

Michael Szmanda
Michael joined VR in 2010 and has been a top producer throughout his tenure (most recently, he was recognized as a Top 10 Broker for all of the VR Global Network – 2013). He has extensive experience in sales, finance, negotiations and creative deal making. Born and raised in Southeastern Wisconsin, he has earned success with smaller local firms as well as Fortune 500 companies. Michael has consistently been recognized as a top performer by national and international companies such as Sprint Corporation, National City Bank and Merrill Lynch. His vast and diverse experience coupled with creative problem solving make him an asset to both this firm, and his clients.
Team Members
Michael Szmanda
Vice President of Client Services

Michael joined VR in 2010 and has been a top producer throughout his tenure (most recently, he was recognized
Joe Braier
Shareholder

Joe is a seasoned M&A Advisor and current shareholder at Lakes Business Group. He also has the CVA certi
Tree Peterson
Marketing & Admin Assistant

Theresa, who goes by Tree, comes from an IT/Web Company where she worked with clients to provide monthly repor
SUE BULLARD
CORPORATE COMPLIANCE
Spencer Thomason
Vice President of Client Services

Spencer spent 35 years as a business owner and during that period bought and sold several related businesses b
James Wendorff
VP Client Services

James is an experienced finance and operations professional with over 12 James has a triple major in accountin
Scott Gray
VICE PRESIDENT OF CLIENT SERVICES

Scott Gray is an accountant and former real estate agent with a propensity for helping business owners simplif
Larry Heck
Vice President of Client Services

As an experienced M&A Advisor and Exit Strategy Planning Advisor, with over 26 years of being an owner in
Nicole White
Shareholder

Nicole has 10+ years experience in the M&A world, and was the #1 Sales Agent World Wide for first quarter
Andrew Schmelzer
Shareholder

Andy brings over 20 years of marketing, branding and sales experience both nationally and internationally to t
Sheila Firari
Vice President of Client Services

Sheila brings 30 years+ of experience as a well-connected entrepreneur and Real Estate Broker in the local are
Destiny Wallen
Client Services Coordinator

Destiny comes to Lakes Business Group, Inc. as a licensed support Agent and Client Services Coordinator. She h
Steve Dykstra
VP Client Services

Steve Dykstra brings a wealth of experience in business consulting, sales, technology, finance and real estate
Steven Aubrey
Vice President of Client Services

Steve’s business experience is remarkable in both its depth and diversity. His professional career has s
Mark Smith
Board Member

Mark has spent the last thirty years of his career in small business. His first venture was to take a small, f
Timothy Bullard
President, CEO

CEO, Tim Bullard, has been the Global M & A asset divestiture of one of America’s oldest global trading