Steve Taylor

Chairman & CEO

2008 - Current

Chicago based investment management firm. Our current focus is primarily small cap domestic equites, with an additional emphasis on selected emerging markets. We also have areas of industry focus, including finance, mining and precious minerals, air transport, hotel and gaming. We traditionally have a long bias and use a combination of macro/top-down economic and political analysis and company specific/bottom-up research.

Chairman Of The Board Of Directors

2017

Board of Directors

2016 - 2018

Board of Directors

2014 - 2016

Chairman- Investment Committee Participated in successful recapitalization of the bank. Produced return of more than 130% over two years.

Board of Directors

2011 - 2015

Our fund lead a recapitalization of Pan Pacific Bank in 2011, becoming its largest shareholder. I chaired the Board's Compensation Committee, also served as a member of ALCO and Strategic Planning Committees. Assisted with Strategic Planning, M&A process, investment selection, Board succession. Helped navigate a very successful sales process, resulting in multiple bidders, a significant premium to market, and minimal job losses. Stock gained 140%. Great Board and management team.

Board of Directors

2011 - 2014

I Chaired the Official Equity Committee during protracted Chapter 11 process involving the largest non-governmental property owner in downtown Los Angeles. Retained legal counsel, financial advisors, negotiated among multiple competing reorg plans. Preserved shareholder's equity interest while replacing prior management (who had owned 52% of the company). Obtained 3 of 7 board seats and additional shareholder protections upon emerging from Ch. 11. I served as a Board member for 3 more years, working with new majority owners to reposition the company's portfolio, leading to an eventual sale in 2014 for $357 million.

Board of Directors

2008 - 2012

Chairman- Official Equity Holder's Committee

2010 - 2011

Chairman of Official Equity Holder's Committee in the Meruelo Maddux Properties, Inc. Bankruptcy case. MMPI is reportedly the largest private landowner in downtown Los Angeles. The company restructured and successfully emerged from Chapter 11 in July 2011. The Committee's work contributed greatly to maintaining and recovering value for all stockholders.

General Partner, Co-Manager

2005 - 2009

General Partner and Co-Manager of China focused investment fund focused on privately held, small and medium sized businesses. Assisted portfolio companies in going public in the U.S., advised on corporate strategy, financing plans, investor relations/PR, board of directors selection, management selection, mergers and acquisitions. Experience in capital raising for emerging growth companies, evaluation of JV/partnerships in China and other emerging markets. Generated significant returns for fund investors, offered numerous co-investment opportunities resulting in exceptional returns.

Floor Trader, Chicago Board Options Exchange

1988 - 1995

Floor Trader for Steve Fossett's Lakota Trading at the Chicago Board Options Exchange. Served as Chairman of the Exchange's Stock Selection Committee,1993-1995. Steve was an inspiration, a great teacher, and a wonderful guy. I owe him a tremendous amount and I will miss him deeply.