With a specialization in business valuation, James Drybanski assists clients in ensuring optimal deals tailored to each unique situation. His clientele spans diverse industries, including professional services, food and beverage, engineering and architecture firms, and various niche sectors. Mr Drybanski’s expertise includes facilitating shareholder buy-ins and buy-outs, estate and gift tax planning, fair value reporting, and modeling complex financial instruments such as embedded derivatives. Additionally, he provides consulting on a host of valuation related topics.
What excites James about business valuation is the combination of art and science. The art involves understanding the dynamics between economics and specific industry environments, while evaluating the financial and operational performance and risks of a business. James Drybanski’s clients appreciate this nuanced expertise, whether it’s determining the fair value of derivative instruments or advising on strategies to enhance their business’s value.
Mr Drybanski is adept at identifying and applying new and changing technical items to both existing and new projects. His broad business and industry knowledge, coupled with a deep understanding of client organizations, allows him to bring valuable technical resources to current and prospective projects. Staying abreast of new technical avenues and lead efforts allows them to be integrated into client projects, ensuring technology is leveraged to its fullest potential. James Drybanski also identifies risk areas for engagement teams and develop contingency plans to ensure successful outcomes, while remaining alert to possible technical issues and anticipating effective remedies.
With over 20 years of experience, he frequently consult clients on complex valuation challenges, providing insights and solutions that drive their business forward. Mr Drybanski also holds a B.A. in economics from the University of Colorado and am a member of the CFA Society of Colorado.
What is your typical day, and how do you make it productive?
A few years ago, I decided to shift my days to allow more time in the morning for pursuit of things that were fulfilling to me. The typical day starts at 5am. I split the morning between reading and doing stretching, foam rolling, and various exercises to fight the impact of sitting for long periods. After a peaceful start, I review the plan for the day and for the week. Consider what needs to be done to set my team and clients up for success. I am usually juggling numerous priorities, so being efficient and purposeful with my time is critical. The day comes to an end on the bike, to clear the head and the heart.
How do you bring ideas to life?
Often ideas come when I least expect them. They spark my curiosity and set in motion a series of “what ifs…” and the possibility grows from there. Once an idea has been vetting by my curiosity, I will collaborate with others to get their perspectives and ideas. Getting feedback from others with different perspectives and backgrounds always gives an idea greater depth and impact.
What’s one trend that excites you?
The increased value put on experiences in life rather than possessions is exciting. Shared experiences with friends and family builds richness in life. Our possessions are empty without this.
What is one habit that helps you be productive?
Planning my time. I live by my calendar and use it to make sure I focus on my priorities each day. It’s a jigsaw puzzle; if a new priority arises, I just shift the puzzles pieces around until priorities are realigned.
What advice would you give your younger self?
Go to bed earlier and focus on building your professional network. Connect with your peers in your market, across industries, and find ways to help them.
Tell us something you believe almost nobody agrees with you on?
Time you enjoyed wasting is not wasted time.
What is the one thing you repeatedly do and recommend everyone else do?
Exercise consistently and with intensity.
When you feel overwhelmed or unfocused, what do you do?
Typically, being overwhelmed stems from having so much to do that your emotions are distracting you from finishing anything. You’re bouncing between tasks, not really finishing anything. When I recognize this phenomenon, I take a step back and recognize that the best place to start is to get one thing done. So, I find something I can get done with less resistance and finish it. By clearing my mind and focusing on one task only, I can usually start being productive again.
What is one strategy that has helped you grow your business or advance in your career?
Preparation. I never go to a meeting without being thoroughly prepared. This enables me to collaborate, discuss, and problem solve with peers and clients with confidence. I prepare by researching, organizing the facts, performing preliminary analyses, and considering alternative scenarios.
What is one failure in your career, how did you overcome it, and what lessons did you take away from it?
Early on in my career, I learned that you can’t be impatient with people. You need to meet them where they are.
What is one piece of software that helps you be productive? How do you use it?
I use AI platforms frequently to assist with research. It is especially useful when you need to get up to speed on something quickly. I often use it to gain insights on KPIs (key performance indicators) for niche industries.
Do you have a favorite book or podcast you’ve gotten a ton of value from and why?
The Power of Now by Eckhart Tolle is one of my favorites. This book really opened my eyes to the importance of being present and the impact it has on the quality of your life.
What’s a movie or series you recently enjoyed and why?
The 3 Body Problem on Netflix was right up my alley. I love sci-fi. The premise of making contact with a distant advanced civilization and the impacts on our society that result was highly entertaining.
Key learnings
- Balance between personal care and work is imperative for long-term fulfillment.
- Vet your ideas with people who have different views, backgrounds, and experiences than yourself to expand and enhance your ideas.
- Never underestimate the value of being well-prepared.
- Building your network early pays professional dividends.
- Invest in shared experiences with friends and family.