Bio

Aiming high and embracing challenges have characterized Don’s career. Known for his passion for excellence, Don is recognized by clients and colleagues for creative solutions and savvy deal-making. Don founded Bravaldo Capital Advisors (BCA) in 2010 to provide boutique Mergers & Acquisitions and Corporate Finance advisory services to lower middle market private, closely held, family-run or owner-founder-led businesses, a segment underserved by large national investment banking firms. Over the last 12 years as President, Don has led the BCA team and its clients through over a quarter of a billion dollars of successful transactions across a wide variety of industries. Prior to founding BCA, Don led the middle market group at a Southeastern M&A advisory firm and oversaw all North American mergers and acquisition activity for Hanger Orthopedic Group, Inc., a large, publicly traded consolidator of orthopedic and prosthetic service businesses. Throughout Don’s M&A career, Don has administered all phases of the mergers and acquisition process, including advising and executing on confidential and competitive sale processes, identifying and acquiring acquisition targets, packaging businesses for sale, performing business valuations, extending and negotiating offers, conducting due diligence investigations, and managing the formal transaction closing process. Earlier in his career as an auditor with Bennett Thrasher & Co., P.C. and Arthur Andersen LLP, Don coordinated financial reporting engagements and provided business consulting services to both publicly listed and private company clients in various industries including manufacturing, distribution, construction, business services, technology, and healthcare. In March 2023, Don was selected as a Georgia Titan 100 CEO. The Titan 100 program recognizes Georgia’s Top 100 CEOs & C-level executives. They are the area’s most accomplished business leaders in their industry using criteria that includes demonstrating exceptional leadership, vision, and passion. Don is a sought-after speaker and panelist. He presents regularly to prestigious professional associations and gatherings of attorneys, accountants, wealth managers, investors, and corporate leaders. Don is an active member of the Georgia Society of Certified Public Accountants, the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), the Birmingham Alternative Investment Group, the Cobb Chamber of Commerce, the SelectCobb Investor Board, the Georgia Chamber of Commerce, the Private Director's Association, the Virtual Board, and Vistage International. Don is a native of Albany, Georgia, and a cum laude accounting graduate of Auburn University. Don and his wife, Aury, make their home in Atlanta where they are active members of their church. Don loves fly fishing, golf, and other excuses to spend time outdoors.