David Braun is the founder and CEO of Capstone, which he established in 1995. He created the company to meet the unique demands of mid-market companies and their corporate growth initiatives. Through consistent focus on this one specialty, David has built up a formidable expertise that has led to an acquisition success rate way beyond the industry average. David is also the author of “Successful Acquisitions: A Proven Plan for Strategic Growth” (AMACOM, 2013). “Successful Acquisitions” is based on first-hand experience in steering dozens of transactions to completion. Rich in real-world examples, this book delivers a practical plan of action based on proven results. David has over 30 years’ experience formulating growth strategies in a wide range of manufacturing and service industries. A thought leader as well as a dynamic and much sought-after speaker, David has lectured to over 40,000 top-level business executives over the past 20 years on the subject of M&A and successful external growth. As an M&A expert, David is regularly featured in the media including The Financial Times, The Food Institute, Healthcare Business Today, Supply Chain Management Review, Telecom Reseller, Fox Business News, CBS MoneyWatch, CNN Money and The Street. He has authored and delivered numerous presentations for the American Management Association (AMA), National Center for Continuing Education (NCCE) and Vistage International. In addition, he has addressed a wide range of trade organizations such as the Association of International Metallizers, Coaters and Laminators (AIMCAL), National Tooling and Machining Association, the Illinois CPA Society, the Photo Chemical Machining Institute and the Envelope Manufacturers Association. David received his BBA from the College of William & Mary.