Recognized Mergers and Acquisitions Leaders 2025

Patrick Schultz brings a sharp analytical edge to real estate investing, shaped by his experience as a research analyst for Jim Cramer on CNBC’s Mad Money. His deep understanding of financial markets, asset valuation, and investment strategies allows him to identify undervalued properties and optimize yield across his real estate portfolio. Alongside his wife, Hilary Schultz—a licensed real estate agent in Texas and Florida— their small family owned portfolio of businesses operate across every stage of residential real estate. They acquire homes, execute strategic renovations in SFR properties, and selectively retain assets that align with their long-term investment strategy. For Patrick and Hilary, real estate isn’t just about buying and selling—it’s about crafting solutions for homeowners. Whether purchasing homes for cash, revitalizing physically distressed properties, or helping sellers move forward with confidence, they approach every transaction with a problem-solving mindset. Their goal? Delivering outsized returns for investors while creating a delightful real estate experience for Texas home sellers.​

Patrick Schultz brings a sharp analytical edge to real estate investing, shaped by his experience as a research analyst for Jim Cramer on CNBC’s Mad Money. His deep understanding of financial markets, asset valuation, and investment strategies allows him to identify undervalued properties and optimize yield across his real estate portfolio. Alongside his wife, Hilary Schultz—a licensed real estate agent in Texas and Florida— their small family owned portfolio of businesses operate across every stage of residential real estate. They acquire homes, execute strategic renovations in SFR properties, and selectively retain assets that align with their long-term investment strategy. For Patrick and Hilary, real estate isn’t just about buying and selling—it’s about crafting solutions for homeowners. Whether purchasing homes for cash, revitalizing physically distressed properties, or helping sellers move forward with confidence, they approach every transaction with a problem-solving mindset. Their goal? Delivering outsized returns for investors while creating a delightful real estate experience for Texas home sellers.​

Patrick Schultz brings a sharp analytical edge to real estate investing, shaped by his experience as a research analyst for Jim Cramer on CNBC’s Mad Money. His deep understanding of financial markets, asset valuation, and investment strategies allows him to identify undervalued properties and optimize yield across his real estate portfolio. Alongside his wife, Hilary Schultz—a licensed real estate agent in Texas and Florida— their small family owned portfolio of businesses operate across every stage of residential real estate. They acquire homes, execute strategic renovations in SFR properties, and selectively retain assets that align with their long-term investment strategy. For Patrick and Hilary, real estate isn’t just about buying and selling—it’s about crafting solutions for homeowners. Whether purchasing homes for cash, revitalizing physically distressed properties, or helping sellers move forward with confidence, they approach every transaction with a problem-solving mindset. Their goal? Delivering outsized returns for investors while creating a delightful real estate experience for Texas home sellers.​

Ismael is Executive Chairman of FE International, a leading M&A advisory firm in the technology sector with over $46Bn in completed acquisitions. Wrixen’s previous background was in large-cap M&A investment banking, where he executed several high-profile public deals, namely in the technology sector.

I’m P. Blake Renda—entrepreneur, investor, and co-CEO of Veedor Holdings LLC based in Naples, FL, with a satellite office in Santa Monica, CA. Veedor Holdings LLC, in addition to making strategic investments, owns and operates Dragon Horse Agency, Dragon Horse Publishing, and Moxie Creed. My professional journey began while attending the University of Southern Calfornia as an intern at NBC Studios, which led to a full-time position upon graduating. I then pivoted to law and then finance which ultimately lead me to Wall Street in 1996, where I was part of small team in Palo Alto, CA managing over $20 billion in technology-sector assets at J. & W. Seligman & Co. and in 2000 I earned recognition as one of Institutional Investor Magazine’s “Best of the Buy Side.” In 2006, I joined the New Dimensions Growth Team of American Express Asset Management in La Jolla, CA, as the T/M/T manager across six growth funds with $40 billion plus in AUM. In 2004, I was nominated for Institutional Investor Magazine's "Best of the Buy Side." Those years instilled in me the importance of rigorously vetting opportunities and leading with foresight—skills that I have consistently applied to every entrepreneurial venture. From 2011 to 2015, I helped transform a boutique Florida skincare startup into a nationally recognized, multi-award-winning brand, culminating in its public listing via SPAC. I exited that company and launched Veedor Holdings LLC with my Co-Founder, Julie Koester. Today, we own and operate Dragon Horse Agency, a multi-award-winning, bi-coastal agency serving global clients known for delivering business strategy and marketing under one roof. We also own Dragon Horse Publishing, an award-winning publishing company, and Moxie Creed, a wellness lifestyle e-commerce company. Beyond the accolades, successes, challenges, and failures, I live with a deep belief in resilience, mentorship, and shared success. I’m a proud father, a former youth volleyball coach, and a passionate advocate of Ubuntu—"I am because we are." Whether scaling startups, navigating global markets, or building culture, I bring the same competitive spirit and collaborative ethos to every endeavor. Success isn't about accolades—it’s about legacy, community, and the courage to keep moving forward. As Winston Churchill said, “Success is not final; failure is not fatal; it is the courage to continue that counts.”

Originally from London, England, now US-based, I began my entrepreneurial journey in 2005, expanding my initial company to a team of fifty and providing services to clients nationwide. Currently, I serve as an Accredited Small Business Consultant assisting small businesses and facilitating mergers & acquisitions in collaboration with the Decain Group. As an entrepreneur, I believe in both learning and sharing experiences; I author a daily small business blog offering insights to aid fellow entrepreneurs and small business owners. I am also committed to giving back to the community. I actively participate in various non-profit organizations and also serve as the Co-Chair of the IFDF Public Relations Committee.

Experienced M&A Investment Banking professional known for honesty and a strategic approach to business transitions.

Experienced general manager / president with a strategic perspective, strong problem solving abilities, and proven ability to grow new businesses and turn around declining businesses. Extensive experience in exploiting new business opportunities, transforming challenged business models, and building organizations into profitable entities. Proven ability to build value based client relationships and drive bottom line results. Career includes 14 years of increasing P&L responsibility in B2B professional services businesses, plus 7 years of strategy and operational consulting in a broad number of industries and issue areas. The consulting experience includes 5 years with McKinsey & Company. More recently he has been focused on leading and growing an executive recruiting firm with a focus on both retained search and interim / fractional executives.

I’m an energetic entrepreneur and leader with a pragmatic approach to solving business problems. I’ll devise strategic ideas with you and help you prioritize and focus on those activities that will deliver the largest impact and results. I specialize in prototyping new ideas and scaling them into revenue generating products and services. WHO I HELP* I work with motivated entrepreneurs and executives who want to grow their business and remove operational bottlenecks. LET ME HELP YOU* Need a fresh take on your most challenging business problems? Reach out and let’s brainstorm solutions together. I specialize in providing innovative marketing ideas and… * Course Production and Course Marketing * Custom software, integration, mobile app development, and web design * Search Engine Optimization (SEO) * Conversion Rate Optimization (CRO) * Pay Per Click (PPC) Management * Marketing automation * Branding * Communications strategy * Lead generation, affiliate marketing, and affiliate program management

Real estate isn’t just about transactions—it’s about solving problems, and that’s where Hilary Schultz excels. A licensed Realtor in Texas and Florida with over two decades of experience, she helps homeowners make smart, strategic moves, whether they need a fast cash offer, a market-listed sale, or something in between. Alongside her husband, Hilary operates a portfolio of real estate companies that cover every stage of residential real estate—acquisitions, renovations, and long-term asset management. They don’t just buy and sell houses; they create value, revitalize communities, and help homeowners move forward with confidence. Her expertise in property valuations, negotiation, and market trends makes her a go-to resource for sellers looking for real solutions—not just quick fixes. With a strong track record and thousands of successful transactions, Hilary is known for getting deals done the right way

I help media, creative, PR and digital agencies win new clients. Left school at 16 and played synthesizer (Moogs and Korgs mainly if you're interested!) in a rock band. Did OK, we once played at Glastonbury I'll have you know, but that's another story! Then moved to London and worked in a bar for a while until I was 25. Then fell into sales thanks to a girl (now my wife). Worked in media sales for a while and then a branding firm doing their new business. From there I went to a sales promotion agency following which I set up my own company in 1992 and the rest, as they say, is history. I am a season ticket holder of a premier league club and watch them home and away; have two great kids (one boy one girl), two dogs (a Cocker Spaniel and an Old English Sheepdog / Boxer cross) and a cat. Live in West London. Which is wonderful.

With a career spanning across ESPs, agencies, and technology providers, Garin Hobbs is an expert in growing email impact and revenue, launching new programs and products, and developing the strategies and thought leadership to support them. The amount of knowledge he has about MarTech and email marketing is phenomenal but, it's not just the depth of information, it's Garin's perspective and how he communicates the application and impact that set's him apart. Garin is a fantastic and enthusiastic leader, collaborator, and strategist, as well as an amazing human.

I'm Jeff Mains, a five time founder with over $200M in combined revenue across my companies. Today, I lead Champion Leadership Group where I help SaaS and professional service founders scale their businesses with confidence and clarity. My focus is on building repeatable systems for growth driving strategy, accelerating revenue, and turning chaos into momentum. I’ve been in the trenches, scaled fast, failed smart, and built companies that last. I know what it takes to lead in uncertain markets, and I coach other founders to do the same with a grounded, practical approach that gets results.

Co-Founder, Mitigata Insurance, Tao.liveBuilt Products for Delhivery, Lenskart, Novopay earlierB.Tech. MIT Manipalhttps://twitter.com/Sarthakdubey

Making 1031 Exchanges Simple, Transparent & No FeeNavigating 1031 exchanges shouldn’t feel like deciphering the tax code. At Deferred.com, we built the only No Fee 1031 exchange platform, helping investors keep more of their money while enjoying a seamless experience.I work with real estate investors, brokers, developers, private equity professionals, CPAs, attorneys, and family offices to maximize returns and ensure compliance with 1031 exchange rules. Previously, I led sales and operations at Balance Homes, expanded service offerings at Home Depot, and advised on M&A and audit matters at Deloitte & Touche. With a background in accounting, finance, operations, and customer experience, my focus is delivering a 10-star experience for every investor and partner.Let’s make 1031 exchanges work for you, not your QI.

Experienced Commercial Finance Professional with a strong track record in the financial services industry. Keen to discuss any ways I can help you with any Commercial Mortgages, Bridging Loans, Development Finance, Invoice Finance, Asset Finance or Mid-Large portfolio purchase/refinances.

Ameet is a revenue and growth strategist who has scaled multiple B2B SaaS companies from concept to multi-million in revenue. As Partner at FPGrowth.io and CRO at SponsorCloud.io, he drives GTM strategy and digital marketing initiatives for technology companies. Through FirstPrinciples Holding Company, he invests in promising tech ventures like Lanteria.com and GreatVet.com. His expertise spans fintech, digital marketing, sales, and strategic growth initiatives. Prior to his entrepreneurial career, Ameet worked at TechStars, KPMG, and Cambridge Capital. He holds a degree in Accounting & Finance from DePaul University in Chicago.

Alex Schlesinger is the Founder and CEO of Active Mutual. With 15 years of financial expertise in the UK and US markets, Alex brings a global perspective to his work. Alex's extensive knowledge and industry insights are regularly featured in high-profile publications such as MarketWatch, Nasdaq, Newsweek, Hubspot, Yahoo Finance, US News & World Report, MSN, and GoBankingRates, among many others. With a documented understanding of end-of-life products, Alex has become a trusted source for media outlets and a go-to expert for any questions on life insurance. As the founder of a leading final expense marketplace, Alex has shaped a company known for its commitment to transparency, simplicity, and customer care. Recognized for his ability to simplify complex insurance topics, Alex’s commentary continues to help readers make informed decisions about their financial futures.