Andrew Johnson
Andrew’s background includes business valuation, investment banking, mergers and acquisitions advisory, capital raising, board advisory, business plan consulting, and financial modeling. He served on the transaction services team within a Big 4 accounting firm. During his time on this team, he focused on business valuations for some of the largest and most complicated companies in the world with businesses ranging from technology to oil and gas. While it was enjoyable to serve large, multinational companies, it was the lower middle market clients that most satisfied Andrew, which ultimately gave him the desire to join a Dallas-based investment bank specifically focused on middle market companies.
It was here that he helped initiate and grow the investment bank’s valuation practice into a nationally recognized and respected firm. For over the last decade, Andrew has served the wide range of middle market businesses through sell side services, capital raise advisory and business valuations. Private equity groups, accounting firms, owners and CFOs recognize his thought leadership and forward thinking allowing him and his team to complete the most complicated valuation assignments, whether pre-IPO or venture-backed, in the most efficient and effective manner.
Andrew’s passion to serve and build relationships, as well as provide an excellent work product, cause him to go the extra mile in servicing their needs. The end result is value added at all levels of the engagement to all parties. Andrew saw these same desires and passions in Caleb as they worked closely together while at the investment bank and ultimately what led the two to decide to form Mile Marker.
Andrew serves on the boards of a Dallas-based homeless shelter, Union Gospel Mission, and a Dallas-based textile company.
Credentials
BBA, Finance - Texas A&M University
Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®)
American Society of Appraisers (ASA)
Certified in Entity and Intangible Valuations™ (CEIV™) - (Sunset by AICPA, ASA, and RICS in 2023)
Caleb Dean
Caleb’s experience includes strategy and operations consulting, merger and acquisition integration, change management, financial due diligence, and business valuation. Like Andrew, he began his career working with Big 4 accounting primarily focused on serving Fortune 100 clients. It was here he learned how to manage global teams and large change initiatives within organizations. Eventually he transitioned to a large regional firm to serve the middle market. During this time, he provided business valuation and financial due diligence services to middle market companies and private equity groups. Recognized for his talents in strategy and operations, he left the client service world to oversee the finance function for a Texas-based non-profit, where he strengthened internal controls, increased insight into financial reporting, and implemented policies, procedures, and technology to assist in growth while controlling costs.
The professional services world came knocking on his door again. He joined a Dallas-based investment bank focusing on transaction advisory services. Clients trusted Caleb as he was able to empathize with them. His deep experience enabled him to connect and be seen as a trusted business advisor. It was during this time that he was connected with a small business that needed significant help. The business was laden with painful financial and operational issues. Caleb made the decision to join the team of this organization to help course correct and fill in the necessary financial and operational gaps. As risks were mitigated, short-term and long-term solutions implemented, and major issues were resolved, Caleb began discussing his passion of serving business owners and leaders with Andrew. These conversations led to the formation of Mile Marker.
Caleb teaches the basics of personal finance at his local church on a regular basis. In addition, he meets with individuals and families seeking financial assistance and course correction. His passion to use his abilities to serve others marks his desire to serve his neighbor and the Owner.
Credentials
BBA, Accounting - Texas A&M University
MS, Finance - Texas A&M University
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Texas
Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV)
Chartered Global Management Accountant (CGMA)
Chris Owen
Chris has over a decade of experience in valuation, financial analysis, and consulting. With strong technical skills, he leads valuation engagements for both public and private companies, catering to their financial reporting needs.
Chris's technical expertise shines as he navigates the complexities of Fair Value Measurement (ASC 820 & IFRS 13), Business Combinations (ASC 805 & IFRS 3), Impairment of Assets (ASC 360/350 & IAS 36), and Complex Securities (multiple ASCs). His meticulous approach and knack for handling complex securities make him a valuable asset to clients seeking precise financial insights.
Before joining Mile Marker Advisors, Chris held managerial positions in prominent Big 4 and top 20 accounting/consulting firms. His focus revolved around managing and executing financial reporting and tax basis compliance valuations for middle-market companies. Additionally, he gained extensive experience as a valuation specialist, conducting ASC 360/350, 805, and 718 reviews for the firm's audit teams. This exposure provided him with a deep understanding of various valuation methodologies, further elevating his skills.
Apart from his proficiency in valuation, Chris has also played a key role in due diligence teams, contributing his expertise to quality of earnings ("QofE") reports for private equity-backed transactions. His attention to detail and dedication to thoroughness have consistently impressed clients and provided them with valuable insights for strategic decision-making.
With a steadfast commitment to delivering exceptional results, Chris continues to make significant contributions to the world of valuation. His clients trust him as a dependable and capable leader, confident that their financial interests are in capable hands.
Credentials
BS, Healthcare Management - University of Illinois Champaign Urbana
Masters of Accountancy - Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Masters of Business Administration (MBA) - Southern Illinois University Carbondale
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Missouri
Accredited in Business Valuation (ABV)
Certified in Entity and Intangible Valuations™ (CEIV™) - (Sunset by AICPA, ASA, and RICS in 2023)
Ezra Zepeda
Ezra’s experience includes tax accounting, audit, and project management in financial services. Additionally, he spent time learning new skills in the Film, Financial Planning, and Equine industries. Prior to Mile Marker, Ezra served as a staff accountant at EY in the greater Washington D.C. area. While there he developed his analytical, research, and client-service skills – becoming an invaluable team member. Ezra and his team committed themselves to assist clients in the banking and capital market industries with multiple tax compliance engagements and financial statement audits. As part of the Mile Marker team, Ezra performs purchase price allocations (ASC 805) and equity valuations for clients in a variety of industries.
When he is not performing top-of-the-line client service, Ezra enjoys spending time with his family and friends, watching a good movie, coaching friends on achieving their personal budgeting goals, finding various ways to stay active, or prepping talking points for his next podcast episode. Although he spent a small stint of time in Washington D.C., Ezra now happily resides in Northeast Dallas, where he considers it the highest of honors to be a Texan by birth – and by choice.
Credentials
BBA, Accounting - Baylor University
Masters of Accountancy - Baylor University
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Texas
Mandy Tucker
Mandy’s experience includes evaluating business processes, developing internal controls over financial reporting, and business process improvement. Prior to Mile Marker, Mandy served as an analyst with the Defense Logistics Agency, a Manager within the Internal Audit Department at Princess Cruises, and a Senior Associate in the Internal Audit practice at KPMG. These positions afforded her the ability to build relationships and partner with individuals to improve processes and increase awareness of the significance of internal controls and strong business processes.
Credentials
BA, Accounting - Asbury University
Erica Von Stein
Erica’s experience includes providing audit services to a range of middle-market for-profit businesses, including manufacturers, distributors, technology companies, and primarily private equity-backed portfolio companies for FORVIS (formerly BKD) through August 2023. It was here where she learned to confirm the accuracy and completeness of clients’ financial statements and where she helped clients navigate business combinations and purchase accounting requirements. As an audit senior manager, she lead the client engagement process, including supervising and training of the audit team, review of audit workpapers, and communication with management and lead audit partner on the engagement. This space is where Erica developed her passion for helping companies through an often stressful and complex accounting process that exists when acquisitions occur in the business life cycle.
In September 2023, Erica became self employed to continue to work in the private equity space with clients going through transactions providing journal entry, purchase accounting and technical accounting support. And through a series of conversations and historical working relationship with Mile Marker, she decided to lock arms with Mile Marker.
As part of the Mile Marker team, Erica performs opening balance sheet journal entries and purchase accounting memos under ASC805.
Erica spends majority of her time in the Colorado Rockies spending her time outdoors skiing, hiking, biking and playing with her 5 year old Labradoodle, Kona. Erica played college basketball at Regis University and still enjoys watching basketball as a Denver Nuggets fan.
Erica is a member of the American Institute of CPAs and COCPA. She is a graduate of the 2019 Downtown Denver Partnership leadership program, a member of Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) Denver.
Credentials
BS, Accounting - Regis University
BS, Finance - Regis University
Certified Public Accountant (CPA) - Colorado
Scott Bryan
Throughout his career in Finance, Scott has focused on middle-market businesses, while also working closely with private equity firms, high-net-worth clients, and attorneys on a wide range of projects. In particular, Scott has deep knowledge of purchase price allocations, goodwill impairment testing, equity compensation, and many other business and intangible asset appraisal engagements. Scott enjoys complex problem-solving and has gained recognition for his ability to mentor others through intricate modeling and problem-solving solutions.
The foundation for Scott's highly analytical skill set was built early in his career, as he began his professional life in the field of civil engineering, designing roadways at PGAL. He also worked in Operations at Shell Oil and earned his MBA at the University of Texas as he transitioned into finance. He began his valuation career in 2007 with Herrera Partners in Houston, Texas. From there, Scott earned the role of VP while developing deep client relationships at Intrinsic Valuation in Denver, Colorado. He also spent over 7 years growing an Austin-based firm he founded, Live Oak Valuation. Scott’s desire to work with an outstanding team on an even greater variety of projects led him to his current role at Mile Marker Advisors.
Additionally, Scott has served as Treasurer for the Exit Planning Exchange (XPX) and actively participates in The Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) in Austin. On a personal note, Scott was a walk-on member of the UT football team during his undergrad career and maintains a passion for college football. He also serves in youth ministry at his Austin-based church, regularly plays basketball and enjoys spending time at his home away from home in Maine.
Credentials
BS, Civil Engineering - University of Texas at Austin
MBA, Finance - University of Texas at Austin
Chartered Financial Analyst® (CFA®)
Accredited Senior Appraiser (ASA)