Preparing for Liquidity—and What Comes After
Presented By: Benesch / JP Morgan Chase
A liquidity event is one of the most significant moments in an owner’s journey—but preparation doesn’t stop at closing. In this session, operators, advisors, and investors explore how to prepare for a transaction while also planning for what comes next. From aligning personal and financial goals before a deal to navigating wealth, reinvestment, and purpose afterward, panelists share insights on how to approach liquidity events with clarity, discipline, and long-term perspective.
Moderator:
Executive Director
JPMorgan Private Bank
David Allen is an Executive Director and the Market Lead for the Cleveland office of J.P. Morgan Private Bank, covering Northern Ohio. Dave manages a group of professional advisors and specialists dedicated to designing integrated strategies that help families plan, invest, bank and borrow. A native of Cleveland, he delivers a local presence, extensive industry experience and the global capabilities of J.P. Morgan.
Partner
Benesch
Mitch Gecht, a Corporate Partner in the Cleveland office of Benesch, represents private equity firms and their portfolio companies, emerging growth companies, established public companies, and other clients in U.S. and cross-border transactions.
Mitch leads mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt financings, and other strategic transactions in a variety of industries, including business and professional services, manufacturing, and consumer packaged goods.
Panelists:
President
TRG
Sean Kennedy launched TRG in 2002 with a clear vision of what the data collection industry needed most — a comprehensive set of service and equipment solutions all “under one roof.” Since that time, he's transformed the company into the leader in lifecycle managed services in the enterprise mobility, point of sale and payment processing industries.
Sean graduated from Ohio University with a Bachelor of Arts Degree in Communications and is currently a member of ASCDI (Association of Service and Computer Dealers), SIA (Service Industry Association) and NRF (National Retail Federation). He is a big believer in supporting the community, actively participating with nonprofit groups such as the Cleveland Clinic Children’s Fund, animal shelters, Cleveland Foodbank, Berea Family & Children First, The Rocky River Education Foundation, Susan B. Komen Foundation and Recovery Resources. His hobbies include boating, basketball and golf.
CEO & Managing Partner
Walnut Ridge Family Office
Mike Moran leads Walnut Ridge, a multigenerational family office for the founders of GOJO/PURELL. He leads a team that managers a large portfolio of investments, oversees controlling interest in operating companies, and manages philanthropic foundations. Previously, he was with Linsalata Capital Partners and KeyBanc Capital Markets.
Principal
Trivest Partners
William is a senior investment professional with the Mid-Market Fund at Trivest Partners, a founder-focused private equity firm with approximately $6 billion in AUM across four fund families. He evaluates investment opportunities and partners with portfolio company management teams to drive strategic initiatives.
Prior to joining Trivest, William was a Partner at a middle-market private equity firm and began his career in investment banking. He earned his B.S. from Miami University and his MBA from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.