Join fellow CEOs and an expert panel for insight into the inner workings of private equity including steps to build and prepare your business for the next big step in ownership or capitalization. 

Our esteemed panelists will share their firsthand experiences and strategies on how they built and prepared their businesses for strategic acquisitions and addressed intricacies to successfully navigate negotiations with both strategic acquisition partners and private equity firms. You will gain valuable insights into the key considerations, challenges, and best practices that contributed to their positive outcomes.

In addition, we will hear directly from the private equity side of the discussion. Discover what they are currently seeking in today's dynamic business environment, and gain a deeper understanding of their expectations and investment criteria. This knowledge will empower you to align yourself and your business strategies with the needs and preferences of potential private equity partners.

Don't miss this chance to create your own business blueprint for success. Join us for an engaging and informative session where you'll gain the knowledge, inspiration, and connections needed to navigate strategic buyers and private equity.

If you can be in Dallas, join us for breakfast in the infamous "Pig Room" at historic Old Parkland. To view details and register for in-person: Business Blueprint -  Navigating Strategic Buyers and Private Equity.

PANELIST BIOS:

DAN DROSS

Dan is a Co-Founder and Senior Partner of Trinity Hunt Partners, a Dallas-based private equity firm with $2.5 billion of AUM. He serves on the Fund’s Investment Committee and participates in deal origination, portfolio company monitoring, fundraising, and the overall strategy of Trinity Hunt. Dan 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 establishing Trinity Hunt in early 2003, Dan 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, Dan served as a Principal for over eight years at Hicks Muse, a Dallas-based private equity fund. Prior to Hicks Muse, Dan served as a Vice President in the Investment Banking Group of Prudential Securities Inc.

Dan received his AB in Economics from Dartmouth College and his MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania.

JONATHAN POTOTSCHNIK

Jonathan is an accomplished expert in the home services field, focusing on service companies, technology, and education. With a successful track record, he has co-founded three companies that each achieved 8-figures of annual revenue. Notably, he was instrumental in the creation and growth of Service Autopilot, a pioneering business automation and scheduling SaaS solution tailored for the home services sector. Additionally, as a co-owner of CitiTurf, Jonathan has played a vital role in cultivating one of Texas' largest Residential Outdoor Services companies, known for its exceptional quality and a thriving customer base of 12,000 clients.

Jonathan sold a majority interest in his SaaS company to Advent, a Boston-based PE firm.

MICHAEL WILKINSON

Michael, retired Founder and CEO of Paragon Innovations, is a distinguished entrepreneur and industry leader celebrated for his role in making Paragon a leading provider of product development and engineering services. Beyond his professional success, Michael is a committed advocate of servant leadership, actively contributing to Texas A&M's entrepreneurial ecosystem and mentoring the next generation of innovators through guest lectures and involvement in business school challenges.

An Eagle Scout since the age of 13, Michael's adventurous spirit extends to the seas, where he races sailboats internationally. Holder of a 100-ton Master Mariner’s license, he is also a certified PADI Rescue Diver, ASA instructor, and Certified US Sailing Race Officer. In the investment realm, Michael serves as an engaged Board member of the Aggie Angel Network, supporting and guiding new ventures. His story encompasses a well-rounded individual, leaving an indelible mark on both the business and personal aspects of his life.

MODERATOR

MIKE CARANFA

Mike is a seasoned senior executive with more than 25 years of experience in telecom, technology, and the utility industries. He currently leads the Advanced Energy practice of TRC, a leading, global consulting, engineering, and construction management firm that provides environmentally focused and digitally powered solutions. Prior to TRC, Mike was the CEO of a $1.5B North American division of Engie - a $60B, global, multinational, energy company. Before joining Engie, Mike 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 and an Infantryman in the 24th Infantry Division. After 7 years of active duty, he joined the Army National Guard becoming an officer in 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.