A Passion for Preserving and Growing Business Value

Most mediators come from judicial or litigation backgrounds, but my path has been different. With over 25 years of hands-on experience in both business and law, I bring a unique, practical approach to solving organizational challenges—grounded in real-world successes and lessons learned. My journey began in a family manufacturing business, where I saw firsthand how emotional and financial factors can threaten even the most successful enterprises. Growing up in a family manufacturing business, I witnessed firsthand the highs and lows of running a company. Despite 40 years of success, the company was shuttered during my parents’ divorce, leading to millions in lost value. This experience taught me how deeply intertwined emotional and financial factors are in business disputes, especially in family businesses. I believe in helping businesses resolve disputes and navigate growth opportunities in a way that protects their legacy and future.

My entrepreneurial journey began after my freshman year of college when I took my first invention from concept, through development, to production in China, and launched it through national retailers. I encountered management disputes and operational challenges, including nepotism, with the “experienced” team I hired, reinforcing the importance of clear communication and practical problem-solving. After earning a business degree, I joined an early-stage company, where I was promoted to Director of Product Development after delaying the start of production in Taiwan to successfully resolve quality issues.

Recognizing the importance of legal advice in business and intellectual property when starting a business based on an invention, I earned a J.D. and LL.M. in Intellectual Property, Commerce, and Technology. I later founded a business based on my father’s invention, developing a new product and market for ultraviolet shoe sanitizers, securing over 20 patents globally, earning support and recommendations from medical professionals, and navigating IP disputes and supply chain issues before selling the business.

I was hired as CEO of R&S Garage Doors and Gates by the founder’s wife and daughter, replacing the son who was demoted to COO. I led a multi-generational family business through a highly contentious and complex succession planning process. With ownership spread across 21 related companies, each with unique dynamics and disparate ownership, the challenge was to preserve business value while managing competing family interests. I worked closely with family members and business partners, building trust among often contentious stakeholders. Through careful negotiation, I increased overall profitability and orchestrated a management buyout, ensuring continuity, stability, and avoiding costly litigation. This role strengthened my ability to resolve deeply rooted conflicts while protecting business interests and family legacies.

Today, I help businesses—from family-owned firms to larger enterprises—streamline operations, monetize their IP, and resolve disputes and conflicts while maintaining operational stability and preserving the value of the business, even in the most contentious situations. My mediation services focus on finding resolutions to complex problems while preserving business value and avoiding the emotional and financial toll of litigation. My business advisory services help companies prepare for growth or sale, positioning them for long-term success. With both business experience and legal expertise, I ensure that resolutions address immediate conflicts and protect the long-term health and prosperity of the business.