Jake advises owners and boards of closely held and multi-generational family businesses on ownership transitions, leading transaction execution across ESOPs, M&A, and strategic alternatives. A CFA® charterholder, he specializes in the valuation of businesses and the structuring of complex ESOP transactions, with depth in construction and engineering, professional services, industrials, and manufacturing.

Much of his work extends beyond closing. He advises boards of directors on capital structure, ESOP design, valuation, and executive compensation, and on how an ESOP supports the company’s broader operating strategy.

Professional experience

Jake has advised companies on ownership transitions and strategic alternatives, with engagements spanning ESOP feasibility and execution, fairness opinions, board advisory, and M&A, including situations where an ESOP was not the right answer for the company or its shareholders.

Jake has spoken on ESOP valuation and structuring at conferences hosted by the National Center for Employee Ownership, the AICPA, and The ESOP Association.

Prior to joining Verit, Jake worked on the corporate finance team at IBM, where he managed a portfolio of key services contracts with Fortune 500 clients. That experience gave him an operating perspective that continues to inform his work with management teams and boards.

Affiliations

Board member of EA Collective, where he serves on the Audit and Compensation Committees. CFA® charterholder and member of the CFA Institute and CFA Society of Chicago. Member of The ESOP Association, including associate member of its Valuation Advisory Committee. Volunteer with the Big Shoulders Fund Stock Market Program and Big Shoulders Fund Auxiliary Board.

Education

Bachelor of Business Administration with a double major in Finance, Investment & Banking and Management from the University of Wisconsin–Madison; member of FINRA: Series 79.