Founded on the belief that employee ownership is a catalyst for lasting success.

Co-Founder of Monarch and a recognised leader in the ESOP industry with over twenty years of experience. Before launching Monarch, Michael led the ESOP sell-side and capital-raise practice at Prairie Capital Advisors, advising business owners, boards, and trustees on ownership transitions, M&A, and valuations. A published expert on ESOPs, he holds an MBA in Finance from Georgia State and a BS from Georgia Tech.

Co-Founder of Monarch, bringing two decades of experience in private equity, hedge funds, and real estate. Previously a Managing Director at Fundamental Income and a leader at Mesirow Financial, an employee-owned firm, she has a deep understanding of ownership structures and financial growth. A CPA and CAIA, she holds multiple degrees from Villanova University.

Principal at Monarch, focused on underwriting new investment opportunities, transaction execution, and portfolio management. Kyle brings more than a decade of private credit, direct lending, and leveraged finance experience across the lower middle market — previously a Principal in U.S. Direct Lending at Ares Management and VP at Riverside Credit Solutions.

Brings over two decades of experience across private equity and investment banking. Before joining Monarch, she spent twenty years at LaSalle Capital as Partner and Chief Operating Officer, responsible for deal sourcing, financial operations, portfolio management, and investor relations. Kelly is a founding member of Chicago Women in Private Equity.

Chris Lawler brings more than 25 years of experience across private equity, investment banking, leveraged finance, and institutional capital. Previously Managing Partner and Chief Investment Officer of Graham Capital Investments, Chris previously spent two decades at Graham Partners and has deployed more than $300 million across eight lower-middle-market platform investments.