Jacob has led some of Novo’s most complex and high-stakes engagements. His work with Epic! Creations, Inc., a $1.5 billion enterprise undergoing Chapter 11 restructuring, highlights his ability to navigate intricate legal and operational challenges. In this extremely adversarial case marked by legal battles with equity holders, Jacob managed to gain access and secure critical technology platforms. He also spearheaded an investigation into stay violations and alleged theft of capital and property from the business. In one instance, Jacob traveled to Tijuana, Mexico to take ownership of missing inventory valued at over $100 million. Jacob is also leading efforts to sell portions of the business to return capital to the company’s lenders.

The Chapter 11 restructuring of a fine wire manufacturer was Jacob’s first engagement at Novo and set the tone for his career. His accounting background was a perfect backdrop to the typical work at hand: creating 13-week cash flow forecasts, analyzing profit contributions by customer and SKU, and navigating the company through a Chapter 11 §363 sale. While standard skills for any turnaround professional, it was clear that between Jacob’s modeling and technical skills he was able to navigate problems quickly — an asset in a financial crisis, where time is of the essence. Jacob has worked on or led over 40 engagements across various industries including manufacturing, distribution, food processing, construction, and professional services. Known for his calm and focused approach, he thrives in high-pressure environments.

For Jacob and Novo, numbers only tell one side of the story. On the other side are always people. In December 2023, Jacob walked into a New England-based construction company as its new Chief Executive Officer. The company was wrought with financial problems that stemmed from a corporate environment that benefited only a few. One day, the entire accounting department quit. Jacob immediately filled that department with two skilled Novo team members and sat down with the 150 nervous company employees to discuss next steps. His tone was candid and pragmatic, but also empathetic. It worked. He gained their trust and rallied them around his plan — setting everyone in motion with a sense of purpose. This was an example of a true company turnaround that would not have succeeded without the additional soft touches. Jacob takes great pride in knowing they are a thriving business to this day.

GigaMonster, a telecommunications company on the brink of collapse, is another example of Jacob’s skills and judgment. With less than a month of cash remaining, many thought the situation was hopeless. Jacob helped extend the cash burn timeline, outlined strategic alternatives, and advised the company through a Chapter 11 §363 auction that doubled the initial stalking horse bid. His efforts stabilized the company and secured its future, helping earn Novo the coveted Turnaround Management Association (TMA) Turnaround of the Year Award.

Jacob also played a role in the turnaround of Kimco, a $170 million commercial cleaning business with over 5,500 employees nationally. Internal fraud threatened the company’s viability. Jacob led forensic and Financial Planning & Analysis (FP&A) efforts, addressed cash flow issues, and established a new process for financial reporting, estimating, and profitability management. His work not only helped stabilize the business but preserved thousands of jobs, helping earn Novo the Secured Finance Network (SFNet) Transaction of the Year Award.

Leading Novo’s mentorship program is just one way that Jacob gives back. Just as he worked his way up from Analyst to Partner, Jacob is passionate about showing newer members of Novo how they can do the same. He helped curate training programs at Novo to ensure consistency across all channels, support new talent, and develop the next generation of turnaround specialists. Jacob also serves on the SFNet Emerging Leaders Committee.

Before Novo, Jacob worked in taxation at RSM LLP, specializing in private equity funds and their portfolios. He holds a B.S. in Accounting from the University of Illinois and is a Certified Public Accountant in Illinois.