As founder and CEO of Stax, Rafi leads our investor-related work. His experience with institutional investment firms spans 10+ years, working with more than 50 LBO, venture, distressed, and long/short equity hedge funds. He specializes in reviewing investment opportunities with clients, identifying fundamental issues for testing, and building research methodologies that deliver the best answers under parameters and pressures of the investment cycle. In his work for corporate clients, Rafi focuses on identifying and prioritizing growth opportunities (markets, products, channels) and eliminating stagnant performance and low-value expenditures. His industry exposure and interests are wide-ranging from media and industrial products to business services, financial services, consumer products, and retail. He has been a key player in Stax s green initiative, which includes helping companies show their customers where increases in capital expenditures will ultimately bring lower total costs due to massive reduction in consumption. With the resources of Stax Inc., Rafi initiated a program to help major U.S. cities starting with NYC accelerate conversion of taxis and limousines to hybrid vehicles by analyzing both the environmental impact and potential financial benefit to industry participants, from drivers to dealers to major auto manufacturers. He has developed a communication program for municipalities to reach industry players and a standalone plan to increase speed of industry conversion and is currently marketing the idea to government and industry participants. Previously with the MAC Group/Gemini Consulting, Rafi specialized in market and competitor analyses in chemicals, agriculture, industrial products, and consumer packaged goods. Founder and manager of two successful magazines while still in college, he has published on due diligence, improving ROI in efforts to close deals, and general issues within the M&A world. His articles have been featured in The Deal and The M&A Journal. He has a BS from Boston University in Communications and Advertising. He is on the board of Bronx Lab School.