Calder Capital is proud to announce that Sam Scharich, Buy-Side Director and M&A Advisor, has been named a winner of The M&A Advisor’s Emerging Leaders Award. This national recognition honors top-performing M&A, financing, and turnaround professionals under the age of 40 who have made notable contributions to the industry and their communities.
Since joining Calder Capital in 2018, Sam has played a pivotal role in growing the firm’s M&A practice, particularly through his visionary leadership in launching and expanding Calder’s buy-side division. Starting as a sophomore intern at age 19, Sam rose through the ranks to become Buy-Side Director, where he built the Buy-Side practice from scratch. Under his direction, the buy-side team grew to 12+ professionals and engagement from Calder’s 25+ M&A Advisors, which has, over the last few years, contributed to over 25 closings with a combined deal value of over $177M.
Sam’s introduction of a client-first guarantee offering a minimum of 10 off-market seller introductions or a refund set Calder apart in a competitive landscape and helped position its Buy-Side Gold Service as a finalist for Product/Service of the Year at the 23rd Annual M&A Awards. In addition to advising both buy- and sell-side clients, Sam remains deeply committed to mentorship and community engagement in West Michigan. Sam also served as the co-lead Sell-Side M&A Advisor on the sale of Ohio-based BCU Electric to Israel-based Meptagon Group, which was awarded Industrials Deal of the Year in the $10MM to $50MM category in the 16th Annual International M&A Awards.
“Sam has already made a lasting impact on Calder Capital, the clients we serve, and we undoubtedly believe he will continue to shape the future of M&A,” said Max Friar, Founder and Managing Partner of Calder Capital. “Despite his extraordinary accomplishments, he does not seek the spotlight. His focus remains on growing Calder, mentoring his team, and delivering exceptional results for clients. We’re incredibly proud of Sam and thrilled for him to be recognized in this way.”
Scharich’s philanthropic and volunteer efforts are spent with organizations like Home Repair Services, where he has built decks and ramps to support homeownership in West Michigan. He contributes to and volunteers for ResLife Church’s House of Hope, which offers shelter and a haven for victims of human trafficking, as well as Mel Trotter Ministries, which assists the homeless and less fortunate in West Michigan.
Sam stays engaged with his alma mater, Michigan State University, by mentoring students in the Financial Markets Institute (FMI), a program that shaped his own career. Also, he has been a guest speaker at Calvin University regarding his work in M&A. In his free time, Sam mentors and advises students from the greater Grand Rapids, Michigan area as they prepare for competitions such as the ACG Cup.
The full list of 2025 Emerging Leaders Award winners is available on The M&A Advisor website.
About The M&A Advisor:
Founded in 1998, The M&A Advisor is the preeminent organization recognizing achievement, presenting thought leadership, and facilitating connections among the world’s leading mergers and acquisitions, financing, and turnaround professionals. For more information, visit www.maadvisor.com.
About Calder Capital:
Founded in 2013, Calder Capital is a lower middle market investment bank providing mergers and acquisitions advisory services to business owners, entrepreneurs, family offices, and investors across the United States. Our dedicated team of professionals combines extensive industry experience, technological innovation, negotiation savvy, and key relationships to exhibit exceptional execution. Calder’s services include mergers and acquisitions advisory, private funds and capital markets advisory, and business valuations. To learn more, please visit https://www.caldergr.com.