ADAMY VALUATION ADVISORS - Key Persons
Alexa Pontus joined Adamy Valuation in 2017. In her current role as a Manager, her areas of focus include providing clients with valuation and financial advisory services in connection with employee stock ownership plan transactions and annual administration, tax planning, succession planning, and employee incentive plan administration. She also works extensively on litigated matters involving business valuation, income determination, economic damages, and forensic services for matters related to marital dissolution, shareholder disputes, and contract disputes.
Alexa is a certified appraisal professional holding the Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) credential through the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants (AICPA). She is also a Certified Fraud Examiner (CFE) which she uses extensively in litigated matters. Alexa is also active in the business community, most notably as a member of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Cup case writing committee.
Alexa graduated from Wheaton College with honors with degrees in both Business/Economics and Psychology. While there, she was a member of the varsity Women's Golf Team. Alexa continues to enjoy golfing and loves to take advantage of half day Fridays in the summer to get a round of golf in with friends and colleagues. When not golfing, Alexa enjoys traveling, cooking, and catching up on the latest Netflix series.
Andrew joined Adamy Valuation in 2021 and works as an Analyst.
As an analyst, his primary responsibilities include providing clients with valuation and financial advisory services in connection with employee stock ownership plans, mergers and acquisitions, management succession planning, corporate strategic planning, and other financial transactions.
Prior to joining the firm, Andrew interned for KPMG Dallas, in their EVS practice. He gained valuable experience performing valuations in areas as diverse as oil and gas, manufacturing, beverage distribution, consumer goods and mine finance. Andrew graduated with a BBA in Accounting and a Master of Accountancy from Baylor University. While in college, he enjoyed singing in choir and hanging out with friends.
When not in the office, Andrew enjoys hiking and watching hockey with his wife, Paige, and three kids, Hayden, Ashton, and Hadley.
Core Value - Intellectual Curiosity. Andrew loves learning, and he is committed to deeply understanding every intellectual challenge he faces.
Chuck King is a Director at Adamy Valuation. He has significant experience providing valuation, general consulting, and financial advisory services to companies and business owners for gift and estate tax planning, ownership transfers, buy/sell transactions, charitable donations, mergers and acquisitions, and general succession planning. He also has significant valuation experience related to fair value for financial reporting and complex capital structures.
Chuck has performed valuations in private and public companies ranging in size from under $1 million in revenue to over $1 billion. He has extensive experience in the retail and restaurant, distribution and transportation, craft brewery, automotive, manufacturing, financial institutions, real estate, business and professional services, construction, health care industries and more.
Prior to joining the firm, Chuck spent over six years managing business valuations in the Elliott Davis Forensics, Valuation, and Litigation Support practice out of Charlotte, NC. Prior to his consulting career, Chuck performed a variety of auditing services for clients including external audits of financial institutions, manufacturers and distributors, general contractors and subcontractors, employee benefit plans, and non-for-profits.
He graduated from Clemson University with his B.A. Degree in Accounting and a minor in Finance. He also obtained his Masters of Accountancy Degree from Clemson University. Chuck earned his Certified Public Accountant (CPA) designation in January 2015 and his Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV) designation in March 2016. He is currently a candidate for the Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) credential.
Chuck loves to go on adventures and spend time outdoors with his wife and twin boys. You can usually find them walking the local parks, hiking, fishing or camping somewhere in Michigan. He has a passion for seeing new places and finding new craft breweries along the way.
Craig joined Adamy Valuation in 2021. As an Analyst, his primary responsibilities include providing clients with valuation and financial advisory services in connection with employee stock ownership plans, mergers and acquisitions, management succession planning, corporate strategic planning, and other financial transactions.
Craig attended Western Michigan University, where he completed a BBA in Economics, minor in Accountancy, and a BA in German Language & Literature. While in college, Craig was an active member in Delta Sigma Pi, a professional business fraternity, and served as Vice President of Finance for one term.
In his downtime, Craig enjoys reading fiction, working out, and cheering for Detroit-based sport teams. Craig grew up playing hockey and still enjoys getting on the ice when he gets a chance. Craig is also quite a beer geek and can often be found at one of the many breweries in the Grand Rapids area.
Craig's favorite Adamy Value is being Intellectually Curious. With the wide range of clientele that Adamy serves, it is important to be genuinely curious and discover what makes each business unique. He also values the importance of intellectual curiosity in developing his skills and knowledge both in and out of the office.
Jake Helwick is a Manager with Adamy Valuation. He specializes in valuation and financial advisory services relating to employee stock ownership plans; financial reporting; estate and gift tax reporting; economic damages; shareholder buyouts; management succession planning; corporate strategic planning; and other financial transactions across a breadth of industries. His background stems from former roles in an Analyst and a Senior Analyst capacity.
Prior to joining Adamy, Jake worked for a large Michigan-based bank as a Commercial Credit Analyst in a multi-year leadership development program. In this position, he was tasked with assessing credit risk and underwriting loans for real estate, commercial, and industrial purposes. He also previously served as a risk management intern for a well-known, global chemical company, and spent two years living abroad in Tokyo, Japan.
Jake is a graduate of Grand Valley State University (GVSU) where he received a degree in accounting and finance. He was an active member of the Seidman Investment Portfolio Organization; the Vice President of a competitive club sport; a co-facilitator of a leadership program for first-year and transfer students; and one of ten pre-selected students to manage an equity and fixed income portfolio over the course of his senior year.
Currently, Jake is pursuing the Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA) credential. He remains an active participant in the Grand Rapids community, serving as a mentor to students in the Seidman College of Business at GVSU and as co-chair of the Valuation Seminar for the Association for Corporate Growth - Western Michigan Chapter.
Jake is an outdoor enthusiast who spends significant time on the water and in the woods. Unsurprisingly, country is his preferred genre of music. When he is not fishing, hunting, or boating, chances are a home improvement project awaits. As a Michigan native, Jake enjoys traveling to scenic locations with his wife, Lexi, and Golden Retriever, Remi. He is one of our resident extroverts who is energized by conversation with new and familiar faces, so be sure to say hello.
Core Value Jake's favorite Adamy Value is being Accountable to the Team. Having accountability creates a fluid process both internally and externally, which thereby enables us to meet deadlines, create balance, achieve objectives, and provide a pleasant experience for all involved.
EDUCATION
BBA, Grand Valley State University
James joined Adamy Valuation in 2020. As an Analyst, his primary responsibilities include providing clients with valuation and financial advisory services in connection with employee stock ownership plans, mergers and acquisitions, management succession planning, corporate strategic planning, and other financial transactions.
In addition to being an analyst, James enjoys fitness, reading, and the outdoors. Growing up in Northern Michigan, he has taken full advantage of our beautiful state from summer adventures along Lake Michigan to exploring snow-covered trails in the backcountry. When not being active, James can be found reading financial articles and stock market books to feed his passion for investing. Trading is fun but as Benjamin Graham once said, "You must never delude yourself into thinking that you're investing when you're speculating."
Core Value- I believe a successful career with a company is defined less by the infrastructure in place to support the job and more by what drives the person that fills the role. Being intellectually curious is a core value we embody because learning is something we all want to do, not something we have to.
EDUCATION
Master of Science in Finance, University of Michigan
BS in Business, Louisiana State University
Kathryn joined Adamy Valuation in 2018. In her current role as a Manager, Kathryn's primary practice areas include providing clients with valuation and financial advisory services in connection with employee stock ownership plan annual administration, gift and estate, and management succession planning. She also works extensively on litigated matters for marital dissolution involving business valuation and determination of income for support purposes.
Outside of the office, Kathryn enjoys hiking and camping all around Michigan with her husband, Tim, and Doberman, River. A sports-watching enthusiast, Kathryn can most often be found on her couch in the fall, cheering on her Detroit Lions as well as her fantasy football teams. Kathryn is also an avid napper and enjoys binge-watching episodes of The Office along with her black cat, Dexter.
Kaylee Simerson now leads our Traverse City office. Kaylee joined Adamy with a
Kaylee Simerson leads the Traverse City office for Adamy Valuation. She provides clients with valuation and financial advisory services in connection with mergers and acquisitions, management succession planning, corporate strategic planning, employee stock ownership plans, gift and estate, charitable gifting, and other financial transactions. Kaylee is also experienced with litigated matters for marital dissolution involving business valuation, determination of income for support, marital balance sheet preparation, and pension valuations. Kaylee has expert witness and testimony experience.
Prior to joining the firm, Kaylee worked for the largest Michigan-based bank as a Commercial Credit Department Manager. Her background includes nearly a decade of experience in financial analysis, credit administration, and project management. In conjunction with managing two regional credit departments, Kaylee served on several corporate wide project committees and M&A transition teams.
Kaylee holds a BBA in Finance and Accounting from Grand Valley State University and carries the Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) designation from the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA). Kaylee serves on the Board of Directors and the Finance Committee for Child and Family Services of Northwest Michigan and the CIRC (Community Investment Review Committee) for Impact 100 Traverse City. Kaylee is also a member of the Traverse City Chamber of Commerce/Traverse Connect, Traverse City Economic Club, Kiwanis Club of Traverse City, and NACVA. Kaylee is a graduate of Leadership Grand Traverse presented by Traverse Connect.
When Kaylee is not in the office, she enjoys spending time with family and friends enjoying all the lovely amenities Northern Michigan has to offer. Kaylee and her husband, Pete, have three young kids. As a family, they love to hike, golf, fish, and try out the local shops and eateries. If the Simerson family is not out venturing, they are likely doing home improvement projects or spending time outside 4-wheeler riding or exploring the woods on their acreage. Outside of her career and being a mom, one of Kaylee's main passions is fitness. She loves working out, running, biking, and all things active.
EDUCATION
BBA, Grand Valley State University
Keigan joined Adamy Valuation in 2021. She began as Adamy's summer intern and has now progressed into a full-time position, after she finished her college degree. In her current valuation analyst role, Keigan's primary practice areas include providing clients with valuation and financial advisory services in connection with employee stock ownership plans, mergers and acquisitions, succession planning, and other financial transactions. She also works on litigated matters involving business valuation, income determination, and forensic services for matters related in marital dissolution, shareholder disputes, and contract disputes.
Keigan attended Grand Valley State University (GVSU) where she is graduated with a dual major in finance and accounting. While attending GVSU, she participated in multiple student organizations, one of her favorites being the Seidman Investment Portfolio Organization. In addition, Keigan finds herself volunteering within the community quite often, especially at Kids' Food Basket, a non-profit organization.
Outside of the office, Keigan enjoys living an active lifestyle which includes being outside in Mother Natures' elements as much as she can. Growing up on a farm has her participating in various outdoor activities throughout her life, but skiing, hiking, ziplining, and taking adventures in the side-by-side are among her favorites. When she's not outdoors, she is usually at the gym, binging a Netflix show, or spending time with family.
Core Value - Being Accountable to the Team is one of her favorite core values that is upheld here at Adamy. Moving from a new intern to a full-time analyst position, she appreciates the support that everyone provides in achieving individual success, as well as team support throughout client engagements.
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Adamy in 2017 As the Director of Business Operations
- Chief Operating Officer at Adamy
Kelly is the Chief Operating Officer at Adamy. She is responsible for Adamy's strategy and vision, firm operations, financial and HR oversight, as well as firm leadership. She and Nick Adamy work hand in hand on many of these items, but while Nick's focus is client relationships and vision, Kelly focuses on the day to day operations as well as the team.
Kelly joined Adamy in 2017 as the Director of Business Operations where her focus was around streamlining the firm's practices and procedures. Through her analysis of processes, she created new frameworks to increase productivity, standardize methodologies, and aid in setting the stage for the firm's expansion.
Prior to Adamy, Kelly had a successful and fulfilling corporate finance career at Ford Motor Company. Her background includes over a decade of experience in process improvement, financial reporting, and guiding corporate-wide strategies. This experience has made her an expert in improving the efficiency and effectiveness of business operations and corporate strategy.
Kelly is very involved in the community and has an ongoing passion for improving her leadership skills. She is presently on the board for ACG West Michigan and chairs the Programming Committee. She is also involved in LeaderWork, a Holland based leadership program, volunteers as a teacher for Junior Achievement, is a Candidate Concierge for Hello West Michigan, and actively volunteers at her boys' school. When Kelly first moved to Grand Rapids, she participated in the Grand Rapids Chamber of Commerce Integrate Grand Rapids program, geared towards professionals new to Grand Rapids.
Kelly has a passion for helping others become the best they can be. This role allows her to fulfill this passion as she focuses on removing obstacles for the team and creating opportunities as people grow into their careers. With a mind for change, Kelly never settles for mediocre and pushes the Adamy team to do the same.
Core Value - I love all of our core values, but accountable to the team is by far my favorite. People often ask me why I love working at Adamy and I'm quick to respond, it's the people! Our team is amazing and while others in our industry have a culture that results in cutting others down so you can get a leg up, that isn't the case here. Everyone on our team is accountable for each other's success, which drives us to care about each other as human beings and investing in each other's growth. It's amazing how much traction a team can gain when everyone is accountable to the team.
EDUCATION
MBA, Michigan State University
BS in Accounting, Purdue University
Kevin joined Adamy Valuation in 2021. As an Analyst, his primary responsibilities include providing clients with valuation and financial advisory services in connection with employee stock ownership plans, mergers and acquisitions, management succession planning, corporate strategic planning, and other financial transactions.
Kevin attended Michigan State University where he graduated with honors with a degree in Finance in April 2021. During his time at MSU, Kevin was an active member in the Multicultural Business program, where he had the opportunity to meet people from around the world.
Outside of work, Kevin enjoys staying active, whether it be at the gym, hiking, or playing sports with friends. He picked up golf in college and enjoys getting out and playing when he can. In the summers, he likes to spend his free time up north, fishing, wakeboarding and visiting the many wineries that Northern Michigan has to offer.
Core Value - Unbiased Integrity. Kevin believes in doing the right thing because it is the right thing to do, regardless of the situation.
Job Titles:
- Manager
- Business Development Manager With
Liz Briggson is a Business Development Manager with Adamy Valuation. In this role, Liz serves attorneys, accountants, and other business professionals by identifying and introducing the best professionals within Adamy to provide business valuation and expert witness services. Liz works closely with the entire Adamy team to deliver timely and clear answers to complex financial questions.
Liz gained firsthand experience with Adamy's proven process for delivering exceptional client service as a senior analyst, beginning in 2017, and then as a manager starting in 2019. This provides Liz with insights that translate well into recognizing the needs and requirements of clients.
I am energized when I think about the opportunities made possible by professional development, and credit work experiences at Kellogg Company, PwC, Amway, and OST with helping to shape me as a professional. As a co-owner of Encoursa, I get to help create and facilitate educational programs for CPAs. My desire is to see other professionals grow their careers in the way that best fits their life goals.
Luke joined Adamy Valuation in 2020 and works as an Analyst. His primary responsibilities include providing clients with valuation and financial advisory services in connection with estate and gift tax reporting, management succession planning, corporate strategic planning, employee stock ownership plans, economic damages, and other financial transactions.
Prior to joining Adamy, Luke lived in Costa Rica for a year, working in the areas of economic inclusion for refugees and community development. Before Costa Rica, Luke worked as a Senior Commercial Credit Analyst at a Michigan-based bank. In this role, he was responsible for assessing credit risk through the underwriting of commercial loan requests.
Luke Wyckoff is the Chief Marketing Officer for Adamy Valuation. He has extensive experience providing Marketing, digital design, and social media services to private and public companies, business owners, and corporate executives.
In the last 15 years, he has consulted with and designed the entire marketing strategy for over 400 clients in 16 vertical markets. His ability to create the strategy and execute on the critical success factors has propelled Wyckoff as one of the top in his industry for increasing shareholder equity. He has worked with companies ranging in size from under $1 million in revenues to over $20 billion across all 5 continents.
Prior to joining the firm, Luke was the Founder and CVO for Social Media Energy, one of the nations top digital agencies. He spent the early part of his career in the human resources consulting industry working with Fortune 500 companies on succession management, leadership development and selection technologies.
Luke is a firm believer in the importance of giving back the community. He is actively engaged in the Denver Rescue Mission and the Boy Scouts of America.
EDUCATION
EMBA, University of Colorado Leeds School of Business
BS, Ferris State University - College of Business
Job Titles:
- Business Valuation and Forensic Accounting Expert
- Strategic Partner
Michelle Gallagher is a nationally-recognized business valuation and forensic accounting expert. In addition to serving clients with valuation and forensic accounting needs for tax and other matters, she leads Adamy Valuation's family law practice.
Her extensive experience includes serving as a trusted consultant, expert witness, mediator, and court-appointed expert. Michelle has decades of experience in the professional service areas of business valuation, forensic accounting, determination of damages, divorce settlement structuring, litigation consulting, mergers and acquisitions, succession planning, corporate restructuring, estate planning, condemnation consulting, accounting, tax, and other business advisory services.
Michelle has spoken nationally at AICPA, ABA and AAML conferences, as well as regionally and locally for a variety of business and professional groups on various business valuation, forensic accounting, and litigation related topics. She has testified in numerous State and Federal Courts over the years and in 2016 she testified on behalf of the AICPA at the Department of Treasury hearing in Washington DC related to Proposed Regulations under Internal Revenue Code 2704.
Michelle was awarded the AICPA Forensic & Litigation Services Volunteer of the Year Award in 2008, the MICPA Women to Watch Award in 2012, and the AICPA Business Valuation Volunteer of the Year Award in 2017.
EDUCATION
BA in Accounting, Michigan State University
Nathan joined Adamy Valuation in 2020. As a Senior Analyst, his primary responsibilities include providing clients with valuation and financial advisory services in connection with employee stock ownership plans, mergers and acquisitions, management succession planning, corporate strategic planning, and other financial transactions.
Prior to joining Adamy, Nathan was an Assurance Staff for a global accounting and consulting firm. Nathan worked with a broad range of industries and client types. He was tasked with executing all phases of the audit process including planning, risk assessment, financial analysis and substantive testing, and preparing financial statements. Additionally, Nathan performed multiple business combination audits and internal control assessments.
Nathan is a graduate of Calvin University where he received both a bachelor's and master's degree in accounting. He served as Chief Financial Officer for Knight Investment Management, a student managed investment fund. Nathan was also captain on the men's varsity swim team.
Outside of the office, Nathan enjoys spending time with his family and friends. He loves getting outdoors for sports, camping, and grill outs. As a born and raised Hoosier, Nathan is a die-hard Colts fan. Further, he considers himself an overly competitive board game enthusiast. During time off, Nathan loves to travel with his wife Jessica. After work you can find Nathan at the gym, cooking, and bingeing his latest Netflix show.
Core Value- Intellectual Curiosity: Nathan considers himself a life-long learner and enjoys the unique complexities that each engagement presents. He receives great satisfaction from solving challenging problems and supporting his conclusion.
EDUCATION
Master of Accounting, Calvin University
BS in Accounting, Calvin University
Nick Adamy - Managing Director, President
Job Titles:
- Managing Director
- President
Nick Adamy is a Managing Director and the President of Adamy Valuation. He has extensive experience providing valuation, financial advisory, and expert witness services to private and public companies, business owners, corporate finance executives, investors, trustees, and attorneys for a variety of purposes.
Nolan joined Adamy Valuation in 2022. As an Analyst, his primary responsibilities include providing clients with valuation and financial advisory services in connection with employee stock ownership plans, mergers and acquisitions, management succession planning, corporate strategic planning, and other financial transactions.
Nolan attended Calvin University, where he received both a bachelor's and master's degree in accounting. He also earned a minor in Spanish after spending a semester abroad in Spain. While in school, Nolan was an analyst for Knight Investment Management, a student managed investment fund.
In his free time, Nolan enjoys spending time with family and friends, playing soccer, and reading. He also likes going out to eat and watching movies with his wife Alyson, so on weekends you can find them trying out restaurants or catching a new movie at the theater. His favorite thing to do in the summer is relax in his hammock at one of Lake Michigan's beaches.
Core Value - Committed to quality is one of Nolan's favorite core values. He has always believed in striving for high performance at work. Here at Adamy, we demonstrate this commitment by producing high quality work in every engagement.
With over 30 years' experience in valuations, Rick has advised several hundred clients on valuation matters for divorce, shareholder disputes, succession planning, mergers and acquisitions, employee stock ownership plans, and a variety of other contexts. Rick is regularly called upon as an expert witness in litigated matters. He has testified in various courts as an expert witness on business valuation and economic damages.
Rick has spoken on business valuation to various CPA groups, law firms, banks and industry trade organizations. He has been a frequent speaker at the Michigan Association of Certified Public Accountant conferences on business valuation topics.
Rick has made a lifelong commitment to supporting the community. He continues to serve in leadership and volunteer roles in a number of non-profit, educational, and community institutions.
Ryan joined Adamy Valuation in 2021. As an Analyst, his primary responsibilities include providing clients with valuation and financial advisory services in connection with employee stock ownership plans, mergers and acquisitions, management succession planning, corporate strategic planning, and other financial transactions.
Ryan attended Michigan State University, where he graduated with honors with a degree in Finance. While at Michigan State, Ryan was a member of a non-profit, Smile 4 Kids, where he served on the executive board as the Director of Finance for two terms.
Prior to graduating and joining Adamy, Ryan held summer internships at ITC Holdings Corporation and Roush. At ITC he analyzed, updated and presented monthly expense reports to each department. At Roush he improved the effectiveness and efficiency of Roush's business case financial analysis model by simplifying inputs, updating formats and validating calculation methodology.
Outside of the office, Ryan enjoys anything that keeps him active. After work he enjoys going to the gym to get a workout in and possibly a pickup basketball game. He started playing golf when he was three years old and has been playing competitively and non-competitively ever since. Also, he grew up playing football and basketball. When he is not participating in sports, he enjoys watching them and traveling with friends. His favorite place is Northern Michigan, on a boat, with his friends and family.
Scott joined Adamy Valuation in 2021. He graduated from Michigan State University with his B.A. in Finance in April of 2021. As an Analyst, his primary responsibilities include providing clients with valuation and financial advisory services in connection with employee stock ownership plans, mergers and acquisitions, management succession planning, corporate strategic planning, and other financial transactions.
Besides being an analyst, Scott enjoys fitness, being outdoors, and spending time and trying new things with his friends. After work he likes to go for long runs or go out on the golf course to relax after a long day. He is also quite the foodie and is taking full advantage of all the restaurants and breweries that the west side of the state has to offer. In his time off, Scott enjoys traveling to wherever he can to get to explore new areas and city, as well as go to Michigan State football and basketball games and cheer for his beloved Spartans.
Core Value - his favorite core value is being intellectually curious. Scott has a strong passion for learning new things and further developing his skillset, as being intellectually curious is crucial in continuing to improve and develop professionally and personally.
Job Titles:
- Finance and Administration Manager