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Meet the Team: Lane Ford

Lane Ford
Lane Ford brings a wealth of experience to Oaklyn Consulting, having been both an investor and seller of companies, as well as a CFO and COO. He uses his M&A expertise to assist the owners of small to mid-sized businesses in making smart strategic decisions to help shape their organizations’ future and achieve sustainable growth.

What’s your favorite part of your job?
I enjoy guiding business owners through the emotionally weighty and unfamiliar process of selling their business. Our clients have poured their lives into building viable enterprises, and they want to see their business and employees continue to thrive post-closing. It can be a scary and unnerving process, and I enjoy using my expertise to reduce the uncertainty and advocate for the best possible outcome.

Why does Oaklyn Consulting’s work matter?
Oaklyn Consulting’s work matters because we help business owners continue a legacy of innovation and help them reap the reward of many years of hard work. Innovative business ideas that help humans flourish are exciting to me, and I love to help position companies for sustainable, long-term growth.

What are your favorite pastimes outside of work?
Outside of work, I enjoy spending time with my wife and three daughters, hiking, water skiing, traveling, working in the yard, teaching for the Chattanooga Fellows Program, and serving at my church.

What’s your idea of a perfect meal?
A perfect meal can be almost any type of food. What makes it perfect is when it is unhurried, in a quiet, beautiful space (preferably outside,) and shared with close family or friends.

Collective 54: Ending a Business Partnership the Right Way

Originally published by Collective 54, this article by Oaklyn Consulting CEO Frank Williamson explores how to approach the end of a business partnership with clarity, professionalism, and strategic foresight. We’re grateful to Collective 54 for the opportunity to...

What’s the Right Way to Manage Risk in Lower Middle Market Investment Banking?

Learn how to leverage risk management as an investment banking professional and secure better deals for your clients and partners.

Veteran M&A Advisor Rob Tyndall Joins Oaklyn Consulting

Chattanooga-based investment banking and advisory firm Oaklyn Consulting announced today that veteran M&A advisor Rob Tyndall has joined the firm as a consultant. Based in Charlotte, North Carolina, Tyndall will provide mission-critical advisory services to...

What to Do If a Partner Wants to Leave a Business

You might feel cornered but understanding what to do if a partner wants to leave a business starts with approaching the situation strategically.

5 Tactics to Boost Your Lower Middle Market Investment Banking Deal Origination

If you’re a lower middle market investment banker hoping to boost your investment banking deal origination, here are five suggestions of where to start.

Crucial Items To Be Considered When Selling a Business

Ask Us Anything Dear Oaklyn Consulting, What are some crucial items to be considered when selling a business? And do you help clients purchase as well as sell?   From Oaklyn Consulting A crucial first step toward the successful sale of a business is to do what...

Help Me Find the Right Leader to Continue Our Nonprofit’s Mission

Ask Us Anything Dear Oaklyn Consulting, I need advice. My husband and I started a nonprofit three years ago. We have secured funding and have been able to make an immediate impact in our community. However, we’ve experienced some health challenges and don’t have the...

How to Improve Your Investment Banking Deal Flow

Learn the four major key areas where investment bankers can improve their investment banking deal flow. Start optimizing your business operations today.

Why Hiring an Investment Banker is the Right Move for First-time Founders Trying to Exit

The value of your firm is influenced by the comparables for recently sold firms like yours. In this episode, Frank Williamson, Founder & CEO at Oaklyn Consulting, shares details about comps, valuation, and the benefits of an investment banker. Listen to the full...

The Road to a Successful Exit: Timing, Advisors, and Process

Exiting your business is a multi-step process that requires strategic planning and the right team at the right time. This session breaks down the timeline of an exit, from assessing your firm’s worth and preparing marketing materials to managing buyer interest and...