Columbus in Motion: M&A Drives the Region Forward
Presented By: Ice Miller LLP
Columbus is no longer just a market on the rise—it’s a market in motion. From national players doubling down to local innovators scaling faster and smarter, Central Ohio continues to emerge as one of the Midwest’s most dynamic economic engines. In this opening roundtable, a panel of seasoned dealmakers will share insights on what’s fueling the region’s momentum—and how they’re capitalizing on its unprecedented opportunities.
Moderator:
Associate
Ice Miller
Jim Smolik is an associate in Ice Miller’s Business Group, where his practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, private equity, and corporate finance.
Jim represents private equity funds, mezzanine debt funds, independent sponsors, and family offices in all stages of their corporate life cycle. Jim also counsels clients in matters relating to pre-incorporation planning, joint ventures, and outside general counsel services.
Jim received his juris doctor from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and his bachelor’s degree, from the University of Dayton.
Panelists:
Owner/Advisor/CFO
Sea Glass Advisors, LLC
Becky Enderle is a serial CFO specializing in strategic financial leadership for growth-stage and mid-market companies. She has a proven track record in M&A, due diligence, and post-acquisition integration and brings a results-driven approach to scaling businesses and navigating complex transactions. Becky has recently made the leap into the consulting world where she continues to work with companies to optimize financial strategy, scale operations, and drive growth.
Managing Director of Growth, M&A | Transaction Solutions
Hylant
Matthew Orr is Managing Director of Growth for Hylant’s M&A and Transaction Solutions practice, where he helps deal teams minimize risk, resolve issues, and unlock value in mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and capital transactions. He partners with private equity firms, family offices, and strategic acquirers to deliver risk consulting and transactional insurance solutions. Through Hylant’s investment arm, he also pursues select investment opportunities across asset classes, partnering with fund managers, independent sponsors, and private equity strategies to provide both capital and strategic value.
Previously, Matthew served as Vice President of Investments at Crane Investment Company, where he built partnerships across asset classes and advanced the firm’s social impact investing strategy. He also spent more than a decade at Stonehenge Capital, specializing in private equity and structured finance.
An Evans Scholar, Matthew earned his Finance degree from The Ohio State University Fisher College of Business. He currently serves on the board of Homeport and has contributed through prior board service with Rev1 Ventures, Kinect Capital, and Social Ventures. He also remains active as a volunteer with Fisher College of Business, the Ohio State Accelerator Awards, and the Western Golf Association.
Founder & CEO
Lower.com
Dan Snyder is an experienced serial entrepreneur in the finance and technology space. He’s an investor and co-founder of multiple businesses including a nationwide title agency, digital insurance company and real estate brokerage. Dan is the co-founder of Homeside Financial, a top 50 lender in the country that continues to expand nationally with 32 offices in 17 states. In 2019, he launched Lower.com with the goal of helping every American realize the dream of homeownership by helping them find a house, find a real estate agent, buy insurance and secure a mortgage. Snyder’s companies have consistently been recognized as top places to work.