Our Team
Jim Afinowich
Managing Partner, Founder & Principal - Arizona
jima@ibgbusiness.com | 480.327.6610
Jim Afinowich is a Partner and Designated Broker at IBG Fox & Fin in the Phoenix office, a mergers and acquisition firm founded in 1993 that handles business sales between $5 million and $150 million. The firm has been selected Arizona’s number one business broker and investment banking firm for 18 consecutive years by Ranking Arizona.
Jim’s primary responsibility is overseeing his office’s deal makers and expediting transactions. He has more than a quarter century of successful experience in the M&A industry and has managed and supervised more than 500 transactions. He is well-known a creative problem solver.
A nationally honored industry leader, Jim has developed and presented classes for regional and national trade associations for nearly 20 years. He has also provided expert witness services in cases relating to brokerage practices and standards of care.
Certifications/Licenses
- Certified Business Intermediary (CBI): International Business Broker Association
- Merger & Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&AMI): The M&A Source
- Business Brokerage Specialist (BBS)
- Real Estate Broker, State of Arizona
- Series 63 and series 82 securities registration under CEIBA Financial, LLC
Honors and Awards
- Tom West Award for exceptional contributions in promoting goals and ethics in business brokerage
- “Jim Afinowich Day,” Valley Board of Business Brokers
Memberships
- International Business Brokers Association (IBBA): Fellow, President, Director, Vice President, Treasurer, Education Committee Chair
- M&A Source: Charter member; Chair, Education Committee; Chair, Credentialing Committee
- Business Intermediary Education Foundation: President and Director
- Valley Board Of Business Brokers
- Association for Corporate Growth (ACG)
- Alliance of Merger and Acquisition Advisors (AM&AA)
- Arizona Business Brokers Association
- Turnaround Management Association
Business & Community Involvement
- Volunteer, various local charity organizations and projects
- Aircraft Owner Pilot Association
- Reno Air Racing Association
- Wings for Kid
Jim Afinowich, Nevada Real Estate License #B.1002070
Matt Frye
Managing Partner & Principal
MFrye@ibgbusiness.com | 918.749.6016
Matt is the Managing Partner responsible for the operations of IBG/Bluestem Resources Group, LLC (Bluestem USA). A native-Tulsan, Matt joined IBG/Bluestem following twenty-one years in Executive Management roles for multiple energy-based technology companies in Houston, Texas. Matt started his career in Tulsa in the domestic exploration and production business and migrated into commodity trading with Tulsa-based The Williams Companies. He then advanced to a series of executive level positions with technology start-ups and enterprise-wide software development ventures. His last ten years as a corporate executive culminated in the launching of the U.S division of the Natural Gas Exchange, an online energy commodity exchange and clearinghouse, which is now a subsidiary of the Intercontinental Exchange Group (ICE NYSE).
Experience
Matt’s vast leadership experience base spans from private-equity based technology startups to publicly held energy companies and commodity exchanges. He has launched multiple new ventures that introduced new products and services both domestically and internationally. This experience base combined with expertise in joint venture development and M&A serves IBG/Bluestem clients by maximizing their intrinsic and extrinsic value to broad target markets.
With over thirty years of deal making experience, Matt’s primary roles at IBG/Bluestem include: buyer and seller representation, pre-sale consultation, market segment analysis and company valuation.
Education & Awards
- BS in Finance from Oklahoma State University
- MBA from the University of Tulsa
Certifications/Licenses
- Merger and Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&AMI): The M&A Source
- Certified Business Intermediary (CBI): The IBBA
- Licensed Real Estate Agent: Oklahoma
Areas of Expertise
- Energy
- Information Technology/Software
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale Trade
- Construction
- Professional Services
Interests
When not serving the needs of IBG/Bluestem clients, you can find Matt and his wife at their hobby ranch south of Tulsa or serving at their church.
John C. Johnson
Managing Partner & Principal
JJohnson@IBGBusiness.com | 918.232.5723
John C. Johnson, M&A Broker and Advisor, is a specialist in selling a business. An IBG Business Founder, he is Managing Partner of the Tulsa Oklahoma office. John also founded and built Bluestem Resources - BluestemUSA. He is past President of the International Business Broker Association and The Merger and Acquisitions (M&A) Source and is a Certified Business Intermediary and Lifetime Master Merger & Acquisition Intermediary.
John's career began as a roustabout at Amoco Production Company/Standard Oil of Indiana, then in operations research and in field offices while completing his Petroleum Engineering degree. He worked at Champlin Petroleum/Union Pacific Corporation as he earned an MBA at Texas Christian University. At the two Fortune 100 companies - Standard of Indiana and Union Pacific - John held staff and management positions in strategy, investment analysis, and mergers and acquisitions.
John's expertise is demonstrated through his track record of success for clients, professional M&A certifications, as a court-appointed receiver, and as an expert witness in business valuation and petroleum property management. He has written "M&A Expert" series articles for international business publications, has taught peers in M&A broker courses and lectured on "best practice" panels.
Entrepreneurial/Industry Experience
John was raised in an entrepreneurial family and understands the sacrifices, stress, risks, and hard work business ownership brings to an owner and the owner’s family.
He is an experienced business owner. John owns and manages a land and cattle business with ranch lands, minerals, petroleum, and timber resources. John grew a startup petroleum gathering and distribution venture to a $12 million business before completing a strategic sale. He organized and manages properties for a group that bought distressed petroleum loans from the FDIC. He has bought and resold private businesses in manufacturing, business services, and oil processing.
John was born in Kansas and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His corporate career took him to Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, New York City, and back to Tulsa before he settled near his northeast Oklahoma ranch. In quiet times, Johns enjoys time with his wife, children and grandchildren as well as fishing, hunting, gardening, and working at their ranch.
Certifications/Licenses
- Merger & Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&AMI): The M&A Source
- Certified Business Intermediary (CBI): International Business Broker Association
- Industry Expert Designation: Business Brokerage Press
- Licensed Real Estate Broker
Honors and Awards
- Acquisition International: USA M&A Broker of the Year
- The M&A Source: Darrell Fouts Award for visionary leadership in the M&A profession
- Tom West Award for exceptional contributions in promoting goals and ethics in business brokerage
- International Business Brokers Association (IBBA): Chairman’s Award for Leadership
- Tulsa’s Small Business Person of the Year: Finalist
- U.S. Small Business Administration: Oklahoma Financial Services Advocate of the Year
Memberships
- The M&A Source: Founding Member, Chairman, Officer, Director, Strategic Issues Task Force Co-Chair
- International Business Brokers Association (IBBA): Fellow; Life Member; President; Member, President’s Advisory Council; Director; Treasurer; Strategic Planning Chair; Co-Author, M&A Course and Certification Exam; Instructor; Speaker and Panelist
- Business Intermediary Education Foundation (BIEF): Founder and Director
- Tulsa Metro Chamber’s Financial Services Advocate of the Year
Business & Community Involvement
- Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce & Industry: Director
- Oklahoma Academy for State Goals: Director
- Leadership Oklahoma: Graduate, Director, Officer
- Tulsa Executives Association: Director
- Tulsa Economic Development Corporation: Director
- Entrepreneurs of Tulsa: Director & Officer
- Oklahoma Private Enterprise Forum: Director & President
- The Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence: Director
- M&A Joint Industry Campaign for Clarity: Steering Committee Co-Chair
- Rotary International: Paul Harris Fellow; President, Rotary Club of Vinita
- Youth Recreation Association: Director, Coach, Referee
Robert Latham
Managing Partner & Principal Texas
blatham@ibgbusiness.com | 713.463.9222
Bob Latham is the managing partner and principal at IBG’s Texas office, where he also serves as president of the M&A firm Altapraem M&A Advisors.
Bob offers extensive M&A experience in the purchase and sale of businesses in the manufacturing, construction, maintenance, and distribution sectors and in logistics and other B2B services.
Buyers and sellers benefit from Bob’s 30-plus years of hands-on business experience and a uniquely broad range of skills, experiences, and abilities. His key attributes in deal-making are creative problem solving, attention to detail, and follow-through – qualities that provide him with a rare perspective in helping business owners achieve their purchase and sale objectives.
Bob holds a bachelor’s degree in civil engineering from Texas A&M University and an MBA from the Columbia University Graduate School of Business.
An instrument-rated licensed pilot having logged more than 1,000 hours, Bob volunteers his time and aviation skill at Angel Flight South Central, a charitable organization dedicated to transporting patients in financial need that require critical medical treatment in distant cities.
Certifications/Licenses
- Certified Business Intermediary (CBI): International Business Broker Association
- Merger & Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&AMI): The M&A Source
- Licensed Real Estate Broker: Texas
Honors and Awards
- Transworld Business Advisors President’s Club Award, 2015-2021
- M&A Source Executive Club Award, 2021
Professional Memberships
- International Business Brokers Association
- The M&A Source
- Texas Association of Realtors
Business & Community Involvement
- Volunteer pilot, Angel Flight South Central
Gary Papay
Managing Partner, Founder & Principal - Pennsylvania and North Carolina
gpapay@ibgbusiness.com | 570.971.6106
Gary Papay is a professional intermediary and business appraiser specializing in the sale and transfer of privately held mid-market companies since 1976. Gary is the partner in charge of the IBG Pennsylvania and North Carolina offices.
Entrepreneurial/Industry Experience
Gary Papay’s career started at Agway, Inc. a Fortune 100 company, where he held a progression of positions in the company’s petroleum division, including plant manager, corporate propane operations manager, district manager, and division operations manager. He was responsible for acquisitions and divestitures and business valuations.
After 18 years in corporate management, Gary joined CK Business Consultants, an M&A business transactions firm that specialized in oil and gas-related industries. He acquired the business in 1999 and then expanded the company into the manufacturing and distribution sectors.
Gary’s business commitment: “Assisting business owners in valuing and selling their companies at the appropriate time and for maximum value.”
Gary and his wife have three grown daughters, two granddaughters, and two grandsons, and reside in Hughesville, PA and Greensboro, NC. Gary is an active Rotarian and enjoys hiking, biking, and traveling to warm climates during the winter months.
Certifications and Designations
- Merger & Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&AMI): The M&A Source
- Certified Business Intermediary (CBI): International Business Broker Association
- Industry Expert Designation: Business Brokerage Press
- Certified Machinery & Equipment Appraiser/Broker (CMEA): NEBB Institute
- Senior Business Analyst (SBA): NEBB Institute
Honors and Awards
- The M&A Source Darrell Fouts Award for visionary leadership in the M&A profession
- Tom West Award: International Business Broker Association (IBBA)
- Lifetime CBI
- Lifetime M&AMI
- Fellow of the IBBA
- Fellow of the M&A Source
- Chairman’s Award for Leadership: International Business Broker Association (IBBA)
- The M&A Source Platinum Club Award
- Champions Award: The M&A Source
- Paul Harris Fellow – Rotary International
Memberships
- Business Intermediary Education Foundation (BIEF): Board of Directors
- Empire State Energy Association (ESEA)
- International Business Broker Association (IBBA): Fellow; Board of Directors, Secretary
- M&A Source: Fellow; Board of Directors, Secretary
- Manufacturer & Business Association (MBA)
- National Equipment & Business Builder’s Institute (NEBB)
- National Propane Gas Association (NPGA): Board of Directors
- New York Propane Gas Association (NYPGA)
- Pennsylvania Business Brokers Association (PBBA): Board of Directors, Secretary
- Pennsylvania Petroleum Association (PPA)
- Pennsylvania Propane Gas Association (PAPGA): Board of Directors
- Petroleum Marketers Association of America (PMAA)
- Propane Gas Association of New England (PGANE)
Business & Community Involvement
- IBBA and The M&A Source Leadership – Director; Officer; Chair, Credentialing Committee, Bylaws Committee, University Affiliation Task Force, International Credentialing Task Force, Bylaws Task Force
- Published contributor and speaker for industry publications and national conferences
- Volunteer, various local charity organizations and projects
- Flight 93 National Memorial: Founding Sponsor
- World War II Memorial: Charter Member
- Wolf Township Planning Commission: Chair
- Church of the Resurrection: Finance Council Chair; Planning Committee Chair – built new church
- Rotary International: President, Hughesville Rotary; District 7370 Chair Short-Term Youth Exchange Program
- Williamsport/Lycoming Chamber of Commerce
- Leadership Lycoming: Graduate
- Greater Hughesville Business Association
John Zayac
Managing Partner & Principal - Colorado
zayac@ibgbusiness.com | 303.758.4000
John Zayac founded International Business Group in 1986 to provide the mid-market business seller with the high-quality resources and sophisticated M&A service traditionally reserved for firms valued over $100 million.
From IBG’s inception, John’s vision was to build it into the merger and acquisition industry’s most comprehensive provider of acquisition advisory services for mid-market business sellers. His oversight of handling each client from start to finish built a record of success as a business intermediary, including hundreds of completed transactions in manufacturing, distribution, and service industries.
Entrepreneurial/Industry Experience
In addition to founding IBG, John Zayac has owned and operated a spectrum of businesses, including a printing company, an automobile importing agency, and a chain of car washes. According to Professional Car Washing magazine, his is the 10th largest chain of self-service car wash locations in the U.S.
John is a court-appointed expert in business valuations and transactions and is a nationally recognized speaker on the sale of privately held mid-market firms.
His personal business philosophy is mindful: Most business owners sell a firm only once in a lifetime; capitalizing on this opportunity requires experience, resources and knowledge to ensure nothing is left to chance.
A native of Binghamton, New York, John has resided in Colorado since 1982 and is actively involved in many industry associations and civic organizations. John is a competitive race pilot in the T-6 Racing Association, most recently placing second in the 2010 T-6 Gold Class National Championship Air Races in Reno.
Certifications/Licenses
- Certified Business Intermediary (CBI): International Business Broker Association
- Series 63 and 82 securities registration under CEIBA Financial, LLC
- Licensed Real Estate Broker
Honors and Awards
- Fellow of the IBBA: International Business Brokers Association
Memberships
- International Business Brokers Association (IBBA)
- M&A Source: Board of Directors
- Business Intermediary Education Foundation (BIEF): Board of Directors
- U.S. Chamber of Commerce
- Alliance of Merger and Acquisition Advisors (AM&AA)
- Internet Safety Commission: Board of Directors
- Colorado Association of Business Intermediaries (CABI)
- Strategic Initiative Task Force (SITF): Board of Directors
Business & Community Involvement
- Air Power West: Board of Directors
- Association for Corporate Growth
- Morgan Adams Foundation
- T6 Racing Association: Board of Directors
- Wings Over the Rockies: Steering Committee Member
Tim Atwell
Managing Associate - Colorado
tatwell@ibgbusiness.com | 303.758.0374
Profile:
Tim Atwell rejoined IBG in 2015 after previously managing the firm's business valuation department from 2010 through 2012. He brings more than 12 years of financial industry experience and a strong record of success in the mergers and acquisitions field. As the Managing Associate in IBG's Denver, Colorado office, Tim's role is to source, execute, and close transactions involving the sale of private, closely held companies.
Having advised companies in a wide range of industries including aerospace, engineering, manufacturing, medical devices, packaging, professional services, and telecommunications, Tim brings diverse experience and a sound M&A background to the IBG team.
Experience:
Prior to returning to IBG in 2015, Tim directed financial analysis and business analytics for DISH Network's incremental revenue and subscription based programming divisions. In this role, he oversaw forecasting and budgeting, as well as performance reporting on customer penetration and retention trends.
Tim began his M&A career with Trinity Capital Services (a Denver-based investment bank and consulting firm), serving as Vice President and focusing on corporate divestitures and private placements of equity. Tim has also held leadership positions in training and development and inside sales at Deutsche Bank.
In his M&A career, Tim has led or co-led on closed transactions exceeding $70 million in value and has been on deal teams for more than 25 M&A and private placement engagements.
Education and Awards:
B.S., Finance, Miami University
Young Professionals Alzheimer's Association of Colorado
Areas of Expertise:
Business Valuation
Manufacturing
Professional Services
Acquisition Search Programs (Buyer Representation)
Garry Barnes
Managing Director - Arizona
gbarnes@ibgbusiness.com | 602.429.0406
Profile:
Garry is a Veteran Commercial Banker having served as President/CEO of banks in Arizona, California and Utah. He has been involved in C-level management, credit policy, lending, portfolio management, as well as risk & sales management. Extensive experience working with bank boards and banking supervisory authorities. Additional experience includes troubled bank turn-a-rounds and de novo start-ups. He has been associated with Fox and Fin Financial Group since 2005.
Experience:
He has taught at the university level, is a frequent writer/lecturer on banking, business brokerage and real estate matters and has conducted over 2500 seminars. Garry has serviced on the SBA National Advisory Council, hosted a radio talk show, and served as a consultant to the Central Bank of Russia (in country).
Education & Awards:
B.S.- Business Finance. Minor Real Estate, Boise State University
Graduate, Pacific Coast Banking School
Graduate School of Banking, University of Washington
Graduate, REALTOR® Institute (GRI)
Steve Bisbee
Managing Director - Arizona
sbisbee@ibgbusiness.com | 480.327.6634
Profile:
Steve is a Managing Director at IBG/Fox & Fin in the Phoenix Arizona office. As an attorney skilled in M&A transactions in the Arizona business community, Steve has worked closely with buyers and sellers through a full range of sales and acquisitions over the years.
Experience:
A former business owner, he subsequently worked eight years for an international corporation providing aircrew training to US and foreign militaries, serving as program manager on various domestic and foreign programs. He was a key member on five major defense contracting proposal teams bidding on large US military aircrew training projects, and became the program manager on a multi-million dollar, multi-year US project following a winning bid.
Education & Awards:
J.D.- Law, Arizona State University
MBA- Thunderbird School of Global Management
B.S.- Business, Arizona State University
Member of the Arizona Business Brokers Association
Licensed through the Arizona Bar Association
Licensed Arizona Department of Real Estate
Mike Cauley
Managing Director
mcauley@ibgbusiness.com | 480.421.9532
Profile
Mike Cauley is a Managing Director at IBG/Fox & Fin in the Phoenix Arizona office. He has more than 10 years of experience facilitating, contributing to, and leading small business and lower middle market business acquisitions and sales and M&A efforts across multiple industries and sectors.
As Mike works with both business sellers and buyers, he leans not only on his in-depth M&A experiences and know-how, but also draws from his in-depth practical experiences that span business financial management and financial planning and analysis across several types of businesses and service providers, as well as design, operations and financial management and analysis for the engineering, construction, and real estate development industries.
Experience
In Mike’s more than 10 years’ experience facilitating, contributing to, and leading small business and lower middle market acquisitions, sales, and M&A advisory efforts, he has provided and performed numerous services including comprehensive representation, deal origination, marketing, deal and transactional structuring and negotiating, financial analysis, contracting, and underwriting— all across a diverse portfolio of contemplated and realized deals in multiple industries and sectors.
Over this period, Mike has been immersed in the business acquisitions and sales marketplace, its activity and related analytics; developed numerous tools, products, processes and systems to optimally serve clients; conducted valuation and pricing studies; and consulted on, facilitated, and led numerous small and lower middle market business acquisitions and sales and M&A initiatives involving businesses of multiple sizes and from several industries and sectors.
Mike also has several years’ experience on the design, operations, and finance sides of the engineering, construction, and real estate development industries— working across numerous complex horizontal infrastructure and vertical buildings projects.
Education and Awards/Licenses
- MBA, Finance, Boston College
- B.S., Engineering, Northeastern University
- Arizona Department of Real Estate
Areas of Expertise
- Service Providers and Professional Services
- Engineering and Design
- Construction Contracting (General and Subs/Specialties)
- Construction Management and Related Construction Services
- Environmental Consulting, Sciences, Services, and Remediation
- Water and Water Resources
- Energy Services
- Construction Materials and Products
- Manufacturing
- Security Services
- Insurance
Keeton Frye
Vice President
kfrye@ibgbusiness.com | 405.233.8750
Profile
Keeton is a Vice President and is responsible for managing client engagements and operations of the Oklahoma City office for IBG/Bluestem Resources Group, LLC. Keeton joined IBG/Bluestem after working in corporate development for a software company based in Virginia. He has more than 10 years of experience in financial modeling, valuation, and analysis.
Experience
Most recently, Keeton worked on merger and acquisition activities for an enterprise resource planning software company that is owned by Roper Technologies (NASDAQ: ROP). During his time there, he worked on a variety of deals ranging from $50mm to over $450mm. Keeton was responsible for financial modeling, investment board presentation materials, financial due diligence, and ad-hoc analysis. Keeton also has investment due diligence experience supporting the Merchant Banking and Special Situations divisions of Goldman Sachs through real estate investment modeling, analysis, and investment memo preparation. Keeton also has exposure to the energy and logistics industry through several roles at Sunoco LP. Before Sunoco LP, Keeton worked on financial derivative valuation at J.P. Morgan. At the beginning of his career, Keeton worked on the commodity trading desk of Deutsche Bank.
Education & Awards
- BS in Finance from Oklahoma State University
- MS in Finance from the University of Oklahoma
Areas of Expertise
- Energy
- Information Technology/Software
- Logistics and Transportation
- Real Estate
Interests
- Outside of work, Keeton enjoys traveling with his wife Lanie and spending time with family and friends. Keeton also likes to fly-fish and go to his family’s ranch in Henryetta, OK. He and his wife attend Frontline Church in downtown Oklahoma City.
Oksana Komarnyckyj
Managing Director - Nevada
oksana@ibgbusiness.com | 702.840.4193
Profile
Oksana Komarnyckyj (Ko-Mar-Nit-Ski), a Managing Director with IBG/Fox & Fin, has over 25 years' experience guiding businesses through every stage of their lives, from start-up to growth to exit. She has worked in the trenches, as well as, in the corporate board room. As an M&A Advisor, Oksana focuses on assisting privately-held companies and their owners maximize value while maintaining harmony among stakeholders.
Experience
Ms. Komarnyckyj has extensive corporate board experience having served on multiple board committees at Delta Dental of Arizona and Ascent Benefits Company of Colorado over a span of more than ten years. She was also the corporate advisor to Dental Implants and Periodontology of Arizona and a director of Perioendoscopy, a medical device startup. Formerly, Oksana was the COO of OraLogic, a personal-care startup.
Ms. Komarnyckyj is a former associate with the international law firm Gibson, Dunn and Crutcher. While at Gibson, she focused on corporate law and gained experience in mergers, acquisitions, and IPOs. She served as the Director of the Minority and Women-Owned Business Mentorship Program for New York City. Upon obtaining her MBA, she became the Assistant Director for Special Projects for the University of New Orleans Center for Economic Development, where she co-founded the award-winning Greater New Orleans Venture Capital Club.
Ms. Komarnyckyj has also participated in the international business arena. She has held advisory positions abroad where she also lectured at numerous enterprises and educational institutions on western business practices. She has conducted business training courses for senior and middle management in the manufacturing and banking industries.
Education and Awards
- Juris Doctor - Order of the Coif - Sandra Day O'Connor School of Law, Arizona State University
- Master of Business Administration - University of New Orleans
- Bachelor of Arts - Barnard College at Columbia University
- Certificate of Director Education - National Association of Corporate Directors
-
Junior Achievement Amazing Women of Arizona Award
- Oksana Komarnyckyj, Nevada Real Estate License #183784
Jim Kuykendall
Managing Directory - Arizona
JimK@ibgbusiness.com | 480.367.7912
Bio:
Prior to joining IBG Fox & Fin, Jim spent 20 years as a corporate attorney, commercial Director, and a former business owner. Jim has worked on M&A transactions across the United States, Mexico and in Asia Pacific, with deal sizes ranging from $1MM-1B.
Jim worked on the ground in 11 countries in Asia as General Counsel- Asia Pacific for a large multinational industrial minerals company. He also served as Vice President and General Counsel- North America with the same company. He was a Sales Director where he managed a $200MM budget selling industrial minerals to Fortune 500 companies. He has experience in mining, industrial minerals, payments/banking, food and beverage, and utility industries.
Jim also owned and operated his own successful business in the State of Arizona in the underground utility industry.
Jim is a 4th generation Phoenician with deep roots in the State of Arizona. He enjoys living in Arizona with his wife and three children. He has been a fundraiser for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society for 25 years. He has completed marathons and was an avid swimmer for many years.
Education:
J.D., University of San Diego
MBA, University of San Diego
B.S., Business Administration- Finance, University of Arizona
Licenses:
State Bar of California
Arizona Department of Real Estate
Panel Speaker: SHRM Atlanta- Selecting Counsel in HR matters, 2004
Panel Speaker: Navigating the M&A landscape- Mumbai, India, 2011
Lance Meilech
Managing Director
lance@ibgbusiness.com | 602.741.7876
Profile
Lance Meilech is a Managing Director at IBG/Fox & Fin in the Phoenix Arizona office. His specialization is in the technology market and has many strong connections to Silicon Valley. He has been extremely successful in the Arizona market and has earned the reputation of being one of the top deal makers in the State. His in-depth practical experience in multiple aspects of business operations, financial background and educational credentials enables Lance to understand the concerns of business owners and buyers. This unique combination of experience and skills enables him to help clients through all aspects of the business transfer process.
Experience
Lance started his business career in sales, representing companies that sell office equipment and computers, and eventually became a securities representative. He has extensive experience in international markets and is fluent in multiple languages. As an entrepreneur, Lance has started, built and sold several companies, including a software development company and a multi-location education company. Immediately prior to his association with Fox & Fin, he started and built from the ground up one of Phoenix's top tax firms.
Lance has decades of experience in valuing businesses and advising clients on a wide range of strategic and management issues for companies small and large, and he has testified frequently in depositions and courts of law as an expert witness on business valuations.
Education & Awards
- Masters- Finance, Arizona State University
- Masters- Taxation, Arizona State University
- Arizona Technology Council
-
Arizona BioIndustry Association
- Technology
Troy Stapley
Managing Director - Arizona
tstapley@ibgbusiness.com | 602.429.0414
Profile
Troy Stapley is a Managing Director at IBG/Fox & Fin in the Phoenix Arizona office. Troy's primary responsibility as a deal maker consists of consulting with business owners and assisting with business valuation, deal sourcing, marketing, negotiating and closing M&A transactions. He works closely with IBG's network of private equity groups, family offices, and corporate buyers assisting in buy-side or sell-side engagements. He has more than 15 years of successful experience in business consulting and a wide breadth of M&A experience closing many transactions primarily in the Southwestern US.
Experience
Troy's business sales insight is rooted in his more than 15 years of experience in nationwide consulting, commercial lending and equipment financing/leasing to companies in a variety of industries, and ranging from start-up ventures to Fortune 500 companies. His M&A industry experience ranges from wholesale supply distribution and construction-based firms, to insurance agencies, various manufacturing companies and technology firms. His business philosophy- "Planning for a future exit builds better companies now."
Education and Awards
- MBA- Finance & Leadership, Arizona State University
- B.S.- Communications & Business Management, Brigham Young University
- International Business Brokers Association (IBBA)
-
Arizona Licensed Real Estate Broker
Education and Awards
- Distribution
- Professional Services
- Construction
- Manufacturing
- Technology
Sonja Wood
Managing Director - New Mexico
swood@ibgbusiness.com | 505.305.7888
Profile
An M&A and real estate professional, Sonja Wood provides comprehensive advisory and intermediary services to parties in business purchases, sales, and mergers. Her industry experience includes commercial and real estate investment, construction and roofing, senior housing, and a variety of other industries.
Sonja's clients benefit from her experience in research, review and evaluation of company systems/processes, infrastructure, financial reporting, market positioning, regulatory and compliance review and recommendations, sales process, and pro forma feasibility assessments based on an evaluation of database, clients, contracts, supply chain review, as well as identifying areas of future capital requirements.
She also provides human resource assessments to evaluate the strength of a company’s workforce and determine recommendations for improvements that will streamline the pre- and post-acquisition preparation related to evaluation of benefits, payroll reports, employee assessment, employment policies review related to regulatory and compliance history, CMS (Medicaid/Medicare) Provider Change of Ownership Support.
Professional Certifications & Designations
- Certified Business Intermediary, International Business Brokers Association
- Certified Senior Housing Professional™, Seniors Real Estate Institute
- Seniors Real Estate Specialist® (SRES®), National Association of REALTORS®
- Certified Exit Planner (CExP), Business Enterprise Institute, Inc.
Memberships
- Colorado Association of Business Intermediaries (2011-present)
- Colorado Assisted Living Association (2007-present): Past Vice President and Board Member
Education
- Business Enterprise Institute: Exit Planning Specialist, 2011
- Armbrust Real Estate Institute: Real Estate License / Managing Broker, 2005
- Metropolitan State University of Denver: B.S., Finance, 1996
New Mexico Real Estate License
Associates, Analyst & Staff
Jessica Dilullo
Office Manager - Colorado
Jessica Dilullo
Office Manager - Colorado
Karen Berger
Executive Assistant - Pennsylvania
Karen joined CK Business Consultants, Inc. in 2007. As Mr. Papay's personal assistant she is responsible for preparation of all aspects of the merger and acquisition process, and the day to day operations of the business. Prior to CK Business Consultants, Inc. Karen was an office manager responsible for receivables, payables, payroll, purchasing, and quoting for a contracting firm. In her spare time she is a "soccer mom" and enjoys cooking and reading.
Jennifer Freese
Client Services Manager - Arizona
Jen joined IBG/Fox & Fin in July of 2024 and provides comprehensive support to Partners and Directors. Jen came to the firm as a seasoned Executive Assistant with a robust career supporting executives across a range of industries, including law, non-profit, and aviation. With a Bachelor of Science in Journalism from the University of Nebraska at Omaha, Jen brings a keen eye for detail and exceptional organizational skills.
In Remembrance
Samuel David Cheris
Jim Afinowich
Managing Partner, Founder & Principal - Arizona
Jim Afinowich is a Partner and Designated Broker at IBG Fox & Fin in the Phoenix office, a mergers and acquisition firm founded in 1993 that handles business sales between $5 million and $150 million. The firm has been selected Arizona’s number one business broker and investment banking firm for 18 consecutive years by Ranking Arizona.
Jim’s primary responsibility is overseeing his office’s deal makers and expediting transactions. He has more than a quarter century of successful experience in the M&A industry and has managed and supervised more than 500 transactions. He is well-known a creative problem solver.
A nationally honored industry leader, Jim has developed and presented classes for regional and national trade associations for nearly 20 years. He has also provided expert witness services in cases relating to brokerage practices and standards of care.
Certifications/Licenses
- Certified Business Intermediary (CBI): International Business Broker Association
- Merger & Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&AMI): The M&A Source
- Business Brokerage Specialist (BBS)
- Real Estate Broker, State of Arizona
- Series 63 and series 82 securities registration under CEIBA Financial, LLC
Honors and Awards
- Tom West Award for exceptional contributions in promoting goals and ethics in business brokerage
- “Jim Afinowich Day,” Valley Board of Business Brokers
Memberships
- International Business Brokers Association (IBBA): Fellow, President, Director, Vice President, Treasurer, Education Committee Chair
- M&A Source: Charter member; Chair, Education Committee; Chair, Credentialing Committee
- Business Intermediary Education Foundation: President and Director
- Valley Board Of Business Brokers
- Association for Corporate Growth (ACG)
- Alliance of Merger and Acquisition Advisors (AM&AA)
- Arizona Business Brokers Association
- Turnaround Management Association
Business & Community Involvement
- Volunteer, various local charity organizations and projects
- Aircraft Owner Pilot Association
- Reno Air Racing Association
- Wings for Kid
Jim Afinowich, Nevada Real Estate License #B.1002070
Darrell Fouts
Matt Frye
Managing Partner & Principal
Matt is the Managing Partner responsible for the operations of IBG/Bluestem Resources Group, LLC (Bluestem USA). A native-Tulsan, Matt joined IBG/Bluestem following twenty-one years in Executive Management roles for multiple energy-based technology companies in Houston, Texas. Matt started his career in Tulsa in the domestic exploration and production business and migrated into commodity trading with Tulsa-based The Williams Companies. He then advanced to a series of executive level positions with technology start-ups and enterprise-wide software development ventures. His last ten years as a corporate executive culminated in the launching of the U.S division of the Natural Gas Exchange, an online energy commodity exchange and clearinghouse, which is now a subsidiary of the Intercontinental Exchange Group (ICE NYSE).
Experience
Matt’s vast leadership experience base spans from private-equity based technology startups to publicly held energy companies and commodity exchanges. He has launched multiple new ventures that introduced new products and services both domestically and internationally. This experience base combined with expertise in joint venture development and M&A serves IBG/Bluestem clients by maximizing their intrinsic and extrinsic value to broad target markets.
With over thirty years of deal making experience, Matt’s primary roles at IBG/Bluestem include: buyer and seller representation, pre-sale consultation, market segment analysis and company valuation.
Education & Awards
- BS in Finance from Oklahoma State University
- MBA from the University of Tulsa
Certifications/Licenses
- Merger and Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&AMI): The M&A Source
- Certified Business Intermediary (CBI): The IBBA
- Licensed Real Estate Agent: Oklahoma
Areas of Expertise
- Energy
- Information Technology/Software
- Manufacturing
- Wholesale Trade
- Construction
- Professional Services
Interests
When not serving the needs of IBG/Bluestem clients, you can find Matt and his wife at their hobby ranch south of Tulsa or serving at their church.
Bruce Fox
John C. Johnson
Managing Partner & Principal
John C. Johnson, M&A Broker and Advisor, is a specialist in selling a business. An IBG Business Founder, he is Managing Partner of the Tulsa Oklahoma office. John also founded and built Bluestem Resources - BluestemUSA. He is past President of the International Business Broker Association and The Merger and Acquisitions (M&A) Source and is a Certified Business Intermediary and Lifetime Master Merger & Acquisition Intermediary.
John's career began as a roustabout at Amoco Production Company/Standard Oil of Indiana, then in operations research and in field offices while completing his Petroleum Engineering degree. He worked at Champlin Petroleum/Union Pacific Corporation as he earned an MBA at Texas Christian University. At the two Fortune 100 companies - Standard of Indiana and Union Pacific - John held staff and management positions in strategy, investment analysis, and mergers and acquisitions.
John's expertise is demonstrated through his track record of success for clients, professional M&A certifications, as a court-appointed receiver, and as an expert witness in business valuation and petroleum property management. He has written "M&A Expert" series articles for international business publications, has taught peers in M&A broker courses and lectured on "best practice" panels.
Entrepreneurial/Industry Experience
John was raised in an entrepreneurial family and understands the sacrifices, stress, risks, and hard work business ownership brings to an owner and the owner’s family.
He is an experienced business owner. John owns and manages a land and cattle business with ranch lands, minerals, petroleum, and timber resources. John grew a startup petroleum gathering and distribution venture to a $12 million business before completing a strategic sale. He organized and manages properties for a group that bought distressed petroleum loans from the FDIC. He has bought and resold private businesses in manufacturing, business services, and oil processing.
John was born in Kansas and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His corporate career took him to Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, New York City, and back to Tulsa before he settled near his northeast Oklahoma ranch. In quiet times, Johns enjoys time with his wife, children and grandchildren as well as fishing, hunting, gardening, and working at their ranch.
Certifications/Licenses
- Merger & Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&AMI): The M&A Source
- Certified Business Intermediary (CBI): International Business Broker Association
- Industry Expert Designation: Business Brokerage Press
- Licensed Real Estate Broker
Honors and Awards
- Acquisition International: USA M&A Broker of the Year
- The M&A Source: Darrell Fouts Award for visionary leadership in the M&A profession
- Tom West Award for exceptional contributions in promoting goals and ethics in business brokerage
- International Business Brokers Association (IBBA): Chairman’s Award for Leadership
- Tulsa’s Small Business Person of the Year: Finalist
- U.S. Small Business Administration: Oklahoma Financial Services Advocate of the Year
Memberships
- The M&A Source: Founding Member, Chairman, Officer, Director, Strategic Issues Task Force Co-Chair
- International Business Brokers Association (IBBA): Fellow; Life Member; President; Member, President’s Advisory Council; Director; Treasurer; Strategic Planning Chair; Co-Author, M&A Course and Certification Exam; Instructor; Speaker and Panelist
- Business Intermediary Education Foundation (BIEF): Founder and Director
- Tulsa Metro Chamber’s Financial Services Advocate of the Year
Business & Community Involvement
- Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce & Industry: Director
- Oklahoma Academy for State Goals: Director
- Leadership Oklahoma: Graduate, Director, Officer
- Tulsa Executives Association: Director
- Tulsa Economic Development Corporation: Director
- Entrepreneurs of Tulsa: Director & Officer
- Oklahoma Private Enterprise Forum: Director & President
- The Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence: Director
- M&A Joint Industry Campaign for Clarity: Steering Committee Co-Chair
- Rotary International: Paul Harris Fellow; President, Rotary Club of Vinita
- Youth Recreation Association: Director, Coach, Referee
Charles Martz
John C. Johnson
Managing Partner & Principal
John C. Johnson, M&A Broker and Advisor, is a specialist in selling a business. An IBG Business Founder, he is Managing Partner of the Tulsa Oklahoma office. John also founded and built Bluestem Resources - BluestemUSA. He is past President of the International Business Broker Association and The Merger and Acquisitions (M&A) Source and is a Certified Business Intermediary and Lifetime Master Merger & Acquisition Intermediary.
John's career began as a roustabout at Amoco Production Company/Standard Oil of Indiana, then in operations research and in field offices while completing his Petroleum Engineering degree. He worked at Champlin Petroleum/Union Pacific Corporation as he earned an MBA at Texas Christian University. At the two Fortune 100 companies - Standard of Indiana and Union Pacific - John held staff and management positions in strategy, investment analysis, and mergers and acquisitions.
John's expertise is demonstrated through his track record of success for clients, professional M&A certifications, as a court-appointed receiver, and as an expert witness in business valuation and petroleum property management. He has written "M&A Expert" series articles for international business publications, has taught peers in M&A broker courses and lectured on "best practice" panels.
Entrepreneurial/Industry Experience
John was raised in an entrepreneurial family and understands the sacrifices, stress, risks, and hard work business ownership brings to an owner and the owner’s family.
He is an experienced business owner. John owns and manages a land and cattle business with ranch lands, minerals, petroleum, and timber resources. John grew a startup petroleum gathering and distribution venture to a $12 million business before completing a strategic sale. He organized and manages properties for a group that bought distressed petroleum loans from the FDIC. He has bought and resold private businesses in manufacturing, business services, and oil processing.
John was born in Kansas and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His corporate career took him to Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, New York City, and back to Tulsa before he settled near his northeast Oklahoma ranch. In quiet times, Johns enjoys time with his wife, children and grandchildren as well as fishing, hunting, gardening, and working at their ranch.
Certifications/Licenses
- Merger & Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&AMI): The M&A Source
- Certified Business Intermediary (CBI): International Business Broker Association
- Industry Expert Designation: Business Brokerage Press
- Licensed Real Estate Broker
Honors and Awards
- Acquisition International: USA M&A Broker of the Year
- The M&A Source: Darrell Fouts Award for visionary leadership in the M&A profession
- Tom West Award for exceptional contributions in promoting goals and ethics in business brokerage
- International Business Brokers Association (IBBA): Chairman’s Award for Leadership
- Tulsa’s Small Business Person of the Year: Finalist
- U.S. Small Business Administration: Oklahoma Financial Services Advocate of the Year
Memberships
- The M&A Source: Founding Member, Chairman, Officer, Director, Strategic Issues Task Force Co-Chair
- International Business Brokers Association (IBBA): Fellow; Life Member; President; Member, President’s Advisory Council; Director; Treasurer; Strategic Planning Chair; Co-Author, M&A Course and Certification Exam; Instructor; Speaker and Panelist
- Business Intermediary Education Foundation (BIEF): Founder and Director
- Tulsa Metro Chamber’s Financial Services Advocate of the Year
Business & Community Involvement
- Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce & Industry: Director
- Oklahoma Academy for State Goals: Director
- Leadership Oklahoma: Graduate, Director, Officer
- Tulsa Executives Association: Director
- Tulsa Economic Development Corporation: Director
- Entrepreneurs of Tulsa: Director & Officer
- Oklahoma Private Enterprise Forum: Director & President
- The Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence: Director
- M&A Joint Industry Campaign for Clarity: Steering Committee Co-Chair
- Rotary International: Paul Harris Fellow; President, Rotary Club of Vinita
- Youth Recreation Association: Director, Coach, Referee
Tom Smart
John C. Johnson
Managing Partner & Principal
John C. Johnson, M&A Broker and Advisor, is a specialist in selling a business. An IBG Business Founder, he is Managing Partner of the Tulsa Oklahoma office. John also founded and built Bluestem Resources - BluestemUSA. He is past President of the International Business Broker Association and The Merger and Acquisitions (M&A) Source and is a Certified Business Intermediary and Lifetime Master Merger & Acquisition Intermediary.
John's career began as a roustabout at Amoco Production Company/Standard Oil of Indiana, then in operations research and in field offices while completing his Petroleum Engineering degree. He worked at Champlin Petroleum/Union Pacific Corporation as he earned an MBA at Texas Christian University. At the two Fortune 100 companies - Standard of Indiana and Union Pacific - John held staff and management positions in strategy, investment analysis, and mergers and acquisitions.
John's expertise is demonstrated through his track record of success for clients, professional M&A certifications, as a court-appointed receiver, and as an expert witness in business valuation and petroleum property management. He has written "M&A Expert" series articles for international business publications, has taught peers in M&A broker courses and lectured on "best practice" panels.
Entrepreneurial/Industry Experience
John was raised in an entrepreneurial family and understands the sacrifices, stress, risks, and hard work business ownership brings to an owner and the owner’s family.
He is an experienced business owner. John owns and manages a land and cattle business with ranch lands, minerals, petroleum, and timber resources. John grew a startup petroleum gathering and distribution venture to a $12 million business before completing a strategic sale. He organized and manages properties for a group that bought distressed petroleum loans from the FDIC. He has bought and resold private businesses in manufacturing, business services, and oil processing.
John was born in Kansas and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His corporate career took him to Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, New York City, and back to Tulsa before he settled near his northeast Oklahoma ranch. In quiet times, Johns enjoys time with his wife, children and grandchildren as well as fishing, hunting, gardening, and working at their ranch.
Certifications/Licenses
- Merger & Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&AMI): The M&A Source
- Certified Business Intermediary (CBI): International Business Broker Association
- Industry Expert Designation: Business Brokerage Press
- Licensed Real Estate Broker
Honors and Awards
- Acquisition International: USA M&A Broker of the Year
- The M&A Source: Darrell Fouts Award for visionary leadership in the M&A profession
- Tom West Award for exceptional contributions in promoting goals and ethics in business brokerage
- International Business Brokers Association (IBBA): Chairman’s Award for Leadership
- Tulsa’s Small Business Person of the Year: Finalist
- U.S. Small Business Administration: Oklahoma Financial Services Advocate of the Year
Memberships
- The M&A Source: Founding Member, Chairman, Officer, Director, Strategic Issues Task Force Co-Chair
- International Business Brokers Association (IBBA): Fellow; Life Member; President; Member, President’s Advisory Council; Director; Treasurer; Strategic Planning Chair; Co-Author, M&A Course and Certification Exam; Instructor; Speaker and Panelist
- Business Intermediary Education Foundation (BIEF): Founder and Director
- Tulsa Metro Chamber’s Financial Services Advocate of the Year
Business & Community Involvement
- Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce & Industry: Director
- Oklahoma Academy for State Goals: Director
- Leadership Oklahoma: Graduate, Director, Officer
- Tulsa Executives Association: Director
- Tulsa Economic Development Corporation: Director
- Entrepreneurs of Tulsa: Director & Officer
- Oklahoma Private Enterprise Forum: Director & President
- The Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence: Director
- M&A Joint Industry Campaign for Clarity: Steering Committee Co-Chair
- Rotary International: Paul Harris Fellow; President, Rotary Club of Vinita
- Youth Recreation Association: Director, Coach, Referee
Mark Greenberg
John C. Johnson
Managing Partner & Principal
John C. Johnson, M&A Broker and Advisor, is a specialist in selling a business. An IBG Business Founder, he is Managing Partner of the Tulsa Oklahoma office. John also founded and built Bluestem Resources - BluestemUSA. He is past President of the International Business Broker Association and The Merger and Acquisitions (M&A) Source and is a Certified Business Intermediary and Lifetime Master Merger & Acquisition Intermediary.
John's career began as a roustabout at Amoco Production Company/Standard Oil of Indiana, then in operations research and in field offices while completing his Petroleum Engineering degree. He worked at Champlin Petroleum/Union Pacific Corporation as he earned an MBA at Texas Christian University. At the two Fortune 100 companies - Standard of Indiana and Union Pacific - John held staff and management positions in strategy, investment analysis, and mergers and acquisitions.
John's expertise is demonstrated through his track record of success for clients, professional M&A certifications, as a court-appointed receiver, and as an expert witness in business valuation and petroleum property management. He has written "M&A Expert" series articles for international business publications, has taught peers in M&A broker courses and lectured on "best practice" panels.
Entrepreneurial/Industry Experience
John was raised in an entrepreneurial family and understands the sacrifices, stress, risks, and hard work business ownership brings to an owner and the owner’s family.
He is an experienced business owner. John owns and manages a land and cattle business with ranch lands, minerals, petroleum, and timber resources. John grew a startup petroleum gathering and distribution venture to a $12 million business before completing a strategic sale. He organized and manages properties for a group that bought distressed petroleum loans from the FDIC. He has bought and resold private businesses in manufacturing, business services, and oil processing.
John was born in Kansas and raised in Tulsa, Oklahoma. His corporate career took him to Dallas-Fort Worth, Denver, New York City, and back to Tulsa before he settled near his northeast Oklahoma ranch. In quiet times, Johns enjoys time with his wife, children and grandchildren as well as fishing, hunting, gardening, and working at their ranch.
Certifications/Licenses
- Merger & Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&AMI): The M&A Source
- Certified Business Intermediary (CBI): International Business Broker Association
- Industry Expert Designation: Business Brokerage Press
- Licensed Real Estate Broker
Honors and Awards
- Acquisition International: USA M&A Broker of the Year
- The M&A Source: Darrell Fouts Award for visionary leadership in the M&A profession
- Tom West Award for exceptional contributions in promoting goals and ethics in business brokerage
- International Business Brokers Association (IBBA): Chairman’s Award for Leadership
- Tulsa’s Small Business Person of the Year: Finalist
- U.S. Small Business Administration: Oklahoma Financial Services Advocate of the Year
Memberships
- The M&A Source: Founding Member, Chairman, Officer, Director, Strategic Issues Task Force Co-Chair
- International Business Brokers Association (IBBA): Fellow; Life Member; President; Member, President’s Advisory Council; Director; Treasurer; Strategic Planning Chair; Co-Author, M&A Course and Certification Exam; Instructor; Speaker and Panelist
- Business Intermediary Education Foundation (BIEF): Founder and Director
- Tulsa Metro Chamber’s Financial Services Advocate of the Year
Business & Community Involvement
- Oklahoma State Chamber of Commerce & Industry: Director
- Oklahoma Academy for State Goals: Director
- Leadership Oklahoma: Graduate, Director, Officer
- Tulsa Executives Association: Director
- Tulsa Economic Development Corporation: Director
- Entrepreneurs of Tulsa: Director & Officer
- Oklahoma Private Enterprise Forum: Director & President
- The Alliance for Manufacturing Excellence: Director
- M&A Joint Industry Campaign for Clarity: Steering Committee Co-Chair
- Rotary International: Paul Harris Fellow; President, Rotary Club of Vinita
- Youth Recreation Association: Director, Coach, Referee
"We referred to our team as the 'dream team' because we felt like we had the best combination of people in place to help us get the best deal."