HBM recently welcomed Dane Mechler to the Corporate Development team. We recently spent some time with Dane learning more about his background, his role at HBM and a bit more about him personally.
Will you tell us a little more about your professional background?
Before HBM, I worked at American Tire Distributors (ATD) as a corporate planning senior analyst. In my role at ATD, I was tasked with assessing, structuring, executing, and integrating corporate development opportunities such as mergers & acquisitions, joint ventures, spin-offs and early-stage investments. I provided decision support to senior leadership for buy vs. build alternatives in pursuit of attractive market growth opportunities. Before ATD, I worked at Grant Thornton as a Senior Associate in their Transaction Services Advisory business where I advised clients navigating M&A processes, providing financial modeling, valuation, and diligence support. I graduated with a Master of Science in Finance (MSF) from Florida State University.
What led you to HBM, and what interested you about our opportunity?
During the interview process, it became clear to me that HBM is set up for success. HBM’s position in the market as a strategic acquirer with the financial resources of a private equity fund make it a truly unique opportunity. HBM’s long-term focus, strong balance sheet, and experienced management team positions HBM to be an attractive business partner to prospective companies. These core principles combined with the professional but welcoming culture excited me the most about the opportunity to come work for HBM.
How do you see yourself engaging across our businesses?
My goal is to be a trusted business partner for our operating companies. I want to help them develop their playbook, identify a target list of M&A opportunities / key areas for investment, and execute this strategy.
What will you be focusing on in 2021-2022 as you settle into your role? Any key priorities?
My focus in 2021-2022 will be to assess our current investments and to understand our go-to-market strategy. It will be critical for me to quickly become knowledgeable in the industries that we do business in so I can be an effective resource for our management teams.
When you are not at work how do you spend your free time?
When I am not at work, I enjoy being a competitive water-skier together with my fiancé. It has been a big part of my life to compete all over the world in various events. In addition to skiing, I love to travel, cook for friends and family, and spend time outside.