Michael D. Benson Michael D. Benson is a Managing Director in the Investment Banking Group. Mr. Benson is responsible for the execution of investment banking transactions which include mergers, acquisitions, divestitures, and the private placement of senior debt, subordinated debt, and equity securities. Mr. Benson has been involved in the successful completion of transactions for companies ranging from privately held, middle market companies to large multinational, publicly traded corporations. Additionally, Mr. Benson has been involved in restructuring and turnaround management projects, which range from providing strategic advisory services to under-performing companies to the sale and liquidation of companies in bankruptcy. He has been involved in many industries, including food processing and distribution, automotive, stamping, tool & die, computer software, transportation and logistics, information technology services, retail, natural gas utility, propane production and distribution, HVAC, building products, highway repair service, specialty medical equipment, banking, and REITs. Mr. Benson has lectured and presented continuing education seminars on various subjects, including mergers & acquisitions, business valuation, and restructuring & turnaround management. Prior to joining our firm, Mr. Benson was a Senior Associate in the Investment Banking Group at First of Michigan Corporation, a subsidiary of Wall Street-based Fahnestock & Co. While at First of Michigan, Mr. Benson was responsible for the execution of investment banking transactions for middle-market and large-cap companies on a worldwide basis. Prior to joining First of Michigan, Mr. Benson was a Senior Commercial Credit Analyst with NBD Bank where he was involved in the analysis and subsequent placement of senior debt financing for middle market companies. Mr. Benson earned an MBA in Finance from Wayne State University and a BBA in Finance from Western Michigan University. Additionally, Mr. Benson is a licensed commercial pilot and flight instructor with over 2,500 flight hours in various private and commercial aircraft.