Don Smith Joins Cetane Associates
NEW MILFORD, Conn. – March 7, 2024 – Cetane Associates is pleased to announce that Don Smith has joined its financial advisory firm as Director, effective March 1, 2024. With close to four decades of M&A expertise, Don has been involved in over 700 business transactions. His advocacy for small business owners includes roles in prominent national investment banking firms, regional M&A companies, and ownership of a business brokerage firm based in Colorado. Don has provided guidance as a consultant and advisor to a vast number of business owners considering sales.
Before joining Cetane Associates, Don most recently worked on the buy-side of transactions. He developed and managed the M&A department for MFA Oil Company, one of the nation’s largest agri-energy cooperatives. At MFA, Don orchestrated the acquisition of over 30 LP and refined fuel businesses. His involvement on both sides of numerous deals has afforded him a distinctive insight into the processes of business valuations and sales.
Don has an Agriculture degree from the University of Missouri-Columbia. He is a Certified Business Intermediary (CBI), has held Series 7 and Series 63 Securities licenses, and is currently a licensed Real Estate Broker in the State of Missouri. He is a long-time member of the International Business Brokers Association and has served on various industry and non-profit boards. Don lives in Missouri with his wife Kathryn and their two dogs. He is an avid gardener and enjoys traveling and tennis.
Barrett Conway, Managing Director and Principal of Cetane comments, “We are delighted to welcome Don to our team. His knowledge and experience in business transactions will significantly enhance the value we offer to our clients. Additionally, his affable and effective communication style further enriches our team dynamic.”