We Are Experienced Owner-Operators of Essential Family Run Companies 

We have over 25 years of experience scaling essential service businesses and family-owned enterprises. Our expertise comes from being in the trenches, building businesses from the ground up, and creating value through hands-on operational excellence. 

  • Benjamin is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Legacy Holdings, which he founded after operating an essential small business for over eight years. He brings over 15 years of experience in investing, operating, and acquiring small businesses, with a particular focus on the essential services sector. A graduate of Syracuse University and New England School of Law, Benjamin began his career working with family-owned businesses while at Fore Rivers Ventures, a search fund created to acquire energy companies in the New England area. He later joined Compound Ventures in New York City as its first hire, where he helped source and invest in more than 100 early-stage technology companies across Palo Alto, Tel Aviv, and NYC. Benjamin went on to found Urban Umbrella, an industrial scaffolding and event staging company that introduced the first premium scaffolding product for building owners. The company expanded to 18 cities across the U.S. and Canada and remains the only company globally offering a premium alternative in the scaffolding industry. His experience operating an essential business at Urban Umbrella fueled his passion for helping other small-business owners, ultimately leading to the creation of Legacy Holdings. Benjamin currently resides in Florida with his wife.

  • Dan co-founded and is a partner at Legacy Holdings. He is a seasoned executive, investor, and operator with a proven track record of building, scaling, and acquiring businesses across multiple industries. Dan co-founded Metaversal, a first-of-its-kind merchant bank for the digital culture economy. He also co-founded and served as CEO of Andover National Corporation, a holding company that strategically acquired profitable small businesses across the United States. Under his leadership, Andover acquired seven companies across the Southeast, specializing in commercial landscaping and pest control services. Earlier in his career, Dan was the Director of Investment Research at Fairholme Capital Management, a multi-billion-dollar, value-oriented investment firm. Before that, he held senior roles within the U.S. government, including positions at the White House, State Department, and United States Treasury, where he advised Cabinet officials and executive branch leaders on economic policy and national security affairs. As Chief Operating Officer of the Public-Private Investment Program, he helped manage a $30 billion initiative in response to the 2007–2008 financial crisis. Additionally, he served as Policy Advisor and Deputy Executive Secretary under Secretary Hank Paulson and worked on the Homeland Security Council and in the Bureau of Economic and Business Affairs at the State Department. Dan holds a BA from the University of Pennsylvania, an MSc from the London School of Economics, and an MA from Georgetown University. He lives with his wife and children in Florida. 

Legacy of Tennessee

  • Kathleen heads up our Tennessee team, bringing decades of experience as a business consultant, public speaker, and community leader. She is a nine-time published author and previously founded and sold one of the largest networking organizations in the nation, which grew to over 4,000 members across 73 cities in 15 states. She built the organization on the foundation of helping women promote and grow their businesses while maintaining their priorities of faith, family, and career, a philosophy she carries into her work today. Deeply rooted in the Tennessee small business community, Kathleen has spent her career helping small businesses develop business plans and succession strategies, ensuring long-term sustainability and growth. For the last nine years, she has served as President and CEO of the Hendersonville Area Chamber of Commerce, leading initiatives that drive business growth and community development. She has also held board positions with organizations such as the Foundation for Foster Care, Tennessee Donor Services, Middle Tennessee Boy Scouts of America, and Sumner County Tourism, while also serving on the Hendersonville Horizons Steering Committee. Before her leadership roles in Tennessee, Kathleen taught marketing and business courses at a Florida university, further strengthening her expertise in business strategy and professional development. Outside of her professional work, Kathleen is a licensed foster parent and adoptive mother of three, deeply committed to family and community impact. Known as a business advocate, community builder, and visionary change leader, she is passionate about helping businesses thrive while fostering meaningful connections within the community.

  • Born and raised in Tennessee, Mike Robinson has deep entrepreneurial roots and a strong connection to the local community. He serves as an Ambassador for Legacy of Tennessee, advising Legacy Holdings on the Nashville small business ecosystem and identifying opportunities within the region’s essential services sector. For the past eight years, Mike has led sales for BrandSafway, one of North America’s largest construction firms, where he manages the Nashville territory. With an extensive background in construction management and business development, he has built strong relationships within the Tennessee construction industry and played a key role in supporting, scaling, and connecting businesses across the region. Beyond his corporate career, Mike has been deeply involved in his local community through government and public policy roles. He worked as a Government Relations Associate at MNA Government Relations during the 110th Tennessee General Assembly, served as a Field Representative for Congresswoman Diane Black’s re-election campaign, and previously held a role as a Public Policy Clerk at Baker Donelson during the 109th General Assembly.

Legacy of Virginia

  • Matt, a Virginia native, leads Legacy of Virginia’s team out of Legacy’s Virginia Beach office. Matt has experience as a Business Development Manager for kSARIA Service Corporation, a leading manufacturer and installation company specializing in mission-critical aerospace and defense connectivity solutions. With over 17 years of experience in operations, program, and project management, Matt has worked extensively with Surface Navy and Submarine systems, developing expertise in government contracting, defense technology integration, and strategic operations. He has experience as a Program Manager at kSARIA, leading large-scale fiber optic training programs and installation projects, and as Operations Director at Solvere Technical Group, overseeing high-level strategic operations for defense sector initiatives. Matt is deeply connected to the local community and has built strong relationships with small and medium-sized businesses in the region.

  • Mike has spent over 30 years building and operating small businesses across Virginia, establishing himself as a leader in the service industry. He has founded and scaled multiple companies specializing in air quality, restoration, and structural remediation, helping homes and businesses create safer, healthier environments. With a background in logistics, restoration, and life safety solutions, Mike has successfully led companies specializing in mold remediation, moisture control, air quality assessment, and structural repair. He managed Drying Solutions, a leading restoration and mitigation company, before founding Clean Air Solutions Inc. VA in 2005. He later expanded its services by acquiring Gilbert & Son Moisture & Structural Services in 2013. A recognized innovator in the industry, Mike developed and patented negative air drying technology, improving building efficiency and air quality. His expertise has been instrumental in disaster recovery efforts, including serving on the national disaster team during Hurricane Katrina and consulting on EPA air quality initiatives. Beyond his own businesses, Mike has played a pivotal role in training industry professionals—educating home inspectors, HVAC specialists, termite companies, and property managers on best practices in air quality and structural remediation. With over 4,000 completed projects, he remains a leading voice in Virginia’s service industry, providing expert guidance, innovative solutions, and sustainable growth strategies for small businesses.

  • Jeff Thompson lives in Virginia Beach and is helping lead Legacy’s efforts to grow small businesses in his community. As a seasoned entrepreneur who successfully built and sold a healthcare business to private equity, Jeff brings first-hand experience in creating scalable operations and navigating strategic exits.

    A licensed optometrist and business leader, Jeff co-founded and scaled a highly profitable eye care practice by blending clinical expertise with operational discipline. His leadership focused on efficiency, patient-centric service, and the thoughtful use of technology—allowing the practice to thrive and stand out in a competitive market. Strategic growth, streamlined systems, and a strong team culture positioned the business for long-term success and ultimately, a private equity acquisition.

    Now, Jeff is using his experience to support and advise other small business owners—especially those ready to professionalize, grow, and preserve what they’ve built.

    Jeff earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemistry from the University of Prince Edward Island and graduated with honors from the University of Waterloo School of Optometry and Vision Science in 2013.

Legacy of Carolina

  • Austin leads Legacy's Charlotte team, bringing a rich heritage of entrepreneurship from his Ohio roots. His family's deep involvement in small businesses has given him a profound understanding of the challenges and opportunities that growing companies face. After relocating to Charlotte, Austin spent three years in supply chain and logistics, collaborating with businesses to enhance their transportation strategies. His tenure at Spot, a leading third-party logistics provider known for its commitment to timely and reliable freight delivery, honed his skills in optimizing supply chains. Austin's blend of entrepreneurial insight and logistics expertise positions him uniquely to drive Legacy's mission of supporting and scaling small businesses in the region.

  • Zach Smith, a Raleigh resident and a dedicated member of the small business community, brings extensive experience in energy, data analytics, and critical infrastructure to the Legacy of North Carolina team. With over 14 years of executive experience in business development and strategic leadership, Zach has played a pivotal role in helping companies leverage data to drive local business growth and operational efficiencies across multiple industries. Throughout his career, Zach has held key roles at FirstEnergy, SymphonyAI, and IRI, where he has successfully applied data-driven insights to optimize operations, improve supply chains, and support large-scale infrastructure projects. At FirstEnergy, a leading electric utility company, Zach worked within the energy sector, helping businesses navigate grid modernization, energy efficiency, and strategic infrastructure planning. At SymphonyAI, he spearheaded AI-powered analytics initiatives, enabling businesses to refine pricing strategies, optimize operations, and enhance decision-making complex industrial environments. His tenure at IRI, a global leader in data analytics, saw him managing retailer programs and utilizing advanced consumer and market insights to help businesses grow, securing a 100% contract renewal rate and exceeding a $28 million revenue target. Outside of his professional achievements, Zach is also an active firefighter with the Fairview Fire Department, reinforcing his commitment to service and community resilience.

Legacy of Colorado

  • Jack leads Legacy’s Colorado team, bringing deep industry expertise and a strong local presence. A Colorado resident, Jack has built a career in complex construction management, delivering large-scale projects across multiple industry sectors. Jack’s experience working with small, family-owned businesses in Colorado stems from founding Arrow Management, a Denver-based construction management firm, and his tenure at Spartan Construction Management. At Spartan, Jack served as Director of Operations, where he played a key role in overseeing project execution, financial strategy, and operational leadership for construction projects across the state. Before that, he worked as a Project Executive, focusing on real estate development, team management, and optimizing project workflows. Throughout his career, Jack has contributed to the growth of multiple general contractors, leading project execution, field operations, and pre-construction planning, while also managing client relations and company strategy. His experience includes over $100 million in public and private developments, adaptive reuse projects in Washington, D.C., and infrastructure expansion in Antarctica—demonstrating his ability to manage complex, high-stakes projects. With a deep understanding of Colorado’s construction landscape, Jack is committed to supporting and growing businesses in the region, leveraging his expertise to help Legacy Holdings build a network of high-performing companies that drive local impact.

  • Christian, a Colorado native, brings a diverse background in construction management and public service to Legacy’s team. With experience in general contracting, he has worked on large commercial projects and heavy civil construction, developing expertise in project management, team leadership, and operational execution. Christian has rapidly advanced in the construction industry, proving his ability to manage complex projects and lead high-performing teams. His hands-on approach and strategic mindset have made him an asset in coordinating large-scale builds while maintaining strong client and team relationships. Beyond construction, Christian serves as a part-time firefighter-EMT for Clear Creek County, Colorado,

  • Spencer Beattie, a Boulder, Colorado native, brings a unique blend of local expertise and national perspective, shaped by a decade in New York City. Coming from a family of small business owners, he has firsthand insight into the challenges and opportunities that define Colorado’s essential industries. Spencer’s career spans branding, marketing, advertising, and consulting, where he worked with top firms in NYC to refine positioning, accelerate growth, and drive strategic direction for businesses across various industries. One of his most notable achievements was co-founding a full-service creative ad agency during the recession, successfully scaling it to over 25 employees before leading it through a successful acquisition. Now back in Colorado, Spencer leverages his strategic expertise and deep industry knowledge to support the growth of small and mid-sized businesses, helping them build strong operational foundations and achieve long-term success.

  • Will is a key member of Legacy Holdings’ Colorado team, where he focuses on developing investment strategy, underwriting new opportunities, and building strong relationships with business owners across the Colorado region. As a resident of Colorado, Will has built a career at the intersection of investment strategy and business operations. After earning his degree from Tulane University, he joined Spartan Investment Group, a rapidly growing firm focused on acquiring and developing self-storage assets. At Spartan, he led the underwriting and feasibility process, serving as the primary analyst on over $190 million in closed deals. Beyond analytics, Will also played a pivotal role in sourcing off-market opportunities and cultivating relationships with business owners across the Colorado region.