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Panakos Partners is comprised of a team of experienced professionals with a wide array of specialities used to advise and implement unique solutions resulting in companies transitioning into more profitable and growing enterprises.
Reference List: Click on the name below to learn more.
- Aaron D. Sadock, Managing Partner, Co-Founder
- Michael Stege, Managing Partner, Co-Founder
- Chrystel Gelin, Managing Manager
- Leo Calabrase, Jr., Corporate Turnaround Specialist, Advisory Committee Chairman
- Elizabeth Opderbeck, Director of Digital Marketing
- Stan Krimerman, VP of Business Development
- Marcus Martinez, Client Acquisitions
- Stephen L. Gordon, Legal Advisor/Committee Member
- Jonathan Pollack, Business Development
Aaron D. Sadock, Managing Partner & Co-Founder
Mr. Sadock obtained his Juris Doctorate from California Western School of Law. He received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Security with an Emphasis in Conflict Resolution. In 2005, Mr. Sadock founded “Get to Give”, a cause-based marketing company and community network that transforms consumers' everyday shopping into funds for charity and promotes local San Diego businesses. He was eventually hired on as the Project Development Manager for a San Diego-based private equity firm after introducing Get to Give to one of the firm’s founders. He successfully managed a team of 5 associates and multiple external relationships and was responsible for critical customer projects within the firm. Mr. Sadock and his team worked closely with the company’s portfolio companies to maximize value for all parties involved including improving operational systems, marketing documents, and operational business plans. Mr. Sadock has in depth experience in business development, investor relations, strategic planning, corporate mediation, and general management.
Michael Stege, Managing Partner & Co-Founder
Mr. Stege received a degree in Operations Management from The Leeds School of Business at The University of Colorado. As a Project Development Associate at a San Diego-based private equity firm, Mr. Stege directed the content and production of investment-grade business plans, investor presentations, press releases, internal marketing materials, and other documents required to enhance the firm's ability to raise private equity for its client companies. Previously, Mr. Stege worked as the lead Financial Analyst and direct assistant to the Chief Financial Officer of Paradise Bakery & Cafe, Inc., a highly successful restaurant chain with 67 locations in ten states. The company was recently acquired by Panera Bread, Inc. a publically-traded company. His business background and experience extends to multiple industries including construction, property management, asset management, accounting and corporate finance. Mr. Stege is responsible for managing the internal team of Panakos Partners and is actively involved with Panakos' small business and new venture consulting clients.
Chrystel Gelin, Managing Manager
As a Managing Partner at Panakos Partners, Mrs. Gelin applies her skills and experience to help develop and implement solutions for our clients and the management of our firm’s operations. Mrs. Gelin obtained multiple Master Degrees in Computer Sciences and Signal Processing, Ocean Engineering and Electronics. Mrs Gelin obtained her education from FAU located in Florida, ISEN located in France and the University of Cambridge. More importantly, Mrs. Gelin’s array of skills have been derived from her experience working in numerous companies, non-profits and NGO’s around the world. Mrs. Gelin’s experience ranges from quality control and technical programming for high-tech companies, the design and development of data acquisition systems for military applications, and the management of operations for foundations helping orphans in the Congo.
Leo Calabrase, Jr., Corporate Turnaround Specialist, Chairman of Advisory Committee
Mr. Calabrase has a Masters in Business Administration from National University and a Bachelor of Science in Economics with a major in Finance from Villanova University. He has a long career as a Crisis Management Consultant working with many companies in San Diego. Previously, Mr. Calabrase served as the Chief Financial Officer for several companies including a construction equipment rental operation, a specialty food processing company and a children’s software distribution business as well as the Assistant Business Manager for the Escondido Union School District. Prior to moving to San Diego, Mr. Calabrase worked for ten years on Wall Street including six years on the staff of the American Stock Exchange and with the research, marketing and administrative departments of several major investment banking firms.
Elizabeth Opderbeck, Director of Digital Marketing
Ms. “Cat” Opderbeck is a graduate from Vanderbilt University with a Bachelor of Science in Special Education and a Minor in German Language and Literature. Also working alongside Mr. Sadock and Mr. Stege at a San Diego-based private equity firm, she developed an expertise in Microsoft Office, The Adobe Suite and both Windows and Mac OS X operating systems. As part of the Project Development department, she was instrumental in utilizing information technology, marketing graphics, and utilizing her legal skills developed while attending the California Western School of Law to produce investment-grade materials for use by the firm in raising capital for its many clients. She is currently pursuing a formal degree in graphic design and website development from The Art Institute when not managing the IT infrastructure at Panakos Partners.
Stan Krimerman, VP of Business Development
Mr. Krimerman received a Bachelor of Arts Degree in International Economics from San Diego State University with an emphasis in Business Management. As the Director of Business Sales Development for Best Rank, Inc. he was responsible for generating marketing programs that lead to the successful growth of the company. Previously, at Western Financial Planning Corporation, an investment management firm, he took on the key responsibility of planning investment portfolio diversification positions for clients of the firm. His experience in business development and client services is fundamental for the task of setting the strategy and direction of both the day to day sales activity as well as the overall operation of long term marketing programs. Technical responsibilities include originating and structuring internet marketing campaigns in order for clients to achieve significant website presence.
Marcus Martinez, Client Acquisitions
Mr. Martinez received a Bachelor of Arts in Economics Degree from San Diego State University where he specialized in global and domestic relationships in Economics, Business Cycles and Investments. Working for a local butique private equity firm, Mr. Martinez was responsible for the procurement of Qualified Investors which provided a strong foundation for the growth of the firm and the successful placement of their investment projects. Previously Mr. Martinez worked as a Client Associate with a Financial Advising Group at Merrill Lynch where he constructively built key relationships with existing and prospective affluent investors.
Stephen L. Gordon, Legal Advisor/Committe Member
Mr. Gordon has been a legal resource in San Diego for more than 25 years. He provides legal representation to non-profit groups including Chabad, the Kiwanis Club and many other charities including the creation of documents necessary for the protection of charities and their relationships with consumers and merchants.
Jonathan Pollack, Business Development
Mr. Pollack graduated from the University of Maryland with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Management Science and Statistics. His specialization is in the area of Decision & Information Sciences. Mr. Pollack brings a significant and proven track record of years of experience as a sales professional, sales management, training and recruiting. His experience in business development, investor relations, real estate transactions, technology, and marketing provide a critical understanding and innovative solutions for the clients of Panakos Partners, LLC.
Affiliates
Note: To address specific issues for our clients Panakos Partners may include individuals from The following affiliate list to work with our team.
Adisa Ziric, Administrative Manager
Ms. Ziric graduated with a B.A. degree in Psychology and a minor in Business Administration from Alliant International University. She is the Director of Charity Relations, for Get to Give and previously held the position as Assistant Project Development Manager at a San Diego-based private equity firm.
Mr. “Dima” Bershadskyy studied Applied Math at Kiev National University in the Ukraine specializing in Artificial Intelligence projects with his achievements in this field being published in scientific journals. Subsequently worked as Art Projects Manager at the British Council of Ukraine before relocating to the United States in 2004. As Vice President and Chief Information Officer, he heads up IT operations for the cause-based marketing company “Get to Give”, including systems and creative development as well as web design and database management.