Bulge Bracket Experience | Boutique Level Service
Client: Grace & Wild Studios
Equity Sponsor: Privately-Held
Industry: Business Services
Headquarters: Farmington Hills, MI
Practice Area: Financial Planning & Analysis
Project Description: FINNEA Group represented the company in an out-of-court restructuring.
Company Overview: Grace & Wild was a full-service production studio based in Farmington Hills, Michigan.
Nicola is a Vice President at FINNEA Group with over 8 years of experience across tech and finance industries. Nicola focuses on both the mergers and acquisitions and consulting practices. Prior to joining FINNEA, Nicola worked at Goldman Sachs in New York focusing on mergers and acquisitions, capital raise and capital market transactions. Nicola started her career at Google where she worked across product and marketing teams globally to launch and deliver new products.
Nicola received her Bachelor's in Business Administration from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business.
University of Michigan Ross School of Business (BBA)
Christine has over 25 years of FP&A experience in a variety of companies including publicly held, non-profit and privately held companies. Over the span of her career, she has developed an expertise in all aspects of FP&A including financial modeling, forecasting, budgeting and long-range planning, restructuring, variance analysis, quality of earnings, 13-week cash flow and business case/capital project analysis. Prior to joining FINNEA, Christine held positions in both the automotive and healthcare industries, most recently as Director of FP&A for Lordstown Motors, an EV start-up, as well as positions at Henry Ford Health System, Trinity Health and Delphi Automotive (now Aptiv).
Christine received her Bachelor of Science in Finance from California State University, Sacramento, and her Master of Business Administration from the University of Notre Dame.
California State University, Sacramento (BS)
University of Notre Dame (MBA)
Larissa has over 17 years of professional experience, 15 of those years at General Motors, rotating through several global Treasury and FP&A roles, most recently serving as North America Regional Treasurer, Auto Finance and Supply Risk Management. She has great experience with international markets and cross-functional projects with several finance and non-finance teams. Larissa brings her experience in credit rating agencies, capital structure management, cash forecast and liquidity management, working capital initiatives, bank relationships, treasury and finance system implementations, cash investments, FX management and financial statements forecasting and budgeting. Prior to GM, she also worked at Groupe PSA and Monsanto Company.
Larissa holds an MBA from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business, a Master in Financial Economics from FGV (Sao Paulo, Brazil) and a Bachelor of Business Administration from Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie (Sao Paulo, Brazil).
The University of Chicago Booth School of Business (MBA)
Fundação Getúlio Vargas (MS)
Universidade Presbiteriana Mackenzie (BBA)
Isaac is an Associate at FINNEA Group, focusing primarily on mergers and acquisitions transactions, capital formation, and financial and strategic advisory services. Prior to joining FINNEA Group, Isaac completed internships with Goldman Sachs and the International Justice Mission (IJM), during which he obtained experience in public- and private-sector strategy and financial analysis. Isaac holds a degree in Politics, Philosophy, and Economics (PPE) from Calvin University.
Calvin University (BA)
Matthew is an Associate at FINNEA Group, possessing experience in mergers & acquisitions and business strategy across various markets. Matthew recently served as a Corporate Development Analyst at Action Title Research, where he was responsible for the Company's growth strategy through strategic partnerships, M&A transactions, and venture investments. Additionally, Matthew has held internships at Calder Capital, Jefferies Financial Group, and OneStream Software, where he gained valuable experience in Mergers & Acquisitions, Investment Banking, Financial Reporting, and more. He received his BA in Business Administration (Finance) from Grand Valley State University with a minor in Accounting.
Grand Valley State University (BA)
Vikram is an Associate at FINNEA group, focusing on turnaround & restructuring services. Vikram possesses several years of experience in corporate finance, strategy & operations, and investment management. He began his career in the strategy consulting group at Plante Moran, where he supported various engagements, including go-to-market strategy, operational improvement, strategic sourcing, and buy-side due diligence. Vikram then transitioned to the corporate finance division for a Tier-1 automotive supplier, where he focused on FP&A and business strategy initiatives. Vikram holds a degree in Economics from the University of Michigan.
University of Michigan (BA)
Austin is a Director at FINNEA Group with ten years of professional experience working in roles that include financial planning & analysis, mergers & acquisitions and accounting. Austin re-joined FINNEA Group after holding positions on the corporate development teams of two Fortune 500 companies. He previously worked for FINNEA Group for four years where he gained experience in FP&A, as well as, in advising founder and family-owned businesses on the sale of their companies to both strategic and financial acquirers.
Austin's FP&A experience includes charts of accounts mapping, three-statement modeling and cash flow acceleration initiatives. Notably, Austin was engaged to construct a detailed financial model for the merger of two $50+ million trucking companies, inclusive of expected synergies. Subsequent to the merger, he created a terminal-level annual operating plan and monthly reporting tool for 27 terminals that captured detailed financial metrics and key operational KPIs.
Prior to his time at FINNEA Group, Austin worked for a Big Four accounting firm. His professional experience spans several industries that include automotive, industrials, transportation and healthcare. Austin holds both a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Accounting degree from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan. Austin is a registered Certified Public Accountant in the State of Michigan.
University of Michigan (BA), (MSA)
Shaunda is a Senior Advisor of FINNEA Group. She has over 23 years of global, multi-industry finance and treasury experience in public, private, not-for-profit and private equity-owned corporations. Throughout her career, she has held increasing responsibilities in complex environments and highly visible leadership roles in both the automotive and healthcare industries, most recently serving as Corporate Treasurer of TI Fluid Systems. Prior to that, Shaunda held finance and treasury positions at General Motors, Trinity Health and Delphi Corporation (now Aptiv). She brings broad expertise in global finance and treasury management including capital structure optimization, cash management and 13-week cash flow forecasting, restructuring, cash investments, foreign exchange risk management and hedging, global treasury system and cash pooling implementation, U.S. defined benefit and defined contribution pension plans oversight and mitigation, payroll operations, and rating agency and bank relationship management.
Shaunda holds a Bachelor of Business Administration and a Master of Business Administration from the University of Michigan and is a Certified Treasury Professional (CTP).
University of Michigan (BBA), (MBA)
John has 25 years of industry experience as a consultant, line manager and project manager for domestic and international supply chain clients. John’s relevant experience includes supply chain network design, transportation planning, distribution center design, trade compliance assessment and dedicated fleet outsourcing analysis. John received a Bachelor of Science in Finance in addition to a Master's of Science in International Management.
Frank is a process engineering and improvement specialist with over 30 years of experience. Mr. Murdock is a Master Six Sigma Certified professional with extensive capabilities to resolve quality and cost problems. Frank received his Bachelor of Science in Engineering Science as well as a Masters of Science in both Applied Mathematics and Industrial Engineering.
Mr. Ripper has over 25 years of experience leading the transformation of businesses in need of performance improvement or going through an M&A transition. Most recently, he was President & CEO of Vari-Form Group, where he guided the three group companies through a restructuring and eventual sale. Mr. Ripper holds an MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, a Masters in Mechanical Engineering from Michigan Tech University and is a Certified Turnaround Professional.
Bill has expertise in the interaction of operations and financial management for under-performing businesses. He brings extensive experience in operations, cost analysis and quality improvement initiatives that can help companies improve their profitability. He has assisted clients in understanding cost structures and profitability and has developed plant, product, and customer strategies to restore profitability. Prior to founding Advanced Manufacturing Group, Bill was a Director with Conway MacKenzie & Dunleavy’s turnaround consulting practice for seven years. Mr. Fetterman was also a Manager at Plante & Moran in the Management Consulting Services group for five years. Prior to that, he worked in a variety of operational roles in the semiconductor industry in Boston, Massachusetts. He has designed and implemented numerous world-class improvement systems, including Lean Manufacturing Systems and initiatives that drive manufacturing efficiency and improve financial performance.
Bill is a Certified Quality Engineer through the American Society for Quality; is a Certified Management Accountant through the Institute for Certified Management Accountants; is Certified in Production and Inventory Management by the American Production and Inventory Control Society; and has served as a member of the Michigan Quality Council Board of Examiners. He holds a Bachelor of Arts degree from the University of Michigan and a Master of Business Administration with a specialty in Operations Management from Boston University, with honors.
University of Michigan (BA)
Boston University (MBA)
Ken has over 8 years of FP&A, mergers & acquisitions, and venture capital experience. Prior to rejoining FINNEA for his second stint with the firm, he worked in the FP&A group at DexKo Global where he oversaw long-term forecasting and data analytics, and held critical roles in budget development and management reporting. While at DexKo, he completed the financial modeling to support the $3.4 billion sale of the company from KPS Capital Partners to Brookfield Business Partners.
During his first stint with FINNEA, Ken participated in sell-side advisory transactions with the M&A group and created operational and financial models to support client decision-making with the FP&A group. Before making the switch to corporate finance, Ken spent time in venture capital with GreenHills Venture and regulatory compliance with Forex Capital Markets and Societe Generale Corporate & Investment Banking.
Ken graduated magna cum laude with his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Morehouse College. He then went on to obtain his Juris Doctor from the New York University School of Law and is a member of the New York Bar.
Morehouse College (BA)
NYU School of Law (JD)
Maverick is an Analyst at FINNEA Group, focusing on investment banking and transaction advisory services. Prior to joining FINNEA, Maverick worked as a Private Market Analyst at StepStone Group, a global private markets firm. During his tenure at StepStone, he specialized in financial reporting and investment research. Maverick received his Bachelor of Arts in Economics from the University of Michigan.
University of Michigan (BA)
Joe is an Associate at FINNEA Group, possessing experience in mergers & acquisitions and business strategy across various markets. Before joining FINNEA, Joe worked as a Summer Analyst at Auctus Capital Partners, where he helped underwrite a variety of private placements, primarily focusing on the healthcare industry. Joe received his Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Michigan State University – Eli Broad College of Business.
Michigan State University (BA)
David serves as an Executive Advisor at FINNEA Group. In this capacity, he advises clients in the areas of private capital sourcing, restructuring and succession planning. He joined FINNEA Group in January 2017 following a 36-year career with Comerica Bank, most recently as the Executive Vice President of its Midwest Corporate Banking where he oversaw a multi-billion commercial loan portfolio. David has served on various charitable boards including The Campaign Council for United Way of Southeastern Michigan, the Economic Development Board of the Greater Detroit Chamber of Commerce, the Board of the Michigan Chamber of Commerce, The Metropolitan Affairs Coalition and the Board of CATCH (Caring Athletes Team for Children’s and Henry Ford Hospitals).
Central Michigan University (BS)
Alex is a Vice President at FINNEA Group, possessing experience in audit and assurance. Prior to joining FINNEA, Alex worked in the Assurance group at PwC specializing in Asset and Wealth Management, as well as Power and Utility audits. Alex received his Bachelor of Arts in Accounting from Michigan State University – Eli Broad College of Business.
Michigan State University (BA)
Jeff brings 10 years of experience in various Accounting and FP&A roles, the most recent of which was in the position of Plant Controller overseeing all accounting functions, reporting, and management of the accounting team for CSP, a Tier-1 supplier to FCA. Jeff holds a degree from the University of Findlay in Financial Accounting. The majority of Jeff’s career has been spent building a strong set of professional skills in the automotive industry.
Jeff’s strong foundation in costing, coupled with a sound understanding of operational activities, has improved company profitability through the implementation of multiple cost savings projects. With his knowledge of GAAP-related reporting in the traditional financial three-statement modeling, Jeff has been able to present internal comprehensive summaries to various audiences, from lower management to the CFO. Additionally, Jeff has held corporate consolidation roles that have allowed him to publish external financial reports to Shareholders, Board of Directors, and other financiers. Jeff has developed a strong acumen in building unique financial models surrounding inflation as well as general financial forecasting by leveraging his knowledge of multiple ERP systems (Syteline, Epicor, AS400, & QAD), MS Excel, Phocas BI analytics, SQL databases, HFM, OneStream and Ops Rx, among others.
Jeff is versatile in providing both a bottom-up and top-down approach to financial forecasting and reporting, allowing him to provide the best strategies for clients looking to improve profitability in an increasingly competitive market.
University of Findlay (BS)
Chris is a Vice President at FINNEA Group, with over 5 years of financial advisory experience across a variety of industries. Chris’s areas of focus include mergers & acquisitions, financial and operational modeling, cash flow management (e.g., liquidity forecasting, order to cash, etc.), process improvement and systems integration. Prior to joining FINNEA, Chris worked in Deloitte’s Business Valuation practice where he provided pre-and-post deal analytics and valuation insights for large public- and privately-held companies. Chris received his Bachelor of Arts in Finance from Michigan State University and his Master of Science in Finance from the Cox School of Business at Southern Methodist University.
Michigan State University (BA)
Southern Methodist University (MS)
Josh is a Vice President at FINNEA Group, specializing in merger and acquisitions transactions, valuations, financial and strategic advisory services. His transactional experience is primarily sell-side M&A advisory for privately-owned, middle-market businesses across a variety of industries. Prior to joining FINNEA, Josh worked at a large Tier-1 automotive supplier, leading global projects across multiple teams. During his time with the company, it went public on the London Stock Exchange and successfully acquired another Tier-1 supplier.
Josh received both his MBA and BS in Business Administration (Finance), from The University of Detroit Mercy.
University of Detroit Mercy (BS/MBA)
Andrew has over 10 years of data analytics and FP&A experience. He has substantial experience in sales forecasting, process improvement, systems integration and financial modeling. Prior to joining FINNEA, Andrew worked at Arden Companies where he lead their Forecasting and Analytics teams and oversaw budget development, client negotiations and financial reporting. Andrew received his Bachelor of Business Administration, with honors, from the Ross School of Business at the University of Michigan.
University of Michigan Ross School of Business (BBA)
Nick has more than 15 years of experience providing a broad range of financial advisory services, including corporate development, enterprise risk management, investment banking, restructuring, valuation and transaction advisory services. Nick has extensive experience with advanced financial modeling, including complex integrated business models, cash flow forecasting, and discounted cash flow models. Prior to joining FINNEA, he was in the financial advisory services groups at B. Riley, UHY and Stout Risius Ross. Earlier in his career, he was part of Donnelly Penman & Partners’ investment banking team. He began his career in a financial analyst role within the enterprise risk management, capital advisors, and corporate development groups of Comerica.
Nick is an active member of the Detroit CFA Society and is a Level III candidate in the Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) program. In addition, he earned his CVA designation from the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts. He earned a bachelor’s degree in Corporate Finance from Wayne State University and an MBA from Walsh College.
Wayne State University (BS)
Walsh College (MBA)
Mita brings over 20 years of experience, spending the last 17 years building a strong professional career in the automotive industry. Mita began her career in Information Technology developing financial reporting for the banking sector. Her unique approach to data modeling allowed her to build creative analytical solutions using a variety of tools, including SQL databases, HFM, Power BI, Excel (including VBA macros), SharePoint, Campfire Interactive, SAP Business Objects, Price f(x), and Ops RX, among others. These skills were fundamental in building her financial acumen in FP&A, Chart of Accounts mapping, Sales Forecasting, Financial Modeling, Cash Forecasting, Consolidations, and M&A. Prior to joining FINNEA, she worked at Champion Laboratories where she held executive-level positions from Director of FP&A to interim Chief Financial Officer. Mita was instrumental in providing key analysis for financial activities during the acquisition process of Champion Laboratories from UCI International to First Brands Group.
Mita received her Bachelor of Mathematics (with honors), with a minor in Economics (Finance Specialization), from the University of Waterloo in Ontario, Canada. Understanding the changing face of business, she became a certified Diversity & Inclusion facilitator in 2017. In her spare time, Mita volunteers as a Math Evangelist, promoting STEM education for at-risk young women at various institutions, including the University of Toledo and Imagination Station.
University of Waterloo (BM)
Dustin is a Managing Director at FINNEA Group and has substantial mergers & acquisitions, finance strategy, corporate finance, and business strategy experience. His transaction background is comprised of sell-side M&A advisory transactions, buy-side M&A advisory transactions, and debt and equity capital raise advisory. Prior to joining FINNEA Group, Dustin spent several years with Ernst & Young where he worked in Financial Advisory, advising his clients on business and financial strategy through rapid assessments, bench-marking, and business optimization. He has experience across a range of industries including industrials, manufacturing, business services, healthcare, technology, food & beverage, automation, and plastics.
Dustin received his MBA from The University of North Carolina – Chapel Hill and his BSBA with a double major in Finance and Real Estate Development from Central Michigan University. Dustin is a registered representative of StillPoint Capital and holds the SIE, Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent State Law), and 79 certifications (Investment Banking).
Central Michigan University (BSBA)
University of North Carolina (MBA)
David is a Director and the Chief Financial Officer for FINNEA. He has extensive experience in providing financial management and turnaround advisory services to clients within the automotive and general manufacturing sectors, and has expertise in financial modeling, liquidity forecasting and cash management. Prior to joining FINNEA, David was most recently a Senior Vice President with Macquarie Capital.
He has also served as an advisor to automotive suppliers ASC, Inc. and AZ Automotive, both portfolio companies of the private equity firm Questor Management Co. Prior to joining Questor, he was a Plant Controller with Guardian Industries and began his career as an auditor with Arthur Andersen. Dave is a registered Certified Public Accountant (State of Michigan 1998) and holds a BBA from the University of Michigan.
University of Michigan Ross School of Business (BBA)
Andrew (“Drew”) Ottaway is a Senior Managing Director of FINNEA Group. Andrew has over 30 years of banking experience, including numerous roles in corporate finance and commercial banking. Prior to joining FINNEA Group, he served as President of Flagstar Bank with oversight of all banking businesses, corporate finance and operations. Prior to that, he held numerous roles in commercial banking at Comerica Bank and the National Bank of Detroit.
Andrew received an MBA from the University of Detroit and a Bachelor’s degree from Miami University.
Miami University (BA)
University of Detroit Mercy (MBA)
Joe is a Senior Managing Director and co-founder of FINNEA Group. In his role, Mr. Novak manages FINNEA’s Restructuring and Financial Planning and Analysis practices. Joe focuses on developing and implementing turnaround plans involving companies, customers, banks and other parties-in-interest in the manufacturing and distribution sectors. He has over 25 years of experience advising clients in the areas of operational, financial and strategic consulting. His clients have included large, publicly-traded Tier One and privately-held automotive suppliers, diversified manufacturing and distribution companies, banks, private equity funds and unsecured creditors.
Prior to forming FINNEA, Joe founded a boutique restructuring firm, The Novak Group, and previous to that has worked in the manufacturing restructuring practices of Macquarie Capital and Conway MacKenzie & Dunleavy. Joe is a Certified Turnaround Professional (CTP) as designated by the Turnaround Management Association and a member of the American Bankruptcy Institute. He received an MBA from the University of Michigan and a BS in Engineering from Michigan State University.
Michigan State University (BS)
University of Michigan Ross School of Business (MBA)
Thomas is a Senior Managing Director and co-founder of FINNEA Group with over 30 years of investment banking and corporate finance experience. Prior to forming FINNEA, Thomas worked at Macquarie Capital (USA) Inc. He was responsible for advising public and private companies in acquisitions, divestitures, and debt and equity financing placements. Thomas was also responsible for sourcing and executing principal investment and private equity transactions for Macquarie and its investment funds. Prior to Macquarie, he was a Managing Director for Giuliani Capital Advisors in its Chicago office. He also previously worked for Ernst & Young Corporate Finance, LLC where he gained international experience while spending three years in London where he advised a wide range of clients on assignments based in the UK, continental Europe and the Middle East, as well as initiating and structuring cross-border transactions.
Prior to Ernst & Young, Thomas was employed with General Motors Corp. in a corporate finance capacity where he was one of the founding employees of GM’s subsidiary, Saturn Corporation. He has acted as lead financial advisor on transactions in a wide variety of industry sectors including packaging, plastics, contract manufacturing, building and industrial components, marine services and shipping, logistics, distribution and metals. Thomas received his BBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and his MBA in Finance from the University of Notre Dame. Additionally, he has guest lectured and taught seminars on a variety of topics including corporate acquisitions and divestitures, business valuation and shareholder value analysis.
University of Michigan Ross School of Business (BBA)
University of Notre Dame (MBA)
Jim is a Senior Managing Director and co-founder of FINNEA Group. He focuses on providing financial advisory services for companies seeking to grow through acquisition, divesting all or a portion of the business, raising third-party capital or other capital markets transactions. Jim has over 25 years of experience advising middle-market clients in M&A transactions, business valuations, capital markets transactions and asset management. Prior to founding FINNEA, Jim founded LonePine Capital Advisors, a successful middle-market investment banking firm. Prior to founding LonePine, he worked at Macquarie Capital (USA) where he led several buyout transactions and advised numerous companies with acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, capital sourcing, leveraged recapitalizations and various forms of strategic planning.
Jim began his career at Ernst & Young Corporate Finance in 1996 which later became Giuliani Capital Advisors (post-acquisition). Prior to joining EY, he worked for over four years as a Financial Analyst for a Fortune 1000 Company. He spent more than three years of this time living and working in Latin America. He also worked as a Treasury Analyst for General Motors involved in overseas and trade finance.
Jim received his MBA with Distinction from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business and his BA in Finance from Miami University.
Miami University (BA)
University of Michigan Ross School of Business (MBA)
Brian is a Senior Managing Director of FINNEA Group. He brings over 25 years of middle market corporate finance and investment banking experience, including M&A advisory for privately held, publicly traded, and private equity firms. In addition, Brian is a recognized leader in institutional capital raises focusing on second lien, subordinated mezzanine, redeemable and convertible preferred securities used to finance acquisitions, organic growth and shareholder recapitalizations. Prior to FINNEA Group, he served as Managing Director of W.Y. Campbell & Company and worked at Comerica Bank and Arthur Andersen.
He currently serves on the board of directors of former clients for which he successfully raised acquisition capital. Brian graduated from Michigan State University with an engineering degree and earned an MBA from the University of Michigan Ross School of Business, where he graduated first in his class. Brian is a registered representative of StillPoint Capital and holds the Series 63 (Uniform Securities Agent State Law), 79 (Investment Banking), and 82 certifications (Private Securities Offerings).
Michigan State University (BS)
University of Michigan Ross School of Business (MBA)