Who We Are
DNA specializes in the acquisition and expansion of promising small-to-medium sized businesses, with the aim to build a portfolio of thriving companies that are vertically and horizontally aligned.
We aim to partner with owners ready to transition their life’s work to trusted, conscientious stewards who will honor and build upon their legacy.
DNA seeks businesses for acquisition that already demonstrate solid financial foundations, a loyal customer base, and a dedicated workforce.
DNA is not just an investor, we are true operating partners who will be running the day-to-day of the business. We wish to accomplish the following core pillars with each of our businesses:
- Provide a great place to work and meaningful careers
- Give back to the communities in which we operates
- Pass equity to the next generation of capable and deserving owners
Our Mission
We are not your typical small business acquirer.
Our mission is to build a portfolio of thriving, high-performing small businesses that positively impact the communities they serve and enhance the well-being of
their employees.
We use our core values as Guiding principles that inspire our day-to-day decision making:
- Long-term decision-making for sustainable growth
- Maximize all-stakeholder value
- Use our platform to solve real problems
Our Partners
Our partners have the perfect balance of operational and financial experience, making them highly qualified to own and operate successful small businesses.
- Financial management expertise via capital raising and M&A experience
- Proven operational leadership within fast-growing, complex businesses
- Differentiated purpose-driven approach
About Our Partners
Andrew Carlton
Andrew Carlton
Andrew Carlton
Andrew is an experienced consultant in business strategy and execution. He spent the last three years as a Senior Director and the prior three years as a Director at EY-Parthenon helping Fortune 500 companies navigate the financial and operational complexities of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. Andrew's expertise lies in steering
Andrew is an experienced consultant in business strategy and execution. He spent the last three years as a Senior Director and the prior three years as a Director at EY-Parthenon helping Fortune 500 companies navigate the financial and operational complexities of mergers, acquisitions and divestitures. Andrew's expertise lies in steering the finance and accounting functions across the entire transaction lifecycle, including financial due diligence, operational integration and separation planning, and Transitional Service Agreement (TSA) execution.
Prior to EY-Parthenon, Andrew spent over two years in EY's Transaction Diligence practice and three years in the Assurance service line and is a licensed Certified Public Accountant in the State of Washington. Andrew's extensive experience and strategic insights in finance and accounting make him instrumental to DNA's growth through acquisition strategy.
Dan Gockel
Andrew Carlton
Andrew Carlton
Dan is a seasoned operator with a wealth of experience in operations, strategy, and leadership. Over his seven-year tenure at MOD Pizza, he played an important role in the company's explosive growth, guiding its expansion from 25 to 500 stores and contributing to its recognition as the fastest-growing restaurant brand in the U.S. for fiv
Dan is a seasoned operator with a wealth of experience in operations, strategy, and leadership. Over his seven-year tenure at MOD Pizza, he played an important role in the company's explosive growth, guiding its expansion from 25 to 500 stores and contributing to its recognition as the fastest-growing restaurant brand in the U.S. for five consecutive years. Dan's broad expertise across accounting, financial planning & analysis, data, and technology culminated in his appointment as Chief of Staff (CoS) to the CEO. Following his success in the CoS role, Dan spearheaded franchise development at MOD, further accelerating the company’s growth and market reach.
His leadership extends beyond the restaurant industry, having served as CoS to two dynamic CEOs at Brighton Jones, Washington State's largest RIA, and Deako, a smart home technology startup in Seattle, recently ranked 182nd on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list of fastest-growing private companies. Dan has won awards for his work, and has been asked to speak at conferences for Microsoft, Smartsheet, and ICSC.