Creators and Guests

Deborah has influenced and directed strategic and owner-operator mergers and acquisitions in many different fields. She believes strongly that assisting a business to grow and develop strong practices is the best way to create a company that is poised for exit planning or gaining an equity growth partner.

Brad Malicki is a transactional attorney focusing on commercial and residential real estate, business, and corporate matters. Brad represents individuals, businesses, and lending institutions in all aspects of real estate purchase, sale, and financing transactions. He embraces the philosophy that “no matter is too big or too small” for him to handle and treats each transaction with the vigor and enthusiasm his clients have grown to expect. In addition, throughout his years in practice, Brad has developed an extensive network of professionals that can assist when needed to ensure the transaction closes, even under the toughest of circumstances. Brad also represents a multitude of business clients; both large, established companies as well as “start-ups” looking to fulfill their entrepreneurial spirit. As part of his business and corporate practice, Brad has extensive experience representing clients purchasing and selling businesses in both stock and asset sale transactions. Brad believes that regardless of the size, each transaction has unique features that require not only a skilled attorney in this discipline, but also an attorney who is willing to work hard and offer creative ideas to overcome the hurdles that arise throughout the transaction. Brad prides himself on that dedication and creativity, thereby bringing his clients to the “finish line” . A staple of Brad’s practice is his representation of businesses involved with liquor. He has successfully guided business owners through the licensing process in matters related to distributing, manufacturing, and selling liquor. Brad regularly represents clients before the Department of Consumer Protection and in matters related to license violations and compliance matters, with the focus on helping the client achieve and maintain compliance, with the least impact on business. Brad is recognized in the 2024 publication of The Best Lawyer s i n Ame rica ® in the area of Real Estate Law. He earned his BA from University of Connecticut and his JD from Western New England University School of Law. He is admitted to practice law in the State of Connecticut and the US Tax Court. ha

Carlos Salmon brings an extensive background in comprehensive wealth coordination and financial planning. He provides his clients with strategic, forward- thinking financial plans encompassing wealth accumulation, preservation, and intergenerational wealth transfer, helping ensure financial well-being and a lasting legacy. As a Certified Exit Planner (CExP), Carlos is known for his passion for guiding business owners through one of the most critical financial events of their lives: exiting their business.

At the end of 2013 David founded DirectLine Media, a video production company that specializes in creating memorable and compelling video content for businesses. Admired for his unique and creative visual story telling, David continues to work with small to large businesses and nonprofit organizations.

Jason is a Principal in CLA’s Private Equity industry group and joined CLA in 2021. Jason has significant experience in both assurance and consulting, which includes working with a wide range of closely held companies in many industries. He provides buy-side quality of earnings and post-deal support to private equity, family offices, strategic buyers, and search funds. He also provides sell-side quality of earnings and assistance services to privately held middle market companies working with an investment bank or broker to enhance their value. Jason has more than 12 years of experience on transactions (and more than 15 years of overall experience) involving middle-market companies in industries such as manufacturing and distribution, healthcare, technology, professional services, construction, transportation/logistics and other B2B businesses.

Jeff Rich has 25 years’ experience in buying and selling companies both nationally and internationally. His clients include founders, family businesses, private equity groups, family offices, venture capital firms and corporations Jeff loves to help company owners navigate the challenges of selling their companies and get them to the finish line. Jeff is himself a business owner, having founded or acquired several companies. Prior to Touchstone, he worked as a proprietary equity trader, owned a large stake in a publicly traded uranium company, and provided insurance solutions to many of the world’s largest law firms. When he is not serving clients, you might find Jeff in his church, backpacking with his six children in the mountains of Colorado or relaxing with his wife on a beach in Mexico.

Joseph Jaffe is a Professional Implementer and Executive Leadership Coach for EOS – the Entrepreneurial Operating System. He works with high-aspiring entrepreneurs and their leadership teams to clarify and align vision, instill discipline and accountability, and promote team health and trust. In addition to being a 6-time author (his latest book is called Forever Changed) and keynote speaker in over 50 countries, he is also host of two business talk shows: Joseph Jaffe is not Famous and The Entrepreneur’s Journey. Jaffe is @jaffejuice on all the major socials. For all links, please visit https://linktr.ee/jaffejuice or www.eosworldwide.com/joseph-jaffe

Known for being determined and focused, Stefania is often the first to memorize lines and dedicates significant effort to each role. She excels in both comedic and dramatic performances, embracing the motto by Mark Twain, "Find a job you enjoy doing, and you will never have to work a day in your life," making every project both a professional commitment and a joy.

Steve is an experienced M&A professional with 15 years as an M&A Advisor and over 20 years in business management and sales leadership. He’s a skilled business development professional with a strong sense of urgency and connection to Business Owners and C-level executives. Prior to his M&A career, Steve was an executive within the Information Technology industry. Steve is the former President of Connecticut Exit Planning Exchange (XPX) a community of trusted advisers to privately-held businesses and Association for Corporate Growth (AGC), a global association of professionals involved in mergers and acquisitions. Being active in these associations allows Steve to share his experiences and ideas with other professionals within the M&A industry. In addition to these professional organizations, Steve is a member of New Haven Manufacturers Association (NHMA) an active association of business owners and advisors. Steve holds a designation as a Mergers and Acquisition Master Intermediary (M&A MI), the professional standard in middle market transactions, and he specializes in manufacturing, distribution, technology and B2B service companies.