Tech, Media & Telecom

Joe Anto is a Managing Director in PCE’s investment banking group. With more than 20 years of finance, M&A, and C-level experience in various industries, he is well-equipped to advise middle market clients on potential M&A and financing opportunities.

Throughout his career, Joe has executed more than $3.5 billion in M&A and financing transactions across a variety of sectors. As a former business owner and C-suite executive, Joe understands the challenges clients face when evaluating strategic transactions.

Prior to joining PCE, Joe was CEO and CFO for a publicly-traded retail and pharmacy chain with 550+ stores and $2 billion+ in revenue. Joe also served as SVP of M&A and Investments for one of the largest newspaper holding companies in the U.S. Earlier in his career, Joe served as Director of Investments for a distressed and special situations hedge fund and also worked in venture capital and investment banking.

Certifications & Affiliations

• FINRA Series 24 and 79 Securities License
• Member - Association for Corporate Growth, South Florida Chapter

Education

• Emory University, BBA with Concentrations in Finance & Information Technology
• Columbia University, MBA with Concentration in Finance

Located in PCE’s Chicago area office, Eric Zaleski is a part of PCE’s ESOP Advisory Group. With over 20 years of experience advising middle market clients with liquidity and growth financing initiatives, often involving ESOPs, Eric understands the challenges that business owners face in growing and funding their companies.

With tremendous insight into the benefits associated with ESOPs, Eric has the analytical and organizational skills to guide business owners through the most complex ESOP structures. Over the years, Eric has established a proven track record of providing business owners with strategic advice for the implementation and financing of ESOPs to meet their objectives.

Prior to joining PCE, Eric served as Senior Vice President – ESOP Division Manager of a Chicago based bank. Throughout his career, Eric has managed nearly half a billion in commitments on middle market senior loans. Additionally, over the past 15+ years, Eric was responsible for sourcing more than $1 billion in ESOP and leveraged financed opportunities.

Certifications Affiliations

• Member – National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO)
• Member – The ESOP Association
• Member – The Ohio Employee Ownership Center
• FINRA Series 24 & 79 Securities Licenses

Service

• Executive Committee Member – Small Business Growth Corporations
• Former Board Member – Bear Necessities Pediatric Cancer Foundation (2006 – 2009)

Education

• BA, Criminal Justice/Psychology, Aurora University, Chicago, IL

Jon Gogolak is a Director in PCE's ESOP Advisory Group. As a dedicated finance professional with extensive experience in capital markets, investment banking, and treasury operations, Jon skillfully offers financial guidance to shareholders and fiduciaries, assisting them in structuring transactions that align with the client's desired goals and objectives.

Before joining PCE, Jon was responsible for the build-out and expansion of the capital markets function at one of the largest non-bank agricultural lenders in the U.S. As the Director of Capital Markets, Jon led the treasury strategy, focusing on cash management, collateral optimization, and loan funding.

With his strong analytical skills, collaborative approach, and deep understanding of the capital markets and ESOP landscape, Jon is committed to providing middle-market business owners exceptional ESOP services. He strives to deliver strategic solutions that optimize value and drive success for his clients in a dynamic and competitive business environment.

Certifications & Affiliations

• Member of National Center for Employee Ownership (NCEO)
• Member of ESOP Association
• FINRA Series 79 Securities License

Education

• DePaul University, Bachelor of Arts in Economics, Minor in Community Services Studies
• DePaul University, Master of Science in Economics: Economic Policy Analysis