BRAND EXPONENTS - Key Persons
Prior to co-founding XLCS Partners, Anthony served as Managing Director for a national investment banking firm which he joined as an intern in 2002. Anthony has led seller advisory and buyer advisory assignments for clients in a broad range of industries across the United States. Anthony served as a Principal for his predecessor firm's FINRA registered broker-dealer. Anthony received his BA. in Finance, magna cum laude, from Elmhurst College. Anthony holds FINRA Series 7, Series 79, Series 63 and 24 licenses.
Cathy Angarola, Operations Manager, is responsible for assisting with broker/dealer compliance which includes monitoring, reviewing, and enforcing the policies and procedures of the firm and assisting with the supervision of operations to ensure compliance with regulatory requirements. She also manages the due diligence process, virtual data room administration and support, and works with clients to ensure all documentation is handled in an orderly and expedient manner. Cathy joined the firm in 2007.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- XLCS in 2021 As an Analyst
David Silva joined XLCS in 2021 as an Analyst and is responsible for research and financial analysis. David received his undergraduate degree in finance from Elmhurst College, while at Elmhurst he was an All-American wrestler. Prior to joining XLCS David worked at BMO Harris in commercial lending and coached wrestling at Marian Central Catholic H.S. where he led them to their first State Title and was a 4x Coach of the Year.
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- XLCS in 2019 As an Analyst
Eric Schoendorf joined XLCS in 2019 as an Analyst and is responsible for research and financial analysis. He graduated from Loyola University Chicago with high honors in finance and accounting and has passed his Certified Public Accountancy (CPA) exam. Eric also played professional soccer for FC Linköping City in Sweden. He holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licenses.
Job Titles:
- Vice President
- XLCS Partners As an Associate
Jay Cremer joined XLCS Partners as an Associate after a period of time as an Analyst at a national middle market investment banking firm. Prior to Investment Banking, Jay was a corporate accountant at Meggitt Piezo Technologies. Jay received his undergraduate degree in finance and economics and an MBA from Indiana University. Jay holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licenses.
Job Titles:
- Partner
- Co - Founder of XLCS Partners
Joe Contaldo is a partner and co-founder of XLCS Partners. As a career-long Investment Banker, Joe began his Investment Banking career as an intern for a national investment banking firm before joining the company full time as an associate in 2002. He was then promoted to Acquisition Services Director and was tapped to develop and run the firm's Private Equity Coverage Group. In 2007, he was promoted to Managing Director, becoming the youngest to reach that position in the firm's history. Joe holds FINRA Series 7, Series 79 and Series 63 licenses.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- XLCS in 2021 As an Analyst
Johnny Sebastian joined XLCS in 2021 as an Analyst and is responsible for research and financial analysis. Johnny received his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University, as well as Master's degrees from the Kellogg School of Management and the University of Wisconsin. Johnny was also a student-athlete and co-captain on the nationally ranked Northwestern and University of Wisconsin's wrestling team. Prior to joining XLCS full time, Johnny was an intern for the firm's Chicago office.
As Director of Operations, Kendra serves a client liaison, with significant experience working with a wide variety of clients across many sub-sectors. Since joining the firm in 2003, she also handles all marketing activity and public relation efforts for XLCS Partners. Kendra has an extensive project management, marketing, and design background. Kendra has worked for Fortune 500/1000 companies such as Sears Holdings and global publishing firm John Wiley & Sons.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate
- XLCS in 2019 As an Analyst
Matt Crabtree joined XLCS in 2019 as an Analyst and is responsible for research and financial analysis. Prior to Investment Banking, Matt worked as an Account Specialist for Aon Risk Services, a worldwide commercial insurance brokerage. Matt earned his Bachelor's degree in Economics and Political Science from the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign. Matt holds FINRA Series 79 and Series 63 licenses.
Job Titles:
- Associate
- XLCS Partners in 2021 As an Analyst
Noah Shertzer joined XLCS Partners in 2021 as an Analyst. Noah received his degree in Finance with high honors from Belmont University. Prior to his role at XLCS Partners, Noah worked as an Associate and Wealth Advisor for a regional investment firm. Noah holds his FINRA Series 7 and Series 66 licenses.
Reed McMahon joined XLCS in late 2020 as an Analyst after interning in the summer of 2020. He is responsible for research and financial analysis. Reed will graduate from Auburn University in May of 2021 with high honors with a Bachelor's degree in Finance from the Harbert College of Business.
As a nationally recognized speaker and expert in mergers & acquisitions, Bob has over thirty-six years of experience and has originated and executed hundreds of investment banking assignments for middle market companies and their shareholders. Prior to founding XLCS Partners, Bob was a Partner and Board Member of a national investment banking firm and was previously affiliated with one of the largest middle market investment banking firms in the United States. Bob holds FINRA Series 62, Series 63 and Series 79 licenses.
Samantha Angarola joined XLCS in 2020 and is responsible for conducting research, preparing marketing materials, as well as assisting in due diligence processes. Prior to joining XLCS, she provided customer service for one of the oldest banks in the Chicagoland area, Union National Bank. Samantha graduated from Northern Illinois University with a Bachelor's of Science in Business Administration.
Shelley Silva provides administrative support at XLCS Partners. She focuses her efforts on research and project based work to support the Partners while assisting in general operational functions for the firm. She has been with the firm for ten years.