Investment Team

Patrick Duffy
President and Managing Partner

Bob Emmert
Senior Partner

Chase Meyer
Partner

Phil Dudley
Partner

Teri Mercer
Chief Financial Officer / Chief Compliance Officer

Matthew Breunsbach
Managing Director

BJ Hansen
Managing Director

Lauren Pugliese
Partner, Head of Nicholas Street Real Estate

Brian Zaversnik
Managing Director, Portfolio Management

Tyler Cyboron
Chief of Staff, VP of Investment Operations

Justin Disch
Vice President

Thomas Sudyka
Vice President

Alyssa Anglin
Vice President

Alan Davis
Senior Associate

Jack Pettyrock
Senior Associate

Peter Schropp
Director, Real Estate

Fiona Raynor
Director, Portfolio Management

Jonathan Wegner
General Counsel

We’ve found that approaching our investments as partnerships with management not only improves results due to alignment and stronger relationships, but it adds purpose to our work.
Patrick Duffy
President and Managing Partner
Patrick Duffy joined McCarthy Capital in 2007 and has more than 25 years of investment, corporate finance and transaction experience. His responsibilities include resource and capital allocation, originating private investments and oversight of portfolio investments. He serves as chairman of the firm’s Investment and Executive Committees.
Patrick earned a Juris Doctor from Creighton University School of Law and a Bachelor of Science from Marshall School of Business, University of Southern California.
Current Portfolio
- Omaha Steaks
- Altair Global
- Guild Mortgage
- Scooter’s Coffee
Prior Portfolio
- Bearence
- Benaissance
- HHA eXchange
- Life Care Services
- Medical Solutions

We place tremendous value on working with owners who wish to remain meaningfully invested in their businesses as we collectively pursue growth initiatives.
Bob Emmert
Senior Partner
Bob Emmert joined McCarthy Capital in 2008 and has more than 25 years of investment and investment banking experience. His responsibilities include managing operations of McCarthy Capital’s Boston office, raising investment capital, evaluating and making private investments and management oversight of portfolio investments. He is a member of the firm’s Investment Committee.
Bob earned a Bachelor of Science in Finance from Georgetown University.
Current Portfolio
- Telementum
- Bigbelly
- Smartlink
- United Real Estate Group
- Kinsta
Prior Portfolio
- Advantor Systems
- Bamboo Rose
- DSCI
- Remi
- Seven10
- TriMech
Community and
Corporate
- The Retik Mello Foundation - Board Member
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of Massachusetts Bay - Board of Overseers

Chase Meyer
Partner
Chase Meyer joined McCarthy Capital in 2008. His responsibilities include originating and evaluating new investment opportunities, structuring and executing private investments and management oversight of portfolio investments.
Prior to joining McCarthy Capital, Chase worked in corporate audit and pension consulting.
Chase earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and a Bachelor of Science in Actuarial Science from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Current Portfolio
- 365 Retail Markets
- Altair Global
- Critical Response Group
- Honey Smoked Fish
- WellnessLiving
Prior Portfolio
- Bearence
- BiggerPockets
- Environmental Planning Group

Phil Dudley
Partner
Phil Dudley joined McCarthy Capital in 2009. His responsibilities include originating new investment opportunities, structuring and executing private equity investments and management oversight of portfolio investments.
Prior to joining McCarthy Capital, Phil worked in private equity and investment banking.
Phil earned a Bachelor of Arts in Economics and Business from Lafayette College.
Current Portfolio
- Corkcicle
- Caraway
- Medaxion
- Progressive Dental Marketing
Prior Portfolio
- Advantor Systems
- Bamboo Rose
- HHA eXchange
- Remi
- Seven10
- TriMech

Teri Mercer
Chief Financial Officer / Chief Compliance Officer
Teri Mercer joined McCarthy Capital in 2005. She has more than 15 years of corporate finance, tax restructuring and transaction experience. Her responsibilities include compliance, investor communications, underwriting assistance and structuring of investments. She also oversees the finance and administrative professionals.
Prior to joining McCarthy Capital, Teri worked at Deloitte’s Omaha tax practice focusing on compliance and business transactions.
Teri earned a Master of Professional Accountancy and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Community and
Corporate
- Habitat for Humanity - Board Member
- Kicks for a Cure - Board Member
- University of Nebraska-Lincoln, College of Business - Finance Advisory Board Member

Matthew Breunsbach
Managing Director
Matthew Breunsbach joined McCarthy Capital in 2014. His responsibilities include originating and evaluating new investment opportunities, structuring and executing private investments and management oversight of portfolio investments.
Prior to joining McCarthy Capital, Matt worked in a business and consumer services investment banking group. Before graduate school, he worked in management and financial roles in the business services, real estate and banking industries.
Matt received an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Accounting from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Current Portfolio
- NUSO
- Scooter’s Coffee
- Spreetail
- Docufree
- Caraway
Prior Portfolio
- Benaissance
- Quantum Workplace

BJ Hansen
Managing Director
BJ Hansen joined McCarthy Capital in 2008. His responsibilities include originating and evaluating new investment opportunities, structuring and executing private investments and management oversight of portfolio investments.
Prior to joining McCarthy Capital, BJ worked as an investment banker.
BJ earned an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business and a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Mathematics from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln.
Current Portfolio
- Telementum
- OneCare
- Kinsta
Prior Portfolio
- DSCI
- TriMech
- App Academy
Community and
Corporate
- ACG Nebraska - Board Member
- Completely Kids - Board Member

Lauren Pugliese
Partner, Head of Nicholas Street Real Estate
Lauren Pugliese joined McCarthy Capital in 2022. Her responsibilities include originating and evaluating new real estate investment opportunities, structuring and executing real estate investments and management oversight of portfolio investments. Lauren leads our real estate practice.
Prior to joining McCarthy Capital, Lauren originated and managed real estate investments for a publicly-traded finance company and a private insurance company.
Lauren received a Bachelor of Business Administration from Southern Methodist University.
Community and
Corporate
- Madonna Rehabilitation Hospitals - Board Member
- Lincoln Community Foundation - Board Member

Brian Zaversnik
Managing Director, Portfolio Management
Brian Zaversnik joined McCarthy Capital in 2013. His responsibilities include originating and evaluating new investment opportunities, structuring and executing private investments and management oversight of portfolio investments.
Prior to joining McCarthy Capital, Brian was an investment banker in Chicago with a focus on business services and industrial clients and was a CPA in Deloitte’s Omaha office with a focus on corporate financial audits.
Brian earned an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management, a Master of Professional Accountancy from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Bachelor of Business Administration in Accounting from the University of Iowa.
Current Portfolio
- Navigate Wellbeing Solutions
- Rently
- Triage Staffing
- United Real Estate Group
- U.S. Medical Staffing
Prior Portfolio
- DSCI
- Life Care Services
- Medical Solutions
- Rx Savings Solutions
- Signal 88 Security
- SKC Communications
Community and
Corporate
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands - Board Member
- The First Tee of Omaha - Board Member

Tyler Cyboron
Chief of Staff, VP of Investment Operations
Tyler Cyboron joined McCarthy Capital in 2018. He supports the firm’s investment process, investor reporting and strategic talent management. His responsibilities also include evaluating new investment opportunities, executing private investments and management oversight of portfolio investments.
Prior to joining McCarthy Capital, Tyler worked for a specialty-finance company where he analyzed new investment opportunities and managed portfolio investments.
Tyler received an MBA from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln and a Bachelor of Arts in Business from Doane College. Tyler is a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) charterholder.
Current Portfolio
- Omaha Steaks
- Triage Staffing
- U.S. Medical Staffing
Prior Portfolio
- BiggerPockets
- Environmental Planning Group

Justin Disch
Vice President
Justin Disch joined McCarthy Capital in 2014. His responsibilities include originating and evaluating new investment opportunities, structuring and executing private investments and management oversight of portfolio investments.
Justin began his career at McCarthy Capital as an Associate and previously held a variety of finance roles at a regional bank, most recently as director of treasury.
Justin earned an MBA from Creighton University and holds a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from the University of Nebraska-Omaha.
Current Portfolio
- Critical Response Group
- Guild Mortgage
Prior Portfolio
- Blue Sky eLearn
- Rx Savings Solutions
- SAFE Boats
- Signal 88 Security
Community and
Corporate
- Omaha Children's Museum - Board Member

Thomas Sudyka
Vice President
Thomas Sudyka joined McCarthy Capital in 2017. His responsibilities include originating and evaluating new investment opportunities, executing private investments and management oversight of portfolio investments. He also oversees the Associate Team.
Thomas began his career at McCarthy Capital as an Associate and previously worked in PwC’s M&A Transaction Services group.
Thomas holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration from Loyola University Chicago. Thomas is a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) charterholder.
Current Portfolio
- Caraway
- CPaT Global
- OneCare
- WellnessLiving
Prior Portfolio
- Quantum Workplace
- SKC Communications
Community and
Corporate
- RISE - Board Member

Alyssa Anglin
Vice President
Alyssa Anglin joined McCarthy Capital in 2020. Her responsibilities include evaluating new investment opportunities, structuring and executing private investments and management oversight of portfolio investments.
Prior to joining McCarthy Capital, Alyssa held various strategic and operational roles at a global eCommerce company and at a Nebraska-based software company.
Alyssa earned an MBA from Harvard Business School and holds a Bachelor of Arts in Economics from Stanford University.
Current Portfolio
- Honey Smoked Fish
- Spreetail
- Bigbelly
- Rently

Alan Davis
Senior Associate
Alan Davis joined McCarthy Capital in 2020. His responsibilities include evaluating new investment opportunities, structuring and executing private investments and management oversight of portfolio investments.
Alan began his career at McCarthy Capital as an Associate and previously worked as an investment banker.
Alan earned an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and a Bachelor of Science in Finance and Agribusiness from the University of Nebraska-Lincoln. Alan is a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) charterholder.
Current Portfolio
- Corkcicle
- Docufree
- Progressive Dental Marketing
- Smartlink
Prior Portfolio
- App Academy
Community and
Corporate
- The Experience Company - Treasurer

Jack Pettyrock
Senior Associate
Jack Pettyrock joined McCarthy Capital in 2021. His responsibilities include originating and evaluating new investment opportunities, executing private investments and management oversight of portfolio investments.
Jack began his career at McCarthy Capital as an intern in 2018, returned to the firm as an Associate in 2021 and previously worked at Stephens Investment Banking.
Jack holds a Bachelor of Science Degree in Business Administration – Cum Laude from Creighton University.
Current Portfolio
- Medaxion
- Navigate Wellbeing Solutions
- NUSO
Prior Portfolio
- Blue Sky eLearn
Community and
Corporate
- Big Brothers Big Sisters of the Midlands - Board Member
- Creighton Recent Alumni Board - Board Member
- The Barstow School Alumni Board - Board Member

Peter Schropp
Director, Real Estate
Peter Schropp joined McCarthy Capital in 2022. His responsibilities include evaluating real estate investment opportunities, structuring and executing transactions and management oversight of portfolio investments.
Prior to joining McCarthy Capital, Peter worked in capital markets and investment sales for a publicly-traded real estate company.
Peter received a Master of Professional Studies in Real Estate and a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from Georgetown University.
Community and
Corporate
- Children’s Scholarship Fund of Omaha - Board Member

Fiona Raynor
Director, Portfolio Management
Fiona Raynor joined McCarthy Capital in 2024. Her responsibilities include accelerating the firm’s value creation strategy while identifying ways to maximize growth across portfolio investments.
Prior to joining McCarthy Capital, Fiona was working in Consulting in Chicago with a focus on growth strategy and due diligence, then moved to Yum! Brands working with their global leadership team on corporate strategy.
Fiona earned a Bachelor of Business Administration from the University of Michigan’s Stephen M. Ross School of Business.

Jonathan Wegner
General Counsel
Jonathan Wegner joined McCarthy Capital in 2019. He has more than 15 years of experience in structuring and executing mergers and acquisitions, and he is responsible for oversight of all of McCarthy Capital’s legal matters.
Prior to joining McCarthy Capital, Jonathan worked at Omaha law firm Baird Holm LLP, where he chaired its Corporate Transactions & Wealth Management Section.
Jonathan received a fellowship to study at Oxford University and holds degrees from Creighton University School of Law, Northwestern University, and Santa Clara University.
Community and
Corporate
- Children's Hospital & Medical Center - Board Member
Associate Team

Jack Eckels
Associate

Ryan Joiner
Associate

Derek Mikus
Associate, Real Estate

Keegan Phelan
Associate

Nick Shotkoski
Associate

John Walsh
Associate
Finance & Administration

Denise Alderson
Controller

Sabrina Carauta
Staff Accountant

Connie Davis
Executive Assistant

Kelly Franck
Executive Assistant

Matt Gaebler
Senior Accountant

Beth Ibrahim
Executive Assistant

Matt Jandrain
Staff Accountant
McCarthy Capital Core Values & Behaviors
Integrity ▾
We are honest, principled and fair.
- We strive to make the right decisions, not necessarily the easy ones.
- We communicate honestly, directly and authentically.
- We treat all stakeholders fairly; we desire long-term, mutually beneficial relationships.
- We do what we say we will do.
- We give more than we take.
Rigor ▾
We work hard, are probing, strive for excellence and have deep technical expertise.
- We have a strong work ethic.
- We ask probing questions and examine situations from multiple perspectives.
- We exercise intellectual rigor and are comfortable being challenged.
- We have deep technical experience, yet we are genuinely interested in learning and growth.
- We display emotional and social intelligence in our interactions.
Results ▾
We are accountable, add value and achieve growth.
- Our people are self-directed and take full ownership of their responsibilities.
- We constantly strive to create value and improve.
- We go above and beyond to produce the highest quality work.
- We finish what we start, and deliver in a timely manner.
- We balance independent work with a high degree of collaboration.
Relationships ▾
We build and maintain trusted partnerships, internally and externally.
- We invest in partnerships – relationships based on trust and competence are imperative to achieving mutual objectives.
- We are truthful and respectful in communicating with others.
- We build rapport such that others are eager to work with us.
- We exercise self-awareness and self-management.
- We strike the right balance between challenging and supporting each other.