Just a few notes to share my thoughts about Bob Billow…

I met Bob in the 1980's when I was selling my manufacturing company. 

I was really impressed with his professionalism and insight into small but important details.  I have been in marketing all my life and I was considered tops in my field. Bob made me aware that there were many different realms of marketing and he taught me valuable ideas and concepts.

The way Bob put my deal together brought top dollar for the sale of my company and exceeded my expectations.  His limited auction marketing process amazes me to this day. His commission seemed high at first but became the real bargain as we went over the top.

Bob has a law background which brings a lot to the table when the buyers and their lawyers are trying to trim the sale price.  Our company attorney basically let Bob control the acquisition and the legal process which is so important to "close the deal."

I recommend Bob Billow as a marketing and legal specialist that really gets the job done.  Thank you.

— Ron Lorenz,

Former owner of Rapco International, Inc.

To Whom it may concern,

I am writing this letter in support of my good friend Bob Billow and add my complete endorsement of his amazing work.  I have known Bob for 10+ years – we met when I had the good fortune to engage him for a very successful sale of a business I owned.  At the time I was contemplating a sale, a trusted long time advisor and executive from a Fortune 100 company encouraged me to attend a conference on wealth planning and business succession.  Bob was a keynote speaker at that conference.  After a few follow up meetings, we developed a trusting rapport and relationship with Bob.  It was clear that Bob had the insight, expertise and M&A knowledge that I needed to move forward.  Bob and his team conducted an amazing process which resulted in a sale of my company to a division of Berkshire Hathaway – an outcome that never would have happened without Bob. Since that transaction, Bob and I have collaborated on several occasions and his experience, professionalism and integrity continue to impress me. 

I have recommended Bob to many colleagues and business acquaintances, and in every case have been thanked for making the introduction.  Bob has a natural ability to connect with people, and his positive attitude is noticeable the first time you meet him.  He is dedicated to his clients — committed to doing whatever it takes to support them.  Bob has a unique ability to build strong relationships and exudes a tremendous amount of credibility, which is recognized and appreciated by all parties in a business setting. I wholeheartedly recommend Bob for any prospective client and am completely confident that he will continue his long record of success and satisfaction.  In addition to being an accomplished professional, Bob is a wonderful person and a cherished friend to those who know him. Please feel free to contact me with any questions or to discuss in more detail. Sincerely,

— Mike Giffhorn ,

Former President and Owner ,
Cubic Designs, Inc.
Current Partner, The Colors of English

When our family decided to sell our 4th generation family business the first thing we had to do was find a broker/consultant.

After interviewing a dozen or so candidates we decided on Bob Billow.

Not only was he professional, he was also warm and friendly. He was able to patiently explain to us in detail the process and steps that would lay ahead.

Bob’s challenge in dealing with family partners, as well their spouses, was amazing.

Remarkably, he was able to deal with a group of family members that were not aligned in their wishes but rather wanted to go in different directions. He kept us on course and ultimately found the right buyer .

I am happy to recommend Bob Billow to anyone that has the challenge of selling their business.

Simply put: he’s the best!

— Steve Gold

Former Owner and President

Gold’s Pure Food, Inc.

To whom it may concern,

Several years ago we entrusted Bob Billow to seek out potential buyers for our family’s centenarian business. His appointment was based on our sense during the interview process of an individual who possessed a skill set of intelligence, passion and integrity. He did not disappoint. 

Bob laid out a game plan to seek out the buyers with the most upside potential and proceeded to execute a sale that maximized our valuation. During the process he was available at a moment’s notice, whether in the evening or on weekends, and provided all the necessary assets to bring us to the finish line.

I have no doubt that his negotiating skills, attention to detail, metric assessments and pure passion for his job resulted in an exceptional sale price.

I wholeheartedly recommend Bob to anyone seeking out the types of serves he offers.

— Cliff Eisenberg

Former Owner and President

Kelly Eisenberg Gourmet Deli Products

Bob was instrumental in selling our business.

He consistently went above and beyond his responsibilities as a broker, acting as an advisor on everything from personal conflicts to legal issues and tax burdens.

Despite constantly reminding us that he was *not* acting as our lawyer, his background in law proved invaluable in untangling the complex, layered situations that arose during our sale process.

He kept our goals firmly at the forefront of everything he did, and often salvaged seemingly unsalvageable situations with skilled, last second diplomacy.

I don't think Bob ever failed to pick up his phone; I apologize again for interrupting both his vacation and his sleep!

Hiring Bob Billow was money well spent and we would not hesitate to work with him again.

— Dan and Tony Dicello

Former Owners

Dolphin Machining

In 2018 we sold our 80 year old manufacturing business with the help and guidance of Bob Billow.

He gave us a unique framework and guidance that resulted in a very successful outcome. 

Bob is incredibly hardworking, honest and experienced and that gave us a real advantage in positioning our company for sale.

His candor helped us look beyond our own view and opened us to a market of buyers we would have not found by ourselves. 

I wholeheartedly recommend Bob Billow and his organization at Founders.

— Barry Boyer

Owner

Marion Process Solutions

Bob, 

Congratulations! You have achieved great success in selling our business to Keystone Capital, a private equity firm located in Chicago, Illinois.

I would recommend you as a highly respected professional in your field.  It takes a special kind of individual to successfully navigate the complex process of selling a business, and I am honored and proud to recommend you to future potential owners who wish to sell their businesses.    From the time I met you in 2016 at the Anuga Food Show in Germany, your unwavering commitment and desire to become our financial advisor led me to conclude that you were the perfect individual to represent us in this effort.

Many obstacles presented themselves throughout our negotiations, but you were steadfast including during Covid in 2020,  Your tenacity in negotiating our deal, through many up and down moments, set you apart from your colleagues. Your continued desire, outstanding direction, hard work, dedication, and honesty resulted in an incredible financial outcome for us, and I believe all this would be equally matched in any future opportunities you may be able to secure.

If I were to be fortunate to have an opportunity to sell another business, I would certainly seek out Bob Billow in this regard.   Your professionalism, negotiating skills, and calm demeanor helped us achieve one of the highest EBITDA multiples for a food manufacturing business in 2021. I was thrilled to see all our efforts culminate in such an incredible success. We couldn't have done it without your unwavering commitment; you were the person who orchestrated our sale with an outstanding valuation. Thank you!

— Bruce Levenbrook, CEO

Original Bagel Company

I have had the pleasure and honor to work with Bob Billow for over twenty years.  Bob has been the go to guy for sophisticated value add and innovative investment banking deals in the mid-market, particularly in food and beverage and in manufacturing.

What impresses me most about Bob is that he is the complete and consummate package. 

He is brilliant in his craft. Knows many people. Runs an organized and disciplined process. Is both a master strategist and a savvy tactician.  Has incredible judgment so he is flexible when appropriate and firm when he needs to be and finds creative solutions to thorny problems when that is required. At the same time, he has a way of staying calm and engendering trust with all sides.

He is the complete package and I heartily endorse Bob.

— Fred Tannenbaum

Partner and Practice Leader

The Law Firm of Gould & Ratner, LLP

Member Law Exchange

Outstanding Characteristics:

* Honesty – While you have written agreements, Bob Billow’s word is easier to understand and just as strong.

*Bob does not overpromise; however, he overdelivers quite often.

* M & A Knowledge – Great experience and understanding of the M & A process, the industry players and the potential opportunity for the business. This includes the valuation potential of the company, the deal process from start to closing and the industry in which the business competes.

* Easy To Work With – Bob knows what information is needed and how to present the business in the best light. Before presentation, he makes sure the data will stand up to the scrutiny of the potential buyer.

* Deal Process Moves Quickly – When the necessary information is complete, verifiable and inviting to potential partners, the actual deal process starts. He moves as fast as his client is prepared and able to move.

* Great Negotiating Skills – He is prepared for meetings. His responses to questions are both honest and as favorable as can be crafted for the business. Great ability to accommodate a a potential buyer consistent with his client’s needs, versus an orientation to just a win/lose approach.

— Bob Billow Testimonial from Ultrafryer Systems, Inc. SLIDE 1

Actual Deal Experience:

Bob was initially selected because his honesty stood out so greatly from several M & A bankers that I had previously met. When we hired Bob’s firm, I finally realized that I could not effectively complete a deal and simultaneously effectively manage Ultrafryer Systems, Inc. Deal Process from development of the Teaser to providing actual information to Letter of Intent through Due Diligence to Closing worked very smoothly and quickly.

From Letter of Intent to Closing took just over 40 days which was highly expedited due to the ultimate suitor being an industry player. Bob kept his promise that I could limit which prospective suitors were sent confidential information even if it could potentially lower the ultimate sale price. Bob was most understanding and accommodating in order to prevent a key industry competitor from obtaining proprietary information about Ultrafryer Systems, Inc.

Bob also agreed to let us pick with which suitor to enter into the Letter of Intent so that we had the prerogative to select the party we felt was best for both the investors and employees of the Company rather than just choosing the one offering the highest price. Ideally, the process was completed almost exclusively electronically offsite with only five key executives knowing about the deal prior to the public announcement.

This secrecy kept the deal process from disrupting a business that was growing rapidly. Bob also worked very well with the M & A Attorney that I selected. Information and meetings were completed that resulted in multiple bidder interest raising the purchase price. Terms of the Agreement were very favorable to Ultrafryer Systems, Inc. Sale price was MUCH HIGHER than the initial reasonable valuation that Bob provided the Board of Directors.

All of the Private Investors and myself were extremely pleased with the discreet and speedy process and outstanding result.

— Ed Odmark

Former President and Owner Ultrafryer Systems

I have known Bob for over 20 years. 

He was introduced to me by one of my partners and I was told that he was the smartest and hardest working person my partner knew. 

I have worked directly with Bob many times over those 20 years with Bob being the investment banker and me being the lawyer. 

Bob is a deep thinker and an effective deal maker.  What is most impressive and inspiring is how much Bob learns about, advocates for and cares about his client. He is always thinking about what is best for the client.  So much so that when working with Bob, I have come to expect many long e-mails and phone calls on how best to position things for the client. 

If you want a dedicated service provider, deal advocate and all-around good guy, you should strongly consider working with Bob.

— Russell Shapiro, Attorney

Partner

Levenfeld Pearlstein

After many years of building our manufacturing business my brother and I decided it was time to sell it. We chose Bob Billow to help us.

Bob made what is a complex and difficult undertaking relatively easy for us.

He had the talent and expertise that is required to successfully market our company, negotiate the sale, and importantly, see that the sale closed successfully.

I do not hesitate to recommend Bob Billow!

— Joseph Garceau

Former President

Butterfield Color, Inc.

I have known Bob Billow for many years and have worked extensively with Bob in the M&A space.

Bob has a sincere desire to do well for his clients.   

I believe that Bob’s unique combination of experience and intelligence, when filtered through his even-keeled temperament, makes Bob a valuable and trusted M&A advisor.

— Brian D. Bergstrom, Attorney

President

Shuttleworth & Ingersoll, P.L.C.


Cedar Rapids, IA  

I have known Bob Billow as a friend and trusted colleague for more than 45 years.

Besides being an extraordinary investment banker Bob always displays the highest moral character in both his personal and professional life.

Bob brings a unique perspective and unmatched experience to getting a liquidity transaction to the finish line.

Bob is and will always be our go to investment banker.

banker.

— Marc Z. Samotny, Esq.

Patzik, Frank & Samotny Ltd.

When Biscotti Brothers first interviewed Bob Billow in 2017 I believed that I had met an honest, intelligent person who could guide me through the quite complicated process of selling a thriving, small business.

I knew how to sell cookies and service customers, but I had no idea of how to go about selling our company. 

Bob patiently began to give us guidance while clearly recognizing the goals that our co-founder and I hoped to achieve. We had much to learn about investment banking and Bob not only represented us, but he became our trusted mentor.

Bob’s dedication to our project was most remarkable. Questions were answered promptly, day, night or even weekends. As we completed more endless tasks my respect for Bob’s wisdom and work ethic continued to grow. Bob would thoughtfully analyze any confusion and explain the issues and soon have us back on track. Bob Billow you have the patience of Job! 

The task of selling a company is not easy. You, Bob, did not give up nor did you allow us to retreat.

In the end, our journey was a huge success, and I am most thankful we signed with Bob Billow. 

I along with my family, will forever be grateful to Bob and to his wife Debbie and his entire family for allowing us to absorb all of his time.

With Sincerest Gratitude,

— Gerry Bennett

Co-Founder and Former President Biscotti Brothers Bakery

I have had the pleasure of working with Bob on several middle market M&A transactions. 

As an M&A attorney, I see the full spectrum of M&A advisors during a sale process. 

I have been very impressed with Bob’s strength of character, exceptional industry knowledge and experience, and selfless dedication to his clients . 

Bob has a keen understanding of the market and uses this knowledge to guide clients through the ebb and flow of a transaction.  I have seen Bob unlock transaction value for clients that others didn’t see and have seen Bob counsel clients through difficult situations at various stages of a transaction process. 

Bob’s reputation in the M&A deal community runs very deep.

— Marc S. Zaslavsky

Attorney

Partner

Levenfeld Pearlstein

I wanted to write and express my thanks for your past work on marketing our company to sell it. While we did not complete a sale, it was only because of factors on our side and we asked you to remove our manufacturing business from the market.

Ultimately, we are happy that we still control this company with a 4th generation taking the helm.

You and your team made it easy to make decisions that were right for us without pushing for a conclusion that could have been better for you! The people you work with make it easy to present information to buyers in a concise and professional format making possible the best exposure to the market. All of your counsel was straightforward, honest and helpful each step of the way.

It was especially nice to have your experience in the process to patiently guide us through the many phases of selling a business.

As you’ve come to know, I am a detail-oriented and anxious business leader who likes to get things accomplished quickly. That you were responsive to every issue and request to help keep us stay on track was a huge plus! I look forward to seeing you again soon and, in the meantime, please do not hesitate to share my name with anyone who would like to know more about the great job you do. I would be doing them a great service to connect you both so they get the results they want.

Best Regards,

— Andrew Faville

Co-Founder and CEO, Falex Corporation
Chairman of the Board
Illinois Manufacturing Association, Chairman

I have bought and/or sold multiple companies and have worked with several investment bankers.  

After my experience with Bob Billow, I have no reason to work with anyone else. 

My wife and I recently worked with Bob on the sale of our middle-market CPG company. 

Amid an extremely difficult economic environment which adversely affected our business, Bob crafted a competitive environment with multiple management presentations and bids. 

The transaction closed more smoothly than I expected which is a credit to Bob’s temperament and management of the process.

Not just a thoughtful and strategically minded investment banker, Bob is the warmest of human beings who from the beginning of the process demonstrated concern for us, our family, and the kind of outcome we preferred.

I would consider someone fortunate to be able to work with Bob on either side of a transaction.

— Jimmy Zeilinger

Founder, Past CEO Brand Castle, LLC

It is with pleasure that I write this letter as our Firm's Vice Chair and the Co-Chair of our Corporate and Finance Group.   I got to know and enjoy working with Bob Billow when we collaborated on the sale of one of our client's businesses in late 2021. I have to say that this was a difficult transaction and, given the number of deals I work on, I can call them.   Bob created an excellent marketing process and captured the particularly strong interest of one compelling strategic suitor he courted and with which we closed the deal. The deal had many complexities and faced many roadblocks threatening its closure which had to be overcome.  Beyond demonstrating excellent professional capabilities, Bob showed himself to have the perfectly patient temperament and indefatigable energy to work through obstacles and to resolve issues with the finesse that comes from a deep well of professional experience. Based on Bob’s pleasant natured approach and the wise counsel and contributions he brings to the table Bob had the ability to leave everyone feeling better than before his involvement.  

Bob's command of logic, his skills at deal structuring and his patient counseling are most impressive. Also notable are his steadfast endeavors to capture the highest pricing for his clients and to fully satisfy their needs. These efforts are also coupled with an alertness to the proper wishes of buyers and a proper attentiveness to those in harmony with the goals of his client. Overall, Bob’s determination to get to the finish line is unmatched and again, I've worked with many investment bankers over my career. That Bob had a storied career as a corporate law partner at a major international law firm also is a huge plus for his clients. That’s because he can perceive issues before they become deal points and he can talk the talk with that expertise that only comes from wearing many of the hats that surround the conference room table and by having been on all sides of that table.  

All around, Bob is a pleasure to work with and he shares his thoughts with respect and good sense.  While I know our client deeply enjoyed working with Bob and regards him highly and they have become good friends, given my own experience I can readily appreciate that Bob works very well with and earns complete trust from all his clients and their advisory teams. I would consider it a great advantage to any M&A client to have Bob at their side as their investment banker.  Bob is a person of good character, a great team player, has a winning attitude and is a terrific closer of great deals.

— Jennifer L. Vergilii, Attorney
Firm Vice Chair
Co-Chair, Corporate and Finance
Calfee, Halter & Griswold, LLP

I am Natale Caputo, President and CEO of 2nd generation family-owned Caputo Cheese, a leading manufacturer and processor of specialty Italian cheese.

My family has known Bob Billow 10+ years now and together we recently completed the sale of our family's 45-year-old business.

Bob was instrumental in the great success of our transaction.

I commend Bob for not only becoming an expert in our industry but also for displaying complete professionalism in what was truly a life-changing event for our family.

I have the highest regard for Bob's skill and his undeniable talent.

I can also attest to Bob's character both in business and in life. 

Please feel free to contact me in reference to Bob or any of the services he provides.

— Nat Caputo

President and CEO

Caputo Cheese

My law firm has worked with Bob Billow for nearly 40 years.

Bob is by far one of the most capable investment bankers with whom I have worked.

While Bob is as tenacious a negotiator as any, his knowledge of the market keeps his deals on a straight line to closing.

His background as a lawyer allows him to anticipate complex legal and technical issues that can often derail or delay a deal.

Bob combines zealous advocacy with creativity and an unmatched attention to detail to achieve the highest value proposition for his clients while mitigating post-closing risk.

— Michael Tuchman

Of Counsel to the law firm of Levenfeld Pearlstein, LLC

Let me start by saying that I have used Bob Billow to sell 2 businesses 10 years apart. In a way, that says it all. When we initially decided to sell our manufacturing business, we tried selling it ourselves. That was definitely an education.

I did get two offers. The offers were very low, predicated on assets, receivables, and inventory. Without much success I decided I needed help. I contacted Bob Billow. At our first meeting, I was intrigued with the unique process Bob described. I was concerned about his fees, but went ahead with this venture.

He took time to learn about our business, and composed a prospectus that reset the value of our business to encompass many intangibles—like the opportunities of markets not yet tapped, barriers to entry, and other features that made our business worth much more than was just captured by the figures on the books. Also impressive was the prospective universe of buyers that Bob brought into our sale campaign and that I would never have found on my own. The auction process Bob had orchestrated was amazing. We got several offers and ended up selling our business for more than I ever imagined. I realized even before the closing that his fees were a bargain. Frankly, you can’t put a price on the expertise that this man brings to the table and he has a style that is both personable and also very effective to get the job done.

His law background was an added bonus as we got into some legal thicket that I would have never been able to forge through on my own. Bob was caring and made sure that I got the deal that was a fit for the company as well as for me personally. Later, when I was able, I started an offshoot from the original company and 10 years later was ready to sell it.

I actually had the buyer for that second business come to me and I knew this party was a great fit. But, having learned from my first experience, I contacted Bob Billow and went through the same process and Bob got several potential buyers interested. What can I say. Bob was able to close the sale for twice what I expected and with this very same original prospect. I would recommend Bob to anyone who is serious about selling their business. You won’t be disappointed.

— Phyliss Lorenz
Owner Rapco International, Inc.
Owner Major Custom Cable, Inc.

The next 3 testimonials beckon some additional introduction.

The first is from a leading member of a highly prominent private equity firm headquartered in Chicago that is renowned for its many great successes.

While I am a driven, persistent and tenacious advocate and always fight the good fight on behalf of my clients, I am a respectful professional and do not ever intentionally seek to be combative in my strong efforts on behalf of my clients.

Rather, I try my darndest to keep it respectful, friendly and productive. I feel this next note demonstrates this and that I could receive these accolades from a titan in the private equity community is a badge of honor for me.

The second is from a leading owner and highly respected executive in the food industry that has known me for years. This gentleman is not a client nor has he any present interest in initiating any transaction.

I include this endorsement because this business executive knows my character and business sense very well.

Accordingly, he has graciously offered to lend his support and name to my efforts as an upstanding member of the industry in which he proudly participates.

The 3rd note is from my former investment banking co-founder, friend and partner of nearly 30 years for whom I harbor abiding respect and who knows the M&A landscape and its challenges as much as anyone.

Thank you for reading on.

As a private equity investor for almost 15 years, I have met and worked with many investment bankers throughout my career. 

I have known Bob for more than 10 years.  We have often worked opposite the table from each other because Bob represents sellers and not buyers like us.  

Bob is an excellent banker with a masterful ability to balance the seller’s desire to maximize value (near term and long term), increase both the certainty of and the speed to close, as well as to do his best to enhance a possible post close partnership with the buyer. 

This requires careful listening to the client’s needs, a clear understanding of the client’s business, and knowledge of the ever-changing buyer universe.  

Negotiating a deal is never straightforward, but I always respected Bob’s integrity, honesty and relentless pursuit of his client’s interest. 

— Chaoran Jin

Managing Director

Keystone Capital Management

I am writing as a friend and business associate of Bob Billow. I have known Bob for many years.

When Bob told me that he had decided to start his own business, I shared with him that I personally thought this was a great move for him, his family, and his clients.

Bob truly defines what “ a classy human being” is in the dictionary. He is honest, smart, caring, straightforward, responsible, and will always do the right thing. In our business endeavors, there is no one better. Again, that carries through in every personal aspect of his life. 

I realize we are all so busy, but please don’t hesitate to reach out to me any day, any time to speak to me regarding working with Bob Billow.

You don’t know me, of course, but I’m an open book in all respects. Please don’t hesitate to reach out to me if I can do anything to help you as it relates to Bob.

Please take good care,

— Peter Harris

Owner and President

The Silver Palate

Bob had a long and successful career over the past 48 years. In 2023 he embarked on a well-deserved new chapter.

It’s been a true honor and privilege to have taken this journey with Bob over the past 29 years.

We were a great team. 

It was a great run.

Unquestionably one of the greatest deal makers in the middle market, Bob enjoyed a transactional career as an attorney at Winston & Strawn, a Managing Director at The Geneva Companies and a co-founder and MD at Billow Butler & Company.

Advising clients and closing hundreds of transactions over his career, Bob provided sage advice on deal strategy, legal thoughts and general business guidance. He set the standards.

— Darrell Butler

Co-Founder of Billow Butler & Company

I was fortunate enough to be introduced to Bob at a time when a deal I’d been working on for months had just fallen apart.  I was the buyer and the seller was a first-time seller who’d had his family business for decades.  

It was a highly emotional situation with a highly emotional seller.  The deal itself was not complex, but complexity came from understanding the different parties, and their motivations and coming to an agreement on an unusual set of terms that worked for everyone.

 In this case, Bob worked with both sides of the transaction to see it through, building mutual trust along the way.  Bob brought the parties back to the table and was incredibly patient, thoughtful in his recommendations, and, most importantly, very rational.  He analyzed the circumstances and the people and assisted in crafting an agreement that was less traditional but that got over the finish line.  In the end, everyone was happy! 

What made the success of this deal all the more remarkable was that the transaction closed in early July 2020 during the early months of COVID-19 when there was almost no M&A activity taking place anywhere.

I am certain that Bob’s extensive background on both the legal and business side of deals as well as his calm, rational, intelligent approach is what allowed him to help make this transaction successful where others before him had failed.

To this day, I consider Bob a friend and trusted advisor and would highly recommend a conversation with Bob to anyone considering selling their business.

— Elisabeth Settimi

President,

Char Crust Dry-Rub Seasonings

I was fortunate to work with Bob Billow on the sale of my company and can wholeheartedly recommend him.

I reached out to Bob because he was strongly endorsed by my corporate attorney who was a highly prominent and well regarded M&A lawyer in Chicago. After approaching Bob about a possible sale, he took the time to help analyze where we were in our corporate growth plan, and the likely state of the economy over the next few years. 

Bob’s recommendation was that we delay bringing the company to market for about a year, while our sales and margins were rapidly improving. This deferral resulted in a much better price for the company than would have been the case had we proceeded to go to market when I initially reached out to Bob Bob’s advice was grounded and smart.

While Bob assured me that he would represent me to the best of his abilities when I initially reached out to him, I’m glad I followed his advice on timing (even though some other bankers were prepared to usher me into the marketplace with more haste). For sure, I never got any hustle from Bob and it’s clear that my best economic interests were his primary focus.

Throughout the entire process of preparing the offering and handling the negotiations Bob and his team were professional, responsive and easy to work with. 

The end result was a very well-timed sale for a very good price. 

— Jim Keck

Joliet Equipment Corporation 

One of the most important things we learned in our 40 years of growing Al Dente Pasta Company from a start-up into a national brand was the importance of relationships.

Never was that more true than when it came time to sell our business. 

That’s when we turned to Bob. We already had a relationship built over the many years during which Bob would stop by our booth at the many Food Shows to chat.

Always interested, kind and respectful. Bob was experienced. Bob was successful. And most importantly, we trusted him! 

Bob handled every aspect of the negotiations and emotions with professionalism and skill.

The sale of Al Dente was a team effort with Bob Billow playing a key role and we recommend him wholeheartedly!

— Dennis and Monique Deschaine

Owners

Al Dente Pasta Company

Bob Billow is an individual of the highest character.

Bob is a highly accomplished business leader.

Bob brings to FPS a wealth of experience, creativity and energy.

Bob is masterful at working with clients to provide them the entire solutions - not just a transaction.

Bob is a leader in his field.

I am happy to consider Bob a trusted friend and business associate.

— Cary Kochman

Prominent Global Investment Banker and Civic Leader

Bob,

One year has passed since the sale of Stencil-Aire. That year went by as though it was a minute.

I have many times sat by the lake this summer in Texas and thought about the sale.

I really admire you for your artful handling of the deal.

You were so kind and understanding and so giving to Jeff and me.

The Lord has bestowed upon us many blessings and one of those blessings is you and for that I am so thankful.

Please come visit us.

— Belinda and Jeff Franklin

Co-Founders and Past Co-Presidents

Stencil-Aire LLC

I want to express my utmost satisfaction and provide a glowing endorsement for the exceptional services rendered by Bob Billow during the sale of our business. It is with great pleasure that I share my experience working with Bob as he played a most instrumental role in achieving outstanding sale results and ensuring a smooth and successful transaction. From our very first interaction, I was impressed by Bob’s expertise, professionalism, and unwavering commitment to achieving my business goals. His in-depth knowledge of our industry, keen understanding of industry dynamics, and impeccable financial acumen were truly remarkable.

Bob demonstrated a deep passion for his work and consistently exceeded our expectations at every stage of the process. Throughout the entire engagement, Bob and his associates exhibited exceptional communication skills, keeping me well-informed and involved in every decision-making process. Bob took the time to understand our specific objectives, thoroughly analyzed the market conditions, and formulated a comprehensive strategy tailored to the unique needs of our business. Bob’s strategic guidance and insights were invaluable in positioning our company to attract the most favorable offers from potential buyers.

One of the qualities that truly stood out about Bob was his remarkable negotiation skills. He represented our interests with unwavering dedication, securing a deal that far exceeded our initial expectations.  Bob displayed remarkable finesse and professionalism while navigating complex negotiations, ensuring that our best interests were always at the forefront. Bob negotiated one addition to the sales price that, in retrospect, more than paid for his services. Furthermore, Bob fostered a sense of trust and confidence that made a very daunting process seamless and virtually stress-free. His attention to detail, meticulous preparation, and astute guidance gave me peace of mind throughout the sale journey. I always felt reassured that we were in capable hands, and Bob’s expertise and that of his associates was truly invaluable in maximizing the value of our business. I am delighted to wholeheartedly recommend Robert Billow to anyone seeking exceptional investment banking services. His unwavering commitment, unparalleled expertise, and extraordinary professionalism make him an invaluable asset in achieving successful business transactions. I have no doubt that Bob will continue to deliver outstanding results for Founders’ clients, just as Bob did for me and my fellow shareholders. Once again, I would like to express my heartfelt appreciation to Bob for his exceptional guidance, unwavering support, and remarkable expertise throughout the sale process. Working with Bob was truly a pleasure, and I am grateful for the positive impact he had on the successful outcome of the transaction.

— Dan Schweiker

Seller Representative, Co-Founder, CEO
China Mist Brands, Inc.

As a business owner for over thirty years, I have had the pleasure of visiting with Bob Billow on and off for almost the entirety of my career. I immediately came to realize that he would be the perfect resource to help me navigate the sale of my business, should that situation ever arise. He taught me the ins and outs of the entire process during our many conversations.

At no time did I ever indicate to Bob that a sale was pending or even a likely event down the road. Moreover, as time passed, my inclination has moved away from even the possibility of a sale. Notwithstanding this, Bob continues to stay in touch, to keep abreast of my progress, and to offer advice and intelligence that he thinks might help as I continue to grow the enterprise. Even today, I think of Bob as truly a member of my team. If the day were to come that a possible sale of the company did make sense, Bob Billow would be the only name in my rolodex to help guide me through the process.

George Wagner

CEO, President and Owner

ABM