Our Professionals

James V. Forte

Jim began his career in the manufacturing sector in 1977, working in various capacities within the metalworking and precision machine tool industries. Prior to starting J. Forte Associates, Jim was a Technical Sales Consultant (CMTSE) providing solutions to owners, plant managers and Manufacturing Engineers resulting in improved quality, efficiency of product lines and methodologies in the manufacturing process. Then, as Co- Founder and Vice President of Whitney Machinery, Jim was engaged in the buying and selling of machine tools, conducted numerous appraisals, and plant liquidations, in addition to direct administrative duties, including corporate, legal, and accounting.

Manufacturing Companies remain the concentration of his focus today, as he utilizes various specific disciplines, assisting buyers and sellers of closely held small to medium size businesses achieve their acquisition and exit strategy goals. He is a graduate of the University of Connecticut at Storrs with a BA in Economics. Jim is a Certified Business Broker (CBB) and holds a Connecticut real estate license (RE), and a Member of the Institute of Certified Business Consultants. He is also an active member of the Milford Columbus Committee, a nonprofit organization which raises funds for scholarships since 1991.

Randall M. Ward, CBI

From a kitchen-table start-up to large company operating divisions, Randy Ward has been exposed to a varied mix of successful manufacturing companies. His "hands-on" experience ranges from financing boot strap operations to international market development and alliances, product design and manufacture, and technical product sales and marketing in the aerospace, energy, semi-conductor and medical industries.

Because of his ability to act as a "translator" �between technical manufacturing and financial elements of organizations, Randy has acquired considerable experience in product pricing and new market positioning, particularly in those industries which have experienced dramatic restructuring and cost pressures in recent years.

As a business advisor, Randy is able to bring the dual perspectives of small business owner and large company strategist into play, and combines these skills and experiences with a low key coaching style and the ability to assimilate new situations quickly. Randy has an undergraduate degree in Accounting from the University of Nevada, Reno and has completed professional coursework at Columbia University School of Business, the Darden School of Business (Univ. of Virginia), the Thomas Paterson Center for Strategic Development and the Goldratt Institute in New Haven, Connecticut. He is a Certified Business Intermediary, a member of the International Business Brokers Association and a 25 year member of ASM International.

Joe Petti, P.E., MBA

Joe has held senior executive positions with the Warner Lambert Corporation, including vice presidential positions with the Baush & Lomb Corporation and Cadbury Schwepps Corporation. He was past President of Delaney Engineering, Inc., a design and manufacturing firm that specialized in bringing new products to market.

Mr. Petti is active as a full time consultant and is presently focusing on Mergers and Acquisitions, Strategic Planning and Financial Management. He has worked with a number of Fortune 100 companies including Pfizer, GE, Gillette, Perkin Elmer and others. He holds a BSME degree from the City College of New York, an MS in Industrial Engineering from New York University, and an M.B.A. from UNH, as well as a Professional Engineering license in the state of Connecticut. Mr. Petti is an Adjunct Professor at the University of New Haven, instructing in the Executive Master’s in Business Administration program and the Executive Master’s in Engineering Management Program. He is also on the faculty of Albertus Magnus, Rensselaer and Quinnipiac University.

Although Joe's specialty is in the manufacturing sector, he has an in depth understanding of finance, sales & marketing, operations, and administration. Mr. Petti's area of concentration is strategic management consulting, business development, and negotiating successful acquisitions of small, closely held corporations. Joe is a member of New Haven Manufacturing Association and a longtime volunteer at the Shubert Theater in New Haven, Connecticut.

J. Forte Associates, LLC

167 Cherry Street, No. 290
Milford, CT 06460
Phone: 203-878-8759
Fax: 203-878-9663
E-mail: info@jforteassociates.com