The Operator’s Journey: Building, Scaling & Creating Value When It Counts
Presented By: Merrill Lynch Singh & Associates
Behind every successful company is a series of high-stakes decisions—when to grow, when to buy, and when to transition. In this keynote conversation, experienced entrepreneurs share how they’ve built and scaled businesses, including through acquisition and roll-up strategies, and the moments that ultimately defined their success.
Moderator:
Managing Director | Senior Resident Director
Merrill Lynch
Tom has spent the last 22 years at Bank of America/Merrill Lynch where he considers himself an “Intra-Preneur”. He is the founder of a 9 person boutique within the company called Singh & Associates.
He and his team specialize in pre-exit planning for business owners looking to sell their company in 12-36 months. By using their Proprietary financial Modeling Process, they run various simulations and prescribe strategies to help owners maximize their desired outcome.
He also oversees the Avalon location of Merrill Lynch managing 9 Billion of client assets and has been named the top 13 “Best in State Wealth Advisors” list by Forbes Magazine – 4 years in a row.
Panelists:
Owner
Hirsch Ventures
Greg Hirsch leads Hirsch Ventures With over 25 years of experience scaling businesses, I work with owners of sales, services, and distribution companies with blue-collar roots to execute management buyouts. I help founders transition ownership to proven internal leaders, reduce deal risk, preserve culture, and ensure the business is positioned for long-term stability and growth. Enjoy the Journey.
CEO
SERVPRO Team Shaw
Derek, based in Southlake, Texas, leads SERVPRO with 33 locations across DFW, Houston, East Texas, and South Carolina. In just four years, he grew the business from 14 employees, 3 locations and $2.5 million in revenue to over 200 employees and $50 million. SERVPRO offers commercial restoration and full turnkey construction. SERVPRO Team Shaw was most recently awarded #69th fastest Restoration/Construction company in the country by the Inc 5000.