Ben Cass founded Interlochen Group in 2000 and is responsible for defining and implementing the corporate strategy, business development, and retained search.
Prior to establishing Interlochen Group, Ben worked in corporate, public, and commercial finance at KPMG, John Nuveen & Co., and C&S Bank, respectively. Although he spent his early career working for large corporations, Ben is truly an advocate for the entrepreneur and extremely familiar with the needs of small and mid-size companies. He has over 25 years of experience in financial advisory, commercial lending, business consulting, and executive search. Since founding Interlochen Group in 2000, Ben and his team of proven CFOs have worked with more than 250 small and middle-market businesses. Clients have been in various industry sectors, including: manufacturing, distribution, retail, business and consumer services, and technology. Ben is most proud of the high average tenure of Interlochen CFOs and the high overall client satisfaction. He enjoys working closely with the trusted advisors to the CEO, such as attorneys, bankers, CPAs, investment bankers, financial planners, and business consultants.
As a member of KPMG’s Corporate Finance Group, his responsibilities included originating and executing M&A and private equity transactions. Other responsibilities included recruiting, managing and training a staff of Associates and Analysts. While at KPMG, Ben also developed a network of CPAs, private equity groups, venture capitalists and attorneys.
During his tenure in Chicago, Ben worked in a financial capacity with various industries which included business services, health care, manufacturing, retail, distribution and technology. He worked directly with attorneys, investors, investment bankers, analysts and entrepreneurs and either managed or assisted in the structure and closing of over 30 private equity placements and bond offerings.
Ben earned his MBA from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School as well as his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with a major in finance from the University of Florida.