Company Connections Grand Rapids

Jim Hines began his business merger and acquisition career in 1978. He founded his M&A firm Investment Exchange Corporation (Inexco) in 1982. In 2004 he launched Company Connections, a division of Investment Exchange Corporation, as a cutting edge Internet based M&A marketing network. During his career he has administered the sale of over two hundred companies. In addition to his merger & acquisition firms, Jim has owned businesses in the telecommunications, service and franchise industries.

Jim was a founding member of the Michigan Business Brokers Association (MBBA) in 1983. In addition to serving several terms as its president, in 1990 he led the effort to formally associate the MBBA with the International Business Brokers Association. Jim has been an active member of the International Business Brokers Association (IBBA) since 1988. He holds its professional designation of Certified Business Intermediary (CBI) and was among the first to earn its prestigious Distinguished Fellow award for lifetime M&A industry and career achievement. Jim has served the IBBA as an officer and two-term director.

Jim has lectured at Colleges, Chambers of Commerce and other business and professional groups. He has written numerous articles regarding issues effecting ownership transfer for business publications. Having valued hundreds of companies for impending sale to courtroom proceedings, Jim is recognized as an expert business appraiser.

Cynthia Meinke is both a Merger & Acquisition and Real Estate broker. Cynthia is also an owner/president of Bluewater Communications, Inc a company that designs and implements high-speed wireless solutions for the education, government, housing and hospitality markets. As a business owner Ms. Meinke has special incites and hands on experience with the needs of owners of closely held corporations. Cynthia Meinke has designed and implemented many security focused VOIP (Voice over Internet Protocol - VOIP) and Wireless installations across Michigan and holds a degree in Computer Technology. As a result of this background Cynthia's practice has a special emphasis on technology industries.

John Curtis began his M&A career in 1984. Over his 23 years of practice he has assisted numerous clients divest and acquire companies. Mr Curtis specializes in the sale and merger of service and high tech companies. He has ownership in several companies and takes applies that real world experience to his M&A work.

Dominique Francon is the corporate Marketing Director for Company Connections, Inc. and Company Connections Grand Rapids. Ms Francon is a graduate of Columbia University of Chicago where she earned degrees in marketing and business administration.