Preparing for a Liquidity Event: Creating Options Before You Need Them
Presented By: Alex. Brown (A division of Raymond James) / Prosperity Partners
A liquidity event can take many forms—from a full sale or recapitalization to bringing in an outside investor—and the best outcomes often begin with preparation well before a transaction is contemplated. Join us for a deep dive into how business owners can evaluate their objectives, understand their options and position themselves financially, operationally and personally for a potential liquidity event. Panelists will examine what owners should be thinking about before entering the market and how thoughtful preparation can create greater flexibility, preserve value and lead to better outcomes.
Moderator:
Managing Director-Complex Manager
Raymond James
Chris, is responsible for all aspects of branch profitability and growth for the Chicagoland market.
Prior to his move to Chicago, Chris managed the Florida Suncoast Complex for Raymond James. Chris joined Raymond James in 2018 after working with Morgan Stanley as the manager of their Los Gatos branch in California.
In addition to his role as Complex Manager, Chris works with professional athletes, entrepreneurs and affluent families, helping them manage complex financial matters – personally and professionally.
A graduate of the University of South Florida, Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and earned his MBA from Saint Leo University.
Chris, is responsible for all aspects of branch profitability and growth in the Chicagoland market.
Prior to his move to Chicago in 2022, Chris managed the Florida Suncoast Complex for Raymond James. Chris joined Raymond James in 2018 after working with Morgan Stanley as the manager of their Los Gatos branch in California. In addition to his role as Complex Manager, Chris works with professional athletes, entrepreneurs and affluent families, helping them manage complex financial matters – personally and professionally.
A graduate of the University of South Florida, Chris holds a Bachelor of Science in Finance and earned his MBA from Saint Leo University. He has also completed the rigorous requirements to earn his CERTIFIED FINANCIAL PLANNER™ certification.
Panelists:
Partner
Prosperity Partners
John Alfonsi is a partner at Prosperity LLC and business valuation practice group leader where he brings over 40 years of experience in tax and advisory services. He focuses his practice on business valuation and tax planning and consulting for closely-held business owners and family offices.
CEO, Founder & Managing Member; Founder & Former CEO/Owner
Rainy Investments, Rainy Capital and Rainy Equipment; TradeTec Skyline
Ken “Bucky” Buckman, an entrepreneur whose ADHD-driven approach has fueled 30 years of success in the trade show industry and beyond. Ken has transformed challenges into opportunities, leading TradeTec to national acclaim with multiple INC 5000 rankings. As the founder of Rainy Investments, he grew a $60M portfolio and established Rainy Capital for diverse ventures. Beyond business, Ken is a passionate mentor, speaker, and volunteer, raising over $750,000 for charitable causes. His insights on leveraging life experiences and building authentic connections offer invaluable lessons for entrepreneurs seeking success and fulfillment.
Principal
Shore Capital Partners
Shannon is a Principal, Business Development at Shore Capital, a lower middle-market private equity firm focused on partnering with companies that have between $1-10 million of EBITDA. Shannon is responsible for conducting due diligence on new investment opportunities and implementing value creation initiatives within portfolio investments.
Prior to joining Shore, Shannon was a Senior Consultant in Deloitte’s M&A group. While at Deloitte, Shannon supported separation and integration engagements on M&A transactions, synergy identification, and transformation execution across the Financial Services, Technology, and Media industries. Prior to joining Deloitte, Shannon was an Associate in GE Aviation’s Corporate Development group, leading due diligence, valuation, and deal execution efforts.
Shannon earned her M.B.A. from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University and received a B.S. in Finance and Operations from Indiana University.