TCA Deal Team
Mark Griffin, CCIM, CM&AA
Managing Principal
Mr. Griffin currently serves as Founder and Managing Principal of Topsail Capital Advisors and as Managing Principal of Sperry-Griffin Partners an affiliate of the national commercial real estate company Sperry. Throughout his career, he has worked closely with individual investors, private equity groups, family offices, institutional investors, and privately held business owners across the United States.
His unique ability to combine decades of commercial real estate experience with high-level business brokerage and mergers & acquisitions advisory creates a distinct advantage for clients navigating complex transactions, exit planning, and investment strategies.
Beyond his professional work, Mark is deeply committed to serving his community and actively supports numerous nonprofit and charitable organizations throughout South Carolina. He is the Past President of Rotary Greenville City Center and Past Worshipful Master (PWM) of Monaghan Lodge #251, both based in his hometown of Greenville.
Mark holds a professional five-year BLA degree from Clemson University, with a focus in real estate, business, marketing, and business management.
John Kawalchuk
Senior Vice President
John Kawalchuk serves as Senior Vice President at Topsail Capital Advisors, where he plays an integral role in guiding business owners through the complexities of sell-side transactions, acquisitions, and strategic exit planning. With a strong background in financial analysis and transaction execution, John works closely with privately held business owners to help maximize value and position their companies for successful outcomes.
His primary responsibilities include preparing comprehensive Confidential Information Memorandum (CIM) packages, conducting detailed industry and financial due diligence, and developing strategic recommendations for ownership and management teams. John is heavily involved in analyzing financial performance, identifying value drivers, assessing market opportunities, and ensuring each business is properly positioned for the marketplace.
Throughout every stage of a transaction from initial valuation and exit planning to due diligence, negotiations, and closing—John works directly with clients, buyers, attorneys, CPAs, and other professional advisors to maintain a smooth, organized, and efficient process. His strong analytical mindset, attention to detail, and client-first approach allow him to effectively navigate complex transactions while protecting value for ownership.
Mr. Kawalchuk’s ability to combine financial discipline with strategic advisory support makes him a trusted resource for business owners preparing for an exit, recapitalization, or acquisition opportunity.
He holds a Bachelor of Science in Financial Management with a minor in Accounting from Clemson University.
Reese Wilson
Vice President
Mr. Wilson is a highly skilled finance and advisory professional with a strong background in SBA lending, business evaluation, and transaction support. As a former SBA loan associate, he developed extensive experience analyzing privately held businesses for financing eligibility, working closely with business owners, lenders, CPAs, and financial institutions throughout the underwriting and approval process.
His expertise in evaluating financial statements, organizing and presenting complex financial documentation, and securing approvals from reviewing entities has made him a valuable asset in both lending and advisory environments. Reese has demonstrated exceptional attention to detail in preparing financial packages and supporting documentation, ensuring clients are well-positioned for successful financing and transaction outcomes. His ability to work collaboratively with clients, lenders, and professional advisors has been instrumental in resolving complex situations, de-escalating challenges, and maintaining confidence throughout high-pressure transactions a key element to ensuring deals stay on track during the letter of intent to contract and close process.
Today, Mr. Wilson brings that same level of discipline, financial insight, and client-focused service to the mergers & acquisitions advisory process, helping business owners navigate financing, due diligence, and strategic transaction planning with confidence.
He holds a BS in Political Science from Clemson University
Thomas Round
Business Development Associate
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.
He holds a BA from Clemson University.
Chip Cassidy
Senior Advisor
Under construction!
William Lawyer
Leveraged Finance Associate
Mr. Lawyer 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, Mr. Lawyer has honed his expertise in commercial real estate and business investment. He remains dedicated to professional growth and continuously stays updated on industry trends by actively participating in various association memberships. Mr. Layer serves as the Atlanta office Principal engaged in many areas of client management and procurement and exit planning and valuation.
Mr. Lawyer’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 holds a Master in Real Estate Development from Georgia Tech University’s prestigious Master in Real Estate Development program.
Jessica Griffin
Chief Financial Officer
Mrs. Griffin 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 Topsail management 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 for existing and future clients at all phases of the exit process.
She holds a BS degree from Clemson University, which adds to her expertise in the field.
