Ted is a Partner at Lazear, bringing deep expertise in ESOP formations and capital-raising strategies. Since joining the firm in 2009, he has guided numerous business owners in identifying the best approach to meet their succession and liquidity needs, whether through an ESOP or another solution.

If the decision is made to sell the company to an ESOP, Ted excels at guiding owners/sellers through the entire process, ensuring they understand what to expect at each stage: how much they will receive and when, how ESOPs work, the significant tax advantages for both the company and the seller, and how employees and management continue to benefit after the transaction. A Certified Exit Planning Advisor and highly rated national speaker on ESOPs, Ted is recognized for making complex ownership transitions clear and actionable.

With more than 25 years in commercial lending, asset-based lending, and private equity, Ted has funded over $1 billion in capital. He draws on this experience to help companies access a wide variety of funding sources, whether for rapid growth, navigating financial challenges, or facilitating a sale to an ESOP.

Before joining Lazear, Ted held senior roles at LaSalle Bank, Fifth Third Bank, Bank One, and GE Capital, and was a Partner at the private equity firm Talisman Capital Partners. He earned his MBA from the University of Chicago and his undergraduate degree from Northwestern University.

Ted has also been actively involved in the community, including serving on the boards of ACG Columbus, the Columbus Council on World Affairs, and the Nationwide Children’s Hospital Development Board.