Patrick M.
Studied at Utah Valley University
Admissions Committee at Ampleo
Available tomorrow at 4:00 PM UTC
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About Patrick
I’m a fractional CFO, transaction advisor, and passionate educator known in the M&A community as “The QofE Guy.” With more than two decades of experience, I’ve helped guide over 100 transactions exceeding $2 billion in value. I teach acquisition entrepreneurs and searchers how to understand the story their numbers tell and how to use those insights to make better decisions. As Head of Transaction Advisory at Amplēo, I work with clients across finance, valuations, HR, and marketing. Having personally bought and sold a business, I understand what it feels like to be on both sides of the table, and I bring that empathy into every coaching relationship. I hold an MBA in Finance and am a Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA). I frequently speak and write on topics such as Quality of Earnings, red flags in diligence, and how to think like an investor. Outside of work, you’ll often find me mountain biking, hiking, or camping with my wife, Erin. And yes, I’m the guy who wears a shirt that says, “Warning: may start talking about EBITDA.”
Why do I coach?
I coach because I believe financial understanding is one of the most empowering tools an entrepreneur can have. Early in my career, mentors helped me see that numbers are not just data points but the narrative of a business. That perspective changed everything for me, and now I love helping others experience that same clarity. Through coaching, I teach searchers and acquisition entrepreneurs how to perform their own Quality of Earnings type of analysis. My goal is to help them gain confidence in their deals and develop a repeatable skill set they can use throughout their careers. Seeing that moment when someone says, “Now I get it. I can do this,” is what makes coaching so rewarding for me. I have been on both sides of the table as a buyer, seller, and CFO, and I know how overwhelming diligence can feel. My focus is to simplify it, humanize it, and make it actionable. Once you understand how to read the story your numbers are telling, you are not just acquiring a business. You are building your future.
Work Experience
Founding Member
Sweater
May 2022 - Present
The Sweater Cashmere Fund is the VC fund for everyone and the flagship fund for Sweater Ventures. The Sweater Cashmere Fund seeks to provide long-term capital appreciation through an actively managed portfolio of private, venture capital investments.
Transaction Advisory Services
Ampleo
February 2020 - Present
Admissions Committee
• Deliver strategic financial leadership and scalable growth solutions across the firm and to direct clients • Built and scaled Quality of Earnings (QofE) practice, now the firm’s highest-margin offering, contributing ~20% of total net income in 2021 • Supported financial due diligence efforts that enabled clients to raise over $2 billion in capital • Led or advised on 100+ M&A transactions, guiding clients through valuation, diligence, and successful deal execution
Mentor Coach & Strategic Advisor
Freelance
July 2013 - February 2020
Hiring Manager
• Created financial model for SRO companies (hospitality) • Created financial model for Phoenix Heating Solutions (manufacturing) • Created financial model and established daily policies and procedures for Utah Correctional Industries Nursery (horticulture) • Mentored multiple individuals in financial concepts • Studied 359 books; focus included biographies, self-help concepts, business, and historical fiction • Participated in continuing education courses including financial management and literacy, relationships, stress management, interpersonal communication, and leadership
Director of Finance
ZenPrint
March 2012 - July 2013
Established policies and procedures, budgetary controls, HR manual, and standardized hiring process. Assisted in the company’s progression from multiple years of losses to becoming profitable (and paying back debt) in one year.
Director of Finance
COMPLETExRM
March 2012 - July 2013
Interviewer
Improved client and managerial financial reporting processes. Established reports and payments to shareholders.
Fractional CFO
WaterQuest
March 2012 - July 2013
Established accounting and office policies and procedures, renegotiated past-due tax and payments, and trained staff accountant.
CFO
Costa Vida
November 2008 - March 2012
Hiring Manager
Developed the budget that facilitated Costa Vida’s growth from 22 to 45 locations with $1M AUV, increasing revenues by 107%. Responsible for leading the accounting and admin departments. This includes managing the HR, IT, accounting, and financial arenas - preparing the financial reports, and taking care of all the taxes (monthly, quarterly, annual), AP/AR, GL, payroll, and more. Managed payroll and tax filings for over 550 employees across multiple states. Several stores were opened, bought, and sold during my tenure here.
CFO
Fat Cats
November 2008 - March 2012
Hiring Manager
Developed the budget that facilitated growth from 3 to 5 locations with AUV ranging from $3M-$8M, increasing revenues by 133%. Location included Salt Lake City, Ogden, and Provo, UT, as well as Rexburg, ID, and Westminster, CO. The Salt Lake and Provo locations included two licensed Pizza Factory locations.
CFO
ITP Promos
November 2008 - March 2012
Hiring Manager
Included the following entities and industries: In the Paint (screenprinting and embroidery), ModBod (clothing - online and retail), UnderTease (clothing - online), and Blend Fashions (clothing - retail). Developed the budget and forecast that procured financing to expand into Costco. Oversaw IT, Admin, HR, and Accounting/Finance departments. Established weekly management meetings, and monthly shareholder reports.
President and CEO
Various Companies: Self-employed
April 2006 - November 2008
Hiring Manager
• Mountain View Real Estate Investments: Founded and operated a real estate holdings and rehabilitation entity, acquiring, renovating, and managing investment properties. Successfully bought out my business partner to take sole ownership and leadership of the company. • McMillan Mortgages & Mountain View Processing: Built and managed a mortgage processing company specializing in a range of loans, from conventional to hard money. Successfully sold the business to a client. • Fall Fantasy Masquerade Ball: Launched and organized a philanthropic event, money to support the United Service Organization (USO) and military families.
Accounting Manager
Citigroup
February 2002 - April 2006
Interviewer
Started in bilingual customer service, and worked my way up to management for Accounts Receivables.
Education
Utah Valley University
Master of Business Administration - MBA, Finance
2022 - 2024
Grade: 3.97 Activities and societies: MBASA (founding member)
East Tennessee State University
B.A., Foreign Languages and Business
1998 - 2004
Grade: 3.53 Activities and societies: Cum Laude; President of Sigma Delta Pi (National Spanish Honor Society); member of SHRM (Society for Human Resource Management).