Loofbourrow Associates is a private investment banking firm that provides corporate finance services including mergers and acquisitions, private placements of debt and equity, and financial advisory services. It focuses on middle-market companies and transactions ranging from $5 million to $500 million. The firm has deep experience in structuring and executing various types of transactions, including leveraged buyouts, management buyouts, and raising capital for growth, acquisitions, and other purposes. It maintains relationships with various financing sources to meet clients' capital needs.
Crowdfinance -101 (Series: Crypto, Crowdfunding & Other Crazy Concepts)Financial Poise
What is the “crowd” in Crowdfinance? What does the crowd thus buy and by what means and modes? And why should the crowd do this rather than put its money to work otherwise? What are the old (and continuing) modes for marketing and selling private securities? What is it like to purchase private securities from on-line portals? How are risks of fraud and mistake allocated there? Do on-line portals help get the rest of us in on unicorns in utero? How are equity securities purchased by the crowd turned into money? Is there a secondary market for private securities? Should ICOs be understood as crowdfinance by other means?
To view the accompanying webinar, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/crowdfinance-101-2021/
Help, My Business is In Trouble! (Series: Restructuring, Insolvency & Trouble...Financial Poise
When a business becomes financially troubled, the business owner often experiences denial, paralysis, or both. Lenders commonly lose confidence and then trust in the business, as communications tend to break down, deadlines are missed, and promises are broken. Small business owners commonly have issued personal guarantees, so business failure can often lead to personal financial stress. The good news is the business and business owner usually has some options, and even some leverage. This webinar explains what a business owner should- and should not- consider and do when dealing with financial trouble. Specific topics include discussion of bankruptcy (Chapters 7 and 11); assignments for the benefit of creditors; and friendly foreclosures. This webinar provides the business owner and her advisors with an overview of various restructuring and liquidation methods, a framework for how to decide between them, and practical tips for traversing the difficult environment that is financial distress.
To view the accompanying webinar, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/help-my-business-is-in-trouble-2021/
Crowdfunding from the Start-Up's Perspective (Series: Crowdfunding)Financial Poise
How can businesses use the tools created by the JOBS Act to access capital? This webinar compares raising money online to traditional methods of capital raising. It also compares each of the different titles available under the JOBS Act. Finally, we discuss and compare the differences between security based crowdfunding and rewards based crowdfunding, exploring those instances where such a method would make sense.
To view the accompanying webinar, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/crowdfunding-from-the-start-ups-perspective-2021/
Current Trends in Leveraged Finance (Series: Leveraged Finance)Financial Poise
This webinar discusses some of the latest trends and developments in leveraged finance terms and practices and the extent to which some of these have gained market acceptance.
To view the accompanying webinar, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/current-trends-in-leveraged-finance-2021/
Crowdfinance -101 (Series: Crypto, Crowdfunding & Other Crazy Concepts)Financial Poise
What is the “crowd” in Crowdfinance? What does the crowd thus buy and by what means and modes? And why should the crowd do this rather than put its money to work otherwise? What are the old (and continuing) modes for marketing and selling private securities? What is it like to purchase private securities from on-line portals? How are risks of fraud and mistake allocated there? Do on-line portals help get the rest of us in on unicorns in utero? How are equity securities purchased by the crowd turned into money? Is there a secondary market for private securities? Should ICOs be understood as crowdfinance by other means?
To view the accompanying webinar, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/crowdfinance-101-2021/
Help, My Business is In Trouble! (Series: Restructuring, Insolvency & Trouble...Financial Poise
When a business becomes financially troubled, the business owner often experiences denial, paralysis, or both. Lenders commonly lose confidence and then trust in the business, as communications tend to break down, deadlines are missed, and promises are broken. Small business owners commonly have issued personal guarantees, so business failure can often lead to personal financial stress. The good news is the business and business owner usually has some options, and even some leverage. This webinar explains what a business owner should- and should not- consider and do when dealing with financial trouble. Specific topics include discussion of bankruptcy (Chapters 7 and 11); assignments for the benefit of creditors; and friendly foreclosures. This webinar provides the business owner and her advisors with an overview of various restructuring and liquidation methods, a framework for how to decide between them, and practical tips for traversing the difficult environment that is financial distress.
To view the accompanying webinar, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/help-my-business-is-in-trouble-2021/
Crowdfunding from the Start-Up's Perspective (Series: Crowdfunding)Financial Poise
How can businesses use the tools created by the JOBS Act to access capital? This webinar compares raising money online to traditional methods of capital raising. It also compares each of the different titles available under the JOBS Act. Finally, we discuss and compare the differences between security based crowdfunding and rewards based crowdfunding, exploring those instances where such a method would make sense.
To view the accompanying webinar, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/crowdfunding-from-the-start-ups-perspective-2021/
Current Trends in Leveraged Finance (Series: Leveraged Finance)Financial Poise
This webinar discusses some of the latest trends and developments in leveraged finance terms and practices and the extent to which some of these have gained market acceptance.
To view the accompanying webinar, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/current-trends-in-leveraged-finance-2021/
Crowdfunding from the Start-Up's Perspective (Series: Crowdfunding 2020) Financial Poise
How can businesses use the tools created by the JOBS Act to access capital? This webinar compares raising money online to traditional methods of capital raising. It also compares each of the different titles available under the JOBS Act. Finally, we discuss and compare the differences between security based crowdfunding and rewards based crowdfunding, exploring those instances where such a method would make sense.
To listen to this webinar on demand, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/crowdfunding-from-the-start-ups-perspective-2020/
The deal is complete, and the parties have finished the hard work. Or have they? Integration planning turns to execution as people, process, and technology are combined once the deal is legally closed. The buyer will need to consider the purchased business or assets from the standpoint of employees, IT, customers, suppliers, and a multitude of other areas. In addition, numerous post-closing legal issues may arise, including purchase price adjustments, breaches of representations and warranties, enforcement of key negative employment-related covenants and restrictive covenants, collection of pre-closing accounts receivable, and true-ups of final financials. This episode guides listeners through the process, timing, and issues which most commonly arise after the closing of deals.
To view the accompanying webinar, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/post-closing-issues-integration-potential-buyer-seller-disputes-2021/
Data Breach Response: Before and After the Breach (Series: Cybersecurity & Da...Financial Poise
Your company has just suffered a data breach – what do you do next? Who do you call for help? Whom do you need to notify of the breach?
Your company may have already implemented its information security program and has identified the responsible parties, including applicable outside experts, to be contacted in the event of a breach. However, now you must assemble your incident response team to investigate the extent of the breach, evaluate the possible damage to your company, and determine whether you must notify your clients or the public of the breach. This webinar gives you an overview of what to do when the worst happens.
To view the accompanying webinar, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/data-breach-response-2018/
Risk intelligence: How to reliably mitigate transaction risk and secure clean...Graeme Cross
This risk intelligence white paper is part of a series of publications from Aon Strategic Advisors & Transaction Solutions (ASATS). The series focuses on risk management and mitigation and is specifically created to help:
• Chief executives and corporate management board members pursuing growth strategies through M&A, or divesting
• Corporate tax managers, development officers and legal counsel responsible for planning, overseeing and / or delivering planned value from M&A
• Chief executive and chief financial officers of private-equity backed portfolio companies
• Private equity executives, portfolio managers and risk officers
• Corporate finance, accounting, tax and legal advisors servicing corporate and private
equity clients
Executive compensation continues its movement towards performance pay as the standard. Compensation structures and proxy disclosures are more and more complex. Investors and proxy advisors continue to increase influence on compensation issues. This webinar examines executive compensation, including equity-based compensation plans and executive employment and severance agreements. The importance of disclosure, alignment of risk, and metrics is also examined. Practical guidance on pay-for-performance and supplemental pay definitions is provided. The panelists discuss the effect of the Dodd-Frank Act on executive compensation, including SEC regulations. Exchange rules are compared to applicable federal law. Best practices regarding executive compensation committees and regulatory requirements for those committees are examined. Shareholder advisory groups promulgate executive compensation related advisory policies for their institutional shareholder clients annually and these policies are also discussed. Issues regarding board composition and leadership structure issues are discussed in relation to executive compensation.
To view the accompanying webinar, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/executive-compensation-2021/
Paying for Litigation- Hourly, Contingency, Third Party Financing & More (Ser...Financial Poise
As the cost and duration of litigation continue to increase, clients have begun demanding fee arrangements that deliver maximum value and best mitigate risk. This webinar explores the mechanics and pros and cons of various fee arrangements, from hourly to contingent to mixtures of the two. We also discuss the increasingly popular option of third-party litigation finance.
To view the accompanying webinar, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/paying-for-litigation-hourly-contingency-third-party-financing-more-2021/
Crowdfunding from the Investor's Perspective (Series: Crowdfunding)Financial Poise
This webinar focuses on the opportunities that crowdfunding makes available to the investor, and how the investor should go about navigating this new world. We begin with a basic overview of the new regulatory regime, the requirements to invest, and the on-boarding process one should expect. We then dive deeper into the market opportunity, including how to access and select investments, and expectations investors should set for themselves and the projects they select. This is not intended to support any specific deal selection, but instead sheds a light upon the basic selection criteria available, the method to go about investing and what to avoid.
To view the accompanying webinar, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/crowdfunding-from-the-investors-perspective-2021/
Veteran Silicon Valley attorney Roger Royse will discuss, compare and contrast the various options available to entrepreneurs when it comes to funding their startup.
The speaker will address some common questions when it comes to funding for startups, including:
1) What are the best funding options for entrepreneurs to scale their business?
2) When should entrepreneurs pursue external funding?
3) How do entrepreneurs choose the right investor?
4) What alternative sources of funding are available?
5) How and why should a founder stage their funding rounds?
6) When should a founder think about exiting?
7) How can advisers help with the funding process?
and more!
ddie Lampert bought Kmart out of bankruptcy. W.L. Ross made a fortune many times over buying steel and other companies out of bankruptcy. Hedge funds and other distressed debt traders buy and sell millions of dollars of distressed securities and bankruptcy claims every day. A number of private equity funds focus exclusively on buying distressed businesses, fixing, and selling them. And fortunes are made when real estate crashes by those who have the dry powder to swoop in and buy when others are forced to sell. This webinar explains how to loan to, or purchase the debt of, a company in order to acquire it (a strategy commonly called “loan to own”); how to learn about opportunities involving distressed companies; and tips and best practices for participating in bankruptcy, Article 9, and other sales of distressed businesses (including the concept of serving as the “stalking horse).
Part of the webinar series: RESTRUCTURING, INSOLVENCY & TROUBLED COMPANIES 2021
See more at https://www.financialpoise.com/webinars/
The technologies and people we are designing experiences for are constantly changing, in most cases they are changing at a rate that is difficult keep up with. When we think about how our teams are structured and the design processes we use in light of this challenge, a new design problem (or problem space) emerges, one that requires us to focus inward. How do we structure our teams and processes to be resilient? What would happen if we looked at our teams and design process as IA’s, Designers, Researchers? What strategies would we put in place to help them be successful? This talk will look at challenges we face leading, supporting, or simply being a part of design teams creating experiences for user groups with changing technological needs.
Crowdfunding from the Start-Up's Perspective (Series: Crowdfunding 2020) Financial Poise
How can businesses use the tools created by the JOBS Act to access capital? This webinar compares raising money online to traditional methods of capital raising. It also compares each of the different titles available under the JOBS Act. Finally, we discuss and compare the differences between security based crowdfunding and rewards based crowdfunding, exploring those instances where such a method would make sense.
To listen to this webinar on demand, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/crowdfunding-from-the-start-ups-perspective-2020/
The deal is complete, and the parties have finished the hard work. Or have they? Integration planning turns to execution as people, process, and technology are combined once the deal is legally closed. The buyer will need to consider the purchased business or assets from the standpoint of employees, IT, customers, suppliers, and a multitude of other areas. In addition, numerous post-closing legal issues may arise, including purchase price adjustments, breaches of representations and warranties, enforcement of key negative employment-related covenants and restrictive covenants, collection of pre-closing accounts receivable, and true-ups of final financials. This episode guides listeners through the process, timing, and issues which most commonly arise after the closing of deals.
To view the accompanying webinar, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/post-closing-issues-integration-potential-buyer-seller-disputes-2021/
Data Breach Response: Before and After the Breach (Series: Cybersecurity & Da...Financial Poise
Your company has just suffered a data breach – what do you do next? Who do you call for help? Whom do you need to notify of the breach?
Your company may have already implemented its information security program and has identified the responsible parties, including applicable outside experts, to be contacted in the event of a breach. However, now you must assemble your incident response team to investigate the extent of the breach, evaluate the possible damage to your company, and determine whether you must notify your clients or the public of the breach. This webinar gives you an overview of what to do when the worst happens.
To view the accompanying webinar, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/data-breach-response-2018/
Risk intelligence: How to reliably mitigate transaction risk and secure clean...Graeme Cross
This risk intelligence white paper is part of a series of publications from Aon Strategic Advisors & Transaction Solutions (ASATS). The series focuses on risk management and mitigation and is specifically created to help:
• Chief executives and corporate management board members pursuing growth strategies through M&A, or divesting
• Corporate tax managers, development officers and legal counsel responsible for planning, overseeing and / or delivering planned value from M&A
• Chief executive and chief financial officers of private-equity backed portfolio companies
• Private equity executives, portfolio managers and risk officers
• Corporate finance, accounting, tax and legal advisors servicing corporate and private
equity clients
Executive compensation continues its movement towards performance pay as the standard. Compensation structures and proxy disclosures are more and more complex. Investors and proxy advisors continue to increase influence on compensation issues. This webinar examines executive compensation, including equity-based compensation plans and executive employment and severance agreements. The importance of disclosure, alignment of risk, and metrics is also examined. Practical guidance on pay-for-performance and supplemental pay definitions is provided. The panelists discuss the effect of the Dodd-Frank Act on executive compensation, including SEC regulations. Exchange rules are compared to applicable federal law. Best practices regarding executive compensation committees and regulatory requirements for those committees are examined. Shareholder advisory groups promulgate executive compensation related advisory policies for their institutional shareholder clients annually and these policies are also discussed. Issues regarding board composition and leadership structure issues are discussed in relation to executive compensation.
To view the accompanying webinar, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/executive-compensation-2021/
Paying for Litigation- Hourly, Contingency, Third Party Financing & More (Ser...Financial Poise
As the cost and duration of litigation continue to increase, clients have begun demanding fee arrangements that deliver maximum value and best mitigate risk. This webinar explores the mechanics and pros and cons of various fee arrangements, from hourly to contingent to mixtures of the two. We also discuss the increasingly popular option of third-party litigation finance.
To view the accompanying webinar, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/paying-for-litigation-hourly-contingency-third-party-financing-more-2021/
Crowdfunding from the Investor's Perspective (Series: Crowdfunding)Financial Poise
This webinar focuses on the opportunities that crowdfunding makes available to the investor, and how the investor should go about navigating this new world. We begin with a basic overview of the new regulatory regime, the requirements to invest, and the on-boarding process one should expect. We then dive deeper into the market opportunity, including how to access and select investments, and expectations investors should set for themselves and the projects they select. This is not intended to support any specific deal selection, but instead sheds a light upon the basic selection criteria available, the method to go about investing and what to avoid.
To view the accompanying webinar, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/crowdfunding-from-the-investors-perspective-2021/
Veteran Silicon Valley attorney Roger Royse will discuss, compare and contrast the various options available to entrepreneurs when it comes to funding their startup.
The speaker will address some common questions when it comes to funding for startups, including:
1) What are the best funding options for entrepreneurs to scale their business?
2) When should entrepreneurs pursue external funding?
3) How do entrepreneurs choose the right investor?
4) What alternative sources of funding are available?
5) How and why should a founder stage their funding rounds?
6) When should a founder think about exiting?
7) How can advisers help with the funding process?
and more!
ddie Lampert bought Kmart out of bankruptcy. W.L. Ross made a fortune many times over buying steel and other companies out of bankruptcy. Hedge funds and other distressed debt traders buy and sell millions of dollars of distressed securities and bankruptcy claims every day. A number of private equity funds focus exclusively on buying distressed businesses, fixing, and selling them. And fortunes are made when real estate crashes by those who have the dry powder to swoop in and buy when others are forced to sell. This webinar explains how to loan to, or purchase the debt of, a company in order to acquire it (a strategy commonly called “loan to own”); how to learn about opportunities involving distressed companies; and tips and best practices for participating in bankruptcy, Article 9, and other sales of distressed businesses (including the concept of serving as the “stalking horse).
Part of the webinar series: RESTRUCTURING, INSOLVENCY & TROUBLED COMPANIES 2021
See more at https://www.financialpoise.com/webinars/
The technologies and people we are designing experiences for are constantly changing, in most cases they are changing at a rate that is difficult keep up with. When we think about how our teams are structured and the design processes we use in light of this challenge, a new design problem (or problem space) emerges, one that requires us to focus inward. How do we structure our teams and processes to be resilient? What would happen if we looked at our teams and design process as IA’s, Designers, Researchers? What strategies would we put in place to help them be successful? This talk will look at challenges we face leading, supporting, or simply being a part of design teams creating experiences for user groups with changing technological needs.
UX, ethnography and possibilities: for Libraries, Museums and ArchivesNed Potter
These slides are adapted from a talk I gave at the Welsh Government's Marketing Awards for the LAM sector, in 2017.
It offers a primer on UX - User Experience - and how ethnography and design might be used in the library, archive and museum worlds to better understand our users. All good marketing starts with audience insight.
The presentation covers the following:
1) An introduction to UX
2) Ethnography, with definitions and examples of 7 ethnographic techniques
3) User-centred design and Design Thinking
4) Examples of UX-led changes made at institutions in the UK and Scandinavia
5) Next Steps - if you'd like to try out UX at your own organisation
An immersive workshop at General Assembly, SF. I typically teach this workshop at General Assembly, San Francisco. To see a list of my upcoming classes, visit https://generalassemb.ly/instructors/seth-familian/4813
I also teach this workshop as a private lunch-and-learn or half-day immersive session for corporate clients. To learn more about pricing and availability, please contact me at http://familian1.com
3 Things Every Sales Team Needs to Be Thinking About in 2017Drift
Thinking about your sales team's goals for 2017? Drift's VP of Sales shares 3 things you can do to improve conversion rates and drive more revenue.
Read the full story on the Drift blog here: http://blog.drift.com/sales-team-tips
How to Become a Thought Leader in Your NicheLeslie Samuel
Are bloggers thought leaders? Here are some tips on how you can become one. Provide great value, put awesome content out there on a regular basis, and help others.
Eddie Lampert bought Kmart out of bankruptcy. W.L. Ross made a fortune many times over buying steel and other companies out of bankruptcy. Hedge funds and other distressed debt traders buy and sell millions of dollars of distressed securities and bankruptcy claims every day. A number of private equity funds focus exclusively on buying distressed businesses, fixing, and selling them. And fortunes are made when real estate crashes by those who have the dry powder to swoop in and buy when others are forced to sell. This webinar explains how to loan to, or purchase the debt of, a company in order to acquire it (a strategy commonly called “loan to own”); how to learn about opportunities involving distressed companies; and tips and best practices for participating in bankruptcy, Article 9, and other sales of distressed businesses (including the concept of serving as the “stalking horse).
To view the accompanying webinar, go to: https://www.financialpoise.com/financial-poise-webinars/opportunity-amidst-crisis-buying-distressed-assets-claims-and-securities-for-fun-profit-2020/
Silverwood Capital Fund I LLC formed to take advantage of a narrow niche in the mortgage note industry. The Company will seek to acquire, workout, and manage nonperforming real estate notes secured by residential 1-4 unit properties. While the primary emphasis will be focusing on nonperforming junior and Home Equity Line Of Credit (“HELOC”) notes, we will purchase select senior liens and REOs.
Using our network of banking and equity fund contacts, and advanced marketing techniques, the Fund will purchase mortgages and real estate at significant discounts to its underlying value. By focusing on distressed mortgages and properties, we know the potential for above average returns exist.
These securities are being offered under an exemption provided by SEC Regulation D Rule 506(c). Only accredited investors who meet the SEC Regulation D 501 “accredited investor” accreditation standards and who provide suitable verification of accredited status may invest into this Offering.
• Any historical performance data represents past performance. Past performance does not guarantee future results;
• Current performance may be different than the performance data presented;
• The Company is not required by law to follow any standard methodology when calculating and representing performance data;
• The performance of the Company may not be directly comparable to the performance of other private or registered funds or companies;
• The securities are being offered in reliance on an exemption from the registration requirements, and therefore are not required to comply with certain specific disclosure requirements;
• The Securities and Exchange Commission has not passed upon the merits of or approved the securities, the terms of the offering, or the accuracy of the materials.
LPL Financial provides technology, brokerage, and investment advisory services through business relationships
with independent financial advisors, registered investment advisors (RIAs), and financial institutions and their
financial representatives. Our financial advisors and institutions are our only customers, and we do not market
directly to investors.
37. Professional Biographies PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Andrea Blattman has over 19 years of experience in the financial services industry. Prior to joining Loofbourrow, Ms. Blattman was a Director in the Private Placement group at ING Barings responsible for transaction origination, structuring and distribution globally, and specifically focusing on Latin America. Before going to ING, Ms. Blattman was Vice President and Deputy Manager of the Asset-Backed Finance Group at Banco Santander, S.A., where she developed a substantial book of structured finance business in both commodity and esoteric asset classes. Prior to joining Santander, Ms. Blattman worked in the Mortgage and Asset-Backed Capital Group at Prudential Securities. EDUCATION Ms. Blattman has a Bachelor of Science in Finance / Management from Binghamton University and her MBA degree in Finance / International Business from New York University’s Stern School of Business. She is a member of She is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). She is also fluent in conversational Spanish. Andrea J. Blattman, Managing Director Brian Foley, Managing Director PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Brian Foley specializes in the business aviation sector. Previously, Brian spent 20 years as Director at Dassault Falcon Jet, a major business jet manufacturer. During this tenure Brian learned the idiosyncrasies of the industry from an insider's perspective, while developing numerous relationships in the business aviation and investment communities. It's from this experience and contract base that Brian is able to provide insightful services which are truly unique. Foley has participated with the National Aircraft Finance Association (NAFA), the National Aircraft Resale Association (NARA), and is a member of the National Business Aviation Association (NBAA). On the Transportation Research Board (TRB) his opinions on business jet production rates including the VLJ Very Light Jet (VLJ) market are used by the FAA for traffic forecasts. He is a regular speaker at the annual SpeedNews Corporate Aviation Suppliers Conference, and also provides updates of the business jet industry to stock analysts and investors. Foley is a full member of the Wings Club. His Career began at the Boeing Company in both engineering and marketing capacities for the commercial aircraft division. EDUCATION Mr. Foley holds a dual degree in mechanical and aerospace engineering from Syracuse University, as well as an MBA in Marketing from Seattle University. He is an instrument rated pilot. He is president of an affiliated company Brian Foley Associates.
38. Professional Biographies PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Cynthia Brooks has worked in the Financial Services Industry for 17 years. She is Founder and Director of BD Capital Management LTD. located in London, England, an affiliate of John W. Loofbourrow Associates, Inc. Ms. Brooks has been a Strategic Advisor to companies in the IT, Financial Services, Retail, and Telecommunications sectors. Ms. Brooks worked for the Northern Trust Corporation as a Vice President and NASD Principal managing a six state team of Financial Planners engaging corporate and Key individual Trust business. As a Vice President at the Harris Trust Corporation, she led a team of Financial Advisors to commence the distribution of Harris Institutional & Retail Fund Management. Her career began as a Financial Advisor at Merrill Lynch and later as a Senior Financial Advisor at Harris Investors Direct, Inc. EDUCATION Ms. Brooks has a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Western Michigan University. She is a member of the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA). Cynthia Brooks, Managing Director Amy F. Diamond, Managing Director PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Amy F. Diamond, founder and a Managing Member of Bandel Interests LLC, a private investment firm based in Houston, Texas, for growth and middle market companies in the energy sector. She has more than 25 years of experience in the investment industry including having worked in International Mergers and Acquisitions for Lazard Frères. Prior to Bandel, Ms. Diamond worked as a Managing Director for Triumph Securities Corporation, an energy boutique based in New York City. She has completed more than 50 transactions both in the U.S. and abroad and is experienced in the upstream area, technology services area and petrochemicals. She was an owner and Board member of Glemby International, an international personal care services company with 1300 stores worldwide and was responsible for successfully completing the sale of the Company. . EDUCATION Ms. Diamond has a BA in Psychology from New York University and an MBA in Finance from New York University Graduate School of Business.
39. Professional Biographies PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Thomas A. Thompson is a Managing Director whose 35-year business career includes experience in durable goods manufacturing, telecommunications, electric utilities, banking, financial services, professional services, consumer products, computer hardware, software, tourism, hospitality and aviation. Prior to his affiliation with Loofbourrow Associates he served a wide range of public and private sector clients as vice president of MDI Associates, LLC, a management and valuation consulting firm. Tom began his career at Arthur Young & Company, now Ernst & Young, in the firm's New York City office. He then spent a decade with Garden Way Incorporated, where he filled an increasingly responsible series of financial accounting, planning and corporate development positions. Later, he joined Enable Software as CFO and, subsequently, Bitwise Designs, now Authentidate Holding Corporation, as COO. EDUCATION Tom earned a bachelor's degree in economics from Hamilton College and an MBA from Rutgers Business School. He is a licensed CPA Accredited in Business Valuation, a certified general real estate appraiser, and holds a commercial pilot license. Tom is Managing Director of an affiliated company, Schwartz Heslin Group, Inc. Thomas A. Thompson, Managing Director Andrew C. Vickery, Managing Director PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE Andrew C. Vickery is Managing Director at Schwartz Heslin Group, Inc. and Loofbourrow. He has deep experience in corporate, syndicated, structured, project and export finance, capital markets, and restructurings. He manages a significant number of investor relationships and provides corporate finance and restructuring advisory services to a variety of clients. Since 2003, he has been Managing Director of Schwartz Heslin Group, Inc., a financial advisory firm. Prior to 2002, Mr. Vickery was a Director/Vice President with the Investment Bank of JP Morgan Chase and Co. His last assignment with JP Morgan Chase was in Frankfurt, Germany heading a Corporate Finance team responsible for technology, media and telecom names. Prior to that, he was based in Hong Kong and Singapore. EDUCATION Andrew holds a Bachelors degree in economics from the University of Colorado. He manages several private equity and distressed debt investment vehicles. He also serves on a variety of corporate, charitable and advisory boards including Berkshire Taconic Community Foundation, an $80 million endowment, on which he serves on both the Board of Directors and the Investments Committee.
40. Professional Biographies PROFESSIONAL EXPERIENCE David S. Wilson has over 25 years of experience in the automobile industry. Prior to joining Loofbourrow, Mr. Wilson had been President, COO and CFO for several large automobile dealership groups. He has been a trouble shooter for General Motors and Ford Motor Company, providing operational and strategic expertise to successfully turnaround several dealerships experiencing severe operational and financial problems. Mr. Wilson was President and COO for a hedge fund backed group of trouble automobile dealerships which he turned around and positioned for sale. Mr. Wilson was also CFO for a large automobile dealer group in the Washington, D.C. market where he developed internal control and cost saving programs that have remained in effect for over 22 years. Mr. Wilson has extensive experience in benchmarking, due diligence and by/sell agreements and is particularly knowledgeable about the ADP and Reynolds and Reynolds data processing systems. EDUCATION Mr. Wilson has a Bachelor of Science degree in accounting/law from the University of Baltimore and has done post graduate work at several universities. David S. Wilson, Managing Director