Functional experts with decades of experience

Arnis Kins – As President, Arnis Kins directs activities for the deal structure and execution of advisory services and continues to develop his long-standing relationships with leading private equity firms, family offices, entrepreneurial executives, and private business owners. Arnis has established Cook M&A Advisory Services as one of the nation’s leading M&A advisory firms. Arnis was awarded the 2012 GTCR Leadership Award for his contributions to the private equity community. GTCR is a Chicago-based private equity firm who pioneered The Leaders Strategy™—finding and partnering with management leaders in core domains to identify, acquire and build market-leading companies through transformational acquisitions and organic growth.

Arnis has been instrumental in facilitating the close of many of the firm’s more than 400 transactions, ranging from $5 million to $2.5 billion in enterprise value. He has built a track record of delivering quality services with speed of execution. Recognizing an opportunity to leverage his broad network of executive relationships, he founded CEOVisions® in 1999. This exclusive service unites successful, entrepreneurial CEOs with strategic capital for the purpose of building industry leading companies.

Prior to launching Cook M&A Advisory Services, Arnis spent over twenty years in the executive search industry leading engagements for senior and executive level positions in a broad range of industries.

While away from the office, you can find Arnis spending time with his many grandchildren, sharing a bourbon with friends, or enjoying a fine cigar.

Sven Kins – Sven is the CEO of Cook M&A Advisory Services and responsible for executing acquisition strategies, both platform and add-on opportunities, as well as CEOVisions® projects. Prior to Cook M&A, Sven was the Managing Director at Cook Associates’ Mergers and Acquisitions Division. Leveraging his 15 years of experience, Sven leads the firm’s FocusFirst® initiatives and overall growth strategy. He serves as a valuable guide to private equity groups on how best to execute industry acquisition strategies, while advising business owners of their M&A options. Prior to joining Cook M&A, Sven served as a National Account Manager with IDL, Inc., a point-of-purchase advertising/store fixture design and manufacturing company. He helped lead major branding launches for clients such as BP Amoco and Whirlpool Corporation.

Sven earned a BA from Michigan State University and is an avid Spartan. Sven and his wife have three children and live in Chicago. He enjoys spending time with his family, playing and watching sports, travel, and golf. He is also fluent in Latvian.

Pete Grimmer – Pete is Director of Business Development for Cook M&A Advisory Services. Pete has been in Financial Technology Software Sales for over 9 years. Prior to Cook M&A, Pete worked as Head of U.S Sales at Ansarada and Director of Sales at Ipreo by IHS Markit selling Deal Execution and Private Equity & Alternative Investment software.

Pete has advised on hundreds of deals during his career – everything from broad sell-side auction processes to billion-dollar public offerings from companies like Google, VMware, Visa, Coca Cola, Sony, Goldman Sachs, KPMG, JP Morgan, William Blair, Baird Capital, KKR, Blackstone, and Apollo Global Management Group.

After graduating from Michigan State’s Eli Broad College of Business, Pete lived in South America working at a winery in Chile giving tours in English. Pete enjoys spending time with his family, friends and his dog Draper, playing and watching sports, cooking, fantasy sports, podcasts and traveling with his wife – some of their favorite travel destinations include: Italy, Spain, United Kingdom, Australia, Greece, Croatia, Vietnam, Mexico, and Argentina.

Scott Merchant – Scott Merchant is a Director of Origination with Cook M&A Advisory Services and serves as the firm’s Chief Operating Officer. He is responsible for cultivating relationships with private equity, family office, and corporate clients to create meaningful connections, drive enterprise value, and secure mutually beneficial outcomes. As COO, Scott manages all internal operations for the company.

Prior to joining Cook M&A, Scott spent more than 25 years as a serial technologist and entrepreneur, leading SaaS and consumer platform businesses in the software, golf technology, gambling, and esports industries to successful exits. He has been involved in all stages of the business lifecycle from founder and fundraiser, to growth and strategic partnerships, to ultimate acquisition. His most recent role was Chief Growth Officer of a golf SaaS enterprise where Scott led the internal sell-side process culminating in a Private Equity platform transaction.

Scott graduated from the University of Kansas and enjoys spending time with his four kids, coaching their youth sports teams, playing golf, listening to podcasts, and traveling with his wife.

Sarah Shizas – Sarah Shizas, CFA, joined Cook M&A in 2018 as the Director of Research and Strategy. Sarah oversees the execution of Cook’s FocusFirst research process, which is designed to translate M&A strategies into identifiable characteristics and attributes to focus and exhaust the defined market. Sarah has overseen more than 200 projects to source both add-on and platform acquisition opportunities for clients. In addition, Sarah is focused on analyzing various sectors to develop data-driven insights into target-rich markets that could yield attractive investment opportunities for potential clients.

Sarah has over ten years of experience in the financial sector. Prior to joining Cook M&A, Sarah was an equity research associate at William Blair covering the software industry. She also worked as a credit analyst within Bank of Montreal’s corporate banking division.

Sarah earned her BS in finance with a minor in accounting from DePaul University in 2011, where she played softball for four years. Sarah enjoys staying active, spending time with her family, drinking and learning about wine, and traveling.

Isaac Ceh – Isaac Ceh joined Cook M&A in 2021 and has been instrumental in sourcing both add-on and platform acquisition opportunities for clients across diverse industries, including healthcare, industrials, manufacturing, business services, and consumer services. Drawing on his expertise in research and analysis, Isaac plays a critical role in delivering insights that drive strategic growth and successful deal-making.

Before joining Cook M&A, Isaac developed a strong foundation in M&A due diligence through internships focused on UCC, liens, and related research processes. His ability to synthesize complex information and identify value opportunities has made him a valuable asset to the team. Isaac earned his bachelor’s degree in Economics from New York University. While at NYU, Isaac was a member of the hockey team, building on the teamwork and leadership skills gained during the three years he spent playing junior hockey for teams across North America.

Outside of work, Isaac is passionate about family, sports, and personal growth. He enjoys playing and watching any and all sports, challenging his mind with chess and books, exploring new destinations through travel, and spending quality time with his dog, Bodhi.

Skylar Cochran – Skylar Cochran joined Cook M&A in late 2024 as a Research Administrator. Skylar executes Cook’s FocusFirst® research methodology by locating the most recent and relevant data, helping her team source proprietary deals that meet clients’ investment goals. Exhausting databases and search engines, Skylar plays a vital role in connecting Cook’s origination team to the decision makers at target companies. Skylar prides herself on producing high quality, detailed work while managing competing deadlines.

Skylar has over eight years of experience in the healthcare sector doing data analytics. Prior to joining Cook M&A, Skylar worked for the Veterans Association as a medical data analyst. Additionally, Skylar was a research assistant in the behavioral health laboratory at the University of Mississippi, where she co-authored 6 research presentations featured at academic conferences.

Skylar graduated summa cum laude from the University of Mississippi in 2020, earning a BA in psychology with a minor in professional writing. She enjoys trying new restaurants, watching reality television, and laughing with her friends and family.

Alexa DiMario – Alexa joined Cook M&A as a Vice President of Origination in 2024. She is responsible for cultivating relationships with private equity, family office, and corporate clients to create meaningful connections, drive enterprise value, and secure mutually beneficial outcomes.

Alexa brings a diverse background to the team, with prior experience in the finance, hospitality, and tech industries. She earned her bachelor’s degree in public relations from Suffolk University in her home city of Boston, MA.

In her spare time, Alexa enjoys traveling, dining out with her dog Paulie, and is an avid volunteer with Court Appointed Special Advocates (CASA).

Adam Gelsomino – Adam Gelsomino is a VP of Origination with Cook M&A Advisory Services. He is responsible for cultivating relationships for private equity, family office, and corporate clients to facilitate inorganic growth through collaborative and joint partnerships.

Prior to joining Cook M&A, Adam’s diverse background involves Hospitality, Logistics, SaaS, Entrepreneurship, and Finance. After graduating with a bachelor’s in finance he began his professional career in Logistics. Soon after, he merged his own logistics brokerage firm with a competitor. Transitioning from the logistics industry to concentrate on finance, he took a position at a data and analytics firm based out of Skokie, IL. Adam has spent more than a decade learning the intricate details of commercial lending, investment banking, and credit processes for banking, equipment finance, and alternative lending.

Adam’s primary interests are real estate, fitness, and spending time with his family.

Tony Giudice – Tony Giudice is an Associate of Origination at Cook M&A Advisory Services, where he is responsible for cultivating relationships with private equity firms, family offices, and corporate clients. His focus is on creating strategic connections that drive enterprise value and lead to successful outcomes for all parties.

Prior to joining Cook, Tony spent over five years at Thomson Reuters, where he served as a Senior Sales Executive working with leading global financial institutions. Tony was routinely tasked with turning around underperforming territories, most notably growing one by 5x. He was recognized as a top performer and appointed as a mentor for new sales hires, helping develop effective sales processes across prospecting, discovery, positioning, and closing.

Tony was a football player at Syracuse University & Lafayette College where he earned his bachelor’s degree in 2019. Outside the office, Tony enjoys spending time with family and friends, watching college football, and working out.

Joseph Glynn – Joseph Glynn is a Managing Director of Cook M&A Advisory Services. He is responsible for executing strategies on the CEOVisions® platform. This exclusive service unites successful, entrepreneurial CEOs with strategic capital for the purpose of building industry-leading companies through acquisition. An example of a CEVisions engagement would be GTCR’s acquisition of AssetMark , valued at approximately $2.7 billion.

Prior to joining Cook M&A Advisory Services, Joseph spent 25+ years in the Financial Services Industry at firms including Goldman Sachs, Merrill Lynch, Russell Investments & Wells Fargo. He brings a deep background in research, business development, and portfolio management. He is a consultative and intuitive financial strategist who delivers in-depth knowledge. Joseph has a proven track record of achieving results for business partners and executing on company objectives.

Joseph graduated from The University of Iowa and is an avid sports fan. He and his wife have four children and live in Chicago. He enjoys spending time with his family, skiing, travel, and golf.

Harry Hamilton – Harry joined Cook M&A in 2021 and is a Senior Research Associate. Prior to Cook, Harry worked in the commercial lending market in research, sales, and operations. Harry double majored in Economics & Supply Chain Management at Marquette University.

In his time at Cook, Harry is proud of closed transactions on projects where he has lead research across environmental services, safety products & services, fintech, logistics, and other industries. Additionally, he has enjoyed collaborating with his research team to drive process efficiency and automation.

Outside of work, Harry enjoys attending concerts, Chicago sports, and spending time with family & friends.

Matthew Hooper – Matthew Hooper, CFA, joined Cook M&A in 2022 as a Research Associate. Matthew has worked on various projects to source both add-on and platform acquisition opportunities for clients – spanning across industries including healthcare, industrials & manufacturing, business services, and software & tech-enabled services.

Prior to joining Cook M&A, Matthew was a trade specialist at Harris Associates and at NISA Investment Advisors. Matthew earned his BS in Applied Mathematics with a minor in Finance from the University of Dayton in 2018. In 2022 Matthew earned the CFA Charterholder designation.

Mackenzie Jones – Mackenzie Jones joined Cook M&A in 2023 as a Research Associate. Mackenzie is a part of Cook’s healthcare, industrials, and software & technology industry groups. Mackenzie enjoys working at a family-owned business, where she can contribute directly to the organic growth of Cook M&A and the inorganic growth of other bootstrapped enterprises.

Mackenzie has over five years of experience in the chemical research, industrial, and clinical sectors. Prior to joining Cook M&A, Mackenzie was lead scientist at ALTI-LLC, a USACE funded startup, where she led a 2-year re-formulation project of a proprietary substance used as a filter for spectroscopy inputs and commercial odor elimination. Her additional experience includes large-scale F&B manufacturing, clinical AI-enabled services, academic cancer research, and physical chemistry research. Mackenzie is a published author in the academic journal “Fuel”. Mackenzie earned her American Chemical Society (ACS) accredited BS in biochemistry with a minor in psychology from Purdue University in 2019, where she mentored international students through Purdue’s Global Science Partnership Program for 4 years.

Mackenzie enjoys traveling and practicing Khaleeji dialect Arabic.

Siga Kisielius – Siga Kisielius leads the Cook Connect program at Cook M&A, a solution designed to create mutually beneficial outcomes for both companies and investors. Cook Connect uncovers high-potential businesses and connects them with the right investors at opportune times. For companies, it provides a free look at the investor marketplace and strategic introductions, offering an alternative to lengthy or costly sell-side processes. For investors, it serves as a highly targeted, proprietary deal generation source for both platform and add-on opportunities. Siga’s focus is on cultivating relationships and facilitating meaningful connections that drive enterprise value.

Prior to Cook M&A, Siga spent over eight years in strategic advisory and business development roles within professional services. She was a Business Development Manager at Tyton Partners, a strategy consulting and investment banking firm specializing in the global education sector. Siga also held a business development role at bfinance, a specialized investment consultancy focused on asset manager search and selection across asset classes such as private equity, hedge funds, and real estate. She began her career at Pointe Advisory, a boutique strategic advisory firm, where she worked on due diligence for middle-market private equity firms and strategy consulting for Fortune 500 companies.

Siga earned her BA in Economics from Kalamazoo College. In her free time, she enjoys biking around the city, exploring new neighborhoods, traveling, and cooking.

Manojna Lanka – Manojna Lanka joined Cook M&A in 2024 as a Research Associate. Manojna works with the research team in executing Cook’s FocusFirst® research methodology to source proprietary deals for clients within a defined market. Manojna has worked on projects spanning the healthcare, industrials, business services and consumer services industries.

Prior to joining Cook, Manojna earned an MA in International and Development Economics from Yale University with a range of academic and research experience in economics and political science.

Manojna’s interests include art, reading, hiking and lots of coffee.

Andy Nunez – Andy is a Vice President of Origination with Cook M&A Advisory Services and is responsible for collaborating with clients to understand their investment strategies and sourcing targeted acquisition opportunities that align with their growth objectives. Andy has worked on a diverse range of industries with Cook which include Healthcare, Financial Services, Business Services, and more.

Prior to his role at Cook M&A, Andy was part of Flexport Capital’s business development team, where he provided expertise on trade finance and working capital solutions to consumer brands and other importers. His experience also includes his time at H.I.G. Capital where he supported the firm’s various fund strategies, originating opportunities across private equity, and direct lending through both intermediary and proprietary coverage.

Andy’s earlier career includes a role as a Portfolio Analyst at BNY Mellon Wealth Management, where he provided high net worth families and clients with investment and estate planning guidance. Additionally, he contributed to local entrepreneurship efforts at Prospera, a non-profit, where he supported Hispanic-owned small business owners with market research and access to funding opportunities. His well-rounded experience has equipped him with a deep understanding of the diverse needs and strategies of clients across industries

Andy’s interests include spending time with his wife, Victoria, and their dog, Asher. He loves trying new foods, traveling to new places, watching sports, and learning about history.

Toni Peluso – Toni has been in business development roles in both investment banking and private equity for over 20 years. Prior to Cook M&A, Toni worked in a sponsor coverage role at Lazard and prior to Lazard in business development and marketing at Lake Capital, an $800 million dollar fund focused on business services deals. Toni’s career has crossed a broad range of industry sectors, and always focused on developing relationships with business owners and private equity funds. More recently, Toni has found passion for recruiting and assists in that effort for the Cook team.

After graduating from the University of St. Thomas, Toni started her career in Minneapolis, MN at Goldsmith Agio Helms which was acquired by Lazard in 2007, bringing her to Chicago and Boston. Toni enjoys spending time with her family and friends. Passions include extensive travel abroad, anything on the water (specifically Cape Cod in the summer months) golfing, rollerblading, waterskiing, live music, audible books and podcasts.

Billy Petersen – Billy is an Associate of Origination at Cook M&A Advisory Services. He is responsible for cultivating strategic relationships with private equity, family offices and corporate clients to assist with accelerating growth strategies and securing mutually beneficial outcomes.

Prior to joining Cook M&A, Billy spent over three years at Deloitte where he served as a Consultant. During his time with Deloitte, he helped successfully implement strategies and technology for enterprise companies spanning across a variety of industries.

Billy earned his degree from Texas Christian University majoring in Business Information Systems and Supply Chain. Outside of the office, he enjoys snowboarding, cooking, hockey, golf, and spending time with family and friends.

Kevin Pilz – Kevin Pilz is a senior originator with Cook since 2021. Kevin is responsible for developing relationships with investor groups and clients to support their goals and objectives for mutually beneficial relationships and customized growth strategies. Overall Kevin is dedicated to client relationships and partnerships by understanding challenges and developing creative options and solutions to address those unique needs.

Prior to Cook, Kevin’s experience includes more than 20 years in corporate and investment banking as a capital markets executive in structured finance with ABN AMRO, LaSalle Bank and Guggenheim Partners.  Kevin also led capital raise projects with Hammes Company developing large scale mixed-use commercial real estate developments for communities to grow and thrive.  Kevin additionally was in the fintech industry as a sales consultant to financial institutions using data, analytics, and insights to assist with growing and managing commercial credit portfolios.

Kevin earned an MBA from DePaul University and a BS from Miami University of Ohio in finance and accounting.  When not working, he enjoys spending time with family and friends as well as traveling, golfing, fly fishing, and snow skiing out west as one of his favorite destinations.

Vincent Pizzo – Vincent Pizzo joined Cook M&A in 2024 as an Origination Associate. Vincent oversees and assists in the cultivation of relationships with private equity, family office, and corporate clients to facilitate organic growth through capitalizing on unused capacities.

Vincent has spent the last 6 years in client and customer facing roles. Prior to joining Cook M&A, he was a technical recruiter working with top level IT and digital marketing talent across the continental US. He was responsible for numerous deals across several industries including healthcare, industrials, higher education, entertainment, retail, and software/tech-enabled services. Vincent’s thoughtful and solution-focused approach is his promise to any partnership.

Vincent earned his BA from North Central College in 2017, where he wrestled for four years, then continued as a Graduate Assistant wrestling coach. He earned his Master’s in 2019, while assisting in two back-to-back CCIW Conference Championships. Vincent enjoys studying Brazilian jiu jitsu, kayaking, and hiking/camping with his wife & their family and friends.

Ericca Reavis – Ericca joined Cook M&A in 2022 where she spent her first two years as a Research Administrator before moving to Vice President of Administration. She currently oversees company-wide operations, finance, and human resources functions.

Prior to joining Cook, Ericca held various positions at East Bank Club, working in both the marketing and aquatics departments. She received a Bachelor of Arts in anthropology with a minor in linguistics from Grinnell College, where she was active in varsity athletics, student government, and campus events.

Outside of the office, Ericca enjoys baking and creating ingredients from scratch, visiting family and friends, and cheering for the best team in the NFC North (go, Pack, go!).

Lauren Scarlett – Lauren Scarlett serves as Vice President of Origination at Cook M&A Advisory Services, where she is responsible for cultivating strategic relationships with private equity firms, family offices and companies. With a focus on delivering innovative solutions and accelerating growth through mutually beneficial partnerships, Lauren is committed to driving long-term value for clients.

Before joining Cook M&A, Lauren spent over a decade at UBS Financial Services, where she served as Director of Business Development. In this role, she developed a deep understanding of the unique financial planning needs and challenges faced by high-net-worth business owners. Her expertise spans a wide range of marketing strategies across industries, including partnerships, branding, advertising, public relations, digital platforms, and competitor analysis. Lauren also holds the Corporate Stock Benefit Consultant designation, which she earned during her time at UBS.

Lauren is a graduate of Suffolk University in Boston, MA. Outside of her professional career, she is an active member of her community, organizing events for a women’s golf association and volunteering with various dog shelters, supporting fostering programs and other initiatives.

Ian Shocklee – Ian Shocklee joined Cook M&A as a Research Associate in 2022 and is responsible for conducting market research and identifying proprietary acquisition targets for buyside projects in the Business Services, Consumer Services, and Software and Technology industries. Ian also provides CIM market mapping and advisory, recommends potential buyers for CookConnect, Cook M&A’s opportunistic deal flow engine, and plans Cook service outings, most recently at Inspiration Corporation.

Ian earned his BS in Finance with a co-major in International Business from the Kelley School of Business at Indiana University in 2022. When free, Ian enjoys planning that next golf trip, grilling, and watching Curt Cignetti’s Indiana Hoosiers.

Trent Williams – Trent Williams joined Cook M&A in 2022 an Associate of Origination with Cook M&A Advisory Services. Since being a part of the Cook team, Trent has been a part of multiple closed deals in a variety of different industries including DSO, Facility Services, HOA, and Industrial Manufacturing. In 2024, through his hard work and dedication to our clients, Trent was promoted to Vice President of Origination.

Trent has over eight years of experience in sales and business development. Prior to joining Cook M&A, Trent was a sales associate at CIENCE, where he helped companies create predictable revenue. He also worked at CDW where he sold hardware and software solutions to Small Businesses.

He graduated from Colgate University in 2018, where he played football for four years. Outside of the office, Trent enjoys spending time with his family, playing/watching sports, and being an avid Bears fan.

Krista Zumbrink – After moving to Chicago in 2023, Krista Zumbrink joined Cook M&A as a VP of Origination. Krista’s extensive sales and business development background ranges across multiple industries including software, fintech, communications, construction, and real estate. Krista has worked on projects to source both add-on and platform acquisition opportunities for clients – spanning industries including healthcare, industrials, business services and manufacturing.

Prior to joining Cook M&A, Krista worked in Los Angeles in the Fintech industry with companies such as DFIN and Workiva.  She enjoys tennis, golf, horseback riding, and being on Lake Michigan in her free time.