The Sell My Business Podcast Series

“Establishing value is an art form” – Alan Scharfstein

Alan Scharfstein is the founder and CEO of DAK. A trusted advisor to thousands of middle market business owners for over 30 years. He guides clients as they navigate strategic options for growth and expansion, as well as to pursue successful exit strategies.

Alan founded DAK in 1984 to address the need by middle market business owners to have a high level of investment banking expertise comparable to what large corporations receive on Wall Street, yet able to meet their very different needs. Alan built DAK on catering to the nuances of the middle market.

A skilled M&A strategist, strong negotiator, and expert at transaction execution, Alan is passionate about ensuring his clients realize the maximum value for their business with each transaction Alan has personally been involved in negotiating over 650 transactions in a wide range of industries throughout the US and abroad. Mr. Scharfstein brings to middle market M&A a unique combination of financial sophistication, large corporate, transactional and operating experience, and the skills necessary to succeed in an entrepreneurial environment.

Prior to founding DAK he served in several executive financial and manufacturing positions with PepsiCo. He was also a senior executive with Universal Folding Box, a privately held packaging manufacturer. Mr. Scharfstein is a frequent lecturer on the sale of privately held businesses, valuation, and negotiation strategies.

He has been quoted and written about in publications, such as the Wall Street Journal, Business Week, Financial Times, and Time. Mr. Scharfstein received a BS in Economics and MBA. From the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania and holds a series 7, 17, and 24 licenses.

Alan is an avid cyclist and believes that the steeper the climb, the more enjoyable the ride. Alan is a long time Vistage member and a top-rated Vistage speaker for over 10 years.