By: David Levy
Keen-Summit Capital Partners & Summit Investment Management
Dear TMA Chicago/Midwest Members,
When I initially joined TMA and attended my first restructuring event, I quickly realized that even with years of business experience, I didn’t completely understand what many of the people I met actually did. What exactly is a “Claims Agent” and do they work in insurance? Aren’t all loans “Asset-Based Loans”? Is a “Financial Advisor” going to give me a stock tip?
It turns out I wasn’t alone, as other new members tell me they have the same issue. Our industry is built on deep specialization, and while that’s part of what makes it so effective, it can also be intimidating to newcomers. That’s why, as Chapter President, I wanted to create a tool that would help members—especially new ones—get oriented faster and more confidently.
After all, as I often say, in this business, the good news is your next deal can come from anywhere. The bad news? It can come from anywhere. That’s why showing up matters. And it’s why TMA Chicago/Midwest continues to foster meaningful connections through networking, education, and collaboration.
This is why I am excited to introduce our new member educational video “Who’s In the Room?”!
This video gives viewers a window into the many professional roles within our chapter and helps explain how we all fit together. You’ll hear directly from our members as they explain what they do and how they collaborate in the turnaround and restructuring space. And there was no better person to help bring this idea to life than our Immediate Past President, Jack O’Connor, who also shares his insight as a legal expert in the video. Featured professionals include:
Turnaround, Advisory, and Fiduciary Services
- Jim Keane, Harney Partners
- Tina Hughes, Creative Planning Services
- David Gorelick, Huron Consulting
Lender Workout
- Bryn Perna, Wintrust
Financing Professionals
- Eric Dorner, Republic Business Credit – ABL Lending and Factoring
- Howard Newman, Loeb – Equipment Lending and Valuations
- David Levy, Summit Investment Management – Distressed Financing & Credit
Legal Professionals
- Jack O’Connor, Levenfeld Pearlstein
- Paul Musser, Katten
- Elizabeth Janczak, Smith, Gambrell & Russell
Transaction Professionals
- Will Solimene, Big Shoulders – Private E
- David Levy, Keen/Summit – Real Estate Brokerage/Auction, Lease Restructuring, & Advisory
- Sandy Prabhakar, Armory Group – Investment Banking
- Robert Pabst, HyperAMS – Equipment and Inventory Valuation and Liquidation
Hilco Global
- Jamie Cote – Valuation, Monetization, Advisory, and Capital Solutions
Each of these members brings valuable perspective and clarity to their respective roles, helping demystify the room—and the industry—for all of us.
I hope this video becomes a useful resource as you get to know the people who make our chapter thrive. Whether you’re looking to partner, learn, or grow—now you’ll know a bit more about who’s in the room.
Make It Rain,
David Levy
President, TMA Chicago/Midwest Chapter
