DATE: January 12, 2021
Nolan’s “Get to Know Us” Series highlights a different team member every month, offering an inside look into our company culture and the talented professionals who drive our firm. This month highlights Brett Pantazi, Nolan Partner and Managing Director. Brett co-founded Nolan’s St. Louis office with Patrick Nolan in September 2009. Brett often jokes, “In September 2009 (during the financial crisis), we had nowhere to go but up, and that is indeed what we’ve accomplished over the past 11 years.” Brett works across many industries while specializing in healthcare, software and B2B services.
Nolan was recently awarded “Corporate/Strategic Deal of The Year ($25 million–$50 million Enterprise Value)” in the 19th Annual M&A Advisor Awards. Brett led the award-winning deal – the sale of Premier Building Supply to Installed Building Products.
In total, Brett has led and closed 10 deals in the past 2 years for clients including St. Louis Testing Laboratories, Ferguson Consulting, CirQuest Labs, Doximity, Premier Building Supply, Grant Cooper, Lucidity, Elite Physical Therapy, Global Software/insightsoftware and Midwest Systems.
Here’s a little bit more about Brett!
1. Describe Nolan in 3 words.
Integrity, focused and solutions-oriented.
2. What is the most rewarding aspect of working with business owners?
Producing a bid that exceeds the market. It’s a thrill achieving this result for our clients that have worked so hard to build their businesses. Prior to joining Nolan, I worked for larger investment banks. This experience made me appreciate working with business owners in the lower middle market. Knowing we’re helping business owners who make our economy turn with the largest economic event of their life is humbling and the crux of what drives me each day.
3. What is your #1 piece of advice for business owners considering a sale?
Select a banker you are comfortable spending time with for 4-8 months. So much of the sale process is about the chemistry between management teams and their investment bankers. Vet the banker well and make sure he or she understands your business, the market and your businesses’ culture.
4. How did 2020 affect how you are working deals?
2020 taught us the value of efficiency in our deal process. We’ve successfully accomplished more with fewer resources like travel, in-person meetings and on-site management visits. The end result has been a more streamlined process for our clients.
5. How do you spend your free time?
I volunteer my time by coaching club soccer teams for my three children.
6. What are you most looking forward to in 2021?
I am looking forward to spending more time with family, friends and clients whom I have not seen in months. At Nolan, continuing to represent my clients to my fullest ability. Over-delivering for all of my clients is what gets me up in the morning.
To connect with Brett Pantazi, contact him at bpantazi@nolanandassoc.com.
