As REAG expands its national presence, Director Jaclyn Ring and new Vice President Aaron Stremick sit down to discuss how their complementary perspectives — shaped by decades of diverse experience—are driving smarter, more strategic M&A outcomes.
Jaclyn Ring: Aaron, we’re so glad to have you at REAG. You bring an impressive range of experience — from architecture and law to software and real estate. How do you think that variety helps you support clients in the M&A world?
Aaron Stremick: Thanks, Jaclyn — I’m thrilled to be here. What drew me to REAG was the emphasis on stewardship, and you can see that happening in real time. The team’s involvement with M&A Source and ACG isn’t just for visibility — it reflects a genuine commitment to shaping the future of the industry and supporting clients long before and after a transaction. That resonates with how I view client relationships. Having worked across industries, I’ve learned how to spot the subtle challenges and hidden opportunities that might otherwise go unnoticed. At the end of the day, we know that each deal is different — but it’s the strength of the relationships and networks we build that allow us to deliver thoughtful, winning outcomes. Especially in the lower middle market, where trust and access matter as much as technical expertise, those connections often become the difference between a stalled conversation and a successfully orchestrated deal.
Jaclyn: That really lines up with my experience, especially working with closely held and founder-led businesses. There’s often a deeply personal side to these transactions. You mentioned stewardship — how do you balance that with your focus on speed and efficiency?
Aaron: Great question. When I say “speed matters,” I’m not suggesting we rush decisions. It’s more about protecting deal momentum. Time can kill all deals. But at the same time, these are life-changing moments for our clients. The key is to move with purpose — staying focused, but never overlooking the people involved or the impact these deals have.
Jaclyn: Exactly. Selling a business isn’t just a numbers game. It’s about legacy, employees, relationships — sometimes even community. When we take those factors seriously and bring them into the conversation early, we tend to create deals that last and relationships that endure.
Aaron: I love that. It reminds me that no two deals — or people — are ever quite the same. Sometimes I lead, sometimes I listen. Especially in a market like this, with everything from AI and inflation to global uncertainty, staying adaptable is essential. But so is staying grounded in what we can control.
Jaclyn: Another thing I’ve noticed over the years is how the M&A landscape itself has evolved. There’s more infrastructure, more collaboration, and greater awareness around the long-term impact of deal-making. It’s encouraging to see the industry becoming more thoughtful and strategic in how it approaches client needs.
Aaron: That evolution is key, and I think it highlights why diverse thinking is so important in this space. One reason I’m excited to be here is to bring a west coast lens to complement REAG’s strong foundation. My hope is to deepen relationships in that region while learning from the expertise already in place.
Jaclyn: Looking ahead, how do you see REAG positioning for growth?
Aaron: Honestly, I know REAG is in a strong spot. There’s a seasoned team, a thoughtful process, and a clear track record. With the right approach, there’s room to scale and take on bigger, more complex engagements. Right now, I’m focused on executing well and making sure that work clears the path for even more opportunity.
Jaclyn: I agree. As I take on more leadership in the industry, I keep coming back to one thing: trust. Building trust with clients, understanding what really drives them — that’s what makes deals successful. The purchase price is just one piece of a much larger story.
Aaron: Couldn’t agree more. That’s why stewardship and urgency aren’t opposites — they work together. We keep things moving while making sure we’re listening carefully and addressing what matters most to everyone involved. Often, the cost of delay is greater than the cost of moving forward—but that doesn’t mean sacrificing empathy or thoroughness.
Jaclyn: I’m excited for what’s ahead. I think our clients will really benefit from the combination of your speed and focus with REAG’s relationship-driven, full-picture approach.
Aaron: Same here. This is the kind of collaborative, high-integrity environment I was looking for — and it’s great to be part of it.
About Jaclyn Ring: Jaclyn Ring is a Director at REAG with over 12 years of M&A experience, having joined the firm in 2013. She holds the prestigious CM&AP and M&AMI designations and will make history in 2026 as Chair of the M&A Source Board. Ring is a recipient of multiple industry awards and is known for her expertise in understanding both the financial and human elements of M&A transactions.
About Aaron Stremick: Aaron Stremick recently joined https://reag.com/blog/jaclyn-ring-featured-in-acg-future-corporate-leaders-spotlight/ as Vice President, bringing over two decades of business leadership and financial consulting experience across architecture, accounting, law, bankruptcy, software, and real estate industries. Based in Tucson, Arizona, he earned his MBA from The Eller College of Management at the University of Arizona and focuses on speed of execution and west coast relationship development.
About REAG: For over two decades, REAG‘s Investment Banking Team has specialized in Mergers and Acquisitions and Private Capital Market Advisory services in the Lower Middle Market. The firm is committed to meaningful engagement and long-term collaboration, helping leadership teams, private equity groups, and family offices optimize cash flow, overcome growth challenges, maximize business value, and successfully transfer ownership. REAG’s comprehensive approach combines deep industry expertise with a commitment to delivering exceptional client service and winning outcomes.
