Our vision
Our vision is to build a leading North American IT services platform recognized for its ability to acquire, strengthen, and scale high-performing businesses over the long term. We aim to set the standard for operational excellence, disciplined growth, and value creation by combining strategic acquisitions with a structured and repeatable approach to performance improvement.
We believe that strong service-based businesses can achieve significantly greater impact with the right support, resources, and strategic direction. By providing shared infrastructure, advanced analytics, and experienced leadership, we seek to unlock their full potential while preserving the entrepreneurial culture that drives their success
Our mission
We enhance each acquisition through shared operational expertise, modern technology infrastructure, advanced data and performance analytics, and targeted demand generation initiatives that improve efficiency, strengthen margins, and support sustainable growth. We also partner selectively with complementary service businesses—such as performance-driven digital marketing firms—that demonstrate strong fundamentals and measurable client outcomes, where they align with our long-term platform strategy.
Our Board of Advisors
Paul M. Cofoni
Chairman of the Board of Advisors
Paul M. Cofoni is the former President and Chief Executive Officer of CACI International Inc, a multibillion-dollar professional services and information technology (IT) company.
Under Mr. Cofoni’s guidance, CACI broadened its penetration of the federal marketplace, with special emphasis on increasing CACI market share in defense, homeland security, the intelligence community, and the transformation and modernization of government. Mr. Cofoni has played a key leadership role in developing CACI’s ability to compete for large-scale contracts at the highest levels of government service. He has overseen the growth of CACI from $1.6 billion of revenue in 2005 to more than $3.8 billion at the end of 2012. His responsibilities also included managing CACI’s corporate development and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) program. CACI acquired 20 companies under Mr. Cofoni’s leadership. Mr. Cofoni served on the board of CACI and its Executive Committee from November 2006 till December 2012
Paul M. Cofoni
Paul M. Cofoni is the former President and Chief Executive Officer of CACI International Inc, a multibillion-dollar professional services and information technology (IT) company.
Under Mr. Cofoni’s guidance, CACI broadened its penetration of the federal marketplace, with special emphasis on increasing CACI market share in defense, homeland security, the intelligence community, and the transformation and modernization of government. Mr. Cofoni has played a key leadership role in developing CACI’s ability to compete for large-scale contracts at the highest levels of government service. He has overseen the growth of CACI from $1.6 billion of revenue in 2005 to more than $3.8 billion at the end of 2012. His responsibilities also included managing CACI’s corporate development and mergers and acquisitions (M&A) program. CACI acquired 20 companies under Mr. Cofoni’s leadership. Mr. Cofoni served on the board of CACI and its Executive Committee from November 2006 till December 2012.
Mr. Cofoni has more than 30 years of senior-level executive experience in business development, M&A, strategic planning, and operations in both federal and commercial markets. His professional experience includes large-scale integrator contracts in the broad federal market sector; the defense, intelligence, and communications markets; and major commercial IT outsourcing in manufacturing, telecommunications, aerospace/defense, insurance, and energy markets.
In 2008, and again in 2010, Mr. Cofoni was named to Federal Computer Week’s Federal 100 list of government and industry leaders who have had a positive impact on the federal IT community.
Mr. Cofoni was honored as the 2011 Executive of the Year at the Greater Washington Government Awards ceremony and was selected by Government Computer News as the 2012 Executive of the Year. He has served as Chairman of the Board of the Armed Forces Communications and Electronics Association (AFCEA) International. AFCEA serves the military, government, industry, and academia as an ethical forum for advancing professional knowledge and relationships in the fields of communications, information technology, intelligence, and global security. Mr. Cofoni also served as Chairman of the Professional Services Council, an association of federal services contractors. PSC’s purpose is to advocate with congress and the executive branch for government policies which will promote effective contracting between government and industry. Mr. Cofoni served as the Executive Chairman of Pacific Architects and Engineers, a $1.6 Billion Company operating in the Federal Services Marketplace, from April 2013 till February 2014. Mr. Cofoni has served on the Board of the Virginia Hospital Center since 2010, where he is Chairman of the IT Oversight Committee. Mr. Cofoni also serves on the Executive Committee of the Board of the University of Rhode Island Foundation and is a member of the Advisory Board of the Guglielmo Marconi University in Rome, Italy.
Before joining CACI, Mr. Cofoni was President, Federal Sector, of Computer Sciences Corporation (CSC). One of the largest systems integrators for federal government agencies, CSC’s Federal Sector contracts included numerous aerospace, defense, and intelligence systems applications and services. Under Mr. Cofoni’s leadership, CSC’s Federal Sector annual revenues grew from $2.7B in 2001 to over $5B in 2005. Prior to this assignment, Mr. Cofoni spent ten years as an executive in CSC’s Commercial IT Outsourcing business culminating with his assignment as President of CSC’s North American IT Outsourcing Group. Mr. Cofoni personally led the capture of such large outsourcing contracts as British Aerospace (now BAE Systems), United Technologies, and Nortel Networks. Under his leadership, North American Outsourcing grew from $1B in annual revenues in 1998 to over $2B in annual revenues in 2001. Prior to joining CSC, Mr. Cofoni enjoyed a 17-year career with General Dynamics in a number of technical, and leadership assignments from 1974 to 1991. At General Dynamics, he served as Vice President of Information Technology services for both east and west coast service centers, providing all IT services for the aerospace, shipbuilding, and land combat vehicle divisions of General Dynamics.
Mr. Cofoni served as an officer in the U.S. Army from 1970 to 1974. He received a Bachelor of Science degree in mathematics from the University of Rhode Island in 1970 and attended the Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT) Sloan School program for senior executives in the Fall of 1988.
James Nguyen
President and CEO
James Nguyen is a seasoned executive and serial entrepreneur with a strong track record in building and scaling technology-driven businesses. Prior to founding IT Unlock, he served as the Director of Market Development at ALCO Solution Inc., where he led strategic initiatives for medium and large enterprises across the banking, finance, apparel, and airline industries.
In 2005, Mr. Nguyen founded IT Unlock Consulting Inc., a company originally focused on solving enterprise challenges in digital transformation and process automation through artificial intelligence. Over time, he evolved the business into a strategic platform for acquiring and optimizing high-performing IT consulting firms. Today, under his leadership, IT Unlock applies best practices in operations, governance, and technology integration to accelerate growth and value creation across its portfolio companies.
James Nguyen
James Nguyen is a seasoned executive and serial entrepreneur with a strong track record in building and scaling technology-driven businesses. Prior to founding IT Unlock, he served as the Director of Market Development at ALCO Solution Inc., where he led strategic initiatives for medium and large enterprises across the banking, finance, apparel, and airline industries.
In 2005, Mr. Nguyen founded IT Unlock Consulting Inc., a company originally focused on solving enterprise challenges in digital transformation and process automation through artificial intelligence. Over time, he evolved the business into a strategic platform for acquiring and optimizing high-performing IT consulting firms. Today, under his leadership, IT Unlock applies best practices in operations, governance, and technology integration to accelerate growth and value creation across its portfolio companies.
A serial entrepreneur at heart, Mr. Nguyen has successfully launched and supported several ventures, always with a focus on operational excellence, scalability, and long-term impact. His leadership philosophy blends innovation with discipline, ensuring that each acquisition aligns with clear value-driven objectives.
Beyond business, Mr. Nguyen is deeply committed to philanthropy. He is passionate about supporting underprivileged children and believes strongly in giving back to the community through education and opportunity-driven initiatives.
Mr. Nguyen holds a Bachelor of Science in Management Information Systems from the Université du Québec à Montréal. His combined experience in entrepreneurship, corporate growth, and technology strategy positions him as a forward-thinking leader in the IT consulting M&A space.
Jeffrey Friedman
Financial Advisor
Jeffrey Friedman, CPA, CA, is a senior finance executive and strategic advisor with over 25 years of experience driving enterprise value creation, capital efficiency, and scalable growth across technology-enabled services, healthcare, and multi-entity operating platforms. He has held Chief Financial Officer, General Manager, and Vice President roles in private and private equity-backed organizations, partnering with CEOs, founders, and boards on capital allocation, acquisition strategy, restructuring initiatives, and long-term value realization. Over the past 18 years, he held senior leadership roles at Clinique Ovo and The Fertility Partners, where he led finance, operations, and strategic initiatives within a multi-site, PE-backed healthcare platform. He is recognized for strengthening governance, improving EBITDA performance, and aligning financial strategy with investor and stakeholder objectives.
Bob Dimond
Jeffrey Friedman, CPA, CA, is a senior finance executive and strategic advisor with over 25 years of experience driving enterprise value creation, capital efficiency, and scalable growth across technology-enabled services, healthcare, and multi-entity operating platforms. He has held Chief Financial Officer, General Manager, and Vice President roles in private and private equity-backed organizations, partnering with CEOs, founders, and boards on capital allocation, acquisition strategy, restructuring initiatives, and long-term value realization. Over the past 18 years, he held senior leadership roles at Clinique Ovo and The Fertility Partners, where he led finance, operations, and strategic initiatives within a multi-site, PE-backed healthcare platform. He is recognized for strengthening governance, improving EBITDA performance, and aligning financial strategy with investor and stakeholder objectives.
Throughout his career, Jeffrey has led enterprise finance operations, complex restructurings, and acquisition initiatives, including due diligence, integration, and performance optimization. His experience includes scaling organizations, optimizing cost structures, and implementing data-driven performance frameworks to enhance returns and operational discipline. As a Board Financial Advisor, he provides independent oversight on financial strategy, risk management, capital deployment, and growth opportunities, helping organizations enhance shareholder value and execute disciplined expansion strategies.
Scott Olson
Legal Advisor
Scott Olson is a corporate attorney and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience representing public and private companies in all aspects of their business. Scott was an associate and partner at the law firm of Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP in Houston, Texas for nearly 20 years where he assisted large public companies and small privately held companies in mergers and acquisitions, corporate financings, securities offerings, public company disclosures, and board governance. Scott was recognized as a Texas Rising Star for six years, listed as a top lead lawyer in Texas securities offerings representing underwriters and initial purchasers, and profiled as one of the leading capital markets equity offerings and capital markets debt offerings lawyers in the United States.
Dominic C. Mazzone
Scott Olson is a corporate attorney and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience representing public and private companies in all aspects of their business. Scott was an associate and partner at the law firm of Hunton Andrews Kurth LLP in Houston, Texas for nearly 20 years where he assisted large public companies and small privately held companies in mergers and acquisitions, corporate financings, securities offerings, public company disclosures, and board governance. Scott was recognized as a Texas Rising Star for six years, listed as a top lead lawyer in Texas securities offerings representing underwriters and initial purchasers, and profiled as one of the leading capital markets equity offerings and capital markets debt offerings lawyers in the United States.
Upon retiring from the law firm, Scott and his wife developed a successful boutique residential assisted living business in the Houston, Texas area. They bought four traditional residential homes; converted, expanded and licensed them to accommodate approximately 50 residents, including their family members; employed and managed a staff of dedicated caregivers; and otherwise operated all aspects of the business before selling the business seven years later.
Scott graduated from the University of North Dakota with a B.B.A. in Finance, and he earned his law degree at the University of Pittsburgh. Today, Scott and his family enjoy rural life in central Texas where he continues to practice law for selected clients, operates several short-term rentals, and otherwise enjoys traveling, gardening and pickleball.
John Atanasio
M&A Integration Advisor
Mr. Atanasio holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and has attend executive course in International Business Management and Strategy at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and the Ashridge Business School in London. He brings over 40 years of experience from the mechanical and industrial engineering industry.
Alfa Laval is based out of Lunde, Sweden and is a global provider of specialized products and engineering solutions in the marine, energy and food industries. Beginning in 1982, Mr. Atanasio joined Alfa Laval’s Food and Dairy Group. In 1990, Mr. Atansio was advanced to Alfa Laval Separation, where he oversaw a number of positions including: Industrial Fluids Business Manager, Supply Unit Manager, Environmental Marketing Manager and the Division Manager of Industrial Separation. In 2001, Mr. Atanasio secured the position of President of the company’s USA Parts and Service Division, and then in 2004, was appointed President of the company’s equipment division. Finally, in 2011, Mr. Atanasio was appointed not only President, but also CEO of Alfa Laval in USA; He was responsible for driving the profitable growth of Alfa Laval in its markets, leveraging the company’s key technologies of heat transfer, separation and fluid handling.
John Atanasio
Mr. Atanasio holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Marketing and has attend executive course in International Business Management and Strategy at Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business and the Ashridge Business School in London. He brings over 40 years of experience from the mechanical and industrial engineering industry.
Alfa Laval is based out of Lunde, Sweden and is a global provider of specialized products and engineering solutions in the marine, energy and food industries. Beginning in 1982, Mr. Atanasio joined Alfa Laval’s Food and Dairy Group. In 1990, Mr. Atansio was advanced to Alfa Laval Separation, where he oversaw a number of positions including: Industrial Fluids Business Manager, Supply Unit Manager, Environmental Marketing Manager and the Division Manager of Industrial Separation. In 2001, Mr. Atanasio secured the position of President of the company’s USA Parts and Service Division, and then in 2004, was appointed President of the company’s equipment division. Finally, in 2011, Mr. Atanasio was appointed not only President, but also CEO of Alfa Laval in USA; He was responsible for driving the profitable growth of Alfa Laval in its markets, leveraging the company’s key technologies of heat transfer, separation and fluid handling.
Mr.Atanasio’s industry knowledge spans from business strategy, all the way to project planning, and everything in between. Especially skilled in management, negotiation and team leadership, Mr. Atanasio has been endorsed for his specialties in product development, engineering and process engineering.
In 2002, Mr. Atanasio joined the board of directors for the Food Processing Suppliers Association (FPSA). Retiring from his essential roles in Alfa Laval, Mr. Atanasio now maintains a Consulting role at FPSA and owns One- Eighty Consulting, a firm specializing in the improvement of business processes, mergers and acquisitions, and bottom-line turnaround.
Benoit Durand
IT Strategy Advisor
Benoit Durand is a senior IT executive with over 40 years of experience in large aerospace, foods, wholesales and retails corporations including over 20 years as an executive.
Throughout his career, he successfully initiated, lead and delivered large complex business and IT digital transformational projects. He has built a strong track record in transforming and turning around IT organizations into best in-class performers through partnerships, strategic sourcing, and recruitment of top talent. He has exceptional abilities to link business strategies and objectives with relevant technologies and business improvement initiatives. He has broad experience in IT digital strategies, large complex solutions implementations, and IT operations.
His outcome driven approach to IT investments has always defined his decision-making process
Stephen Davis
Benoit Durand is a senior IT executive with over 40 years of experience in large aerospace, foods, wholesales and retails corporations including over 20 years as an executive.
Throughout his career, he successfully initiated, lead and delivered large complex business and IT digital transformational projects. He has built a strong track record in transforming and turning around IT organisations into best in-class performers through partneships, strategic sourcing, and recrutment of top talent. He has exceptionnal abilities to link business strategies and objectives with relevant technologies and business improvement initiatives. He has broad experience in IT digital strategies, large complex solutions implementations, and IT operations.
His outcome driven approach to IT investments has always defined his decision making process.
Cindy-Lynn Steele
Digital Marketing Advisor
Cindy-Lynn Steele is a senior marketing, digital, and growth executive with over 25 years of experience helping organizations scale through technology-enabled strategy, e-commerce, and customer-centric innovation. She began her career as a software engineer before pivoting into digital marketing, giving her a rare ability to connect technology, data, and commercial outcomes.
Cindy-Lynn has deep expertise in e-commerce, digital marketing, and enterprise technology, including building and leading modern tech stacks that support personalization, performance marketing, and omnichannel growth. She has led mergers and acquisitions and supported post-merger integration, aligning digital platforms, teams, and operating models to unlock value.
Cindy-Lynn Steele
Cindy-Lynn Steele is a senior marketing, digital, and growth executive with over 25 years of experience helping organizations scale through technology-enabled strategy, e-commerce, and customer-centric innovation. She began her career as a software engineer before pivoting into digital marketing, giving her a rare ability to connect technology, data, and commercial outcomes.
Cindy-Lynn has deep expertise in e-commerce, digital marketing, and enterprise technology, including building and leading modern tech stacks that support personalization, performance marketing, and omnichannel growth. She has led mergers and acquisitions and supported post-merger integration, aligning digital platforms, teams, and operating models to unlock value.
Her experience includes working with Fortune 500 companies such as Nike, Honda, and McDonald’s, as well as serving as an executive leader for some of Canada’s most iconic brands. Cindy-Lynn holds a strong academic foundation in business and marketing and spent formative years living and working in Chicago, where she built and led teams in highly competitive, fast-moving markets.
Today, Cindy-Lynn serves on multiple boards and is actively engaged as a consultant and advisor, partnering with founders, executive teams, and owners to drive growth, transformation, and long-term value creation.
Rob Hornbuckle
Cybersecurity Advisor
Rob Hornbuckle is a results-driven executive currently serving as Chief Information Officer and Chief Operating Officer for a mid-size defense contractor based in Arlington, VA. Since joining the company, Rob has played a key role in scaling operations from $96 million to $160 million in revenue, driving strategic growth and operational efficiency.
He oversees a broad portfolio of functions, including IT operations, cybersecurity (physical, information, and government), DevSecOps, facilities, logistics, procurement, platform delivery, government property, and compliance. Rob is known for building resilient, scalable infrastructure to support mission-critical operations in highly regulated environments.
Rob Hornbuckle
Rob Hornbuckle is a results-driven executive currently serving as Chief Information Officer and Chief Operating Officer for a mid-size defense contractor based in Arlington, VA. Since joining the company, Rob has played a key role in scaling operations from $96 million to $160 million in revenue, driving strategic growth and operational efficiency.
He oversees a broad portfolio of functions, including IT operations, cybersecurity (physical, information, and government), DevSecOps, facilities, logistics, procurement, platform delivery, government property, and compliance. Rob is known for building resilient, scalable infrastructure to support mission-critical operations in highly regulated environments.
Prior to his current role, Rob served as Chief Information Security Officer (CISO) for Allegiant Airlines, a leading ultra-low-cost U.S. airline. He also held interim CISO roles at United Technologies Aerospace Systems—one of the world’s top aerospace component manufacturers—and served as CISO for the Arby’s Restaurant Group, a global quick-service restaurant brand.
With over 20 years of leadership across diverse industries—including defense, aerospace, telecommunications, fintech, healthcare, and business services—Rob brings cross-sector insight and a reputation for developing innovative, pragmatic solutions to complex business challenges. His broad expertise has made him a trusted advisor to executive teams and boards alike.
Rob holds an MBA from Temple University’s Fox School of Business and a Master’s in Information Security—an uncommon combination that bridges the gap between strategy and technical depth. He is passionate about aligning technology to business goals and using innovation as a competitive advantage.
Beyond his executive work, Rob advises startups, private equity firms, investment groups, and research institutions, and has served on the advisory boards of several early-stage companies. Drawing on his own experience with dyslexia, he is a committed advocate for neurodiversity in education, the workplace, and leadership. He regularly speaks at events supporting students, families, and professionals, and is passionate about creating environments where diverse ways of thinking are recognized as strengths.