Christopher Riegg has built his investment banking career around advising ownership groups and leadership teams on a wide range of business and transaction goals. He has successfully assisted over 200 business owners and executive management teams in exploring strategic and financial alternatives, including mergers and acquisitions (M&A), debt refinancing, restructuring, recapitalization, and securing institutional debt as well as private equity capital. With more than 30 years of experience in the financial services industry, Chris has worked across a diverse array of sectors, including manufacturing, services, distribution, and technology. Throughout his career, he has helped clients navigate complex business challenges related to growth, acquisitions, business development, financing, ownership transitions, and business structure, as well as assisting companies facing distressed situations.
Before co-founding Promontory Point Capital in 2004, Chris served as a Managing Director at L. William Teweles & Co., an investment banking firm based in Milwaukee. His prior experience includes roles at U.S. Bank Capital Markets and J.P. Morgan Chase. Chris has handled numerous client engagements involving ownership transitions, both full and partial business sales, and a wide variety of corporate finance assignments for banks, insurance companies, mezzanine funds, private equity groups, and other institutional investors.
Chris holds a Master’s Degree in Corporate Finance from Marquette University and a Bachelor’s Degree in Accounting from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee. He is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) and has successfully completed the CPA exam. Additionally, Chris serves as an advisor to several private organizations and has been a member of the advisory board for various privately held companies.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
Most days begin with a 45-minute workout to prepare both my mind and body for the day ahead. Coffee serves as my rocket fuel, and I typically enjoy my first cup while reviewing my calendar and planning out both client and non-client priorities. Throughout the day, I follow a structured schedule, prioritizing tasks based on their importance and urgency in order to achieve the objectives of our clients and our firm.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Turning ideas into reality requires thoughtful consideration and discussions with my team members. Whether we are working on a client-specific project, a marketing initiative for our firm, or pursuing another goal, strong collaboration among team members, advisors, and clients leads to the best outcomes.
What’s one trend that excites you?
One trend that excites me is the rapid advancement of artificial intelligence (AI) and machine learning. The potential applications of AI are vast, ranging from improving efficiency and accuracy in various industries to creating entirely new products and services. AI’s ability to analyze large datasets and derive actionable insights can revolutionize how businesses operate, enhancing decision-making and fostering innovation. This has become a game-changer for our business and how we address our clients’ objectives.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
One habit that greatly improves my productivity is setting and pursuing various types of goals at the same time. This approach benefits our clients because, instead of working on options one after another, we explore multiple alternatives simultaneously on their behalf. This strategy creates more opportunities for achieving their goals.
What advice would you give your younger self?
“By speaking less of your plans, you often get more of them done.” Don’t just talk about it…act!
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
If you can believe it, you can achieve it.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Priority number one is yourself! If you don’t take care of yourself, you won’t be able to be your best for others. There’s a reason the airline captain advises you to put on your oxygen mask first in an emergency: it’s so you can be in a position to help others.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
I consider myself an eternal optimist, and it takes a lot for me to feel overwhelmed. To maintain a positive outlook and prevent feelings of being overwhelmed, I practice gratitude and positive thinking every day. By focusing on what I’m thankful for and recognizing even the small successes, I cultivate a positive mindset. If I do start to feel overwhelmed, taking a walk with my wife or making a phone call to a loved one helps me regain my balance.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
The most effective marketing strategy cannot be displayed on a website or included in a brochure, and it doesn’t focus on boasting about how wonderful you are. The key to successful marketing lies in doing something meaningful for others. Going the extra mile to benefit others can open doors to new opportunities.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
I struggled to find an investment banking firm that would support my desire for a healthy work-life balance, which was discouraging. Back in 2004, I had a 6-year-old daughter, a 4-year-old son, and a strong passion for investment banking. Many firms in the industry expected 80+ hour work weeks, and I wasn’t willing to sacrifice precious time with my kids. Consequently, I decided to co-found my own investment banking firm with someone who shared a similar vision for work-life balance. The rest, as they say, is history.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
ChatGPT has proven to be an excellent tool for gaining an initial understanding of prospective clients, their markets, and their competitors. Our team is learning to utilize this and other AI tools to address questions that were significantly more challenging to answer in the past.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
I recently read The Carpenter by Jon Gordon which reinforced many of my beliefs in serving others, being optimistic, and learning from failure. It was a great read and it also reminded me of many success principles in business and life including love, service, and care.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
I love Survivor. It is the ultimate social experiment and it’s great rooting for the underdogs each season.
Key learnings
• Establishing a productive daily routine, including starting the day with exercise, is essential for maintaining focus and energy.
• The potential applications of AI are vast, from improving efficiency and accuracy in various industries to creating entirely new products and services.
• Priority #1 is yourself! If you are not good to yourself, if you do not take care of yourself, you will not be your best to help others.
• The greatest marketing strategy of all is doing something great for something else.