The Team

ELANA BRYNES

Elana is a serial entrepreneur with vast experience in product development, marketing, branding, creative directing, strategic planning, consulting and management. Elana was born and raised in New York City and has built an impressive network of business connections across multiple industries. Elana’s ability to identify profitable market opportunities and connect people is unparalleled. Prior to joining Oaklawn Advisors, Elana was the founder of Kings of Cole. The company’s products were carried in over 500 top retail outlets worldwide at the time of exit. Elana has also advised domestic and international consumer brands on design, sourcing, manufacturing as well as multichannel selling.

Education
Boston University

JEFFREY WERBY

Jeff is an innovative business leader, seasoned IT professional, entrepreneur, and Navy veteran with a technical background and a comprehensive understanding of business operations. Jeff is experienced in operating both in large corporate environments and startups. He is well-versed in project management, having implemented dozens of large-scale digital transformation initiatives. Jeff’s previous experience includes time at Amazon, Booz Allen Hamilton, and serving as the Director of Information Technology for a top DOD contractor.

Education
University of Virginia
Duke University (MBA)

LISA DENOIA

Lisa has a passion for technology, process, and operations. Her experience includes project management, enterprise business applications, change management, quality control, contract management, marketing and communication.  She has an extensive background in running and improving  sales and wholesale logistics in large and middle market businesses.  She is accustomed to operating in highly regulated businesses with overseas operations and customers.

Education
Virginia Tech

NATHAN BULLOCK

Raised in Cincinnati, Ohio, Nathan loves Skyline Chili and Ohio State Football. He now calls Virginia Beach home, and is committed to growing the Tidewater economy through acquisitions.

Prior to joining Oak Lawn Advisors, Nathan served in the U.S. Navy as a SEAL platoon commander. Nathan is experienced in conducting global operations and leading diverse teams.

Education
The Ohio State University
The Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth (Next Step)

SARAH CAPLAN

Sarah has extensive operational experience coupled with a strong background in strategic planning, management consulting and business analytics. She is a serial entrepreneur, having started and sold multiple companies. She has significant experience developing and introducing new product lines, identifying overseas sourcing partners and working with factories on design, implementation, and production. Sarah is practiced in increasing profits through customer centricity and developing and supporting product evolution in competitive markets. Prior to founding her first company, Sara was a Vice President at JPMorgan Chase and an Strategic and Product Lead at Accenture.

Education
Syracuse University Martin J. Whitman School of Management
City University, Kowloon Tong, Hong Kong

JOEL NIED

Joel has built a two-decade career of guiding the acquisition, growth and sale of lower-and-middle market companies. Industry agnostic, he has provided advice across the full spectrum of industries and geographies, ranging from medical products manufacturers in Maryland to apparel wholesalers in New York to ship repair companies in Washington State. He regularly sources companies for acquisition and sources and negotiates debt and equity financing for growth and acquisition.

Mr. Nied provides legal services to Oaklawn Advisor’s portfolio of companies through Price Benowitz LLP, where he is a partner. Prior to joining Price Benowitz, he was a partner at Troutman Sanders LLP and worked at Morgan Lewis.

Education
University of Pennsylvania
Emory University