Tecum Capital is pleased to announce promotions of four team members. Jack Surma and Husnain Safdar have been promoted to Vice President, and Ian Frazier and Paul Oris have been promoted to Senior Associate. We are extremely proud of our team, and we are committed to developing and advancing our talent as we grow. These promotions reflect everyone’s exceptional work, proven leadership, and meaningful contributions to Tecum Capital. See more about our team here.
Jack is responsible for sourcing and analyzing mezzanine debt and equity investment opportunities for the firm. He is involved in all aspects of structuring, underwriting, and monitoring transactions. Jack currently maintains portfolio coverage for BICO Steel, Tier1, Cartridge Technologies, Inc., JD Palatine, and Supply Chain Services. Prior to joining Tecum in 2017, Jack worked for Lockheed Martin, where he graduated from the Operations Leadership Development Program. He served several Navy programs as a Manufacturing Program Manager and acted as the Deputy Program Manager for a national facility consolidation effort. Jack was previously employed by Oshkosh Corporation in both its Defense and Access Equipment business areas, as well as by Giant Eagle in its Supply Chain department. Jack received a Master of Business Administration degree from Carnegie Mellon University, a Bachelor of Science degree in Supply Chain & Information Systems from Pennsylvania State University, and a Certified Production & Inventory Management certificate from the American Production and Inventory Control Society. He currently serves on ACG Pittsburgh’s Future Corporate Leaders Board.
Husnain is responsible for originating, structuring, underwriting, and executing new investment opportunities, He is also responsible for managing portfolio companies, working with management teams and investment partners to develop, assess, and execute strategic initiatives. Husnain currently serves as a Board Member for BP Business Solutions, Cox Transportation, and Conco Services, and he serves as a Board Observer for Gilman Cheese. Prior to joining Tecum in 2018, Husnain was an Associate at PNC Mezzanine Capital from 2016 to 2018. Previously, he was an Analyst at Harris Williams & Co, a Richmond based investment bank specializing in middle market M&A advisory across a broad range of industries. Husnain’s experience includes investing in middle market companies across the entire balance sheet from senior debt lending to junior capital/equity investing and sell-side M&A advisory. Husnain received a B.S. in Accounting and a B.A. minor in Economics from the University of Pittsburgh, where he graduated Cum Laude.
Ian is responsible for originating, structuring, underwriting, and executing new investment opportunities, He is also responsible for managing portfolio companies, working with management teams and investment partners to develop, assess, and execute growth strategies. Ian currently serves as a Board Observer for Aging with Comfort, Primetac, The Helpful Hardware Company, and Gilman Cheese. Prior to joining Tecum in 2018, Ian worked as an Analyst with Fidus Investment Advisors, where he was responsible for analyzing and underwriting lower middle market mezzanine and equity investments. Ian graduated from the University of Richmond.
Paul is responsible for sourcing and analyzing mezzanine debt and equity investment opportunities for the firm. He is involved in all stages of the investment lifecycle, including sourcing, diligence, execution, and portfolio value creation. Paul currently serves as a Board Observer for Hoodmart, Cox Transportation, and BP Business Solutions. Prior to joining Tecum in 2018, Paul was a Senior Associate with Grossman Yanak and Ford, a public accounting firm based in Pittsburgh, PA. During his three years at GYF, Paul worked in the tax department and assisted primarily with private equity and real estate clients. Paul received a M.S. in Accounting from Pennsylvania State University. He is a Certified Public Accountant (CPA) and a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) Level III Candidate.