TESTIMONIALS
The following is a sample of the transactions executed by David Ryan and Walt Lipski, principals of Upton Financial.
“I first engaged David to explore valuation and possible retirement scenarios. His expertise, contacts, and negotiating skills were, without a doubt, the reasons that there was a successful conclusion to this process. His honesty and straightforward methods are genuine. In the end, I received better than top dollar for my company. David is hard working and I highly recommend him to anyone seeking to value and sell their business.”
Robert G. Evans, Retired
Santa Rosa Precast
“I was impressed with the process Upton used to uncovered good acquisition targets for me. I never would have been able to find many of these opportunities on my own. They worked through numerous negotiations and due diligence issues, and actively provided solutions that ended up with me getting the deal I wanted. Walt went beyond my expectations. I highly recommend him and Upton Financial Group. ”
Warren Meyer
President, Recreational Resource Management
“ We were so impressed with Walt Lipski when he represented a company we bought that we hired him to help us find and close on a platform acquisition in another industry. His professionalism, sense of urgency and transactional insight were invaluable in successfully closing our acquisition of HelioPower. ”
Ian Rogoff
Managing Member, Sierra Nevada Partners
Purchaser of HelioPower
"David is fully qualified to take a deal from start to finish. I can't say enough about his abilities in this area. David has an excellent understanding of the legal part of a deal and his connections in this area coupled with his personal knowledge played a big part in closing my deal. I would not hesitate in recommending David to anyone considering selling their company."
Frank Golden
Golden State Precast
“ Walt Lipski was invaluable in providing workable solutions to issues during the negotiations and due diligence and he kept the deal on track to close on time. He renewed my faith in professional M&A intermediaries. ”
Ken Goodrich
American Residential Service
Buyer of Goettl Air Conditioning
"David did and excellent job on our deal. He had a high priority on confidentiality, which was one of the most important things to me. David obtained a higher price than I had expected and his working knowledge of deal structure was key to creating the most tax-efficient transaction."
Vince Bormolini
Western Concrete Products
“ When one of my clients considers selling their business or wants to understand what a liquidity event would mean for them, I do not hesitate to recommend Walt Lipski at Upton Financial Group. ”
Rick Cluck
President, Heritage Financial Advisors
"When I decided to sell my business, one of the most important things to me was making sure my current employees would have a future with any new ownership. David brought qualified buyers to the table and ensured that my focus on my employees’ future was maintained throughout the process. He was a standout from his competition because of his experience, his honesty and his manner of being upfront and forward about important issues.
I would highly recommend David for any business owner interested in an exit strategy that maintains the continuity of their business."
Paul Manuel
Manuel Bros., Inc.
“ Walt spent time to get to know our company and our personal goals. His advice always reflected what was best for us. My partners and I are very happy with the deal Upton put together for us. ”
Jay Sperco
President, Doors In Motion
"I have worked with David on a number of complex transactions. His advice is always sound and very practical. He gets the job done in the most economical and efficient manner. He is a deal maker, not a deal breaker."
Kevin J. McCullough, Partner
Spaulding and McCullough, Attorneys at Law
“I had the opportunity to work with Dave Ryan throughout 2012 on an acquisition of a Medical Device Company. Dave represented an owner-inventor and his company on the sell side. The leadership of the company was knowledgeable in the Med Device field but had no previous transaction experience. Dave's M&A experience and knowledge was instrumental in success of the transaction. Dave was able to guide the company through the acquisition process. He proactively diffused any potential concerns the company had by fully understanding how to execute a transaction with a large strategic company. Dave's was able to give the company strong guidance with regards to: 1) the acquisition process of a large strategic partner, 2) purchase price and deal structure 3) legal protections through the definitive agreements. He negotiated a favorable structured transaction that maximized the full-value for the company while taking Stryker's concerns into account. My personal experience with Dave was exceptional. He also provided guidance to Stryker on the key aspects of the transaction, negotiated with all parties' best interest in mind, and proactively highlighted concerns the sellers had so we could move efficiently through the acquisition process. I look forward to working with Dave again shortly on our next transaction.”
John Lauria
Director of Business Development and Strategy
Stryker Corporation
"Walt helped tell the story of our company's potential and provided wise counsel throughout. I was particularly impressed at the way he always put our interests first and negotiated hard for us. We received full value and more for our company. I'd recommend Upton to anyone seeking to sell all or part of their company."
Donald Newman
Founder, AmeriPsych, Inc.
“ Walt has helped sell three businesses for me, and in each transaction he exceeded my expectations from his professional approach and understanding of my needs to negotiating hard to get the results I wanted. I would definitely use Upton for my next transaction. ”
Harry Jon Saxen
Former multi-unit franchisee of Fast Fix Jewelry
"As a successful business owner, I had not fully considered selling my business until David approached me by a qualified buyer. He confidentially explained to me the expected value and structure of the deal. Once I indicated my preliminary interest in the proposed deal, he went to work and shortly thereafter delivered the Letter of Intent from the buyer. David worked diligently with my attorney and staff to complete the transaction."
Tom Vildibill
San Diego Precast Concrete, Inc.
“ Walt was instrumental in helping our management team source and structure financing options so we could complete the transaction. He assisted us through the due diligence process, provided creative solutions to issues and were always professional, responsive and straight forward. ”
Dave Simoncini
President, Cactus Bolt
"David's involvement in the sale of my company was the key to the successful completion of the transaction. His knowledge and and expertise were invaluable and his persistence appreciated. David has the qualifications necessary to complete large and small projects alike and my experience with him during the acquisition process enables me to substantiate his competence in his field."
Bonnie Wasson
Smith Precast, Inc.
“ When we bought Arizona Car Wash Systems, we were on the opposite side of the transaction and Walt was professional, aggressive and creative in helping his client and us get a deal done. We could have never got the deal closed without Upton's help. ”
Tom Millhofff
Sierra Nevada Partners (acquired Arizona Car Wash Systems)
"David is an M&A professional with the background, education and integrity to deliver a first class job. I would gladly recommend him to any of my clients and friends."
L. Michael Grider
Equitable Business and Financial Services
“ Walt left no stone unturned in its efforts to find a good buyer for our company. He provided excellent deal leadership throughout the due diligence and negotiation process and kept us fully informed every step of the way. ”
Preston Miller
Former President, Cactus Bolt of Arizona, Ltd.
“ Over the past 10+ years, I have personally closed a number of loan on deals represented by Upton Financial Group's principals. They truly understand the economic issues surrounding financing and are one of the most professional and capable firms I know. ”
Cindy S. Winter
UPS Capital Business Credit
“David understood the process and his knowledge and experience were key to getting our transaction done with Stryker.”
Bruno Mombrinie
President
AVEC Scientific Design
"I have known and worked with David for a number of years on both in his capacity as a CPA and as a Mergers and Acquisitions professional. On both accounts, David has shown and extraordinary depth of knowledge. Additionally, David works tirelessly of behalf of his clients. He is willing and able to put in the long hours necessary to resolve issues and complete transactions.
Equally important, David shows a great sensitivity to the legal, financial and personal issues that arise in the mergers and acquisitions context. His knowledge and diligence have allowed us to close certain difficult transactions which other parties may not have been able to complete. I have thoroughly enjoyed my working relationship with David and highly recommend him."
James C. Chapman, Partner
Silicon Valley Law Group
"David is always knowledgeable and responsive to any question, whether it be regarding my company or a personal financial matter. I never hesitate in referring David as I know he will provide excellent advice."
Deborah Meekins
Sonoma National Bank