Our Team
Mark Griffin, CCIM, CM&AA
Managing Principal
Mark Griffin possesses over 25 years of experience in commercial investment brokerage, business mergers and acquisitions. Mr. Griffin’s top industry designations include the coveted Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA) and Certified Commercial Investment Member (CCIM) designations. Currently, Mr. Griffin serves as Managing Director at Topsail Capital Advisors and also the Managing Principal at Sperry-Griffin Partners, a Sperry Commercial affiliate commercial real estate investment brokerage and advisory firm. In his professional career, he works closely with private equity groups, family offices, and institutional investors. Mr. Griffin is committed to giving back to his community and actively participates in non-profits and charitable organizations in South Carolina. He holds a professional 5-year BLA degree from Clemson University.
John Kawalchuk
Senior Analyst/ Advisor
John is a Senior Analyst specializing in financial modeling and analysis support. His primary responsibilities include preparing sell-side CIM (Confidential Information Memorandum) packages, conducting industry-specific due diligence, and formulating recommendations for management. He possesses a strong aptitude for working closely with clients and advisors throughout the sell or acquisition processes. John’s educational background includes a BS in Financial Management with a minor in accounting from Clemson University.
Reese Wilson
Senior Deal Coordinator
Reese is a highly skilled professional with a background as an SBA loan associate and a proud alumnus of Clemson University. His experience in evaluating businesses for SBA financing has been greatly enhanced by his time in these roles. Reese’s exceptional abilities in curating and distributing financial documents, as well as securing approval from reviewing entities, have set him apart during his tenure with the SBA. His strong relationship-building and communication skills have also played a vital role in de-escalating challenging situations. Reese’s outstanding communication abilities have been acknowledged by the SBA, consistently earning him a place in CPA affiliate call pools.
Thomas Round
Business Development Manager
Thomas Round serves as the Business Development Manager at Topsail Capital Advisors. Thomas is a graduate of Clemson University. After spending the initial part of his career as COO of a family-owned manufacturing and distribution company in Louisville, KY, Thomas decided it was time to move back to his hometown of Greenville, SC to follow his passion in joining Topsail to help privately held business owners value and scale their businesses to a successful exit. Thomas’ primary responsibilities at Topsail include developing and nurturing relationships with business owners, entrepreneurs, private equity firms, financial institutions, and other stakeholders to cultivate new client relationships.
Nick Denbow
Junior Analyst/ Advisor
Nick Denbow serves as the Junior Analyst Advisor at Topsail Capital Advisors. Nick assists the Senior deal team in producing financial analysis, Confidential Information Memorandums, and valuations. Nick is also heavily engaged with the commercial real estate advisory team, heading up sale-leasebacks, broker opinion of values, and lease restructurings. Nick holds a BS degree in Finance from Clemson University and grew up in the Maryland/ Washington DC metropolitan areas.
Kevin Whitehead
Senior Commercial RE Advisor
Kevin is a highly experienced Real Estate Manager with more than 20 years of expertise in institutional commercial real estate. His vast knowledge encompasses various areas, including site identification, development, property management, and lease renegotiation. With a specialization in single-tenant and multi-tenant retail transactions, Kevin has successfully collaborated with both buyers and sellers. He obtained a degree in Public Relations from the University of Alabama, with a minor in Marketing. Kevin’s proficiency extends to net lease properties and site selection for preferred developers and concepts, particularly in the southeast region.
William Lawyer
Senior Leveraged Finance Advisor
William is an accomplished Equity Advisor, offering valuable advisory services to clients involved in sell-side deals. His role encompasses crucial responsibilities such as capital restructure, deal underwriting, and post-integration advisory. With a specialization in 1031 exchanges, William has honed his expertise in real estate investment. He remains dedicated to professional growth and continuously stays updated on industry trends by actively participating in various association memberships. William’s educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Real Estate Investment & Finance from the prestigious Schack Institute of Real Estate at New York University and currently attending Georgia Tech University’s Master in Real Estate Development program.
Jessica Griffin
CFO/ Advisor Coordinator
Jessica holds the position of CFO and Advisor Coordinator for the Topsail Capital Advisors team, where she plays a pivotal role in overseeing various aspects of transactions and client relationships. Her responsibilities include managing the delivery of valuations, coordinating due diligence activities, and scheduling meetings between sell and buy side Advisors. Jessica actively supports Advisors and Analysts by assisting with financial modeling, preparing Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM) packages, and managing client communications. Her contributions are instrumental in ensuring a seamless and efficient transaction process. Jessica holds a BS degree from Clemson University, which adds to her expertise in the field.
