Doug Lake, Founder & Managing Partner, Godspeed Capital Management
Jason Donker, Director of Corporate Development, HFW Companies
Doug Lake and Jason Donker examine the unique approach of a successful fund in AEC M&A. emerging trends, evolving buyer priorities, and strategies for positioning your firm to thrive in the next wave of industry change. You gain actionable insights into building resilience, creating value, and preparing your firm for working with private equity to achieve your objectives. 

Michael Andrisani, Partner, Clairvest Group Inc.
Want to unlock capital for growth while maintaining control of your AEC firm? A minority recapitalization could be the answer. As we enjoy a delicious lunch, Michael Andrisani explains how minority partners structure investments, what makes a firm an attractive candidate, and how this option compares to majority sales or ESOPs. You gain a practical understanding of whether minority recapitalization could be the right path for their firm’s next stage of growth.

PSMJ's Mitch Mafra hosts a conversation with Steve Thompson,  sharing real-world insights from the seller’s side of the table. This panel will explore the range of transaction options available to AEC firm owners, from private equity to strategic buyers, and highlight lessons learned about process, culture fit, and value creation. Attendees will gain a clearer picture of what to expect and how to prepare for a successful sale.

Bernard Baumohl, Chief Global Economist, The Economic Outlook Group 
Bernard Baumohl is well known for being ahead of the curve in assessing the direction of the U.S. and world economy. The Wall Street Journal has twice recognized him (2019 & 2025) as the nation’s top economic forecaster.

He began his career with the Council on Foreign Relations, a think tank specializing in international affairs and national security. He later served as senior economist at European American Bank with responsibilities to monitor the global economy. He was also an award-winning journalist with TIME magazine who covered the White House, Federal Reserve and Wall Street.

In this address, Bernie lays out the opportunities and risks ahead for the U.S. and international economy. It is a topic of tremendous urgency because the economic and geopolitical order of the last century is no more! The Covid pandemic, war in Ukraine and the reversals in globalization are completely transforming the entire business landscape. Adding more complexity to the outlook are interest rates and inflation. As a consequence, every firm is now experimenting, exploring and testing out new strategies on how to survive and prosper in this new, and still evolving, business landscape.

• Where is the economy headed and how might it impact your business?
• What are the implications for consumer and business spending, supply chains, inflation, interest rates and dollar?
• How do you make business decisions when the outlook is so murky and geopolitical tensions keep escalating?
• Who will be the leaders and laggards in the world economy?
• Which economic and geopolitical threats are likely to erupt next?
• How can businesses navigate through a crisis-prone world economy?

Bjorn Morisbak, EVP & Chief Corporate Development Officer, Stantec
Paul VanDuyne, CEO, IMEG Corp.
Ira Starr, Managing Director, Long Point Capital
Join moderator Greg Hart for a dynamic discussion with industry veterans as they share their insights on the forces shaping AEC mergers and acquisitions today. This session will contrast three successful approaches of firms from across the spectrum of growth strategies, highlighting the nuances of how success can be achieved via M&A. Moderated by PSMJ President Greg Hart.

Noah Tolson, Principal and President, Array Architects
David Fiereck, P.E.,  President, Louriero Engineering
How are mid-size strategic acquirers shaping the future of the AEC industry? Hear directly from experienced leaders about why they buy, how they integrate, and the opportunities they create for owners, employees, and clients. This conversation will highlight what makes these partnerships successful and how they can offer firm owners a compelling path forward. Moderated by PSMJ M&A Advisor Mike Mathews.

Bill O'Brien, Senior Vice President, Morgan Stanley
Paul VanDuyne, CEO, IMEG Corp. 
Learn how Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs) and the 1042 exchange can create powerful outcomes in AEC firm acquisitions. This discussion will unpack the financial, tax, and cultural benefits of ESOP structures, offering firm owners a practical look at how this approach can maximize value while preserving company legacy.

Jon Kessler, Senior M&A Advisor, PSMJ Resources and former EVP and Director of Strategic Development, Gannett Fleming
Post-AEC merger integration planning is important… and difficult to really get right. That's because there is no single “right” answer, but there are some wrong ones. In more than 15 years at Gannett Fleming (now GFT), Jon held roles including Chief Financial Officer and, most recently, Director of Strategic Development where he was directly involved in virtually all facets of the firm’s acquisitive growth strategy. He has seen a lot when it comes to integration planning and is ready to help you create more value after the closing.

As a PSMJ Senior M&A Advisor, Jon brings his unique experience and perspective to share an inside look at how to: 

• Ask the right questions before the Letter of Intent to spot potential integration issues early
• Think like a client when prioritizing and structuring integration activities
• Know where you want flexibility and where you don’t want it in integration
• Avoid costly morale killers in dealing with post-transaction staffing and org structure
• And much more!