Factory Investment Team
Dave has been investing and operating in the food and beverage sector for more than 15 years. Prior to Factory, he held senior private equity roles at Traub Capital and Brynwood Partners, where he was primarily involved with each firms’ food and beverage investments and served in various senior operating functions. He previously led an investor group to acquire LesserEvil Snack Company, where he subsequently executed a turnaround and successful exit as the company’s President. Dave began his career at BlackRock. He holds a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering and Economics from Carnegie Mellon University and an M.B.A. from Harvard Business School.
Nick is an accomplished investor, board director, and operating executive with over 30 years of experience in middle market privately held companies. Prior to joining Factory, he was an Operating Partner at Starboard Capital and a longtime Managing Director at Brynwood Partners -- a leading private equity firm focused on consumer products. At those firms he was engaged in every aspect of the investment process and provided active, hands-on oversight of portfolio companies to accelerate growth. Before entering private equity, he was in the media industry, holding senior roles at McGraw-Hill, United Business Media, and Village Voice Media. Nick earned a B.S. in Finance and an M.B.A. from the University of Connecticut.
Prior to joining Factory, Keith worked for eight years with Fortress Investment Group, where he was a portfolio manager responsible for the day-to-day operations of a real estate portfolio in the U.S. and Europe. In his time with the firm, he was responsible for the management of over $3B in invested capital and over $8B in total asset value. Keith earned his MBA at the MIT Sloan School of Management and holds a BS in chemistry from UCSD.
Michael has over seven years’ experience in Corporate and Investment Banking. Prior to Factory, Michael worked at Goldman Sachs, Citigroup, Deloitte Corporate Finance and Israel Discount Bank, where he completed both middle market and large cap M&A and capital markets transactions in the Consumer & Retail and Industrials sectors. He also served in the Golani brigade of the Israeli Defense Forces from 2010 – 2012. Michael holds a BBA from The George Washington University, where he was a 4-year letter winner on the Men’s Division 1 golf team, and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.
Factory Operating Team
Tim has four decades of CPG marketing and brand-building experience, was vice chairman at two of the world’s largest global ad agencies, Y&R and Dentsu, and co-founded a data analytics company. He has served on the boards of eight manufacturing, marketing, and education companies, including American Italian Pasta, Meow Mix and Freshpet, spent 5 years as a CEO, and has done business in over 50 countries. He earned his BA at Dartmouth and MBA at Columbia University.
Mike brings over 35 years of expertise in logistics, distribution, inventory control, and supply chain management across the electronics, apparel, pharmaceutical, and food industries. He excels in fostering strong vendor relationships and implementing innovative solutions to enhance overall efficiency. Prior to joining Factory, he served as a senior operations manager for a leading third-party logistics company, where he oversaw the day-to-day operations for Godiva Chocolatier and other prominent brands. At Factory, Mike leverages business analytics to assist our partners in establishing operational procedures, streamlining processes, and delivering substantial cost savings to their bottom line. His analytical acumen allows him to identify inefficiencies and develop data-driven strategies that drive operational excellence. Mike has successfully advised numerous clients on optimizing their supply chain operations. His comprehensive approach ensures that partners achieve measurable improvements and sustainable growth.
Jessica supports the brands by implementing standardized HR practices and policies across the portfolio, ensuring consistency and alignment with the overall core culture. With a strong emphasis on talent and workforce management, benefits/total rewards administration, and legal compliance, she collaborates closely with leadership to drive strategic HR initiatives which enhance company and team member growth.
Elias is a seasoned IT manager and network administrator with a proven track record in delivering comprehensive technical support and solutions. With expertise spanning over two dozen hardware and software platforms, he ensures optimal performance and reliability for the Factory team and our brand partners. Elias excels in designing, implementing, and maintaining robust IT infrastructures that support business growth and operational efficiency. His skills include network architecture, cybersecurity, cloud computing, and system integration, enabling him to meet the diverse needs of emerging brands and companies. By leveraging his strategic planning abilities, Elias helps new businesses scale their technology capabilities, ensuring seamless integration and functionality across all systems. His proactive approach to IT management includes anticipating potential issues, streamlining processes, and enhancing overall productivity.
As the Head of Finance, Marla is responsible for overseeing all the financial operations for Factory as well as for our partner brands. Her responsibilities include managing the audit and tax filings, accounting systems management, internal monthly reporting, and working capital management. Marla is a CPA and financial executive with over 35 years of experience in financial accounting and reporting, budgeting and planning, and treasury. She has been with Factory for over 5 years and prior to this she was Senior Vice President and Controller for the US Division of the Hain Celestial Group where her responsibilities included integrating the back-office functions of acquired businesses. Marla is a strong leader and problem solver with deep operational, financial, and managerial experience the food industry. She holds a B.A in accounting from Binghamton University.
Andréa is a CPA and financial professional with over 15 years of experience in general accounting, budgeting, treasury, financial planning, and banking. Prior to joining Factory in 2018, she worked for a global medical device organization where her specialties included benefit plans and asset accounting. Andréa holds an MBA from DeSales University. In her free time, she enjoys walking and being her kids’ biggest fan at sporting events.
Asad has over 20 years of professional accounting and finance experience in the manufacturing sector, including CPG. His areas of expertise include general accounting, month- and year-end closings, inventory reconciliation, cash flow, budgeting, and tax reporting. Asad is also has Integrating EDI platform working experience & deduction/chargeback management into the other responsibilities currently. Asad holds a bachelor’s degree in commerce with a major in accounting from the University of Mumbai, India.
