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Flexible | Strategic | Different

Tom Barber

Managing Director


Prior Experience:

  • Black Canyon Capital
  • Credit Suisse First Boston
  • Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette

Education:

  • University of California at Berkeley, BA
Prior to co-founding SBJ, Tom was a Managing Director and oversaw the consumer and services investing efforts at Black Canyon Capital, a $500 million fund that invested in equity and junior debt.  He originated, structured, negotiated and monitored investments in companies with between $5 million and $40 million of EBITDA in the consumer, business services and healthcare services industries.  Prior to 2005, Tom spent six years at Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette (DLJ) and Credit Suisse First Boston in investment banking with a focus on leveraged finance. 

Tom has served as an active director on more than 10 boards and has extensive experience working closely with entrepreneurs and management teams across a variety of corporate functions. 

During his career, Tom has completed over 60 transactions, including over $400 million of principal investments and add-on acquisitions, $2 billion of leveraged finance transactions and $6 billion of other corporate transactions, including M&A advisory and equity offerings.

Tom graduated with a BA in Political Science and a minor in Business Administration from the University of California at Berkeley.  When he is not investing in companies, Tom enjoys following Cal sports, CrossFit and reminiscing about what travel and hobbies were like prior to having four children.

Prior Experience:

  • Black Canyon Capital
  • Credit Suisse First Boston
  • Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette

Education:

  • University of California at Berkeley, BA

Flexible | Strategic | Different

Alex Brigino

Associate


Prior Experience:

  • Cherry Tree & Associates

Education:

  • University of St. Thomas, BS
Alex joined SBJ in 2024 and supports all aspects of diligence, deal execution and portfolio management. Prior to SBJ, Alex was an Associate at Cherry Tree & Associates, a Minneapolis-based boutique investment bank specializing in M&A within the Consumer, Education and Business Services sectors. Over his three-year tenure, Alex contributed to the successful completion of over ten acquisitions, primarily involving founder-led companies in the lower-middle-market. Notable transaction experience included the sale of InHarvest to Riviana Foods (BME: EBRO) and Koch Industries to Hillman (Nasdaq: HLMN).

Alex earned his B.S. in Finance from the University of St. Thomas in St. Paul, MN. During his senior year, Alex was a part of the Aristotle program, where he co-managed a mid-cap equities fund with investment authority of over $7M for the University's endowment. In his free time, Alex enjoys rooting for Minnesota sports teams, watching stand-up comedy, attending car shows and spending time with his dog Louie.

Prior Experience:

  • Cherry Tree & Associates

Education:

  • University of St. Thomas, BS

Flexible | Strategic | Different

Taylor Caswell-Chen

Vice President


Prior Experience:

  • ClearLight Partners
  • Taymax Group
  • Credit Suisse

Education:

  • University of California at Berkeley, BS
Taylor joined SBJ in 2020 and today supports all aspects of diligence, deal execution and portfolio management. Prior to SBJ, Taylor was an Associate at ClearLight Partners, a lower middle-market investment firm in Orange County, where he was responsible for diligence, deal execution and portfolio management across a number of industries including consumer and business services.

Prior to ClearLight, Taylor worked as a Corporate Development Associate at Taymax Group, one of the largest franchisees of Planet Fitness clubs in North America and a former portfolio company of ClearLight. Prior to Taymax, Taylor was an Analyst at Credit Suisse in their Technology group based in San Francisco.

Taylor graduated with a BS in Business Administration and a minor in Energy Engineering from the University of California at Berkeley.  In his spare time, Taylor enjoys reading books, listening to and playing music and working on his golf swing, as well as spending time with family and friends.

Prior Experience:

  • ClearLight Partners
  • Taymax Group
  • Credit Suisse

Education:

  • University of California at Berkeley, BS

Flexible | Strategic | Different

Matt Cole

Managing Director


Prior Experience:

  • Deutsche Bank
  • NetApp

Education:

  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, BS
Matt is responsible for Business Development at SBJ. Prior to SBJ, Matt served as Director of Finance and Strategic Initiatives at Better Place, Director of Corporate Development at Solidus Networks and Senior Manager of Corporate Development at NetApp, and also served as an advisor to companies in the consumer and services industries. In Matt's operating roles, he managed debt and equity financings, business development, acquisitions and financial planning. Matt began his career at Deutsche Bank in investment banking and, throughout his career, has completed principal investments, debt and equity financings and acquisitions totaling over $1 billion.

Matt graduated with a BS in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. Matt enjoys spending time with his family, golfing, skiing and generally being outdoors in the Bay Area.

Prior Experience:

  • Deutsche Bank
  • NetApp

Education:

  • University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill, BS

Flexible | Strategic | Different

John Dahlgren

VP Talent, Operations Group


Prior Experience:

  • Tide Rock Holdings
  • Bespoke Partners
  • Manta Resources

Education:

  • Ball State University, BA
John Dahlgren joined SBJ in 2022 as Vice President of Talent, bringing over 13 years of experience in executive recruitment, human capital planning and private equity. John collaborates with SBJ's investment teams, partner company executives and executive recruiters to develop and execute customized recruiting plans for strategic hires. Prior to joining SBJ, John served as EVP of Talent at Tide Rock Holdings ("Tide Rock"), an investment firm focused on lower middle-market buyouts of founder-led businesses. John managed the talent function across a portfolio of 11 companies in services, healthcare and manufacturing. He also cultivated a bench of industry advisors to support commercial due diligence and the sourcing of potential investment opportunities.

Prior to joining Tide Rock, John was a Principal with Bespoke Partners, a retained executive search firm dedicated to partnering with leading private equity firms to recruit talent at every stage of the investment lifecycle, from growth equity to buyout. Before Bespoke Partners, John was the Director of Private Equity Executive Search at Manta Resources.

John graduated with a BA from Ball State University, double majoring in Entrepreneurship and Human Resources Management. When John isn't identifying the next strategic hire, he keeps active with outdoor activities such as hiking, kayaking and skiing. John lives in Southern California but will never trade his Midwest roots and remains an avid Indianapolis Colts fan. Go Blue!

Prior Experience:

  • Tide Rock Holdings
  • Bespoke Partners
  • Manta Resources

Education:

  • Ball State University, BA

Flexible | Strategic | Different

Nicola Forman

VP, Growth Strategy


Prior Experience:

  • The Cambridge Group
  • Digitas

Education:

  • Bucknell University, BS
  • Kellogg School of Management, MBA
Nicola joined SBJ in 2024 and is focused on shaping the value creation strategy and driving growth with SBJ's partner companies. Prior to joining SBJ, Nicola was a Manager at The Cambridge Group, a leading boutique strategy consulting firm based in Chicago, IL. She worked closely with PE-backed and multinational consumer and retail companies to identify, evaluate and accelerate profitable growth opportunities.

Prior to The Cambridge Group, Nicola worked in digital marketing at Digitas in San Francisco and London, where she managed client accounts and business development for global food and beverage, e-commerce and enterprise technology clients.

Nicola earned an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management and a BS in Business Administration from Bucknell University. In her spare time, Nicola enjoys travel, wildlife conservation, learning languages and lots of sports - triathlons, tennis, squash, swimming, and fly fishing, to name a few!

Prior Experience:

  • The Cambridge Group
  • Digitas

Education:

  • Bucknell University, BS
  • Kellogg School of Management, MBA

Flexible | Strategic | Different

Porter Hall

Principal


Prior Experience:

  • JP Morgan Chase

Education:

  • Miami University (Ohio), BS
  • University of California at Berkeley, MBA
Porter joined SBJ in 2013 and has 15 years of experience in corporate finance and private equity. Porter leads the diligence, execution and management of SBJ's investments. Prior to joining SBJ, Porter spent five years at JPMorgan Chase, in the firm's commercial banking group.

Porter graduated with a BS in Finance from Miami University and received an MBA from the Haas School of Business at the University of California, Berkeley. Porter lives in Minneapolis with his wife, two sons, daughter, and their super mutt Moz.

Prior Experience:

  • JP Morgan Chase

Education:

  • Miami University (Ohio), BS
  • University of California at Berkeley, MBA

Flexible | Strategic | Different

Bill Jesse

Managing Director


Prior Experience:

  • Jesse.Hansen&Co.
  • American Hawaii Cruises
  • The Getz Corporation
  • The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New York

Education:

  • Lehigh University, BS, MS
  • Harvard Business School, MBA
In 1986 Bill founded San Francisco-based H.W.Jesse&Co, later known as Jesse.Hansen&Co. Since then he has been an active investor and advisor to founders, families and entrepreneurs focusing on consumer oriented enterprises. Bill is a co-founder of SBJ.

Bill has served on over 20 boards during his career as an investor and advisor and currently serves on the boards of BuDhaGirl, Swensons Drive-In Restaurants, Rack & Riddle, The Perfect Purée of Napa Valley, and Rishi Tea. Prior notable investments include Peet's Coffee & Tea, where he served as an investor, board member and Chairman, Serena & Lily (Chairman), and The Wine Group where Bill served as a board member since the company's inception in 1981, including service as its Chairman (2012-2015). Bill has helped guide the success of numerous other consumer companies and has served on the boards of Specialized Bicycle Components, Troy Lee Designs, Aidells Sausage, Smith Sport Optics, Western Athletic Clubs, Stanislaus Food Products and WIRED Ventures among others.

Bill has more than 15 years of operating experience that includes serving as CEO of American Hawaii Cruises, VP of The Getz Corporation heading Global Business Development as well as Operations in Europe and Africa, CEO of The Delta Queen Steamboat Co., VP Operations of The Coca Cola Bottling Company of New York and GM of the Mediterranean/MidEast Division of Prudential Lines.

Bill is the author of several case studies that have been taught at Harvard Business School and other universities. He is also a past Chairman of the Northern California Chapter of the Young Presidents' Organization. Bill graduated from Lehigh University with a BS with dual majors in Economic Statistics and Finance and a minor in English as well as an MS in Operations Research. He received an MBA from Harvard Business School. Bill enjoys saltwater, reading, design, great food, wine and traveling. He and his wife Jessica (that's right, Jessica Jesse) have visited 75 different airports together, Bill has another 126 solo.

Prior Experience:

  • Jesse.Hansen&Co.
  • American Hawaii Cruises
  • The Getz Corporation
  • The Coca-Cola Bottling Company of New York

Education:

  • Lehigh University, BS, MS
  • Harvard Business School, MBA

Flexible | Strategic | Different

Ben Landis

Managing Director


Prior Experience:

  • New Evolution Ventures
  • TPG Capital
  • Morgan Stanley

Education:

  • Wesleyan University, BA
  • Harvard Business School, MBA
Ben is a Managing Director at SBJ and has over twenty years of experience in corporate finance, acquisitions and investments. Ben helps lead diligence, execution and management of SBJ's investments and originates new investment opportunities.

Immediately prior to joining SBJ, Ben served as SVP and CFO at New Evolution Ventures (“NeV”), an investment firm focused on the health, wellness and fitness market.  Ben led mergers, acquisitions and all other strategic initiatives for NeV as well as NeV’s subsidiaries, including US Fitness, UFC Gym and subsidiaries operating in Australia, Chile and Mexico.

Prior to joining NeV, Ben was a Senior Associate with TPG Capital in San Francisco (formerly Texas Pacific Group), a leading global investment management firm with $48 billion of capital under management.  While at TPG, Ben executed over $6 billion of transactions across a variety of industries.  Prior to TPG, Ben served as a Senior Analyst in the Investment Banking Division at Morgan Stanley, assisting in strategic advisory, merger and acquisition analysis and equity and debt financing transactions.

Ben graduated with a BA in Mathematics-Economics and Computer Science from Wesleyan University and received an MBA from Harvard Business School.  Ben is originally from Massachusetts, but moved to the Bay Area from the East Coast in 2004.  After a brief return for business school which included two terribly cold winters, Ben happily returned to the Bay Area and currently lives in Orinda with his wife and three sons (naturally, he still roots for all of the Boston sports teams).

Prior Experience:

  • New Evolution Ventures
  • TPG Capital
  • Morgan Stanley

Education:

  • Wesleyan University, BA
  • Harvard Business School, MBA

Flexible | Strategic | Different

Jennifer Lin

Controller


Prior Experience:

  • TMF Group
  • RSM

Education:

  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, MSA
  • Certified Public Accountant
Jennifer Lin joined SBJ in 2023 as Controller with seven years of experience in private equity and nine years in public accounting. Jennifer's primary responsibilities include accounting, finance and treasury functions at SBJ.

Prior to joining SBJ, Jennifer's roles include serving as a senior manager at TMF Group (formerly Venture Back Office), providing fund administration and financial reporting services for venture capital, and private equity companies and a real estate audit manager at RSM.

Jennifer received her Master's Degree in Accounting from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign and holds an active CPA license in the state of Illinois. Outside of work, Jennifer enjoys hiking, traveling, music and spending time with her two children, family and friends.

Prior Experience:

  • TMF Group
  • RSM

Education:

  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, MSA
  • Certified Public Accountant

Flexible | Strategic | Different

Nicolas Lopez

Managing Director


Prior Experience:

  • HCAP Partners
  • Best Buy Capital
  • FMV Opinions
  • McGladrey Capital Markets
  • Aegis Asset Management

Education:

  • San Diego State University, BS
  • USC Marshall School of Business, MBA
  • CFA Charterholder
Nicolas joined SBJ in 2023 as a Managing Director. Prior to joining SBJ, Nicolas was with HCAP Partners for ten years, serving as a senior investment professional on the Investment Committees for two SBIC funds and was responsible for originating, structuring, closing and monitoring portfolio investments. While at HCAP, Nicolas led/co-led numerous deals in the healthcare, technology, business services and consumer sectors and spearheaded HCAP's Go-to-Market strategy for new deal flow origination opportunities. Prior to joining HCAP, Nicolas was an Associate with Best Buy's Corporate Development Group and Senior Associate at FMV Opinions from 2006 to 2009. Nicolas was also a Senior Analyst at McGladrey Capital Markets and started his career as an Investment Analyst at Aegis Asset Management.

Nicolas earned a B.S. in Business Administration from San Diego State University and an MBA from the Marshall School of Business at the University of Southern California. He is also a CFA Charterholder and member of the CFA Institute. Outside of work, Nicolas enjoys spending time with his wife and three children, hiking, golfing, fishing and mountain biking.

Prior Experience:

  • HCAP Partners
  • Best Buy Capital
  • FMV Opinions
  • McGladrey Capital Markets
  • Aegis Asset Management

Education:

  • San Diego State University, BS
  • USC Marshall School of Business, MBA
  • CFA Charterholder

Flexible | Strategic | Different

Patrick Muller

Principal


Prior Experience:

  • Wells Fargo Securities

Education:

  • Davidson College, BA
Patrick joined SBJ in 2014 and today supports all aspects of diligence, deal execution and portfolio management. Prior to joining, Patrick worked at Wells Fargo Securities in the Consumer & Retail Group. During his time at Wells Fargo, his transaction experience spanned a range of consumer sectors and included the Tim Hortons/Burger King merger, TreeHouse's acquisition of Associated Brands, the IPOs of Habit Burger and Malibu Boats and the sale of one of the largest Taco Bell franchisees.

A native of Seattle, Washington, Patrick graduated with a BA in Economics from Davidson College.  Patrick is an avid sports fan who enjoys attending Warriors basketball games and is happy the Mariners finally ended their playoff drought. Outside of sports, he spends his time trying new restaurants, skiing and sailing.

Prior Experience:

  • Wells Fargo Securities

Education:

  • Davidson College, BA

Flexible | Strategic | Different

Liz Renouf

Office Manager & Executive Assistant


Prior Experience:

  • Lightspeed Venture Partners
  • Canyon View
  • Trusted, Inc.

Education:

  • Oregon State University, BS
Liz joined SBJ in 2024 as Office Manager and Executive Assistant. Previously, she worked for Lightspeed Venture Partners serving their San Francisco office. Liz prides herself on encompassing trust and dependability, as she believes these are fundamental pillars of enriching the lives of those around her. Her attention to detail helps her strive for excellence when supporting her peers and executives.

Liz is a first-generation college graduate who attended Oregon State University where she obtained her Bachelor's Degree in Psychology. She is happiest when she spends quality time with her husband and daughter. Her favorite activities are hiking, spending days at the river and hosting family and friends for a home cooked meal.

Prior Experience:

  • Lightspeed Venture Partners
  • Canyon View
  • Trusted, Inc.

Education:

  • Oregon State University, BS

Flexible | Strategic | Different

Joe Scudiero

Vice President


Prior Experience:

  • Westhook Capital
  • KippsDeSanto

Education:

  • Georgetown University, BS
Prior to SBJ, Joe was an Associate at Westhook Capital, a private equity fund in Los Angeles, where he was responsible for diligence, deal execution and portfolio management across in the consumer and business services industries. His transaction experience included the acquisition of Santa Rita Landscaping and RainShadow Labs.

Before Westhook, Joe worked as an Analyst at KippsDeSanto, a Washington, D.C. area-based investment bank specializing in high-growth aerospace/defense and technology companies. Joe's transaction experience included the sale of MacAulay-Brown to Alion Science and Technology, the sale of JBS International to BlueCross BlueShield South Carolina and the merger of Dominion Consulting with TeraThink.

Joe graduated from Georgetown University, receiving his B.S. with a double major in Finance and Accounting and a minor in English. In his free time, Joe enjoys cooking, surfing, golfing and spending time with family and friends.

Prior Experience:

  • Westhook Capital
  • KippsDeSanto

Education:

  • Georgetown University, BS

Flexible | Strategic | Different

Bhairvee Shavdia

Managing Director


Prior Experience:

  • HCAP Partners
  • H.I.G. Europe
  • Dresdner Kleinwort

Education:

  • Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, BS
  • Columbia Business School, MBA
Bhairvee joined SBJ in 2023 as a Managing Director. Prior to joining SBJ, Bhairvee was with HCAP Partners for eight years, serving as a senior investment professional and an Investment Committee Member. While at HCAP, Bhairvee led / co-lead deals in the healthcare, technology and business services sectors serving on the boards of these investments. Bhairvee also led the construction and implementation of HCAP's Impact framework and methodology around quality job creation, the Gainful Jobs Approach™, and was a key contributor to the firm's recognition in the Impact Investing field. Earlier in her career, Bhairvee was a founding member of H.I.G. Europe, where she participated in the origination, investment analysis and due diligence of private equity and distressed debt transactions. Bhairvee started her career in investment banking at Dresdner Kleinwort.

Bhairvee earned a B.S. in Economics from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania with a dual concentration in Actuarial Science and Finance, and an MBA from Columbia Business School. Bhairvee was also selected as a Job Quality Fellow by The Aspen Institute. Outside of work, Bhairvee enjoys camping, hiking and traveling with her husband and two daughters.

Prior Experience:

  • HCAP Partners
  • H.I.G. Europe
  • Dresdner Kleinwort

Education:

  • Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, BS
  • Columbia Business School, MBA

Flexible | Strategic | Different

Gus Spanos

Managing Director


Prior Experience:

  • Jesse.Hansen&Co./JH Partners
  • Gryphon Investors
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Bright Now! Dental

Education:

  • Harvard College, AB
  • Stanford Graduate School of Business, MBA
Prior to co-founding SBJ, Gus led the investing efforts as President of Spanos Capital Group, which focused on both debt and equity investments in companies with revenues under $100 million, deploying capital from institutions and family offices.  Gus’ investment background also includes serving as a Partner from 2001 to 2004 at Jesse.Hansen&Co./JH Partners (JH), a $200 million investment fund.  Notable JH investments include Peets Coffee & Tea, Design Within Reach and Bare Essentials with an early investment in Serena & Lily through Spanos Capital Group. Prior to JH, Gus was an Affiliate Partner at Gryphon Investors and ultimately was part of the founding team in a Gryphon portfolio company, Bright Now! Dental (later renamed Smile Brands), where he helped execute a successful build-up in the dental practice management industry.

Gus has more than 10 years of operating experience as President, CFO and EVP in consumer, healthcare and business/technology services companies.  While in these positions, Gus led the acquisition and integration of over 20 companies.  He began his career as an investment banker in corporate finance and mergers & acquisitions.

Gus has served as a board member in numerous consumer, healthcare, and business/technology services companies. Gus graduated with an AB in Economics from Harvard College and received an MBA from the Stanford Graduate School of Business.  Gus' passions include his children, photography, opera and film.

Prior Experience:

  • Jesse.Hansen&Co./JH Partners
  • Gryphon Investors
  • Goldman Sachs
  • Bright Now! Dental

Education:

  • Harvard College, AB
  • Stanford Graduate School of Business, MBA

Flexible | Strategic | Different

Christian Ward

Chief Financial Officer & Chief Compliance Officer


Prior Experience:

  • Council Capital
  • Five Points Capital

Education:

  • Florida State University, BS
  • Certified Public Accountant
Christian Ward joined SBJ in 2023 as CFO and CCO with 15 years of experience in private equity and public accounting. Christian leads the accounting, finance and compliance functions at SBJ.

Prior to joining SBJ, Christian served as the CFO and CCO at Council Capital, a private equity firm focused on the buyout of lower middle-market healthcare companies with approximately $400 million of assets under management.

Prior to joining Council Capital, Christian served as Vice President within the Finance function at Five Points Capital, a private equity group based in North Carolina with a focus on the lower middle-market. Prior to his time at Five Points Capital, Christian spent six years within the public accounting industry where his primary focus was the audit of private equity groups and banking institutions.

Christian received his BS in Accounting and Finance from Florida State University and is a licensed CPA within the state of North Carolina. Outside of work, Christian enjoys spending time with his wife and two children outdoors snow skiing, wakeboarding and camping. 

Prior Experience:

  • Council Capital
  • Five Points Capital

Education:

  • Florida State University, BS
  • Certified Public Accountant

Flexible | Strategic | Different

Katelyn Wood

Operations Manager


Prior Experience:

  • United MSD Foundation
  • Nextaff Gulf Coast

Education:

  • University of Tennessee, BS
Katelyn joined SBJ in 2018 as an Office Manager and is currently serving as the Operations Manager where she is responsible for administrative operations, project management and event coordination. Prior to SBJ, Katelyn worked as the Administrative Assistant for the United MSD Foundation, a non-profit organization, where she planned fundraising events and acted as an advocate for children with MSD. Katelyn was also an Administrative Assistant and Recruiter for Nextaff Gulf Coast, a leading staffing agency in Mississippi.

Katelyn graduated from the University of Tennessee in three years where she obtained a BS in Kinesiology. She is originally from Nashville and currently resides in Florida with her husband and daughter. In her free time, she enjoys trying new food, watching college sports and taking her boat out on the Gulf.

Prior Experience:

  • United MSD Foundation
  • Nextaff Gulf Coast

Education:

  • University of Tennessee, BS