Craig Wendel has over 15 years of investment banking mergers and acquisitions (M&A) advisory and capital markets experience. As the Managing Director of Deal Origination at Align Business Advisory Services, he focuses on advising and guiding lower-middle-market companies through the complex M&A process. Mr. Wendel has successfully structured, negotiated, and completed more than $5 billion in transaction value through nearly 100 deals across an array of industries. Mr. Wendel and Align enjoy advising and garnering maximum transaction value for family-owned and operator-owned businesses and entrepreneurs that have been historically neglected and underserved by the investment banking M&A advisory community.

Prior to joining Align, Mr. Wendel held various positions in national investment banking firms focused on M&A and capital advisory services for middle-market companies. Mr. Wendel has also held various positions at a global hedge fund and private equity firm. He began his career in the investment banking division of J.P. Morgan. Mr. Wendel earned his degree in accounting and finance from the University of Tampa – John H. Sykes College of Business.