ACG Upstate SC Market Update

Jonathan Barrington brings over a decade of experience in public accounting, specializing in buy-side and sell-side financial due diligence services for clients across diverse industries. His expertise spans manufacturing and distribution, technology, construction, and professional services, catering to private equity firms, strategic buyers and corporate customers.

Over the past seven years, Jonathan has been a key member of the Transaction Advisory Services practice, where he has honed his ability to identify and mitigate financial risks in complex transactions. His skill set includes performing comprehensive quality of earnings analyses, evaluating working capital, and assessing debt and debt-like items critical to client valuation models.

Prior to his work in transaction advisory, Jonathan built a strong foundation in assurance services at Elliott Davis, working with clients across various sectors, including portfolio companies of private equity groups. His ability to combine technical expertise with a deep understanding of client needs makes him a trusted advisor in navigating the financial complexities of mergers and acquisitions.

Jonathan’s dedication to delivering insightful, value-driven solutions ensures his clients are equipped to make informed decisions and achieve their strategic objectives. Jonathan also serves on the steering committee for Association of Corporate Growth - Upstate SC.

Jeremy Ellis is a Managing Director and a co-founder of Genesis Capital. He is a trusted adviser to Board of Directors, CEOs and CFOs on mergers & acquisitions, raising debt and equity capital, exit strategies and other strategic alternatives. Jeremy has been involved in over 150 transactions for an aggregate transaction value in excess of $10 billion. He has provided investment banking services to a broad range of public corporations, such as ChoicePoint Inc., Delta Galil Industries, Northrop Grumman Corporation, Popeye’s Louisiana Kitchen and Spectrum Brands, Inc.; several multi-generation family businesses, such as Adorama Camera, Herschend Family Entertainment, Polytek Development Corp. and Sasco Chemical; as well as numerous private companies. Buyers of his clients have included numerous private equity firms as well as strategic buyers including Cobham Plc, Ernst & Young, ITT Industries, McKesson HBOC Inc., Moog Inc. and TrueBlue, Inc.

Leader of the Private Entities and Transactions Team at Nelson Mullins, Jeff manages a multifaceted practice with experience in M&A transactions, securities and tax law, general corporate matters, nonprofit formation and funding, and automated vehicle law. Jeff's extensive experience representing buyers and sellers in M&A transactions, assisting clients in navigating the intricate landscape of securities regulation, including private placements under Regulation D, and developing strategic approaches to entity formation and corporate structuring combined with his L.L.M. in Taxation provides Jeff with an enhanced set of skills and knowledge with which to serve his clients. Jeff's clients appreciate his emphasis on building strong relationships and trust him to help them chart a course to ensure success in their various business endeavors. In 2020, the American Bar Association published Jeff's work, Automated Vehicle Law: Legal Liability, Regulation, and Data Security, a reference guide for automated vehicle law which underscores Jeff's in-depth knowledge of automated vehicles and the laws that govern the emerging industry. Jeff spends his time away from the office with his family, or on the golf course or hockey rink and is a devoted Gamecocks fan.

Greenville City EDC, Sam Konduros, guides business recruitment, investor relations and collaboration with economic development partners. Konduros, who describes himself as “mission-driven” and an “entrepreneur at heart,” is a licensed attorney, certified economic developer and realtor. He’s held multiple business leadership roles regionally and statewide including President/CEO of Upstate SC Alliance and President/CEO of SCBio (South Carolina Biotechnology Industry Organization).

Konduros began his career at the SC Department of Commerce, helping recruit a wave of international companies to the state. A graduate of Clemson University and the University of South Carolina School of Law, Sam was designated as a “Knowledge Economist” by South Carolina Research Authority (SCRA) and was awarded the Governor's Order of the Palmetto in 2018.

Bob Dunn is managing director for GF Data, leading all aspects of the business for its new owner, the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG).

Prior to joining GF Data and ACG, he served as Chief Development Officer and General Manager of Portfolio Management Research for With Intelligence (FKA Pageant Media). Prior to that he ran Hedge Fund Intelligence and Institutional Investor Intelligence for Euromoney Institutional Investor. Prior to that he ran Dow Jones Private Markets for Dow Jones & Co. with oversight of product management.

Bob has experience in both corporate and start-up environments, and an in-depth knowledge of private and public markets, including asset management, corporate finance, private equity, venture capital and hedge fund industries.

Bob began his career as a journalist covering private equity. He received his BA from Bowdoin College, and his MS in journalism from the Newhouse School at Syracuse University.