As a 2007 WSOP Champion with 30 years of poker playing experience, Don approaches every mediation with a very unique set of skills.

Relevant Skill Sets:

• Seasoned Negotiator
• Decisive
• Persuasive
• Aggressive
• Strong Analytical Thinker
• Extensive Personnel Management Experience
• Excellent Communicator

Experience:

• Florida Supreme Court Certified Circuit Civil and County Mediator
• Certified FINRA Securities Arbitrator
• Florida Supreme Court Approved Court-Appointed Panel Arbitrator
• Independent Business Consultant: Startup and Turnaround Specialist. Business Positioning, Strategic Planning and Financial Oversight.
• Baruch Holdings - President and owner of investment management firm specializing in portable storage and real estate ownership and operations.
• Atlanta Bread Company - Owner/Operator of four franchised restaurants in Greater Tampa Bay Area. Personally handled site selection, lease negotiation, operations, personnel, and marketing. Consistently recognized as Franchisee of the Year.
• McDonalds Corporation - Director of Operations. Responsible for over $200 million in business across North Carolina and South Carolina.
• Taco Bell Corporation - Multi-Unit Manager, Multi-Brand Manager, Marketing Manager, New Concept Manager, Regional Manager, Corporate Trainer.

Memberships & Associations

• The Association for Conflict Resolution
• Florida Academy of Professional Mediators
• Guardian Ad Litem

Competencies and Examples Include:

• Negotiations: Lead contract and ancillary agreement negotiations.
• Deal Sourcing: Managed relationships with bankers, investment bankers, venture capital sources, and business brokers in order to facilitate incoming deal flow.
• Prequalification: Performed financial analyses, operational assessments, and business model feasibility analysis.
• Business Valuations
• Due Diligence: Managed accounting, legal, and market research resources for due diligence phase. Personally performed onsite evaluations of operations, facilities, and senior management staff.

Education:

• Emory University. MBA, Merit Scholar, 1991.
• University of Florida. B.S. Advertising & Marketing, 1987.

Personal:

• Married 18 years, two daughters age 10 and 13.
• World Series of Poker 2007 Bracelet Winner.
• Enjoy golf, skiing, and travel.