Across more than 100 M&A transactions over the course of his career, Jonathan Wilfong has played a role in impacting thousands of lives. A FOCUS Senior Advisor, he brings five decades of experience in a wide range of industries to serve and assist his clients. “Gray hair,” he says, “is a sign of experience.”

Jonathan’s career began with Price Waterhouse in 1970, and during more than 25 years there he served as both a Partner and as an Office Managing Partner. At PW he served clients in the media, transportation, construction, human benefits, IT, manufacturing and distribution, logistics and transportation, consumer packaging and products, healthcare and retail fields.

In the late 90’s he founded a pair of physician practice management companies: OrthAlliance and the Plastic Surgery Company. These required M&A transactions to bring 75 medical practices together in the two firms. Their combined IPO capitalizations exceeded $125 million. He also co-founded Ouch.com, an online medical supply superstore and collaborated with major medical associations including the Orthopaedic Foundation of America.

At FOCUS he has managed M&A processes for middle market companies in industries including IT, healthcare, construction, alternative finance, manufacturing, architectural design, oilfield services and many others.

Jonathan received his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration degree from East Carolina University and studied at Duke University’s prestigious Fuqua School of Business. He’s a passionate traveler and muscle car fanatic who built and raced his own drag car.  For over fifteen years he has led a team delivering humanitarian mission work in Nicaragua. He can be reached at [email protected].

Can you give an overview of your expertise and experience?

I’ve built up experience across a broad spectrum of industries, always looking for ways I can create value for clients. I’ve worked in the healthcare sector, transportation, manufacturing and distribution, and retail, to name a few. I’ve been working for more than 50 years and have enjoyed the opportunity to practice across multiple fields.

Can you share a specific project or achievement that you’re particularly proud of?

At Price Waterhouse, I was tasked fairly early in my career with launching an office de nova. I was basically thrown into it without a lot of support, but I did have a lot of confidence that I could be successful. I enjoyed managing the recruiting and hiring process and getting to build my own team.  A key component of being successful was getting imbedded in the business community and generating new business.

I remember one employee there who was really struggling and considering quitting. I was able to talk him through his issues and encouraged him to stay.  He did and became a critical member of the team.  I was very proud 12 years later to welcome him as a partner in the Firm.   I am proud of that and other similar successes. After all, Focus, like Price Waterhouse, is in the personal service business. A firms is only as good as its  people.

In a highly competitive industry, what factors set FOCUS apart from other similar services?

It’s the combined experience of everyone on the team. That breeds confidence and expertise.  With experience come “scars” that can be used and shared with your clients increasing the likelihood of success..

What advice would you have for someone interested in joining the M&A field?

Find out what you’re really interested in, what you truly love to do. Take some time and do some soul-searching. If you want a career where you’re delving into something new and exciting every 6 to 9 months, this might be the field for you.

Given your expertise, how do you approach mentorship and knowledge sharing with others in your field?

I truly enjoy mentoring people and helping them develop their talent. As a partner at Price Waterhouse one of roles was to mentor young people in their early 20s at the beginning of their careers, for many their first job after college.   I’m blessed that I am still in touch with many of them.

If you’re going to be a mentor and grow a team, you have to take an interest in what’s going on in their lives, both in the office and at home. Be flexible and understand what’s important to them and what motivates them.

If you are interested in learning more about the Senior Advisor role at FOCUS, please contact Kahla Cooper at [email protected].