Jonathan Killion

Managing Director, Carl Marks Advisors

40 Under 40 Category: Business Consulting/Turnaround

Biography

Jonathan Killion has 13 years of financial services experience, working closely with company owners, management teams, boards of directors, private equity groups, lenders, and investors on engagements spanning bankruptcies, workouts, loan restructurings, due diligence, strategic planning, and mergers and acquisitions. 

During his career, Jonathan has provided financial advisory and investment banking services across a wide spectrum of industries, including manufacturing, retail consumer products, healthcare, food service, media, transportation, and real estate. His notable engagements include Preferred HomeCare, TransCare, Sleep Innovations, Florida Marine Transporters, RG Steel, DayMen and Piggly Wiggly grocery chain.

Prior to joining Carl Marks Advisors, he worked in the audit services group at Deloitte & Touche LLP.  Jonathan graduated from Georgetown University with a BS in Business Administration and currently serves as President of the Northern New Jersey Georgetown Alumni Club. He is registered with FINRA as a General Securities Representative, holds Series 7 and Series 63 certifications, and is a Chartered Financial Analyst. 

What is the best professional advice you have been given and how have you implemented it?

The best advice is to believe in yourself and do not allow yourself to be deterred or intimidated by the challenge of the journey or of the goal.  Believe that you can do it, measure yourself against your long- term plan and keep moving forward.  During my career, I have had to fight to maintain this attitude numerous times, especially when helping client companies in crisis.  Do not let others’ panic infect you, remain in control and concentrate on solving the problems. The sense of accomplishment experienced when you have overcome difficult situations builds resolve and confidence to confront the next set of obstacles.

How would you define what a good leader is, and what can you do to reflect those characteristics as you progress in your career?

My philosophy of leadership is to lead by example, establish mutual trust, and stress accountability.  I demonstrate to the people whom I lead that, if I assign them a task, I have done it myself in the past or am prepared to do so in the future.  I want them to know that they can trust me, that, good news or bad, I will be honest with them in all situations and expect the same from them.  If trust is broken, leadership is almost impossible.  Lastly, I want them to know that they are expected to perform at the highest level because that is what I expect of myself and what is required for our firm and for us individually to be successful.   

What advice do you normally give to the junior talent you mentor/what advice would you give to forthcoming generation of talent aspiring to win this award?

My advice to junior talent focuses on five different areas:

1) Technical Competency, with an Emphasis on Accounting - On a daily basis, we communicate with financial officers and sophisticated capital providers.  It is critical that everyone on the team be expert in the comprehension, analysis and presentation of financial information.  I believe that those who possess strong accounting fundamentals are well-equipped for our restructuring challenges, and stress that with my team members. 

2) Communications Skills - Quantitative proficiency alone is insufficient. Individuals must have the ability to organize and effectively communicate salient points through skillfully written and verbal expression. 

3) An Appreciation for Client Service - The need to be attentive, maintain constant communication with clients, and act with a sense of urgency on their behalf is imperative in a successful restructuring relationship.

4) Demonstration of Continuous High Achievement - It is vital that candidates build upon their educational foundation by continuing to develop their skills, investing their time and money to further build their professional capabilities. 

5) An Ability to Thrive in Uncertain Environments - The ability to be flexible and comfortable reacting to ever-changing circumstances is imperative to success.  Travel is demanding, hours are long and deadlines are tight.  Some people thrive in this environment, while others prefer a more predictable schedule.  When I meet with a candidate, I stress that they need to be honest with themselves --- will the lifestyle and the dynamics of this profession fit with their personality and career goals?