Your Success Is Our Success
Legacy Partners is comprised of worldwide best-in-class expert advisors.
President & CEO
President & CEO of Legacy Partners, LLC, an exit planning and M&A advisory firm dedicated to serving privately held, middle-market business owners, in creating and executing successful exit strategies resulting in the harvesting and preservation of wealth.
She began her career as a CPA for Coopers & Lybrand, the company that later became PricewaterhouseCoopers following a merger, and subsequently served as an asset manager with Northwest Asset Management in Los Angeles.
Following her positions in the corporate world, Chris became an entrepreneur and has successfully built and sold multiple businesses. She has over twenty years of experience consulting for M&A firms and privately held businesses as they grow and ultimately execute their exit plans.
Chris speaks internationally on exit planning and mergers and acquisitions, is an expert contributor for media outlets, a guest lecturer for Harvard University’s Entrepreneurship and Innovation class. She is also the bestselling author of 7 Steps to Entrepreneurial Victory.
Her newest book, Master Your Exit Plan: Sell Your Business, Preserve Your Legacy offers a step-by-step roadmap to successfully selling a business and includes in-depth advice from five preeminent industry
contributors. Learn more at legacypartnersllp.com.
Chris graduated from the State University of New York College at Oswego with a B.S. in Accounting/Economics. She is also a Certified Exit Planning Advisor, Certified Value Growth Advisor, and Certified Public Accountant (inactive).
CEO The DAK Group M&A Division
Alan Scharfstein is the Founder and CEO of The DAK Group a strategic partner of Legacy Partners Worldwide, LLC. A trusted advisor to thousands of middle market business owners for over 40 years. He guides clients as they navigate strategic options for growth and expansion, as well as to pursue successful exit strategies (full or partial sale of their business).
Mr. Scharfstein is a frequent lecturer on the sale of privately held businesses, valuation and negotiation strategies. He has been quoted and written about in such publications as the Wall Street Journal, Business Week, Financial Times and Time.
Alan is an avid cyclist and believes that the steeper the climb, the more enjoyable the ride!
Mr. Scharfstein received a BS in Economics and MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and holds a Series 7, 17 and 24 licenses.
M&A Advisor
Brian has been involved in corporate finance, mergers, and acquisitions since the early 1990’s, with over twenty-five years of executive and managerial experience. He has been responsible for several mergers and acquisitions, debt restructurings and capital raises. He is a member of the AICPA and has held Series 79, 63 and 24 securities licenses as a past FINRA member.
Brian started his career after graduating from The Ohio State University with a Bachelor of Business Administration in accounting; initially obtaining his CPA certification in April 1992 – actively licensed in Texas and Ohio.
After completing Audit experience with a fortune 100 company (PPG Industries), he pursued his financial managerial training with nationally known brands such as: The Limited, Express and Safelite Auto glass. Executive tenure as President, CFO, COO and Business Development Director positions includes a New York/ Texas based boutique investment banks and New York based private equity firm, where he served for over ten years operating multiple portfolio companies.
Valuation
Matt Jackson is a seasoned Certified Public Accountant and Chief Financial Officer with extensive experience guiding businesses through the complexities of financial management, growth, and business transactions. Over the course of his career, Matt has worked with organizations in a variety of sizes and industries, specializing in financial systems, business finance, M&A, and strategic planning. His expertise allows companies to scale effectively, manage cash flow, and optimize their financial operations for long-term success.
Matt holds a Master of Accounting degree from East Carolina University and has been a licensed CPA for 17 years. He resides in beautiful western North Carolina with his wife, Lauren, and four children.
Business Valuation
Nitin Sahay responsibilities include financial research, modeling, and valuation in support of our valuation and optimization team. He has contributed to our clients’ exit process across industries. He has a Master’s Degree in Finance from ICFAI.
Managing Director
Ari Fuchs is an integral part of the client service team where he specializes in the analysis and execution of M&A transactions, as well as equity or debt capital raises, restructuring and strategic corporate advisory services.
Mr. Fuchs has more than 15 years of corporate finance experience and has advised both private and publicly-held clients on more than 75 M&A, financing and restructuring transactions totaling in excess of $1.5 billion in aggregate value.
Mr. Fuchs received a Bachelor of Science from Yeshiva University’s Sy Syms School of Business where he was on the Dean’s Honor List. He holds the Series 7, Series 63 and Series 79 FINRA securities industry registrations. He has been named to NJBIZ’s 2018 40 Under 40 awards program honoring professionals who have a commitment to business growth, professional excellence and their community.
He is also the recipient of the 2018 Emerging Leader Award by The M&A Advisor, an organization renowned globally for its recognition of leading M&A, finance and turnaround professionals. Mr. Fuchs is originally from Montreal, and is fluent in French.
Managing Director
Jason Bernstein is a trusted advisor to owners and stakeholders of middle market companies on mergers and acquisitions. He combines over 30 years of deep M&A transaction and senior operational experience with a balanced, strategic vision to bring a higher level of sophistication and a global perspective to middle market clients.
Jason has a rich background in mergers and acquisitions, having completed over 50 strategic transactions across five continents. Most recently he was a Managing Director at B. Riley (RILY) Financial, a global middle market investment bank.
Jason is involved in his community as a volunteer coach for junior hockey and mentoring veterans’ entry into the workplace through Bonds of Courage. He is an active athlete, playing competitive tennis and ice hockey, cycling and skiing.
Jason holds FINRA Series SIE, 79, 63 and 24 licenses. He earned an MBA with honors from the University of Chicago’s Booth School of Business, and a Bachelor of Arts degree in economics from Middlebury College.
Managing Director
Michael Richmond works directly with middle-market business owners as they explore the sale of their companies or consider an acquisition.
Michael has a strong history of successfully guiding his clients through mergers and acquisitions and joint ventures in a broad range of industries, including manufacturing, distribution, health care, pharma, retail, and technology. Michael’s clients have benefited from his strategic advisory services and transactional proficiency. He is a skilled negotiator and works closely with his clients to obtain the maximum value for their companies.
Michael holds Series 7 and 79 licenses. He received an MBA from New York University and his BA from Brooklyn College.
Managing Director
Milton Kahn has a strong history of working closely with mid-market family-owned companies as a trusted advisor and CPA. He brings many years of experience guiding clients through strategic planning, business succession, mergers, acquisitions, sales of business and financing.
Prior to joining DAK, he was a practicing CPA for over 40 years. Most recently, as a Partner in the Private Business Services Group of EisnerAmper, one of the largest CPA firms in the region, where he assisted many companies prepare their business for sale.
Milton believes in giving back to the community and has served on numerous boards including Alpine Learning Group, serving children & adults with Autism, Temple Beth El of Northern Valley, Foundation at Bergen Regional Medical Center, Franklin Pierce University, Adler Aphasia Center, Jewish Home at Rockleigh, Jewish Home Family and The Melik-Baschkopf Foundation. He resides in Hillsdale, NJ with his wife, Jan.
Managing Director
Stephen Raymond brings more than 25 years’ experience working directly with middle market, closely held business owners, as they explore the sale of their companies, consider an acquisition or need overall M&A Advisory assistance.
His experience spans a wide spectrum of industries such as: manufacturing, distribution, health care, and technology, providing clients with strategic advisory services and transactional proficiency.
Steve holds a Masters of Business Administration, with an Accounting concentration from Drexel University and a BA degree in Economics and Japanese Studies from Bucknell University. In addition he is registered with FINRA for both Series 79 and Series 63.
Steve has recently been appointed President of the Bucks County Chapter of Legatus International, a catholic business organization of which he is a founding chapter member, a member of The Union League of Philadelphia and The Knights of Columbus. Steve and his family live in Moorestown, NJ.
Director
Andrew Mabey has a rare combination of M&A and operational skills developed from working as both an Investment Banker, as an executive in an operating company and at a Private-Equity backed roll-up as the Head of M&A.
An integral part of DAK’s Transaction Team, Mr. Mabey advises middle market businesses owners on the best strategies to use to generate the maximum value for their company. He leverages his diverse experience, and hands-on expertise to the advantage of his clients.
He earned his Bachelor of Arts from Yale and lives in New Jersey with his wife and two sons.
Director
Derek Zacarias works closely with business owners to bring them the benefit of his deep financial acumen and comprehensive industry knowledge to ensure clients maximize the value of the businesses they have spent so much time building.
Mr. Zacarias brings over a decade of experience in investment banking across a wide array of industries as a Director with Perella Weinberg Partners (PWP), a diversified Boutique Investment Bank, in both their New York and Chicago offices.
Mr. Zacarias holds a bachelor’s degree in Finance and International Business from Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business. In his spare time, he likes to practice his photography, hike, and travel internationally with his wife.
Director
Elyse Greenbaum leads the execution team for buy side and sell side transactions as well as valuations and recapitalizations. Elyse’s fine- tuned financial acumen provides clients with information and analysis to make solid decisions as she guides them through every step of the transaction process, strategically engineered to maximize value.
Prior to joining DAK, Ms. Greenbaum headed ERG Consulting, a financial advisory firm she founded. Prior to that, she was Director of Customer Finance for Lucent Technologies.
Ms. Greenbaum holds an MBA in Finance from The Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, and an BA in Economics from Cornell University and is a certified valuation analyst (CVA) and holds a Series 79 license.
Director
Greg Leshik is a key member of DAK’s transaction execution team, leveraging extensive expertise to manage each phase of the M&A transaction lifecycle to maximize value for his clients at closing.
Greg has more than 13 years of investment banking experience advising middle market clients in successfully navigating the M&A and equity and debt capital markets.
Greg graduated cum laude from Villanova University where he earned dual Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degrees in Business Honors and in Finance, with an International Business co-major and a Business Law & Corporate Governance minor. He also completed a certification at the University of Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership. Greg holds Series 63 and Series 79 FINRA licenses.
Greg was born in New Jersey, grew up in Connecticut, attended school near Philadelphia, lived in New York City, and is thrilled to return to his Jersey roots by living in New Jersey and representing The DAK Group.
Director
Jonathan Roth is deeply vested in understanding and working hand-in- hand with business owners in the middle market. He plays a key role in managing all aspects of buy-side and sell-side analysis and transactions.
Jonathan brings over 25 years of business management experience with 15 years in Mergers & Acquisitions and Equity & Debt Capital markets.
Prior to investment banking, Jonathan was a co-founder and C-level operator of two venture-backed startups in the financial services software and online healthcare sectors.
Jonathan graduated with a B.A. from Columbia College, Columbia University and an MBA in Corporate Finance from Columbia Business School, Columbia University. In addition he is registered with FINRA for the Securities Industry Essentials Exam (“SIE”), the Series 7, Series 82 and Series 63.
Director of Operations
As Director of Operations she is responsible for managing client communications and the day-to-day operations of Legacy Partners ensuring optimal efficiency in client services.
Elizabeth began her career in the hospitality industry in corporate travel management, servicing travelers with United Technologies Corporation, General Electric and NBC. She spent twenty-three years managing meetings for various medical associations, most recently serving as Director of Meetings and Events for the American Epilepsy Society.
Elizabeth graduated from Post University with a B.S. in Marketing. She is also a Certified Meeting Professional.
In her free time, she enjoys spending time with her two rescued felines, exploring her ancestry, and appreciates spending time with family and friends, capturing the memories with photography.
Estate Planning Attorney
Perry M. Smith received his Bachelor of Arts Degree (honors) in Government and Policy Studies from Dartmouth College in 1980. He received his J.D. from American University (1984) and his LL.M. in Taxation from Boston University School of Law (1987).
He worked for U.S. Trust Company of New York (1980-1983) as a Trust Officer, the State Mutual Life Assurance Company (1984-1987), and the Law Department of The New England (1987-1990), as assistant counsel. He has worked previously with Commonwealth Financial Group (1990-1998, and 2006 through today) and Baystate Financial Group (2000-2006) as Director of Advanced Sales. He also spent two years (1998-2000) as a partner at Carlin, Charron & Rosen Financial Services, LLC – the financial arm of the then largest regional CPA firm in New England. He specializes in individual, estate and business planning focusing on creative solutions to client goals and issues with a close eye on their tax implications. He is currently admitted to practice in Massachusetts (1985) and New York (1985), as well as Federal District Court (1986), U.S. Tax Court (1988) and U.S. Supreme Court (1989).
In addition to his professional responsibilities, he has been a part-time instructor at Boston University’s Metropolitan College teaching CFP #6 (Estate and Business Planning) and Treasurer at Camp Mowglis, owned by the Holt -Elwell Memorial Foundation, which supports this 120 year old 7-week summer boy’s camp on Newfound Lake in New Hampshire. He resides in Wellesley with his wife, Eva Ribarits, J.D., LL.M.
ESOP Specialist
Jim Higgins is a co-founder of Pilot Hill Advisors LLC where he specializes in designing, financing, and executing internal buyout transactions for privately held companies utilizing an Employee Stock Ownership Plan (“ESOP”) structure. Jim has advised over 200 companies on management and ESOP buyouts that provide unique financial, tax, strategic, and motivational benefits that are distinct from traditional third-party corporate sales.
Jim has held senior corporate finance and advisory positions for 35 years. His specialty in ESOP transactions began in 2001. Jim’s prior employers include various lending, management, and corporate finance positions at Bank of Boston, AT&T, and Merck & Co., Inc.
Jim received a Bachelor of Science in Finance Cum Laude from Boston College and a Master of Science in Management from the Massachusetts Institute of Technology. He also holds Series 24, 63, 79 and 99 securities licenses. Mr. Higgins is the CEO and chief compliance officer for his firm’s wholly owned broker dealer, Pilot Hill Capital LLC.
In his spare time Jim enjoys playing golf and fishing and boating on Cape Cod. In the winter, Jim is one of the elder statesmen on a men’s club ice hockey team.
Family Governance
Tom Rogerson, founding principal of GenLeg Co., is a recognized leader and pioneer in family governance and legacy planning.
After almost four decades on the fiduciary side at institutions such as BNY Mellon, Coopers and Lybrand, and Wilmington Trust, Tom teamed up with his wife, Cathy, a certified relationship coach, and started GenLeg Co., Inc. Together they provide guidance and education to families and their advisors, helping them transition significant capital, from one generation to the next.
Family Governance
Cathy Rogerson is a certified Relationship Coach and founding principal of GenLeg Co., Inc.
She and her husband Tom provide guidance and education to families and their advisors, helping them transition significant capital, both financial and relational, from one generation to the next.
Adminstration
Barbara is a Creative Director, with a BA in Graphic Design and more than 13 years of experience. She started working in the fashion industry and later developed as an Art Director of mass consumer brands. She has worked on communication strategies for recognized brands such as: Coca-Cola, Nike, Unilever and Nokia.
Adminstration
Germán is a former Professional Racing Driver. He started out working on Sports Sponsorships and later on founded his own Marketing agency. He is currently Managing Partner and Marketing Manager at Upshot, specialized in Digital Marketing, Social Media and Website development.
Financial Analyst
Nikher has over 7 years of experience in the financial domain and is a highly qualified professionals engaged in investment analysis and financial research. He is expert in valuation, M&A analysis, start-up funding and data visualization.
He holds an MBA in Finance from NIT and has certificates from XLRI Jamshedpur and IIM Kolkata.
info@legacypartnersllp.com
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