2026 ETA Conference Information

COO of Affinity Travel Co |Expert-in-Residence at Cintrifuse Capital

We are excited to welcome Rahul to our lineup of speakers. Rahul is COO at travel industry rollup Affinity Travel Co., which acquires luxury group travel businesses. He is also an expert-in-residence at Cintrifuse Capital, where he supports portfolio companies with operations and AI. With a background spanning business operations, strategy consulting, and startup leadership, Rahul brings deep expertise in building and optimizing high-growth organizations. 

Alex Burkhart is a serial acquisition entrepreneur, educator, and co-director of the University of Cincinnati’s Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition (ETA) Pathway. He is the owner of Prime Prospects LLC and currently operates Prospect Management Group, an innovative holding company overseeing a portfolio of businesses, including an Amazon Delivery Service operation.

Prior to his entrepreneurial career, Alex gained corporate experience at Procter & Gamble and Macy’s, building a strong foundation in operations and strategy. He is also an exited founder, having successfully led and sold Tixers in 2015. In addition to his operating roles, Alex serves as an adjunct entrepreneurship instructor, where he shares practical insights from his experience acquiring and growing businesses. He holds a degree in Entrepreneurship and Marketing from Xavier University.

Executive Director @ Blue North | Building SparkHaus | Bridging Fortune 500 + Startups | Author, “Predicting The Turn”

We are excited to welcome Dave Knox to our lineup of speakers. Dave is a leading startup advisor, investor, and entrepreneur known for bridging the gap between Fortune 500 companies and high-growth startups. He co-founded Procter & Gamble’s digital strategy team and The Brandery, a top U.S. startup accelerator, and has driven significant growth as Chief Marketing Officer of Rockfish. Today, Dave leads Blue North and launched SparkHaus, a $17M entrepreneurial hub, while continuing to advise, invest in, and scale innovative ventures. He is also the author of the bestselling book Predicting the Turn, focused on navigating partnerships between startups and established companies.

Co-founder of SMB.co

We are excited to welcome Joe Brown to our lineup of speakers. Joe is a serial founder and two-time small business owner with a background in growth marketing and development. He is passionate about building brands, SaaS platforms, and marketplaces that support real communities. Currently, Joe is the founder of SMB.co, a VC-backed platform designed to help people discover and invest in small businesses, strengthening the backbone of Main Street.

Director & COO, RKCA

We are excited to welcome Eric Hornung to our lineup of speakers. Eric is the Director and COO at RKCA, where he supports investment strategy and M&A advisory through financial modeling, research, and executive guidance. He began his career at Duff & Phelps, gaining experience in corporate restructuring, litigation support, and emerging areas like cryptocurrency advisory. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Eric is also an active leader in the ETA community, a Cincinnati Business Courier 40 Under 40 honoree, and co-host of the Upside podcast focused on startups beyond Silicon Valley.

We are excited to welcome Tom O’Brian to our lineup of speakers. Tom is the former owner of Acme Lock & Door, a Cincinnati-based company he acquired in 2020 and grew to 70 employees through both organic expansion and strategic acquisitions. Building on a multi-generational legacy, Tom focused on operational excellence and a people-first approach to drive growth and customer satisfaction. He recently partnered with Cobalt to support Acme’s next phase, ensuring the company’s continued success while preserving its strong culture and foundation.

President & Co-Founder at Evermore Industries

We are excited to welcome Ed Redden to our lineup of speakers. Ed is Co-Founder and President of Evermore Industries, a long-term holding company focused on acquiring and operating businesses with no intention of selling. He leads operations, bringing extensive experience from his time at GE, where he managed manufacturing plants and product lines across the country. Based in Cincinnati, Ed is passionate about preserving founder legacies while driving sustainable growth, and holds degrees from the University of Notre Dame and Stanford Graduate School of Business, where he founded the Stanford Search Fund club. 

Founder of Grand Valley Holdings

We are excited to welcome Lachlan McLean to our lineup of speakers. Lachlan brings over two decades of experience in finance and investing, with a strong focus on private equity, including buyouts, growth equity, and long-term acquisitions. A fifth-generation Cincinnatian, he has led private investments for a major family office and spent over 15 years at an institutional private equity firm and merchant bank. Lachlan holds degrees from Carnegie Mellon University and the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, and brings deep expertise across industries, investment strategies, and stages of growth.

Owner & CEO | Office Furniture Dealer Helping Organizations Plan, Design & Execute High-Impact Workplaces

We are excited to welcome Peter Ellington to our lineup of speakers. Peter is a business owner and workplace strategist who helps organizations make smarter decisions about their environments during periods of growth and change. With a background spanning finance, sales, and office furniture distribution, he brings a practical, results-driven approach to aligning workspace, culture, and operational needs. Through his work at Office Furniture Source, Peter partners with leadership teams to create efficient, flexible workplaces that support both people and performance.

Senior Vice President at Northcreek Mezzanine Fund

We are excited to welcome Tom Baker to our lineup of speakers. Tom is a Senior Vice President at Northcreek, where he focuses on deal origination, execution, underwriting, and portfolio management. With a background in leveraged finance at Fifth Third Bank, he brings experience across buyouts, acquisitions, and middle-market investments. Tom holds a B.S. in Finance from the University of Dayton and offers strong expertise in evaluating and structuring complex transactions.

Katherine Butler-Dines is CEO of Affinity Travel Co, a rollup of luxury travel companies. Under her leadership, ATC has grown 25% yearly since closing its first acquisition in 2024. Previously, she was an Operating Executive at the private equity fund Alpine Investors and an Investment Associate at the fund of funds Stepstone Group. She serves on the ETA Advisory Board at Duke University's Fuqua School of Business and is an alumna of Georgetown University's School of Foreign Service.

Partner, UHY LLP | Managing Director, UHY Advisors 

Rick has over forty years of experience in providing auditing, consulting and tax services to a variety of businesses and organizations. Before joining UHY, Rick founded Flynn & Company, Inc., where he successfully delivered outstanding service to clients within the areas of entrepreneurial services, manufacturing, distribution, construction, and non-profit organizations. Rick managed and grew Flynn & Company, Inc. for 31 years prior to merging it with UHY. He has helped numerous clients buy and sell businesses over the years. Rick is passionate about helping organizations grow and empowering his team to reach their full potential. 

Leader, Investor, General Manager & Board Member in the lower middle market | Strategic Philanthropic Board Member | Midwest Transplant

We are excited to welcome Rick to our lineup of speakers. Rick is a seasoned operator, investor, and former management consultant with deep experience across consumer goods, retail, distribution, and business services. At Slate Capital, he focuses on investing in, advising, and often leading portfolio companies through growth and transformation. Known for his analytical mindset and strong emphasis on culture and leadership, Rick is passionate about building great teams and guiding organizations toward long-term success.

Allen Simon, a U.C. graduate is the Managing Director of the Pittsburgh office for Corporate Development Associates

For over 35 years, Allen owned and operated a mid sized, specialized print manufacturer in the high volume transactional print space.  Like many industries, the print industry demands continued adaptation to new technologies and processes.  After careful consideration, he decided to strategically sell the business within the industry. Allen uses his experience to work with small to mid size businesses, many of which are family owned, as they navigate their future in the technology driven print market.  

Brian Baird is a finance and operations executive with a unique background spanning investment banking, private capital, engineering, and corporate leadership. He currently serves as Chief Financial Officer at Mills Fence Company, where he oversees financial strategy and business growth. Prior to joining Mills Fence, Brian spent six years as Vice President at Northcreek Mezzanine Fund, working closely with middle-market companies on strategic investments and capital solutions. Earlier in his career, he held roles with Wells Fargo Securities, Stout, and Littelfuse, building expertise across valuation, investment banking, and operational engineering. Brian holds an MBA in Finance and Accounting from Vanderbilt University and a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from The Ohio State University.

Aaron is a Partner and Chair of Kohnen & Patton, LLP’s Business Law and Transactions Practice Group.  Aaron’s work focuses on assisting both privately-held and venture-backed companies in a broad range of general corporate issues including company formation and governance, equity incentive plans, mergers and acquisitions, private securities offerings, private equity and venture capital financing.  In addition, he is on the Kohnen & Patton Executive Committee and the firm’s Attorney Development Committee.

Aaron is actively involved in the Greater Cincinnati business community.  Aaron serves on the Board of Directors for the Association for Corporate Growth (Cincinnati chapter) and is a member of Vistage (CEO Group).

As a Partner at Brixey & Meyer, I serve clients in both our Assurance and Transaction Advisory Services practices, with a focus on clients in the Cincinnati market. I assist clients in numerous ways, from review of their financial statements for accuracy and navigating M&A transactions, to helping clients develop short and long-term strategic plans while filling team or expertise gaps.

John Jarnigo is an entrepreneur, business owner, and banking professional with a passion for building brands and creating strong customer experiences. As Co-Owner of Blue Oven Bakery in Cincinnati, John helps lead one of the city’s most recognized artisan food brands, focused on craft, community, and quality. Prior to entrepreneurship, he spent more than a decade with Fifth Third Bank, where he held leadership roles in product management, business development, and financial services. With a background in both corporate leadership and small business ownership, John brings a unique perspective on growth, operations, and building businesses that leave a lasting impact in the community. He holds a degree in Marketing from the University of Tennessee.

Steve Bennett is an entrepreneur, investor, and strategic advisor with a strong background in mergers and acquisitions, operational leadership, and business growth. Based in Cincinnati, Steve currently serves as an M&A Advisor with Keate Partners and as Managing Partner of Sanitas Capital, where he works closely with business owners on strategic growth, transition planning, and investment opportunities. Throughout his career, he has led organizations across consulting, education, and industrial sectors, including serving as President and Owner of Pilot Lumber, Vice President of Strategy and Operations at Cengage, and Manager at Accenture. Steve holds a Finance degree from the University of Notre Dame and an MBA from the University of Michigan, bringing a unique blend of corporate strategy, entrepreneurship, and hands-on leadership to every organization he supports.

Craig Vangas is a finance executive, entrepreneur, and business operator with a diverse background spanning Fortune 200 consumer brands, startup advisory, and family-owned business leadership. He currently serves as President of Stanley Heating, Cooling and Plumbing, where he focuses on growth, operational excellence, and building a strong customer-first culture. Prior to Stanley, Craig worked as a Fractional CFO and business advisor, helping entrepreneurs strengthen financial strategy, forecasting, and profitability. Earlier in his career, he spent more than a decade in finance, sales, eCommerce, and product leadership roles with organizations including Newell Brands, Sprout Organics, and other nationally recognized consumer brands. A graduate of The Ohio State University, Craig combines corporate financial expertise with a passion for helping businesses scale, solve complex problems, and create lasting impact in their communities.

Andrew Simon is an investor, board leader, and healthcare executive with extensive experience in corporate strategy, mergers and acquisitions, and high-growth business leadership. Based in Cincinnati, Andrew currently serves in board leadership roles with Caliber Healthcare Solutions, Taylor White, Health Carousel, and HealthCare for Kids, helping organizations scale, innovate, and create meaningful impact. Over more than a decade with Health Carousel, he held multiple executive leadership positions, including President of Corporate Services, where he helped drive strategic growth, acquisitions, and operational transformation. Earlier in his career, Andrew worked in strategy consulting with Monitor Deloitte, advising organizations on growth and competitive strategy. He holds an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and a dual degree in Economics and Political Science from Bates College. Andrew is recognized for his ability to blend strategic thinking, operational leadership, and a passion for building organizations that make a lasting impact.

John Walters is a Senior SBA Product Specialist at Huntington National Bank, where he partners with business owners and internal teams to structure and deliver SBA lending solutions that support growth, acquisition, and expansion strategies. With more than a decade of experience in banking and small‑business finance, John brings expertise in SBA 7(a) lending, relationship management, and business development. His background includes senior leadership roles at both Huntington and First Commonwealth Bank, where he served as a Vice President and SBA Business Development Officer, as well as progressive management roles in branch and sales leadership. Known for his consultative around SBA education and strong execution, John is focused on delivering customized financing solutions while building long‑term client relationships.  

Mark Longenecker is Of Counsel at Kohnen & Patton, LLP, where he advises both public and private companies on a broad range of corporate and business law matters. His practice focuses on mergers and acquisitions, venture capital, securities law, and corporate governance.

Mark represents clients in structuring and negotiating mergers, acquisitions, and joint ventures, and works closely with emerging businesses and investors on venture capital financings and private placements of equity and debt securities. He also advises issuers in connection with initial public offerings and subsequent offerings, guiding them through ongoing securities law compliance.

In addition, Mark counsels companies on board and governance matters, including the roles and responsibilities of boards of directors and advisors, fiduciary duties, and related corporate governance issues. He also assists clients in navigating shareholder and ownership disputes.

Brady is a Franchise Consultant with FranNet MidAmerica, where he works closely with aspiring entrepreneurs to help them navigate business ownership and identify franchise opportunities that align with their goals, strengths, and lifestyles. He takes a consultative, education-first approach, guiding clients through everything from initial discovery to due diligence so they can make confident, informed decisions about their future.

As a second-generation member of a family business, Brady has experienced firsthand the long-term impact that entrepreneurship can have on financial independence, flexibility, and family legacy. That perspective shapes the way he advises clients, with a focus on finding opportunities that not only make sense financially but also create meaningful, lasting value. He considers it a privilege to help individuals and families take control of their careers and build something of their own.

Jerod Martin is a strategic operator and entrepreneur, and the owner of ReCoat Revolution of East Cincinnati. With over two decades of experience in operations, manufacturing, and process optimization, he has built a career around driving efficiency, leading teams, and scaling systems that perform.

Today, Jerod brings that same operational discipline to the home services space, helping homeowners restore their floors through a proprietary, one-day, dust-free refinishing process that delivers high-quality results without the disruption of traditional methods.

A Cincinnati-area native, Jerod is passionate about building a business rooted in family, service, and long-term impact, with a focus on creating both customer value and a meaningful legacy in his community.

 Brian Allen is an experienced operator and advisor with over 25 years of building high-performing teams across corporate and small business environments. He has led multiple organizations to Inc. 5000 recognition and other regional and industry awards, with experience spanning telecom, private equity, manufacturing, logistics, and e-commerce.

He is also the founder of BBA & Associates, a strategic planning and change management firm, where he helps business owners prepare for growth and successful exits. Based in Cincinnati, Brian is active in his community and enjoys time with his family, along with golfing, cheering on the Moeller Crusaders and Indiana Hoosiers, and staying involved in local organizations.

Kentin Hare is the Founder and Managing Partner of Cedar Ivy, an entrepreneurship-through-acquisition firm focused on acquiring and operating privately held, family-owned businesses in the Cincinnati region. He partners with business owners to provide thoughtful succession solutions, with a long-term hold philosophy centered on preserving legacy and building durable value.

Kentin is an operator-investor with a track record of building and acquiring businesses across multiple industries. He acquired and now operates Molloy Roofing, gaining firsthand experience leading and scaling a service-based business, and previously co-founded CWX, where he focused on sourcing and evaluating lower middle market opportunities. In addition, he has launched ventures including KHare Development and Simply Fresh, reflecting a hands-on approach to entrepreneurship across real estate, consumer products, and home services. Across each of these, Kentin brings an operator’s mindset, emphasizing execution, disciplined growth, and long-term value creation.