John S. Phillips
CEO & President, CM&AP, MBA
Meet John S. Phillips
John S. Phillips brings an invaluable perspective from both sides of the transaction table as Walden M&A’s CEO and Principal.
John’s 35 years of executive experience across banking, technology, and logistics include 15 years as a founder and business owner. He knows exactly what it takes to acquire, build, scale, and successfully exit a company.
Today, John provides middle-market entrepreneurs with the peer-level advisory and operational insight required to secure premium valuations.
Education & Qualifications
- CEO, President & Advisor at Walden M&A
- Certified Mergers & Acquisitions Professional (CM&AP)
- Industrials & Business Services Practice Lead
- MBA, Virginia Tech | BA with Honors, Virginia Military Institute
Leadership in Action
A retired US Army Colonel with 30 years of service, John held multiple positions in the US Army Reserves prior to being called to active duty in Operation Iraqi Freedom.
John earned several distinguished military honors, including the Bronze Star Medal (2006), Meritorious Service Medal (2015), and Legion of Merit Medal (2017). He retired after serving as a Division Operations Officer, planning and managing all operations for a 3,000-soldier division.
John applies this disciplined background directly to M&A execution, replacing transaction ambiguity with process-driven roadmaps. This structured approach ensures his clients make calm, data-backed decisions through every intricate deal.
Industrial & Business Service Authority
As Walden’s lead advisor for Industrial and Business Services transactions, John pairs institutional financial strategy with true shop-floor understanding.
During his tenure as a business owner, he successfully integrated three acquisitions of his own, mastering the nuances of post-close operational alignment. He now applies this firsthand experience to help manufacturing, distribution, and service enterprises articulate their unique advantages, capture off-market opportunities, and attract aggressive institutional capital.
Walden M&A Market Report
Gain exclusive access to John’s perspective of the current M&A landscape, including insights on the strategies behind recent successful industrial exits.
Featured Transaction
Walden initiated the successful sale of Souther Perfection Fabrication, to Little River Partners, LLC, and served as the seller’s advisor.
“The process run by Walden M&A turned what could have been an overwhelming experience into an orderly, highly successful transaction. John Phillips created real competition among buyers. He gave us the luxury of selecting partners who truly understand manufacturing and appreciate the specialized capabilities of our team.”
Gordon Hale, CEO | Southern Perfection Fabrication
RESOURCES
Discuss Your M&A Strategy with John
Explore your M&A options with a fellow entrepreneur and get answers about your timeline, your company's true worth, and your ultimate goals.
Partner with Walden M&A to craft your exit while you stay focused on daily operations.