Who we are

Jim Shields is a serial entrepreneur, strategic investor, and a successful attorney with over four decades of experience supporting closely held founder-led businesses. He has substantial legal and business experience in a variety of industries, with a long history of success. Giving back to the North Texas community and mentoring young entrepreneurs are strong passions of Jim's. He pours his heart, time, and resources into Communities Foundation of Texas, a North Texas-based foundation that focuses on businesses partnering with charities to provide a positive local impact.

John leads the Optimization Team responsible for addressing operational and strategic weaknesses of businesses that may result in a sub-optimal exit valuation or prevent a successful sale altogether. John is a resilient, sales-oriented, hands-on operator with extensive experience leading both large and small enterprises through challenging market environments. In his most recent CEO role of a $100 million financial services company, he turned around a failing business, rebuilding the company's business model and diversifying its revenue streams.

Chris founded four businesses beginning 2019 with two beneficial exits in 2021 and 2023. Prior to his founder led businesses, Chris grew Spearhead Mobility to nearly $50M revenue with 89 locations and 500 employees, with successful exit in 2023. He built technology business focused on integrated solutions of cloud, connectivity diversity, and cyber security with sales to over 4,000 mid-market customers. Chris led multiple business units across 26-year career at AT&T in Business, Mobility and Uverse segments. He grew AT&T Business mid-market segment to $8B Revenue and 40% margin.

Christie Varner is a Fractional CFO, bringing over 30 years of financial leadership to founders preparing their businesses for a successful exit. With deep expertise in financial planning, cash flow strategy, and operational finance, Christie helps business owners create financial systems that support stronger valuations, smoother diligence, and better outcomes at exit. Her practical, plain-English approach bridges day-to-day operations and long-term value creation-enabling founders to scale profitably while getting their financial house in order.

Matt brings a cross-disciplinary background in private investing, operational consulting, and founder collaboration to his role at LVP. He leads deal team engagements that merge founder-driven purpose with institutional buyers. He began his career at Mark Cuban’s early-stage venture portfolio, where he partnered with entrepreneurs from Shark Tank and conducted due diligence. He then joined Deloitte’s consulting practice, where he advised clients on digital transformation, operational efficiency, and organizational scale.

Lynn leads Executive Search and talent resource allocation for the firm. Prior to joining LVP, Lynn led all sales, marketing, and talent initiatives for an executive search agency as the Vice President of Talent Strategy. Lynn began her career in Human Resource management, growing into corporate HR leadership before pivoting into executive recruitment and talent consulting, with an eye towards strengthening leadership teams in middle market, private businesses preparing for transition.