Allen joined Executive Sounding Board in September 1999, and became a Principal in January, 2001. He has successfully completed transactions in a broad range of industries, including business services, health care services, distribution, manufacturing, chemicals and plastics. Allen s practice is focused on providing strategic advice to business owners throughout the exit planning, preparation and transaction execution stages. He was cofounder of Business Transitions LLC in 1997, a small and mid-market M&A intermediary and consulting firm based in Columbia, MD. Allen also has 12 years experience in the chemicals, plastics and packaging industries, including Corporate Commercial Development with W.R. Grace in Columbia, MD. Allen previously worked as Project Manager with Kline & Company, an international business consulting firm. He holds a B.S. degree in chemistry from Randolph Macon College and an M.B.A. from The College of William & Mary. Allen is a board member and past Chairman of the Howard County YMCA, and a board member of j-ref, formerly the James Rouse Entrepreneurial Fund. He also served as Chairman of the Business Assistance Committee of the Baltimore County Chamber of Commerce.