Exiting on Your Own Terms: Defining the Right Path for You and Your Business

With over 20 years of professional experience, Tom developed a deep, hands-on understanding of M&A and technical advisory services while working for the world's most prestigious professional services and private equity firms. He has served as a PE portfolio company CEO and a strategic advisor to the PE community and has built, run, and sold multiple companies. In addition, Tom has led or participated in numerous transactions, including small to enterprise-level M&A deals. He has considerable experience with strategic planning, business development, interim management, and technical advisory services, catering to private equity firms, portfolio companies, and public and private enterprises.

Tom creates and unlocks value, helping owners evaluate and prepare for various financial events, such as recapitalization, management buyouts, family transitions, or other forms of monetization. His unique blend of experiences as a former business owner, PE operating partner, and C-level executive equips him with the insight to maximize enterprise value and the stakeholder's benefit. 

Further, Tom is well-known for his ability to solve intricate business challenges for middle-market clients across industries. He leverages his technical knowledge in application development, cyber security, and systems integration, along with his business acumen, to create unique, out-of-the-box solutions.

Before joining Schneider Downs, Tom co-founded Springer Lawson and Associates, LLC, which assisted clients in various industries with value creation and sell-side advisory services.

Tom is married with three children and enjoys outdoor activities, youth sports, and spending time with his family. He is a U.S. Air Force Veteran and holds a B.S. in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems from North Carolina Wesleyan and an M.S. in Telecommunications from Johns Hopkins University.

An accomplished advisor in the hospitality sector with extensive expertise in hotel operations, construction management, technology implementation, asset management, and investor relations. Currently collaborating with Retreat Hotels & Resorts and serving on a $20-$30M hospitality fund advisory board.

Specializing in aligning operational strategies with leading global brands such as Marriott and Hilton, including obtaining brand approvals for property management services, meeting property improvement plan (PIP) requirements, and ensuring operational excellence to deliver exceptional guest experiences and revenue growth.

Previously founded and scaled eVigilant Security into a premier converged security platform through strategic acquisitions, leading to a successful company exit.

Dr. John W. Fallon is Culmen International’s Chief Operating Officer, leading Culmen’s operations to include the Contracting Department, Quality Management, Regulatory Compliance, International Operations, Human Resources, and supporting Culmen’s mission delivery via its myriad of programs and projects.  Dr. Fallon has 25 years of experience spanning all facets of government acquisition and operations, CONUS and OCONUS, and has spent equal time in both the public and private sector. His work has primarily been focused on advancing the mission of civilian and defense agencies. Throughout his dedicated career, Dr. Fallon has continually investigated, implemented, and delivered approaches for improving acquisition and program management effectiveness, efficiency, and outcomes-focused measurement of real results.

Prior to joining Culmen, Dr. Fallon functioned as the Chief Operating Officer of Vysnova Partners where he was responsible for overseeing the entirety of programs and activities to ensure profitability, client delivery, and mission success. Additionally, he managed the firm’s Human Resources, Operations, and Contracts Departments.  He also played a lead role in the firm’s strategic planning and business development activities. From 1997 through 2010, John served as a Contracting Officer, Senior Procurement Analyst, Senior Program Manager, and a Professor of Contract Management / Program Management for Defense and Civilian Agencies in both CONUS and OCONUS locations.

Dr. Fallon graduated from LaSalle University (BA, Political Science and Economics), Villanova University (MA, International Relations) and Walden University (Ph.D., Public Administration).  He currently serves as an Adjunct Professor with the University of Maryland Global Campus (UMGC) (MA program in Supply Chain Management) and Villanova University (MA program in Public Administration). He enjoys time with his family and resides in the Greater DC Area.

A Corporate and Securities Transactions partner and member of the firm’s Public Company Advisers Team, John Gambaccini has more than 20 years of experience advising middle-market public and private companies, investors and individuals in connection with mergers and acquisitions, capital and equity financings, securities regulation, joint ventures, corporate governance, and general corporate matters. His experience with clients crosses a variety of industries, including technology, health care, finance, government services, and industrial manufacturing. 

John has a particular niche in assisting private equity funds and related financial sponsor groups in domestic and international middle-market transactions. He also represents private equity portfolio companies through their life cycle, from acquisition through add-on acquisitions, growth and exit. 

A native Ohioan, John now practices law from the firm’s Tysons, Virginia office, where he is also active in the Association for Corporate Growth - National Capital Chapter (ACG) and the Alliance of Merger & Acquisition Advisors (AMAA) - DC/MD/VA chapter. He also serves as the current Managing Partner of the firm’s Tysons, Virginia office.