Private equity partners will share the nuances of PE deal volumes and velocity during a period of unpredictable world dynamics, pandemic recovery, and rising inflation. The panel will discuss the key factors in putting together a deal. PE panelists will share what interests them and their differentiated approach in today’s environment.
Whether you are an owner-operator of a private business that is looking to sell or take some “chips” off the table, an executive considering a management opportunity with a private equity-owned business, or looking to partner with a private equity investor to acquire a business, there are many variables to consider. While private equity investors bring unique skills and resources to the table in connection with building and growing a successful business, they also bring a unique set of characteristics and mandates that can influence and drive their behavior and strategy.
If you can be in Dallas and wish to attend in-person register here: DFW: Navigating Private Equity During Uncertain Times. The discussion will take place in the private enclave of the famous “Pig Room” at Old Parkland Hospital.
PANELIST BIOS:
DAN DROSS
Dan Dross is a Managing Partner of Trinity Hunt and serves on the Fund’s Investment Committee. He is responsible for deal origination, portfolio company monitoring, fundraising, and the overall management, strategy, and operations of Trinity Hunt. Mr. Dross has successfully led over 30 private equity investments in numerous industries aggregating over $3 billion in transaction value. Throughout his career, he has served on 15 boards spanning multiple industries.
Prior to joining Trinity Hunt in early 2003, Mr. Dross was a founding Partner of Thomas Weisel Capital Partners (“TWCP”), a $1.3 billion private equity fund, from May 1999 to April 2002. Previous to TWCP, Mr. Dross served as a Principal for over eight years at Hicks Muse, a Dallas-based private equity fund. Prior to Hicks Muse, Mr. Dross served as a Vice President in the Investment Banking Group of Prudential Securities Inc.
Mr. Dross received his AB in Economics from Dartmouth College and his MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.
BART LOMONT
Bart is President of Principal Investments, a private equity firm that invests in the American way of life. Bart currently serves as Executive Chairman of Stand 1 Armory, a Texas-based ammunition manufacturer. Previously, he co-founded Robin Technologies, a robotic lawn mowing company that grew to 16 markets before being acquired. Bart is a proud veteran of the United States Air Force. He served from 2003 to 2012, including a deployment to Afghanistan in 2010. Born a Hoosier, Lomont held numerous roles for the past two Indiana Governors before moving to Dallas in 2013. Bart has been named one of the "Top 40 Under 40 Veterans in Transition" and is a graduate of the George W. Bush Institute’s Veteran Leadership Program. Bart holds a Bachelor of Science from Purdue University. Bart and his wife Natalie have two sons and the family attends Saint Monica Catholic Church.
MODERATOR
MIKE CARANFA
Mike is a 
seasoned senior executive with more than 25 years of experience in telecom, technology, and the utility industries. He was most recently the CEO of a $1.5B North American division of Engie - a $60B, global, multinational, energy company. Prior to that he served in several executive roles with Honeywell from senior director to general manager. As GM, he led the $750M Smart Energy division in North America.
Mike is also a retired Army officer with 22 years of service. While on active duty he served as an Army Ranger with the 1st Ranger Battalion in Savannah, GA. He also served in the 24th Infantry Division at Fort Stewart, GA After 7 years of active duty he joined the Army National Guard and the 36th Infantry Division in Texas where he completed his military career During his career he earned numerous awards and recognition including several Army Commendation Medals, the Texas Medal of Merit, the Meritorious Service medal, and the Bronze Star for actions in combat.
Mike is a graduate of Shippensburg University of Pennsylvania where he earned his BA in psychology and of the Pennsylvania State University where he earned his MBA.
