About Duane Gentry, Founder & Team Leader:
Duane Gentry is a seasoned executive with over 30 years of experience in business, finance, and entrepreneurship. He has a strong background in banking and financial management, having started his career in finance roles within the banking sector and Fortune 500 companies.
In 1998, Duane acquired a home services company and served as its President for 22 years. Under his leadership, the company’s revenue grew twentyfold, leading to a successful sale in 2018. Following the acquisition, he continued as President of his former company while also serving as Chief Operating Officer for a regional platform company.
Since 2021, Duane has been the Executive Vice President at eMerge M&A, a leading investment banking and M&A advisory firm based in New York City. He has extensive experience in business valuation, consulting, and managing M&A transactions, having worked closely with private companies across various industries on Buy-Side, Sell-Side, and Generational Transfer deals since 2018.
Duane earned a Bachelor’s degree in Finance from the University of North Carolina and later obtained an MBA from UNC Pembroke. He also holds an Executive Mergers and Acquisitions Certification from Columbia Business School. Additionally, he maintains an unlimited mechanical contractor{s license in three states.
Beyond his professional achievements, Duane is deeply committed to his community. He is passionate about mentoring young leaders and actively supports various charitable, arts, and mission organizations.
