TobinLeff Team
TobinLeff offers you a team of twelve M&A advisors, exit planning consultants, and research analysts who are passionate about helping business owners realize the rewards of their hard work. Our partners have owned and exited their own companies, worked with Big Four accounting firms, and practiced business law. We have sat on your side of the table and will combine our business experience with deep M&A expertise to help you maximize and monetize your business value.
Since our founding in 2010, TobinLeff has assisted nearly 200 clients with M&A transactions and exit planning solutions.
DAVID TOBIN
Founder & Managing Partner
David is passionate about crafting and implementing plans for clients to convert business value into family wealth. He strives to help clients expand their view of possibilities, develop creative and sound solutions, and get deals closed.
David is a serial entrepreneur who has founded, grown, and [...]
DAVID TOBIN
Founder and Managing Partner of TobinLeff, David is passionate about crafting and implementing plans for clients to convert business value into family wealth. He strives to help clients expand their view of possibilities, develop creative and sound solutions, and get deals closed.
David is a serial entrepreneur who has founded, grown, and crafted exit strategies for four companies of his own. He began his first successful venture while still a full-time university student.
At PT Marketing Group, David built a 50+ person firm that specialized in creating marketing programs for advisors nationwide who concentrate on business succession and exit planning services. It was through this experience that he began to develop best practice solutions for business owners to monetize their life’s work.
David has worked with well over 100 companies to build business value, acquire other businesses, recruit and retain key employees, and achieve profitable exits through external sales, internal sales, and ESOPs. He has been active as a Board member with multiple nonprofit organizations including the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation and the Homeless Children’s Education Fund.
David and his wife, Linda, live in Pittsburgh, PA. They have two children, Rachel and Joshua.
SCOTT LEFF
Managing Partner
Scott has owned and run advertising, marketing, PR, and video production shops. He has led mergers and sales of for-profit and nonprofit corporations, run and sold a family-owned bank, produced a national PBS documentary, was President of a Carnegie Mellon University spin-out technology company, ran a $1.3 billion trust and investment management company, and spent close to [...]
Scott has owned and run advertising, marketing, PR, and video production shops. He has led mergers and sales of for-profit and nonprofit corporations, run and sold a family-owned bank, produced a national PBS documentary, was President of a Carnegie Mellon University spin-out technology company, ran a $1.3 billion trust and investment management company, and spent close to a decade with Robert Morris University developing strategic plans, doing governance interventions, and performing financial analyses for nonprofit organizations of all types and sizes. In addition, he has completed formal university training as an Executive Coach.
Since joining TobinLeff, Scott has focused on completing sell-side and buy-side transactions for clients, as well as leading multiple strategic planning initiatives. Scott holds a BA in English and Creative Writing from Haverford College and a Master's in Business and Technology from Carnegie Mellon University.
Scott has served on several bank boards of directors, as well as more than 20 nonprofit boards. Among other creative activities, he was awarded a PA Council on the Arts Screenwriting Fellowship, and he wrote, produced, and directed a nationally broadcast PBS documentary.
He and his wife, Marilyn McDaniel, live in Pittsburgh, PA. They have two grown sons.
BRUCE BISHOP
Partner
Bruce brings more than 30 years of M&A and financial management experience to the TobinLeff team. As the U.S. CFO of global holding companies and large marketing communications agencies, he has spearheaded more than 30 M&A transactions. [...]
BRUCE BISHOP
Bruce brings more than 30 years of M&A and financial management experience to the TobinLeff team. As the US CFO of global holding companies and large marketing communications agencies, he has spearheaded more than 30 M&A transactions. Bishop brings extensive buy-side experience, sell-side experience, and strategic advisory capabilities.
During his career, Bruce has held senior-level positions at several marketing communications businesses. Bruce has directly worked with CEOs and senior-level management to boost revenues and enhance overall profitability and margins. His work has been instrumental in driving strategic growth plans for businesses, executing corporate development programs, implementing business restructurings, and turning around loss-making entities.
Bishop is a CPA, holds an MBA from Fordham University, and is a founding member of the CFO roundtable for the Council of Public Relations.
KELLY CHEN
Research Analyst
Kelly is a Research Analyst for TobinLeff. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in economics and received her MBA in finance from North Central College. She previously worked as a business analyst for Citi Residential Lending.
Kelly lives in Naperville, IL with her husband and two children.
KELLY CHEN
Kelly is a Research Analyst for TobinLeff. She graduated from the University of Illinois with a degree in economics and received her MBA in finance from North Central College. She previously worked as a business analyst for Citi Residential Lending.
Kelly lives in Naperville, IL with her husband and two children.
CHUCK GOTTSCHALK
Partner
Chuck is a forward-thinking operations expert with a keen eye for growth. With experience both as an entrepreneur and as a corporate executive, he first brought his deep financial analysis skills to the TobinLeff team in 2018.
A practiced architect of business strategy and management [...]
CHUCK GOTTSCHALK
Chuck is a forward-thinking operations expert with a keen eye for growth. With experience both as an entrepreneur and as a corporate executive, he first brought his deep financial analysis skills to the TobinLeff team in 2018.
A practiced architect of business strategy and management, Chuck recently excelled in a turn-around situation as Chief Operating Officer of NanoLumens where he spent his time overseeing global manufacturing, providing guidance for production and pricing, and directing spending in all aspects of the business.
Chuck began his career with manufacturing standby, Mine Safety Appliances, Inc., then furthered his experience with leadership roles at sprawling enterprises like the “big four” accounting firm of Ernst & Young where he was a senior manager, and nimble startups like Green4U Technologies. This diverse breadth of knowledge served him well during 18 years as the CFO of a family office that included a very large contract manufacturing company. As part of a family office, Chuck was continually involved in all aspects of M&A transactions and gained deep expertise in contracts and due diligence.
Chuck is a CPA (inactive) with a charitable passion for lifelong education. A devotee of educational equality, he believes in making small gains every day and large gains when preparation and opportunity meet.
Born and raised in Pittsburgh, Chuck was thrilled to be in Atlanta for several years while his daughter was a student at Georgia Tech, but he’s happy now to be back in his hometown.
HEATHER HUETHER
Senior Designer & Market Research Analyst
Heather is a Senior Designer and Market Research Analyst with TobinLeff. She has over fifteen years of experience working with small, midsize, and Fortune 500 companies, designing award-winning B2B and B2C marketing materials. Her expertise includes extensive work in digital, print, packaging, publishing and web, as well as marcom plans and research. Heather believes well-executed design, research, and communication are key to helping a business connect with its clients [...]
HEATHER HUETHER
Heather is a Senior Designer and Market Research Analyst with TobinLeff. She has over fifteen years of experience working with small, midsize, and Fortune 500 companies, designing award-winning B2B and B2C marketing materials. Her expertise includes extensive work in digital, print, packaging, publishing and web, as well as marcom plans and research. Heather believes well-executed design, research, and communication are key to helping a business connect with its clients.
Heather graduated from the University at Buffalo with a B.F.A. in Communication Design. She previously worked for TobinLeff Partner, Holt Vaughn, as a Senior Graphic Designer and Creative for his marketing communication companies.
Heather enjoys being a mom and volunteering with her son’s school and the local community. She lives in Naperville, IL with her husband and son.
MARY McKINNEY FLAHERTY
Partner
Mary’s passion and focus is helping founders and business owners understand and navigate the financial, legal, and emotional complexities of selling and transitioning the companies they have built and grown [...]
MARY McKINNEY FLAHERTY
Mary’s passion and focus is helping founders and business owners understand and navigate the financial, legal, and emotional complexities of selling and transitioning the companies they have built and grown. She applies the lessons of a 20-year career in law, corporate governance, and investment analysis to build value and develop deals that are built to last.
Mary’s career has spanned roles in global law firms, business law boutiques, and a family office. She speaks regularly on – and has taught university, law school, and executive education courses in – corporate governance, negotiations, and writing. Mary holds an MBA, with high honors, from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business, a JD from the University of Chicago Law School, and a BA, magna cum laude, in History and English from Georgetown University. She is a champion of women in leadership and has served as chair of the women in the law division of her local bar association and is a member of the Chief women’s executive leadership network.
Outside of her professional life, Mary is a passionate ambassador for her hometown of Pittsburgh and is inspired by the power of the arts to transform individuals and connect a community. She serves on the boards of several nonprofit organizations, including most recently as the President of the Pittsburgh Ballet Theatre.
HANNAH NICHOL
Marketing Director
Hannah has been around content and communications her whole life, growing up working in her family’s marketing firm. Since then, she’s successfully navigated the marketing world. Working with retail brands, tech startups, nonprofits, and financial and M&A firms, she understands nuances across industries and tailors marketing and design strategies that specifically fit client needs.
She attended Lipscomb University in Nashville on a Presidential Scholarship, graduating early [...]
HANNAH NICHOL
Hannah has been around content and communications her whole life, growing up working in her family’s marketing firm. Since then, she’s successfully navigated the marketing world. Working with retail brands, tech startups, nonprofits, and financial and M&A firms, she understands nuances across industries and tailors marketing and design strategies that specifically fit client needs.
She attended Lipscomb University in Nashville on a Presidential Scholarship, graduating early Summa Cum Laude with 2 degrees, a service leadership award, and honors. Studying abroad, she initiated and led a community camp, hiked the iconic Patagonia mountains, and camped in the most remote part of the world.
When she’s not building brands, you can find her running Hannah Vaughn Gogh, a sustainable art brand that supports various organizations and educates people on incorporating healthy, sustainable habits in their everyday lives.
VICTORIA NICHOLS
Operations Project Manager
Victoria began college courses during her teenage years, graduating high school with two associate degrees — one in Accounting and one in Business Administration. She went on to earn a B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in Supply Chain Management from Eastern Michigan University, graduating early with Magna Cum Laude Honors. She was also recognized with service hours for [...]
VICTORIA NICHOLS
Victoria began college courses during her teenage years, graduating high school with two associate degrees — one in Accounting and one in Business Administration. She went on to earn a B.A. in Business Administration with a concentration in Supply Chain Management from Eastern Michigan University, graduating early with Magna Cum Laude Honors. She was also recognized with service hours for significant contributions to local food banks and humane societies.
Following her formal education, Victoria played a pivotal role in launching two retail brands as the Director of Retail Operations, successfully scaling them both into multi-million dollar generating businesses. With years of hands-on operations experience, Victoria excels at fine-tuning systems and processes, enabling businesses to maximize efficiency while delivering an exceptional client experience.
When she is not working, you can find Victoria enjoying local food, events, and live music with her family in Ann Arbor, Michigan.
ROY PAGE
Partner
Roy is a 30 year veteran of sales, advertising, public relations, and marketing communications. The agency he founded in 1995, Third Degree Advertising and Communications, returned an average of 33% per year through 25 years of operation. He exited the company in 2018 following a merger structured by TobinLeff [...]
ROY PAGE
Roy is a 30 year veteran of sales, advertising, public relations, and marketing communications. The agency he founded in 1995, Third Degree Advertising and Communications, returned an average of 33% per year through 25 years of operation. He exited the company in 2018 following a merger structured by TobinLeff.
A serial entrepreneur, Roy has been a partner or investor in multiple business concepts including software, construction, video production, and technology-based enterprises throughout his career, and is CEO and business & marketing strategist for Rose Bay Boats, LLC, a custom sport fishing brand based in North Carolina. He also is a certified Rhythm Systems Affiliate and Coach.
Roy is the recipient of the American Advertising Federation Lifetime Achievement Award for contributions made to the advertising industry, and the 2018 Cameron School of Business Outstanding Alumni Award. He led Third Degree Advertising to a three-time listing on Inc. Magazine’s Inner-City 100, which recognizes fast growth companies based in America’s Inner Cities. In addition, he has served on the Board of Directors for the Trans American Advertising Network (TAAN), an international association of marketing communications firms located throughout the world, and is a founding member of the Executive Officer Network and CEO Stars.
Roy is the author of two books, “Credit Union Savvy,” a resource for senior-level executives in the credit union industry, and “A Letter to Evan, an Average Dad’s Journey of Discovery Through Divorce,” an Amazon Best Seller about his personal journey and experience, and he has helped men and fathers navigate recovery through his Focus Forward® seminars.
Roy and his wife, Lynne, reside in Raleigh, NC. They have three children, Evan, Forrest, and Kendall.
GREGG TOBIN
Partner
Since 2003, Gregg has facilitated the sale of 220 businesses. In addition, he has sold seven companies that he started or bought, giving him both the buyer’s and seller’s perspective when facilitating client transactions.
Gregg prides himself on getting deals done while simplifying the [...]
GREGG TOBIN
Since 2003, Gregg has facilitated the sale of 220 businesses. In addition, he has sold seven companies that he started or bought, giving him both the buyer’s and seller’s perspectives when facilitating client transactions.
Gregg prides himself on getting deals done while simplifying the process for clients. His results speak for themselves, with more than 75% of his clients coming through referrals.
Gregg grew up in an advertising family where his father built the largest junior panel outdoor advertising company in the country.
Gregg resides in Southern California and splits his time between offices in California and Pittsburgh.
JANET TYLER
Partner
Janet brings nearly three decades of experience in building award-winning businesses. She co-founded Airfoil Group, a marketing communications agency primarily serving the technology sector. She led the company from startup to the Inc. 5000 list and worked with renowned clients like Microsoft, PayPal, LinkedIn, eBay, [...]
JANET TYLER
Janet has built a highly successful career by helping others create their own success stories – as individual executives, entrepreneurial tech startups, scrappy agencies, and mature organizations. With a wealth of knowledge and experience gained over her nearly 30-year career, she has successfully navigated the landscape of several corporate transactions. She possesses a comprehensive understanding of the financial, legal, and strategic aspects involved in M&A deals, enabling her to provide valuable insights and guidance to clients.
Janet has worn multiple hats in the world of mergers and acquisitions, taking charge of communication strategies for clients and serving as a lead integrator on both the buying and selling sides. As the former founder and owner of Airfoil, a highly successful technology marketing agency, she has firsthand experience working with founders preparing for exits, conducting management buyouts, and divesting practice areas. In fact, she successfully exited her agency in 2014. Janet's passion lies in driving growth and forging successful partnerships, always ensuring her clients achieve their strategic objectives through ethical practices and decisive action.
She received her Bachelor of Arts and Master's degrees in Organizational Communication from Eastern Michigan University. She is an active member of the Novi Rotary Club, serving on the board and contributing to youth services outreach. She and her family make their home in Northville, Michigan.
HOLT VAUGHN
Partner
Holt has been in business since his teens. Starting with about two hundred dollars, he grew a consortium of multimedia, packaging, and marketing communications companies that included a spin-off brand providing organizational and strategic growth consulting, including exit and succession planning, for the faith-based industry. His production facility was honored in Mix Magazine’s [...]
Holt is a rockstar in both music and M&A. He started a business in his teens and then grew a consortium of marcom companies that sold in 2016, while also releasing multiple albums and leading a theology think tank.
HOLT VAUGHN
Holt has been in business since his teens. Starting with about two hundred dollars, he grew a consortium of multimedia, packaging, and marketing communications companies that included a spin-off brand providing organizational and strategic growth consulting, including exit and succession planning, for the faith-based industry. His production facility was honored in Mix Magazine’s prestigious Class of 2008 as one of the world’s hottest new audio/video/multimedia recording studios.
Holt has overseen countless multimedia, branding, marketing communications projects, and strategic plans for small businesses, Fortune 500 companies, rock and pop stars, NY Times best-selling authors and leading nonprofits. As a co‐writer, he once hit the Amazon best sellers list. He is also an accomplished recording artist, having released four albums – his latest including Grammy and Dove Award musicians.
Holt successfully sold his business interests in 2016 using TobinLeff’s predecessor, The Tobin Group, as an M&A advisor. Since that time, in addition to working with TobinLeff, he has been directing a think tank and providing independent consulting services.
Holt has served on various boards and committees and has led workshops as diverse as organizational and business development, branding/marketing, product development, and theology and the arts.
After many years in Western NY, Holt and his wife Marietta now make the Nashville area home, where their two adult children also happily reside.
TobinLeff meets you where you are in your exit planning journey. You only get to sell your company once. Trust our exceptional, experienced, strategic team and wide network to maximize your exit payday. Contact us today to discuss your business options — or just to talk M&A. We welcome the opportunity to get to know you and explore if we can add value to your plans.