Corporate Development

Bob is a skilled executive with over 30 years of experience in investment banking, corporate development, and as an entrepreneur. Most recently, Bob led in-house corporate development efforts for a national logistics company backed by a private equity firm. Bob has sourced, executed, and closed deals in industries including expedited and final-mile logistics, heavy truck parts distribution, retail, healthcare, business services, energy, and real estate. Bob holds a degree in economics and finance from Christian Brothers University and an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern University.

Austin is an Analyst at Ridgefield Partners. His responsibilities include deal origination and relationship development with both buyers and sellers. Before joining Ridgefield, Austin led business development efforts for a variety of technology, consumer, and financial services companies. Austin earned a B.A. from the Michael G. Foster School of Business at the University of Washington.

Michael co-founded Ridgefield Partners following his time at a boutique middle-market investment bank where he was responsible for helping to source, execute, and close more than a dozen transactions with an aggregate value of over $250 million. Michael has advised clients that span sectors including Transportation & Logistics, Construction, Building Products, Energy & Infrastructure, Consumer Products, Technology, and Professional Services. Michael earned a B.A. in Business Administration from the Michael G. Foster School of Business at the University of Washington, with degree options in Finance and Entrepreneurship.

Todd is a highly accomplished senior executive with more than 30 years of proven success within investment banking, transportation & logistics, telecommunications, and the United States Navy. Prior to his time in investment banking Todd acquired a distressed trucking company which he led through a turn around and grew until his successful exit. He has the benefit of significant experience as buyer and eventual operator, seller, and as an intermediary during a transaction. He is a graduate of the United State Naval Academy and has a Master’s in Business Administration from the University of Oregon.

Liz is an accomplished attorney, business executive, and a published author. Before joining Ridgefield, Liz was a Partner at Hogan Lovells and operated her own private practice for 15 years. In her spare time, she enjoys skiing, swimming, cycling, traveling, and spending time with her family. She is also currently serving as the Co-Chair of the Board of Trustees of the Colorado Ballet. Liz earned her BA from Yale and two graduate degrees, including her J.D., from Columbia University.

Brian Savage is a seasoned business executive and sought-after subject matter expert in every aspect of mining – including grassroots exploration, production, commodity markets, and capital markets. After beginning his career as a Mining Engineer, Brian transitioned into positions in finance and investment banking. During this period, he was instrumental in growing the global Mining & Metals businesses for prominent financial institutions including The Bank of New York, Sharps-Pixley, Bank of Montreal, and Nesbitt Burns Securities (now BMO Capital Markets). He has also served as a Board Member and Advisor to several mineral and mining exploration and development companies, including two that were listed on the AIM market of the London Stock Exchange.

Jay is a successful finance professional with over 33 years of experience. He has held senior executive roles in public accounting, commercial banking, manufacturing, telecom, and transportation & logistics companies. He has a proven track record of success driving revenue growth, operational efficiency, and profitability. Jay has been involved – as both a corporate officer and as an advisor – with negotiating, closing, and integrating several M&A transactions. He is also a licensed CPA and holds a MBA in finance from Portland State University.

Nick Barbarick is currently a Vice President at Ridgefield Partners. Nick’s responsibilities include originating, executing, and closing both sell-side and buy-side mandates. Prior to joining Ridgefield, Nick worked in roles including investment banking services and private equity. Nick brings a unique perspective to transactions with experience as both a buyer and intermediary. Nick has transaction experience in the Medical Device, Distribution, Commercial Services, Building Products and Construction sectors. Nick earned a B.A. from the Albers School of Business & Economics at Seattle University with honors.

Anthony is an Analyst at Ridgefield Partners. His primary responsibilities include sourcing and evaluating new mandates, as well as assisting with all aspects of deal execution. Prior to joining Ridgefield, Anthony served honorably in the United States Marine Corps for four years, where he was deployed overseas. Anthony was awarded two Meritorious Mast’s while serving with 1st Battalion 5th Marines. Following his service, Anthony decided to pursue a career in finance. He is currently obtaining his B.A. in Business Administration at Seattle Pacific University, with a focus on Finance.

Richard has over 30 years of experience in international private equity fund management, real estate investment, investment banking and entrepreneurship. He has lived in DC, London, Moscow, Dubai and now resides in Colorado where he is a founding partner at Ridgefield Partners. He also owns a national transportation logistics company. Before co-founding Ridgefield Partners, Rich worked on a wide array of private equity investments in various sectors including power infrastructure, telecoms, retail, transportation, and real estate. He also ran part of Dubai’s sovereign wealth fund. Rich graduated with a Master’s Degree in finance and economics from Harvard University and also received a BSc in Geoscience from the University of Toronto.