CFMA Idaho 2025 BaseRock Partners

2025 Idaho Construction Financial Management & Accounting Conference

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Presentation Topic

Dustin Bass and Scott Duncan of BaseRock Partners present ‘Construction Economic Outlook’ and ‘Ownership Succession in the Construction Industry’ at the Idaho Construction Financial Management & Accounting Conference on November 18. 

Their first session, ‘Construction Economic Outlook,’ will explore the macroeconomic forces shaping today’s construction environment and provide insight into what’s ahead for 2026 and beyond.

In their second session, ‘Ownership Succession in the Construction Industry,’ they’ll discuss key considerations for construction company owners evaluating transition options, including value drivers, current M&A trends, ESOP structures, and other internal equity transfer techniques.

About the Conference

BaseRock Partners is proud to participate in the 2025 Idaho Chapter Annual Accounting Conference, hosted by CFMA Idaho. This year’s event will be a half-day conference and feature a series of engaging presentations from subject matter experts and key stakeholders. Sessions will include strategic insights, data-driven discussions, and interactive Q&A opportunities.

Meet the Speakers

Picture of Dustin Bass | Partner

Dustin Bass | Partner

dbass@baserockpartners.com
(303) 681-1721

Picture of Scott Duncan | Partner

Scott Duncan | Partner

sduncan@baserockpartners.com
(720) 273-2781

AICPA 2025 BaseRock Partners Jim Owen

2025 AICPA Construction & Real Estate Conference

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Presentation Topic

Jim Owen of BaseRock Partners and Anthony Ivener, CPA, CGMA of Ivener Management Group, co-present M&A: How to Prepare a Contractor for a Transaction at the 2025 AICPA Construction & Real Estate Conference on December 9. 

The session is designed to provide a comprehensive overview of how to prepare a contractor for sale. The presentation will start with a discussion of the pre-transaction process of getting a contractor ready for a transaction, including associated readiness considerations. They will provide a detailed overview of the mergers and acquisitions process and the role of the investment banker.

About the Conference

BaseRock Partners is proud to participate in the AICPA Construction & Real Estate Conference, dedicated to bridging the gap between two powerful industries so that you can better serve your firm and clients as a leader and adviser.

Meet the Speaker

Picture of Jim Owen | Managing Director

Jim Owen | Managing Director

jowen@baserockpartners.com
(312) 498-2242

Jim Owen, Managing Director at BaseRock Partners, will attend ACEC 2025 Fall Conference

American Council of Engineering Companies (ACEC) 2025 Fall Conference

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About the Event

Jim Owen, Managing Director at BaseRock Partners, will attend the ACEC 2025 Fall Conference, Oct. 5-8, 2025 in San Diego, CA.

The conference features insights and practical strategies on issues facing today’s A/E firms, with sessions on talent pipeline solutions, cybersecurity, emerging technologies, and trends driving the next wave of transformation in AEC.

Learn more about the event

Meet the BaseRock Team

Picture of Jim Owen | Managing Director

Jim Owen | Managing Director

jowen@baserockpartners.com
(312) 498-2242

BaseRock Partners Advises Colorado Sheet Metal On Its Sale To Saturn Five

BaseRock Partners Advises Colorado Sheet Metal On Its Sale To Saturn Five

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Denver, CO (September 17, 2025) – BaseRock Partners is pleased to announce the sale of Colorado Sheet Metal (“CSM”) to Saturn Five. BaseRock Partners (“BaseRock”) served as the exclusive financial advisor to CSM and guided the company through the full sell-side process, from the initial discussion of exit options through marketing, buyer selection, due diligence, and transaction negotiation.

Founded in 1993, CSM is a leading commercial mechanical contractor serving public and private clients in the Pikes Peak region and Southern Colorado. The company specializes in mechanical services and construction and has delivered projects across new construction, remodels, design-build, industrial, and medical settings, supported by highly qualified field mechanics.

“BaseRock brought clarity and momentum to a complex process. They took time to understand our priorities, including our people, our customers, and the future we want for the business.

From exploring exit options to running a disciplined marketing process and managing diligence and negotiations, BaseRock advocated for us at every step and helped identify Saturn Five as the right long-term home for CSM,” said Gary Venable, President of Colorado Sheet Metal.

Saturn Five acquires and operates healthy, cash-flow-generating small businesses with a long-term, buy-and-hold approach focused on operational excellence, employee well-being, and community impact. The firm’s teams are based in Denver and Austin, with a growing family of partner companies across the United States.

Contact BaseRock Partners

Picture of John Steinegger
John Steinegger

Managing Director
720.853.4235

Email John
Rocky Mountain CFMA Conference 2025

Rocky Mountain CFMA Conference 2025

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Presentation Topic

Matthew Drake from BaseRock Partners will co-present, ESOPs in the Construction Industry, on October 2, at the Rocky Mountain CFMA Conference 2025.

About the Session

In this session, Matthew Drake, along with Leah Turnbull of BMO Corporate Advisory, Brady Burleson of Fiore & Sons, Inc., and Bill Hughes of Wipfli, will explore the driving forces behind the growth of ESOPs in the construction industry. 

Don’t miss this opportunity to learn how ESOPs can secure the legacy of your company while creating long-term value for employees. Click here to learn more about the conference.

Meet the Speaker

Picture of Matthew Drake | Partner

Matthew Drake | Partner

mdrake@baserockpartners.com
(312) 882-7649

CICPAC 2025

Presenting at 34th Annual CICPAC Conference

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Presentation Topic

Dustin Bass and Jim Owen of BaseRock Partners present, Positioning Clients for a Successful Exit: How CPAs Can Help Drive Value at the 34th Annual CICPAC Conference on July 24. 

Succession planning is an increasingly critical issue within the Engineering and Construction industry.  CPAs have a unique perspective and relationship with their clients that can help improve succession outcomes. The intent of the session is to provide an investment bank’s perspective on how CPAs can add value to their clients as they contemplate succession and business continuity. The session will also seek perspective and insights from other attendees (legal, surety, insurance, lending) given their unique vantage points.  

About the Conference

BaseRock Partners is proud to participate in the 2025 CICPAC Annual Conference on July 23 – 25 at the InterContinental Chicago Magnificent Mile. Hosted by the CICPAC, this annual event brings together accounting, consulting, and advisory professionals dedicated to the construction industry.

The conference delivers high-value education across tax, assurance, and advisory services, with sessions focused on emerging issues such as M&A, ownership transition, ESOPs, industry benchmarking, and economic forecasts. We’re looking forward to presenting exclusive insights and networking with industry experts and peers.

Meet the Speakers

Picture of Dustin Bass | Partner

Dustin Bass | Partner

dbass@baserockpartners.com
(303) 681-1721

Picture of Matthew Drake | Partner

Matthew Drake | Partner

mdrake@baserockpartners.com
(312) 882-7649

Picture of Jim Owen | Managing Director

Jim Owen | Managing Director

jowen@baserockpartners.com
(312) 498-2242

Jakob Hohlweg

BaseRock Partners Announces New Chicago Office and Expands Team with Addition of Vice President Jakob Hohlweg

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BaseRock Partners (“BaseRock”), a leading investment bank serving the engineering and construction industry, is pleased to announce two developments in the firm’s ongoing growth: the opening of a new office in Chicago, Illinois, and the addition of Jakob Hohlweg as Vice President. 

The opening of the Chicago office strengthens BaseRock’s ability to serve engineering and construction clients across North America. Hohlweg joins Jim Owen, Managing Director at BaseRock Partners, in BaseRock’s Chicago office. Owen and Hohlweg will both play key roles in supporting the firm’s continued growth in M&A and ESOP advisory. 

Hohlweg brings years of experience in investment banking, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions and capital raising for corporate and sponsor-owned clients. His addition reflects the firm’s continued commitment to deep industry expertise and client-focused execution. 

“Jakob’s background aligns directly with the needs of our clients,” said Dustin Bass, Co-Founder of BaseRock Partners.

“He brings hands-on transaction experience, sector knowledge, and a collaborative approach that fits seamlessly with our team and the companies we serve.” 

Prior to joining BaseRock, Hohlweg worked in the investment banking divisions of Truist Securities and Credit Suisse. He has advised on numerous M&A and capital markets transactions, supporting clients across a range of engineering and construction end markets. 

Hohlweg holds a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance from the University of Notre Dame. 

Learn More About Jakob Hohlweg 

Picture of Jakob Hohlweg

Jakob Hohlweg

Vice President

Email Jakob
M&A and ESOP Update for the Construction Industry

Presenting at the 2025 Lockton Construction ESOP Summit

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Presentation Topic

Matthew Drake and Dustin Bass from BaseRock Partners present “M&A and ESOP Update for the Construction Industry” at the 2025 Lockton Construction ESOP Summit on June 19.

About the Event

The Lockton Construction ESOP Summit is an invite-only, two-day event for Chief Financial Officers of ESOP Construction firms. This event features two days of sharing, networking and learning. 

Meet the Speakers

Picture of Matthew Drake | Partner

Matthew Drake | Partner

mdrake@baserockpartners.com
(312) 882-7649

Picture of Dustin Bass | Partner

Dustin Bass | Partner

dbass@baserockpartners.com
(303) 681-1721

Attending 2025 Midwest Deal Summit & DeaLinx May 28-29, 2025 | Chicago, IL

2025 Midwest Deal Summit & DeaLinx

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About the Event

Jim Owen, Managing Director at BaseRock Partners, will attend the 2025 Midwest Deal Summit on May 28-29 in Chicago, IL.

The summit includes briefings on the latest data, trends and best practices in the lower middle market, as well as updates on the challenges and opportunities on the legislative and regulatory horizons.

Learn more about the event

Meet the BaseRock Team

Picture of Jim Owen | Managing Director

Jim Owen | Managing Director

jowen@baserockpartners.com
(312) 498-2242

luke smith headshot

BaseRock Partners Names Luke Smith Managing Director

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BaseRock Partners (“BaseRock”), a leading investment bank serving the engineering and construction industry, is pleased to announce the promotion of Luke Smith to Managing Director.

Smith brings more than a decade of corporate finance and M&A advisory experience to his new role. Since joining BaseRock, he has led several high-profile transactions within the engineering and construction sector, with a particular focus on specialty contractors. His recent work advising Professional Electrical Contractors of Connecticut is one of several notable engagements that underscore his impact at the firm.

“Luke has been instrumental in strengthening BaseRock’s position as a leading advisor in the specialty contracting and infrastructure sectors,” said Dustin Bass, Co-Founder of BaseRock Partners.

“His market insights, transaction expertise, and commitment to client success are core to our firm’s values, and we’re thrilled to recognize his contributions through this well-earned promotion.”

“This is an exciting time in the construction and infrastructure markets, with significant opportunity for growth and consolidation,” Smith said. “I’m proud to be part of a team that brings industry focus, strategic perspective, and a hands-on approach to every engagement.”

Learn More About Luke Smith

Picture of Luke Smith

Luke Smith

Managing Director
720.846.0004

Read Luke's Bio

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