LEADERSHIP TEAM


SCOTT WEINGOLD
Co-Founder | Senior M&A Advisor

Scott is a nationally recognized strategy and business leader with more than 20 years of experience in financial services, entrepreneurship, sales, marketing, and business growth.

He built one of the nation’s largest online college-funding companies and was recognized by Crain’s Business as one of its Top 20 Professionals “On the Rise.” His work and insights have been featured by CNN Money, USA Today, SmartMoney, Crain’s, Reuters, NPR, TheStreet.com, U.S. News & World Report, and other national media outlets.

At ECFA, Scott leads buyer development and qualification, helping acquisition entrepreneurs clarify what they can realistically pursue and position themselves as credible buyers. He focuses on high-level acquisition strategy, buyer-to-deal fit, offer and LOI design, negotiation, transaction structure, and helping buyers move from initial interest through closing.

Scott lives in Cleveland, Ohio with his wife and two children.

JEFF VACEK
Co-Founder | Senior M&A Advisor

Jeff is an award-winning entrepreneur, investor, author, and business strategist with decades of experience building companies, developing relationships, and structuring growth opportunities.

He is the author of The New Masters of Online Marketing and has spoken on stages across the country alongside business and public figures including Steve Wozniak, Michael Eisner, Arnold Schwarzenegger, and Eric Trump. He has also been known to grab a microphone, including once singing “Every Rose Has Its Thorn” on stage with Bret Michaels.

At ECFA, Jeff leads deal sourcing and capital strategy. He works across broker relationships, private deal flow, lender relationships, financing options, and transaction structure. His focus includes identifying acquisition opportunities, evaluating financing paths, building capital stacks, coordinating with lenders and capital sources, and aligning the buyer, deal, and financing strategy to create a realistic path to closing.

Jeff lives in Houston, Texas with his wife and nine, yes nine, children.