MEET OUR TEAM

Laura Gay is an entrepreneur, former business owner, and experienced mergers and acquisitions advisor who understands what it takes to build, grow, and successfully sell a business.

Growing up in a family-owned automotive business, Laura learned the value of hard work and entrepreneurship at an early age. She went on to build and operate her own successful multi-location business, which she sold in 2015.

After experiencing the selling process firsthand, Laura recognized that many business owners spend their lives building something valuable but don't know where to start when it's time to sell. She founded Consolidation Coach to change that.

Since founding Consolidation Coach, Laura and her team have successfully guided the sale of more than 100 businesses.

Today, Laura leads a team of experienced advisors helping owners across automotive and other service-related industries understand the value of their companies, find qualified buyers, negotiate deals, and navigate the selling process from start to finish.

As a woman entrepreneur who has spent her career in traditionally male-dominated industries, Laura brings a unique perspective, strong business instincts, and a straightforward approach to every transaction.

Her philosophy is simple: Business owners deserve honest advice, experienced guidance, and someone in their corner who understands what they've worked so hard to build.

Laura's passion is helping business owners protect the value of their life's work and confidently move into their next chapter.

Chad Smith brings a strong background in business ownership, accounting, and operations to Consolidation Coach.

After earning his accounting degree from the University of Southern Mississippi, Chad worked in both government and private business before partnering with his brother to purchase an automotive service business in 2000. Together, they grew the company to three locations before successfully selling in 2021.

Chad was originally a Consolidation Coach client. After experiencing the selling process firsthand and working with the team to sell his own business, he decided to join Consolidation Coach to help other owners through that same journey.

Having been on the seller's side of the table, Chad understands the questions, concerns, and emotions that come with selling a business. He brings practical experience, financial knowledge, and a straightforward approach to helping owners make informed decisions.

Outside of work, Chad enjoys spending time with his family, working on his property, and pursuing his passion for cars and hot rods.

Russell Winston knows what it's like to start small, work hard, and build a successful business.

After years of working in the automotive industry, Russell purchased his first business in 2006 and expanded by acquiring an additional company the following year. Over time, he grew and combined his operations into a successful 20,000-square-foot facility.

Russell successfully sold his businesses in separate transactions, giving him firsthand experience with the opportunities and challenges of selling a company.

Today, Russell helps other business owners navigate that same journey. He understands the hard work, financial investment, and personal attachment that come with owning a business.

His goal is to help owners make informed decisions and feel confident about their future.

When he's not working, Russell enjoys traveling with his wife and three children, hunting, fishing, and spending time outdoors.

Tori Jolly grew up around family-owned businesses and learned early what it takes to keep a company running.

As a young girl, she helped with her father's excavation business, gaining hands-on experience with invoicing, payroll, bookkeeping, and daily operations.

Tori joined Consolidation Coach in 2022 while studying business at Florida SouthWestern State College. She quickly became an important part of the team, developing extensive experience in business sales, buyer communications, financial reviews, and the many moving parts involved in getting a deal closed.

Today, as Director of Operations, Tori oversees the day-to-day operations of Consolidation Coach and works closely with clients, buyers, and professional advisors throughout the selling process.

Her attention to detail, strong work ethic, and ability to keep transactions moving make her an important part of the team.

Outside of work, Tori enjoys spending time with her animals, barrel racing, horseback riding, and life on the farm.

Christy Jones brings firsthand business ownership experience and a unique perspective to the Consolidation Coach team.

As a former automotive shop owner, Christy understands the hard work, challenges, and dedication that go into running a successful business.

Christy's relationship with Consolidation Coach began as a client. Having gone through the selling process herself, she understands what business owners experience when considering the next chapter of their lives.

Today, Christy manages Consolidation Coach's pipeline, helping organize new opportunities, track prospective clients, coordinate follow-ups, and keep the team connected with business owners throughout the process.

Her experience as both a former business owner and client gives her a valuable understanding of the people we serve.

Christy believes in building relationships, staying organized, and making sure business owners feel supported from their very first conversation with Consolidation Coach.

Herm Stonitsch brings more than 25 years of financial and business experience to Consolidation Coach.

As a licensed CPA with an MBA from Northwestern University's Kellogg School of Management, Herm has worked with businesses across multiple industries, helping owners better understand their numbers, improve profitability, and make smarter financial decisions.

At Consolidation Coach, Herm helps clients get their financial records organized, identify potential issues, and prepare for the detailed financial review that comes with selling a business.

He works to make sure owners understand what their numbers are telling them and what buyers will be looking for.

His experience is especially valuable when preparing businesses for sale and helping owners avoid surprises during the buyer's financial review.

Outside of work, Herm enjoys traveling, cooking, exercising, and spending time with his family and pets.