeroTech Business Division working directly with the Controller where he was recognized for his high achievement. He went on to complete another internship with KPMG as an Audit Intern and upon graduating with his master’s degree, was offered a full-time position as an Audit Associate. Over the next two years in this role, Tom worked with two Fortune 500 companies supporting year-end audits through the filing of their financial statements and performed at a senior level on private and statutory audits ensuring timely audit completion.

As the son of an entrepreneur, Tom understands the personal sacrifices, operational focus, and relational investments that owner/operators personally make to ensure the success of their business, staff, and clients. His father was an entrepreneur who later sold his business, so he has a clear understanding of business operations and what is involved with transactional sales.

Tom has gained expertise working with the Big 4 in financial analysis, exit strategy development, business valuations, financial and legal due diligence, transaction negotiations, and working with the C-suite. Tom prides himself in assisting buyers and sellers through a sale providing a high level of support, insight, and integrity throughout the entire transaction ensuring a seamless process.

On his personal time, Tom enjoys fishing, the beach, hunting, golf, baseball, soccer, football, and cooking.

Conrad was born in Waxhaw, NC, and has lived there his entire life. Conrad attended Appalachian State University, where he graduated with Summa Cum Laude honors, achieving a double major in Finance & Banking (BSBA) and Risk Management and Insurance (BSBA). During his time at App State, Conrad was heavily involved in his fraternity serving in executive positions as Secretary and Treasurer. Also, he served as the Risk Management Officer for the Interfraternity Council of App State.

Conrad’s passion for entrepreneurship and M&A was first sparked by his father, a seasoned professional who owns and operates his own financial advising firm. Pursuing his passion, Conrad completed a three-month internship with Viking, serving as a Financial Analyst, during his junior year of college. Presently, he serves a full-time position of Associate Advisor, where he collaborates closely with Managing Partners to aid in the successful sale or acquisition of business located in the greater Charlotte, NC area.

Committed to excellence, Conrad utilizes his expertise to offer unwavering support to business owners navigating the complex, stressful, and emotional landscape of sales and acquisitions. Outside of work, Conrad is an avid sports fan and golfer, as well as enjoying cooking and barbecuing.

Devak joins us in the Raleigh, North Carolina office. He onboards with 6 years of business development, finance, and management experience. His background entails working as an operations manager and franchisee for business development for multiple Dairy Queen locations in North America. Following that venture, he worked as an analyst for PNC Bank in the finance and accounting department. Devak brings unique experience and background and is someone who can provide support for entrepreneurs and business professionals.

Devak graduated from North Carolina State University with a BSc in Business Administration and a concentration in finance. Devak lives in Wake Forest, North Carolina and enjoys spending time with his friends and family.