2026 Smart Business Dealmakers Conference 

Frank Zonars, a partner in the Columbus office and member of the firm's corporate and business organizations group, moderated a panel at the Smart Business Dealmakers Conference on September 24 at the Hilton Columbus Downtown.  The title of the panel was "Capital for Growth: Building the Right Financing Strategy at Every Stage." 

The panel explored how companies can build a capital stack that aligns with their needs, objectives and stage of growth, from funding organic expansion and acquisitions to recapitalizations and other strategic initiatives.  The panelists offered perspectives on evaluating debt and equity options, balancing risk and flexibility, and making financing decisions that support both immediate opportunities and long-term value creation.

The panelists included Dean Bruno, senior vice president and treasurer of Advanced Drainage Systems, Inc.; Daniel Corbett, principal of Heartland Growth Partners; and Melissa Diethelm, managing director for PNC.