Edward Valaits, CEO of Edison Avenue is a sought-after M&A advisor, board member, and speaker who lends his voice and time to keep America thriving. He believes that actions have consequences and personal responsibility is the surest path to goodness and greatness. Edward earned the prestigious Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) and Certified Merger & Acquisition Professional (CM&AP). He has more than thirty years of experience building, managing, and selling high-quality firms with expertise in merger and acquisition transactions, turnarounds, risk consulting, strategy, and commercial banking. His previous experience highlights include: * CEO of an accounts receivable management firm he acquired, turned around, and sold to a Chicago investor for a significant profit. * Co-Founder of BDO's Risk Consulting Division which he built from zero to $30 million in three years. * Managing Director at Root Learning Inc., an international consulting firm specializing in strategy and change management, where he worked directly for Fortune 500 executives. * National Director for Jefferson Wells. He helped grow this start-up firm from zero to $120 million in revenue in less than four years. (Ranked the fifth-fastest growing by INC Magazine.) * A decade in various roles in commercial banking with Deutsche Bank. Edward graduated with Beta Gamma Sigma honors from an Executive MBA program. When he's not helping business owners harvest the wealth locked within their businesses, Edward can be seen running, biking, hiking, or skiing, and doing many other outdoor activities. He enjoys adventure, travel, constantly learning, pushing the limits of his fitness, and trying to follow God's will for his life. Edward is an avid reader, nature photographer, and adventure traveler who loves to spend time with family and friends.