Joshua Kim recently joined Oaklyn Consulting as an investment banking analyst, guiding clients through transactions that may be unfamiliar to them by providing market knowledge, expertise and credibility.
What’s your favorite part of your job?
No two businesses, owners or projects are identical, and each client presents new challenges to explore and opportunities to learn. Even if the end goal is the same (selling the business), the various steps along the way differ from one another. As a young professional, this is the ideal opportunity for me to be involved early in projects, have direct contact with clients and learn as much about the industry as I can. Oaklyn Consulting’s leadership and senior team members help guide me along in the process and impart the knowledge that they’ve been able to accumulate over their careers so far.
Why does Oaklyn Consulting’s work matter (either to you or in general)?
A big thing for me is being able to help people. Oaklyn provides professional investment banking services to organizations that typically wouldn’t be able to receive professional services from larger investment banking firms. This allows us to address a gap in the market for business owners who are looking to sell, but are unfamiliar with M&A deal processes and larger investment banking firms are unwilling to take on smaller clients.
What do you think sets Oaklyn Consulting apart from other investment banking consultants?
The clear difference is in our payment structure. Rather than taking a success fee like most other firms, we work on a time-based billing model. This allows us to focus on ensuring that quality work gets done, the client is comfortable every step of the way and we help our clients achieve solutions that they are comfortable and happy with.
What’s your favorite pastime outside of work?
I love fishing and trying new restaurants. Fishing allows for me to reconnect with nature and just enjoy some time outdoors. Whether I’m on a boat with friends or wading in the water, I love being near water in any capacity. Trying new restaurants and food has always been a passion of mine. As somebody who has grown up all around the world, I’ve been exposed to various cultures and cuisines, and it’s really expanded my palate. Food, for me, is something that ties everybody together since we all need to eat, but it’s also incredibly unique in every place you go.
What TV show/movie/book/musical artist are you enjoying right now?
I’m a sucker for a good rom-com. If you turn one on, I will sit and watch the whole thing without a second thought. Some TV shows I’ve enjoyed recently are Outer Banks, Culinary Class Wars, Peaky Blinders and The O.C. My music taste is really broad, so that one is a bit harder to narrow down right now.
What’s your idea of a perfect meal?
My perfect meal is one that has clearly been thoughtfully made with love. Whether it is homemade or cooked in a restaurant, the best meals are thematic and made with care. Throw in a beer or a glass of wine with it and I’m satisfied every time. If I’m able to share that meal with family and friends, it makes it 10 times better as well. I think a large part of dining is the experience. Whether it’s the ambiance of the location or the camaraderie of the people around you, it’s important to take in each meal as a combination of the experience, from scents to visuals to taste.