Reed Kelly’s journey from a small town in Tennessee to a Senior Advisor at Viking M&A is an inspiring one. He has navigated various challenges and changes in his career and emerged as a successful leader in the financial services and M&A industry. His story is a prime example of how hard work and a willingness to adapt can lead …
Advisor Feature: Jacob Middleton in Tampa, FL
Born and raised in Parkland, Florida, Jacob Middleton learned very early on the sacrifices a family will make for their business. Jacob lost his mother at a young age, just after his father opened his small optometry practice in Boca Raton. From then on, Jacob saw firsthand the challenges a parent can face to pursue successful business entrepreneurship for their …
Advisor Feature: Jimmy Span in the Grand Strand
Along with his seven siblings, Jimmy Span watched his father work hard every day at a steady job to provide for the family. As a result, he learned the value of consistency, staying the course, and avoiding risk. Meanwhile, he saw his dad’s brother approach the world quite differently. Jimmy’s uncle was a lifelong risk-taker who became a Navy fighter …
Top 5 Business Industries in Richmond, VA in 2023
Whether you’re buying or selling a business, it’s worth considering what’s happening in Richmond, VA, and across the Central and Southeastern Virginia regions. Many stellar colleges and universities in the area produce an incredible talent pool. The region also offers exceptional business development incentives for nearly every industry — some of the lowest rates for workers’ compensation and unemployment insurance …
Advisor Feature: David Bogart in Richmond, VA
David Bogart spearheads Viking’s efforts in the Virginia market and brings with him over thirty-five years of entrepreneurial and business development expertise in a wide range of industries. David’s earliest foray into entrepreneurship began shortly after college when he was close to acquiring a restoration company that he worked for in the area. After that experience, he spent the next …
Advisor Feature: Robert Lugo in Tampa, FL
Born and raised in Florida, Robert Lugo grew up in a family of entrepreneurs. After obtaining degrees in both Finance and Accounting, he went on to earn his Master of Science Degree in Entrepreneurship from the University of South Florida. Throughout his career, Robert has been deeply involved in all aspects of a business from operations to finance, HR, and …
Advisor Feature: Eric McKeehan in Asheville, NC
Very early in his career, Eric McKeehan developed a passion for working with small businesses and entrepreneurs. Today, he lives out that passion as an Advisor with Viking Mergers & Acquisitions in Asheville, NC, driven by values learned through a decade of working with small to midsize businesses. Eric began his professional career working in business development with …
Business Advisor Highlight: Raleigh, NC
At age 14, Devak Patel began working for his father. Their family owned multiple Dairy Queen franchises, and Devak recalls the high expectations that came with working with his dad. While challenging, it also afforded him the opportunity to learn, not just from an employee perspective but also from his dad’s experience as the business owner. Devak developed an interest …
Division Highlight: Knoxville, TN
Kyle Valentine leads Viking’s efforts in the East Tennessee market and brings with him more than a decade of business development and recruiting experience. Kyle has partnered with some of the most respected companies in American business to provide talent across all departments. With this experience, Kyle brings a valuable perspective when guiding and assisting East Tennessee entrepreneurs with the …










