Identifying and Mitigating Transaction Risk: What Could Possibly Go Wrong?
Presented By: Dyopath / Safeguard Global
Every transaction carries risk—and some of the most consequential issues don't become apparent until diligence is underway or even after the deal closes. This panel explores how buyers, sellers and their advisers can identify, evaluate and mitigate risks throughout the transaction lifecycle. From operational and financial exposure to cybersecurity, technology, people and post-close concerns, panelists will examine where risks hide, how they affect valuation and deal structure, and what both sides can do to prevent today's overlooked issue from becoming tomorrow's expensive problem.
Moderator:
Chief Content Officer
Smart Business
Dustin is an award-winning business journalist, bestselling author, and the chief content officer of Smart Business. Over the past 30 years, he has interviewed thousands of business and civic leaders, and helped more than 50 CEOs and entrepreneurs transform their ideas into books. A trained investigative politics reporter and former digital media entrepreneur, Dustin joined Smart Business in 1997 after serving as an editor at several daily newspapers.
Panelists:
Chairman of the Board
Jasper Holdings Inc.
Chairman/CEO of Jasper Holdings with 4600+ Associates, $1.2 B in Revenue. In 1976, joined JASPER-sales trainee, advertising manager, sales manager, vice president. Purchased company 1987 and elected president.
1991 NASCAR owner, 2001 teamed with Roger Penske for Penske Jasper Engines, 2003, Penske Jasper Racing. 2009 sold to Penske to focus on NASCAR Transmissions. 100% ESOP in 2009. Through 2025, have distributed $891M of stock. Currently 8 companies including: automotive and heave truck remanufacturing and parts, electrification, rotational molding and plumbing.
Motto –“Do It Right and Have Fun…”
Chief Information Security Officer
DYOPATH
Chief Information Security Officer and seasoned security SME specializing in highly regulated industries, AI ethics, privacy, and risk management. CMMC Certified Professional with deep expertise across NIST, PCI-DSS, HIPAA, and CIS frameworks. Proven leader in building and maturing security programs, aligning compliance with business objectives, and delivering strategic, risk-informed guidance to executive stakeholders.
Managing Director
The Heico Companies, L.L.C.
Jon Hicks has pursued M&A for The Heico Companies since March 2000. Heico is a privately held holding company with a portfolio of over 50 middle market industrial companies. At Heico Jon has responsibility for origination, analysis, negotiation and execution of acquisition opportunities. Jon holds a B.A. from Georgetown University and a Masters in Management from Northwestern University.
Chief Revenue Officer
Safeguard Global
Wiese brings more than two decades of commercial leadership experience across workforce technology, HR services, and enterprise solutions. Most recently, he served as chief revenue officer at DISA Global Solutions, where he led the company's commercial strategy and revenue organization. Prior to DISA, he spent nearly a decade in senior leadership roles at First Advantage, helping grow strategic enterprise accounts and build lasting customer relationships. Earlier in his career, Wiese spent 10 years with the Economist Group, developing expertise in business strategy, market insights, and enterprise consulting.