Calder Capital has been named a 2025 Best and Brightest Company to Work For in Chicago by the National Association for Business Resources (NABR). This prestigious recognition underscores Calder Capital’s dedication to cultivating a workplace where employees are empowered, valued, happy, and equipped for success at work.
The Best and Brightest Companies to Work For program evaluated Calder Capital through an independent research firm, assessing key workplace factors such as compensation, benefits, leadership, employee development, work-life balance, and corporate social responsibility. With the program’s highly competitive ten-to-one ratio of nominees becoming honorees, this recognition is a strong, third-party validation of Calder’s culture and team.
Calder’s growth in Chicago has been fueled by a dynamic team of Chicago-area M&A leaders who embody the firm’s culture of collaboration and innovation. In 2020, M&A Advisor Shane Kissack launched the Chicago office, laying the foundation for Calder’s growth in the region. In 2023, Brian Eick joined Calder as an M&A Advisor, and Michael Donnelly came on board as a Small Business M&A Advisor. In 2025, long-time Calder Capital team member Jake McDonald transitioned into our Chicago office. Supported by Calder’s nationwide team, Calder Capital’s Chicago team serves regional business owners, entrepreneurs, and investors with the full strength of the firm behind them.
“At Calder Capital, we believe in doing business the right way by putting people first, both our clients and our team members,” stated Max Friar, Calder’s Managing Partner. “It is truly an honor to be recognized as one of Chicago’s Best and Brightest Companies to Work For. We view this honor in two ways: first, as a pat on the back to our entire, impressive team of M&A professionals and second, as a challenge to continue providing our team with opportunities to thrive, contribute meaningfully, and find real fulfillment in their work.”
Jennifer Kluge, President and CEO of NABR and the Best & Brightest Programs, emphasized, “These companies have excelled by prioritizing their workplace culture. By putting their employees first, this exceptional group of top-tier leaders has created a strong foundation that sets them apart as leaders in their industries and communities.”
A full list of winners can be found here.
About the National Association for Business Resources
The National Association for Business Resources (NABR) has been conducting the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For® competitions for over 25 years, identifying organizations that set the benchmark for workplace excellence. NABR’s programs celebrate top-performing companies that prioritize employee well-being, workplace culture, and leadership development. To learn more, visit www.NationalBiz.org.
About Calder Capital
Founded in 2013, Calder Capital is a cross-industry mergers and acquisitions advisory firm with offices across the United States. Calder provides valuation, sell-side, and buy-side services. We are nationally recognized for excellence in advising $1-100M enterprise value transactions in manufacturing, construction, distribution, and business services. Calder serves business owners, entrepreneurs, family offices, financial buyers, and investors. Learn more at www.CalderGR.com.