Meet the Principals

Walden’s leadership team delivers results based on decades of M&A and entrepreneurial experience

Navigate your exit with partners who have been in your shoes

Selling your family- and founder-owned business is one of the most important decisions you’ll ever make, and doing so successfully requires careful contemplation and planning.

Unlike most intermediaries, Walden principals have owned and managed their own businesses and understand your challenges. Our team provides the best representation possible as advisors, consultants, mediators, and liaisons for your M&A needs.

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Meet the Principals

Hear From Our Clients

Helped us find an ideal partner and led to a quick transaction process

“The Walden team of John and Sara has been the consummate partner in this process. Their industry knowledge and sage advice helped us find an ideal partner and led to a quick transaction process. We are excited indeed about our future.”

– PETER M.

Keeping everyone on track to closure

“We were lucky to have Sara Burden’s skill and commitment to guide us in preparing the company for sale; orchestrating meetings; and keeping everyone on track to closure.”

– RICK S..

Responsive, informative, and encouraging

“Responsive, informative, and encouraging – even when things seemed impossible. I highly recommend Dean and Sara for anyone thinking of selling their business. Working with Walden Businesses was definitely the right choice for Artisan Custom Closets.”

– LISA W.

Thoughtful and commercial in their approach

“The Walden team was thoughtful and commercial in their approach every step of the way. The communication between our collective teams was excellent and I believe helped their client meet their objectives. We look forward to working with the Walden team again.”

– MICHAEL L.

A true professional with a tireless approach

“One of the best business decisions I made was to hire Walden to represent my company when it was time to retire. A true professional with a tireless approach, Sara’s experience and wisdom of the market helped us receive the optimum value for our business.”

– Michael A.

Tireless in her professional approach

“Sara Burden of Walden Businesses was our broker and advisor. Her professional approach and attention to detail greatly contributed to a smooth transition. We valued our partnership and appreciated Sara being by our side during the entire process.”

– JOHN F.

“I cannot speak highly enough of Sara Burden and Walden Businesses. Sara acted as an advisor – not just a salesperson – and kept our company’s best interest in mind at all times during the process. She was also extremely patient with us and understood our needs as she guided us through prospective investors until she found what we considered to be “the perfect fit.” I highly recommend Sara and the team at Walden!”

Peter Mangal, President | Global Flags Unlimited, LLC

“Responsive, informative, and encouraging – even when things seemed impossible. I highly recommend Dean McDonald for anyone thinking of selling their business. Working with Walden Businesses was definitely the right choice for Artisan Custom Closets.”

Lisa Wisneski, Owner | Artisan Custom Closets

Michael Lonergan, Managing Partner | Georgia Oak Partners, LLC

John Fitzgerald, President | AF&S Products and Services, Inc.

“Sara and the Walden team has been the consummate partner in this process. Their industry knowledge and sage advice helped us find an ideal partner and led to a quick transaction process. We are excited indeed about our future.”

John Chesnutt, Owner | A&R Ironworks, LLC

“Walden handled every step of the process with delicate care and a focus on mutual satisfaction under a tight timeline. We greatly appreciate the professionalism and helpful nature of the Walden team during a transaction so critical to our company’s growth goals.”

Greg Hodgen, President and CEO | Groendyke Transport

“Walden exemplifies commendable expertise and commitment to excellence. Guided by their strategic acumen and personalized approach, they were able to keep the process moving and ensured maximum value for all parties involved. I confidently recommend John Phillips and Sara Burden for their professional and successful handling of this transaction.”

Alex Dulmage, Operating Partner | SEARCH INVESTMENT GROUP, LLC

“We were lucky to have Sara Burden’s skill and commitment to guide us in preparing the company for sale; orchestrating meetings; and keeping everyone on track to closure.”

Deborah Latham, President | GEORGIA TANK LINES

“One of the best business decisions I made was to hire Walden Businesses to represent my company when it was time to retire. A true professional with a tireless approach, Sara’s experience and wisdom of the market helped us receive the optimum value for our business.”

Rodney Moore, Franchise Owner | EXPRESS EMPLOYMENT PROFESSIONALS

“Walden Businesses were quick to consummate a purchase agreement. The Walden Team’s industry knowledge and advice helped us find an ideal buyer that led to a quick and smooth transaction process. Walden’s team are professional and detailed with explanations and guidance that were true success factors.”

Debbie Dickinson, CEO | CRANE INDUSTRY SERVICES, LLC

Rhonda Wylie, Chief Financial Officer | DIVISION 5, INC.

“Many thanks to Walden Businesses for the dedication in finding the best buyer fit for our Company. We appreciated the guidance throughout the sale process and are excited at the experience and professionalism of the new owners.”

John Copeland, Founder | ENERGY ASSURANCE, LLC

“I cannot say enough how much I appreciate the professionalism of Sara Burden and the fact that she took the time to allow us to meet with the Legacy team multiple times at their office during the unprecedented times we are in. Michael and his Legacy team have been nothing short of professional in making this a very smooth transaction.”

Dixit Suthar, Owner | LEGACY BUILDING SYSTEMS, INC.

“Sara Burden with Walden Businesses was extremely professional and a pleasure to work with. Her knowledge and expertise in mergers and acquisitions was instrumental in keeping us on track throughout the acquisition.”

Chad Perez, CEO | PINNACLE SECURITY