Meet the Team: 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.

5 Steps To Prepare For Selling Your Small Business

Originally published by Forbes, featuring Frank Williamson. We’re grateful to Forbes for the opportunity to contribute to this important conversation. Read the full article below.If you’ve managed to build a prosperous business, you’re in the minority—according to the...

Strategic vs. Financial Buyers: What’s Best for Your Business?

One of the first questions any business owner considering a sale needs to answer is whether to pursue a strategic buyer or a financial buyer. Each category of acquirer has fundamentally different motivations for buying, has different criteria for what they’re looking...

Outside Capital: What Are You Really Giving Up in Return?

Originally published by Collective 54, featuring Frank Williamson. We’re grateful for the opportunity to contribute to this important conversation. Read the full article below.As professional services founders, we all understand that in the course of founding and...

What To Expect During The M&A Due Diligence Process

Originally published by Forbes, featuring Frank Williamson. We’re grateful to Forbes for the opportunity to contribute to this important conversation. Read the full article below.When making any large purchase, be it a car, a house or a business, any smart buyer wants...

Oaklyn Consulting Provides Advisory Services to Chestnut Funds in Acquisition by Anchor Health Properties

Oaklyn Consulting provided M&A advisory services to Chestnut Funds in its acquisition by Anchor Health Properties, supporting founder alignment and deal execution. Learn more.

Navigating The End Of A Business Partnership With Empathy And Confidence

Originally published by Forbes, featuring Frank Williamson. We’re grateful to Forbes for the opportunity to contribute to this important conversation. Read the full article below.The end of a business partnership is often an emotionally draining experience for...

How to Acquire Your First Small Business In 4 Steps

Learn how to acquire your first small business with a clear 4‑step framework. Set goals, build a prospect list, engage owners effectively, and negotiate with confidence.

Why Nonprofits Should Consider The Benefits Of A Merger

Originally published by Forbes, featuring Frank Williamson. We’re grateful to Forbes for the opportunity to contribute to this important conversation. Read the full article below.Nonprofits are an essential thread in our social fabric, providing critical services that...

Four Questions To Ask An Investment Banker When Selling Your Business

Originally published by Forbes, featuring Frank Williamson. We’re grateful to Forbes for the opportunity to contribute to this important conversation. Read the full article below.If you’re like most entrepreneurs, you rarely have reason to interact with an investment...

Managing The Transfer Of A Family Business

Originally published by Forbes, featuring Frank Williamson. We’re grateful to Forbes for the opportunity to contribute to this important conversation. Read the full article below.Earlier this year, Gallup shared some thought-provoking statistics about older business...