Committee

Sam joined Brady Ware as partner in January 2006. He leads the firm’s Dealership Services team, working with dealerships to decrease their tax burden, maximize tax benefits, streamline processes and financial reporting, increase profits, prevent fraud, and expand operations to new markets. He links these services with overall tax, audit, and strategic planning initiatives to help his clients realize financial rewards across their businesses.

Mike Arguelles heads the new business origination efforts for the firm. He is also active in deal execution and portfolio company oversight. Prior to joining Stonehenge Partners in 2002, Mike was a VP at Huntington Capital Investment Company, where he performed in similar a role.

Mike graduated from The Ohio State University where he received his BS, BA in Finance in 1993. In 1998 he graduated from The Ohio State University with his MBA in Finance.

Mary E. Auch is regional president of PNC Bank for Central Ohio. With a career spanning more than 28-years at PNC, Auch has extensive banking experience and deep roots in Columbus. She began her career as part of the bank’s Retail Development Program in 1995 and then moved into Corporate Banking in 2001. She has been the regional president since 2019.

Ben is a corporate transactional attorney who has represented a wide range of public and private companies and many of the leading international private equity sponsors. He has significant experience advising clients on domestic and cross-border M&A, leveraged buyouts, joint ventures, minority investments, divestitures and restructurings. Ben also is an adjunct professor at The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law and serves on the board of NoticeAbility and the advisory board of Calmer Choice.

Rick is Co-founder and Partner of Slate Capital Group and he runs Slate's Cincinnati office. Having been a CEO multiple times in the lower middle market, Rick spends most of his time with Slate portfolio companies on talent development and operational excellence. In his spare time, Rick serves on a few philanthropic boards, spends time with his family, and completes ultra-hikes with his fellow Sufferfesters (ask him! :)

Scot manages the firm’s corporate, M&A, private equity, securities and tax practices, and is also the head of the cannabis group, which consists of more than 40 attorneys throughout the U.S. and Canada. He has extensive experience in corporate, mergers and acquisitions and tax law and has served as lead counsel in mergers and acquisitions, private equity investments, private offerings, venture capital financings, mezzanine debt offerings, divestitures and other related financial transactions, in a number of industry sectors, including the cannabis industry.

Josh works with business leaders on ownership transactions and liquidity events, including sell-side and buy-side engagements and transactions, such as management buyouts, succession and exit planning, ESOP formations, capital sourcing and leveraged recaps. Prior to leading Footprint Capital, Josh was vice president at Insource Spend Management Group. He led Insource through two synergistic acquisitions and ultimately, its sale.

Jeff (J.D.) Davids is a seasoned startup executive and founder with over 25 years of experience building companies in California. He has raised over $100M in venture capital and corporate investments and has closed over $1 Billion in exit transactions. He is a speaker, teacher & advocate for entrepreneurs and veterans and is a Marine Corps veteran himself.

Sean P. Dunn is a Director at Stonehenge Partners (“Stonehenge”), a leading middle-market private equity firm based in Columbus, OH.  Founded in 1999, Stonehenge has raised nearly $1.4 billion in committed capital and is currently investing out of its fifth institutional fund.  Sean joined Stonehenge in 2019 and is responsible for initiating investment opportunities, structuring acquisitions, performing due diligence, working with portfolio company management teams, and managing the disposition of Stonehenge investments.  Sean represents Stonehenge on the board of directors of Cold Jet Technologies, EXAIR, Salon Freedom and True North Asphalt.

 Prior to joining Stonehenge, Sean was a Director with Robert W. Baird & Co. (“Baird”) in the Global Investment Banking Group, where he specialized in capital raising, M&A and other financial advisory services.  During Sean’s tenure at Baird, he helped lead the successful execution of financial advisory mandates representing over $7 billion in aggregate transaction value, including debt financings, buy-side and sell-side M&A, fairness opinions and other corporate finance assignments.  Previously, Sean was an Assistant Vice President at Red Capital Group (ORIX USA), where he was responsible for originating, structuring, and underwriting debt and equity financings for multifamily housing.

 Sean received his M.B.A., with high honors, from the Mendoza College of Business at the University of Notre Dame and earned his B.S.B.A in Economics, with distinction, from The Ohio State University. 

Cindi is a serial entrepreneur, business advisor and coach. She is passionate about working with like-minded people ready to support and invest in women-owned businesses. She is excited by the opportunity to create wealth for female founders and ROI for investors. Cindi leads the organization as the fund manager. As a long-time angel investor herself, Cindi looks forward to helping founders scale and successfully exit their businesses.

Mark Fleming is the managing partner of MEMM Capital, a holding company focused on acquiring and tech-enabling businesses that generate between $1 mil and $3 mil of EBITDA. Previously, Mark was the founder of Signature Closers, LLC, a real estate services and technology company that was acquired by Fortune 800 Stewart Title Company in Feb '21.

Ryan Frederick helps people and organizations to transform for greater fulfillment, value, and impact. Ryan is a Principal at the digital innovation firm Transform Labs and its financial arm, Transform Labs Capital. Ryan has written two books about starting and managing companies.

Chris Greenfelder is a CFO who has completed over 20 buy-side transactions for public, private and PE-sponsored companies during his career as well as leading two PE-sponsored, sell-side exits in his last two jobs at Salon Lofts Group, LLC and Sunless, Inc. He is currently the CFO of CK Construction Group, Inc. in Westerville, OH.

Jordan Hansell is the Founder and CEO of Tradepost, LLC., an investment platform, providing growth capital to mid-market firms ($1MM to $20MM in EBITDA and $10MM to $100MM in enterprise value) with proven growth trajectories and management teams who have a strong vision. Tradepost selectively seeks investments in businesses it can understand that enjoy defensible, competitive positions with demonstrable opportunities to grow.

Most recently, Jordan served as the President of Rockbridge, a private equity firm focused on the hospitality industry with just under $3B in assets under management. Mr. Hansell also served as a member of the firm's Executive and Investment Committees.

Prior to joining Rockbridge, Jordan served as the Chairman and CEO of NetJets Inc., a Berkshire Hathaway Company and the world's largest private aviation provider, which focuses on providing premier, personalized customer service to highly discerning consumers. At NetJets, Jordan led a complete overhaul of the business's culture, processes, and marketing strategies as well as an international expansion into China and India. More specifically, during Jordan’s tenure, NetJets enjoyed its longest-ever string of profitable years, culminating in the highest level of annual profit in its history (which resulted in $1B P&L improvement from the year Jordan arrived at NetJets). In addition, during Jordan’s tenure, NetJets placed $17.5B worth of aircraft purchases, the largest of any such orders in private aviation history, and retired $1.8B in debt.

Before joining NetJets, Jordan was a partner with the law firm Nyemaster Goode, where his practice focused primarily on general corporate matters, complex real estate transactions, private placements, and mergers and acquisitions. Prior to joining Nyemaster Goode, he served as a law clerk to the Honorable Supreme Court Justice Antonin Scalia.

Jordan is the Executive Chairman of Consolidated Metals, Inc., a national tubing supplier, the Executive Chairman of GO Companies, a technology-forward combination of businesses serving the residential real estate market, and a board member of Feazel Roofing, LLC, one of the 10 largest residential roofing companies in the US. Jordan also served for 7 years as the Executive Chairman of QuickInsured, a fast-growing digital insurance agency (which was sold in 2022 to one of the country’s largest insurance brokerages). Jordan was also the Chair for Mount Carmel Health System, which included serving as the Chair of the Finance Committee, and on the Board of Trustees for Simpson College for 17 years, which included stints as Treasurer for the College as well as Chair of the Finance and Audit Committees.

Jordan has spoken internationally on a variety of topics, including global supply chains, intellectual property for emerging businesses, and leadership. Mr. Hansell received his

A.B. Honors degree in Political Science, summa cum laude, from Duke University; a Juris

Doctorate, magna cum laude, from the University of Michigan Law School; and a master’s degree in Public Policy from the University of Michigan School of Public Policy.

Jordan has been married to Silvia for 26 years, and the two of them have two daughters and a son, Emery, John and Collier. They live together on Daufuskie Island, South Carolina.

Matt is currently the Chairman & CEO of OneCompass Holdings. OneCompass Holdings is a 100% employee-owned holding company based in Dublin, Ohio. OneCompass has three, 100% owned operating businesses: FST Logistics, Hyway Transportation and Aquinas Leadership Group. The combined holdings account for nearly $200m in revenue and employs nearly 700 employee-owners. Over the last 2 years, OneCompass has completed three acquisitions and made one minority investment in a local minority owned business, Evolve Global Logistics.

Cory Hinaman is a Manager at Windsor Advisory Group. Windsor is an investment advisory firm providing family office services to highly successful individuals, their families and family offices. Cory joined Windsor Advisory Group after he graduated from The Ohio State University in 2019 with a B.S.B.A. in Finance and Economics.

Christopher has diverse experience representing top-tier leveraged buyout and private equity funds, fund sponsors and investors, and their portfolio companies. Chris advises clients on corporate matters, including mergers and acquisitions, divestitures, venture capital and private equity financings, joint ventures, and other investment transactions with an emphasis on middle-market transactions. Chris represents financial sponsors and their portfolio companies, as well as strategic buyers in connection with mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, growth equity financings, and other investment transactions. Prior to joining Benesch, Chris practiced at Kramer Levin Naftalis & Frankel LLP in New York, New York.

Joe Huber is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Huber Equity Group. Joe brings more than nine years of real estate investment experience and has achieved a 100% profitable track record across 56 unique deals. At Huber Equity Group, he is responsible for client relations, reviewing markets, overseeing asset management from acquisition to disposition, and directing company values and vision.

Joe pushes his team to balance traditional best practices and innovative technological solutions to add value to every deal. He’s passionate about providing accessible communities to residents, value to investors, and stabilized assets to the multifamily industry.

Huber Equity group is committed to social responsibility and giving back to the community. Joe has mentored several young and aspiring real estate professionals and speaks at various real estate and non-profit events. Joe volunteers his time on a scholarship committee and serves on the board of a local non-profit that fights against childhood neglect and trauma by encouraging and supporting family stabilization.

Prior to founding the company, Joe was a partner at a boutique real estate investment firm focused on creative value add investments. Joe holds a bachelor of science in physics and business from The Ohio State University. He lives in Bexley, Ohio with his wife of nine years and their three children.

Lee is managing partner of Smart Business Network Inc., a national events, media and marketing company founded in 1989, primarily responsible for expanding the company’s Aspire deal-making conference throughout the U.S. He plays a key role in establishing corporate policies and developing long-term strategy and growth plans. Previously, he founded and chaired the Growth Group at national law firm Arter & Hadden LLP (now Tucker, Ellis & West), which focused on working with middle-market and high-growth technology companies. 

As senior director and director of transaction advisory services at GBQ, Wade coordinates a team of 10 professionals, highly skilled in various aspects of transactions, including valuation, due diligence, ESOPs, tax structuring and buy and sell side advisory. He also serves as chief liaison to Footprint Capital, GBQ’s investment banking affiliate, where he helps complete investment banking deals. Since 2015, GBQ’s transaction group has collectively worked on over 550 transactions.

Kevin Kroos is a serial entrepreneur with three decades of experience launching, acquiring, and scaling businesses across diverse industries—including mortgage lending, real estate, fitness, licensing, and manufacturing. Since 2013, Kevn has focused on Made in America manufacturing including Hudson Bearings (manufacturer of ball transfers and specialty sockets) as well as Tool Tech and Cameron Tool (design and engineering of tool and die). These companies support 125 plus employees and conduct business with a range of companies in the automotive, aerospace, and appliance verticals.

Greg is the Founder/COO of Watershed Distillery and has been involved in all aspects of running the business since its inception. He has a passion for business and is an entrepreneur at heart. His entrepreneurial spirit led him to leave his corporate job in pharmaceutical sales to start Watershed Distillery in 2010. Greg is the force behind growing Watershed into the largest Ohio-based brand of spirits.

Ryan was previously a partner at Ember Capital (fka Nomura Mezzanine), a private credit manager which managed a ~$350 million mezzanine fund sponsored by Nomura in addition to ~$200 million for senior debt investments. Before joining Nomura in early 2005 to help launch its private credit investment business, Ryan was an investment professional at AIG-MezzVest, a ~$750 million mezzanine fund sponsored AIG. Earlier in his career, he was an investment banker at HSBC and at Stephens Inc. Ryan has an MBA from HEC Paris and a BA from Vanderbilt University

Al Melchiorre is President/CEO and founder of MelCap Partners, a middle market investment banking firm, which is celebrating its 25th year anniversary. Over the past few years, MelCap has been recognized as boutique investment banking firm of the year multiple times by The M&A Advisor and Global M&A Network. MelCap's clients are predominately privately-held, family-owned businesses going through a once in a life-time transaction.

Dwight Montgomery serves as the President of The National Christian Foundation of Ohio, whose mission is to mobilize resources by inspiring biblical generosity. Dwight has 34 years of experience as a financial professional and was the CEO of his own wealth management firm. Through his leadership and vision his firm became one of the most respected financial firms in the Columbus Ohio area.

In 2013, Dwight sold his firm in order to devote his time to the ministry of NCF. Dwight is also a member of the coaching team at SMART Concepts Group. SCG is focused on providing financial advisors strategic and operational advice to achieve business success. Team members help advisors define their operating models and processes to enhance growth, drive performance and the value of their business.

Prior to his career in financial services, he was an educator and college football coach.

Dwight received his BA in Education from The Ohio State University and his MA in Education from Bowling Green State University. Dwight currently holds a Certified Financial Planner CFP® designation and a Certified Kingdom Advisor® designation. He is active in the community serving as a board member for, For Columbus. Leisure time for Dwight involves fishing, fishing and more fishing. Dwight lives with his wife Dona in Dublin. They have three children, Matt, Luke, and Ellie.

Rob Ouellette is a partner in the Business Group and focuses his practice on complex corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions, particularly private equity investments and transactions, and a range of financing transactions.

Rob actively assists clients from a wide variety of industries including manufacturing, distribution, logistics, financial services, high technology and professional services; and at all levels of the capital structure.

Prior to joining Ice Miller, Rob practiced for 20 years with Schottenstein Zox & Dunn Co., LPA where he was co-chair of the Corporate Practice Group for 12 years and a member of the management committee.

Tom is Vice Chair of the Firm’s Business Group where he focuses his practice on complex corporate transactions, mergers and acquisitions including private equity and independent sponsor investments and transactions, debt and equity financing transactions, as well as general corporate and commercial matters. He also serves as outside general counsel for a wide array of closely held businesses, family offices and entrepreneurial businesses.

Tom’s practice encompasses a variety of industries including manufacturing, technology, software, franchising, energy and alternative energy, retail, real estate, construction, wholesale, marketing and advertising, and personal and professional services ranging from financial services, wealth management and accounting to healthcare and related services.

Prior to joining the Firm’s Business Group in 2000, he served as Vice President and General Counsel of Shoe Corporation of America, Inc. Tom holds a Certificate in Family Business Advising from the Family Firm Institute.

Jeff Parson, MBA, specializes in assisting business leaders in achieving smoother business growth through tailor-made HR solutions. My services encompass a range of options, including PEO and non-PEO solutions, employee benefits, HR strategy, compliance support, technology integration, and more.

Smith is the founder of Sophisticated Systems, Inc. (SSI), a technology services and solutions firm he started in 1990. In the late 1990s and early 2000s, SSI was at the top of its game and doing well – until it wasn’t. Turning SSI from a company with a $715,000 loss and $2.1 million in debt to the highly profitable and award-winning company it turned into was the proving ground for some of Smith’s biggest leadership lessons.

Smith's inspiring stories are lessons in triumph and failure. They are an amazing journey from being a rebel youth to a thought leader in the board room of some of this nation's most influential companies.

As a speaker – with compassion, authenticity, and humility – Smith inspires, informs and motivates his audience to be the great leaders they are meant to be.

Smith is available as a keynote speaker on topics covering business, leadership, and motivation.

Jeff is Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Kensington Hill Partners, brings over 20 years of experience in general management, customer success, and service delivery in B2B software. He brings passion and experience for enabling organic and M&A business growth through scalable and repeatable processes.

As an advisor, board member, and investor, he assists companies across varying industries for strategic growth, sustainability, and diversity to provide potential M&A opportunities. Focused on initiatives that help build communities and businesses, KHP has assisted hundreds of companies providing the most current and strategic initiatives tailored client success.

Kensington Hill Partners was built on a foundation of forming long term relationships. Focused on c-suite clients and national brands, Kensington Hill Partners has developed a reputation for assisting high growth companies nationally. Board of Director development and recruitment have been a sustaining part of KHP since its inception, which delivers strategic perspectives to its clients and member partners.

Sopp is very involved in the community and is an active member in the National Association of Corporate Directors (NACD), Young Professional’s Organization (YPO), and International franchise association (IFA). Mr. Sopp was a proud recipient of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year (EY EOY) for “Realizing Business Potential” and the Smart 50 Business Award.

Always interesting in further developing great leaders, Mr. Sopp recently published a book, Words Matter,  that is focused on leadership concepts, phrases and life experiences to help leaders navigate relationships with professionalism and integrity.

Catherine Strauss is the Managing Partner of Ice Miller's Columbus office. She is also an adviser and advocate for employers with workforces in Ohio and nationally. She is also a skilled coach to human resource professionals and business executives. Preferring practical outcomes based on a keen knowledge of the law and common sense judgment, Catherine is an effective adviser in managing risks and conflict avoidance.

When disputes are unavoidable, Catherine is a tenacious trial attorney, having successfully represented employers and businesses in all types of legal proceedings, both in Ohio and nationally.

Finally, Catherine serves as a neutral investigator in all types of matters involving or impacting employees.

Dan Tetelman currently manages global Corporate Development as well as Investor Relations for Greif, Inc., (NYSE: GEF) a publicly traded global industrial packaging company with approximately 250 locations in 37 countries. He focuses on creating value through his dual role by optimizing Greif's product portfolio through M&A and properly articulating that value creation to the investment community to drive long-term performance.

Prior to his current role, Dan held roles at Greif in Global Corporate Accounting and Financial Reporting. Dan is a University of Dayton graduate (BSBA / MBA) and obtained his Certified Public Accounting accreditation prior to beginning his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers, LLP.

Experienced venture investor and operator with a passion for building innovative healthcare companies. Co-founder of Tamarind Hill, an early-stage B2B healthcare fund, and former COO/CFO for multiple startups. Dedicated to supporting founders, driving operational excellence, and delivering strong returns for investors. Always eager to connect with others who share a vision for transforming healthcare.

Faith Voinovich is a Principal at Ohio Innovation Fund where she serves as a key member of the investment team. Since joining the team in 2018, Faith has led investments spun out of top research institutions, helped facilitate numerous follow on equity (and non-dilutive) rounds across the portfolio, assisted on several M&A exit transactions (value exceeding $500 million), and served in a variety of board roles including at Invirsa, Clarametyx, Genetesis, DatAnchor, Complion (merged with Realtime CTMS), and Stirling Ultracold (merged with BioLife Solutions, NASDAQ: BLFS).

Andy is Managing Director and Co-CEO of Bellmark Partners, LLC, and head of the firm’s Cleveland office. Andy has 30 years of investment banking experience, having personally completed well over 100 M&A, special committee, and board advisory assignments. Previously, he was with KeyBanc Capital Markets, where he was head of the sponsor coverage, consumer & retail, and M&A investment banking groups.

Julie is an Audit Partner with Crowe and has over 18 years of experience. She serves upper middle-market privately owned clients in the manufacturing, distribution, and service industries. Julie’s clients range in size from $20 million to more than $1 billion in revenues, across a wide range of industries and companies with multi-national and multi-state operations and complex accounting and audit issues. Julie works with family owned and private equity owned businesses.

John has over a decade of experience as an investor, attorney, and advisor to numerous startups, funds, and angle investors. Along with Michael Redd, John co-founded 22 Ventures where he led operations and deal flow while advising on over 100 investments. John is now a partner and GC for ADvantage, a global sports tech fund backed by adidas.

Nici Workman is a partner in the Vorys Columbus office and chair of the firm’s finance practice. Her practice focuses on commercial and structured finance transactions and derivatives matters, representing national and regional banks and public company and other large corporate borrowers in a wide range of financing transactions.

Dean Zody is a business-oriented Global Operations Leader with an engineering background delivering innovative solutions with measurable growth and profitability. Accomplished background in start-ups, cost reduction initiatives, and operations management in telecommunications, chemical and consumer product. Multiple disciplines include operations, supply chain, procurement, and logistics. Strong database and data analytical skills. In 2016, he founded GhostWave, commercializing patents from Ohio State University.

Brian Zuercher is a General Partner of 1870 Ventures. 1870 Ventures is a venture capital studio bringing brilliant IP to market. We discover, fund, and build companies around breakthroughs that originated at universities and institutions. Brian has been the co-founder of several companies and is passionate about supporting entrepreneurs in the Central Ohio region.