DONALDSON
ABOUT US
Blystone & Donaldson specializes in investing, raising capital, and providing advisory-type transactions. The firm focuses on delivering tailored financial solutions that help companies navigate complex market environments and unlock growth opportunities. Their expertise spans structuring and executing capital-raising initiatives, guiding mergers and acquisitions, and offering strategic advice to ensure optimal transaction outcomes. By leveraging deep industry knowledge and a client-focused approach, Blystone & Donaldson positions itself as a trusted partner for businesses seeking innovative financing and advisory support.
Their integrated approach combines market insight with bespoke transaction strategies, enabling clients to achieve their financial and strategic goals while mitigating risks in today’s dynamic economic landscape. This commitment to excellence in both capital markets and advisory services underscores the firm's role in driving value and fostering long-term strategic partnerships.
OUR PEOPLE
Co-Founder/Managing Partner
Tom Donaldson
Tom Donaldson is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Blystone & Donaldson, a modern merchant bank focused on strategic advisory, principal investment, and long-term value creation for middle-market companies. Tom leads all aspects of the firm’s operations, including oversight of its portfolio companies, client engagements, and capital markets activities. His leadership reflects a commitment to disciplined investing, deep alignment with stakeholders, and a hands-on, operational approach to building businesses.
Prior to founding Blystone & Donaldson, Tom was with Investors Management Corporation (IMC) and Morehead Capital Management, where he focused on executing direct investments and managing operational risk across a range of portfolio companies. He began his career as a corporate attorney and partner at McGuireWoods LLP, where he advised investment funds and operating companies on complex M&A, capital formation, and governance matters.
Tom’s experience spans multiple industries and includes investing in, advising, and serving on the boards of both private and public companies. He currently serves on the boards of Alliance Entertainment Holding Corporation (NASDAQ: AENT), Legion Brewing Holdings, LLC, The Olde Mecklenburg Brewery, LLC, and Group 6 Holdings, Inc. His prior board roles include Arcadia Beverage, Fleet Feet, IDOC, and Chop’t Creative Salad Co., among others.
In addition to his professional work, Tom is committed to community leadership. He serves as President and Director of the Creative Player Foundation, a nonprofit supporting after-school programs for underprivileged youth. He has also served on the boards of the Charlotte Sports Commission and the Charlotte Regional Partnership.
Tom holds both a J.D. and M.B.A. from Villanova University, and a B.A. from North Carolina State University.
Co-Founder/Chairman
John Blystone
John is a Founder of the firm and has extensive experience in managing and operating both domestic and international business operations. He has substantial expertise in acquisitions, divestitures, and financial and business operation analysis. He served as Chairman, President & CEO of SPX Corp. Prior to leading SPX, he served in various managerial and operating roles of General Electric Company (GE), including his last position as President and Chief Executive Officer of Nuovo Pignone and Europe Plus Pole, a GE Power Systems company. He also served as the Chairman of the Board at Freedom Group, Inc. as well as Chairman of Remington Arms Co. Inc. He currently serves as Executive Chairman of Worthington Industries, Inc. (NYSE: WOR).
Mr. Blystone graduated from the University of Pittsburgh.
B&D Capital Partners CEO
Jason Houseman
Jason provides financial solutions and is a trusted advisor to a variety of middle market companies.
Prior to Blystone & Donaldson, Jason was a Senior Vice President at various regional and super-regional financial institutions with a focus on serving middle-market businesses. He has worked with clients to structure transactions in support of mergers & acquisitions, capital procurement, working capital financing, leveraged buyouts, management buyouts, recapitalization transactions, cash-out dividends/distributions, and other strategic-level transactions. Jason has delivered a wide array of financial services, either directly or through partners and provided business strategy, risk management, credit structuring and industry observations.
Throughout Jason’s experience, he’s had success working with executives and sponsors in several industries, including manufacturing, energy, technology, transportation, distribution, and services.
Jason graduated with a BA in Political Science from The State University of New York at Buffalo and earned a Master’s in Business Administration (MBA) from the University at Buffalo School of Management.
General Counsel
Paul Porter
Paul specializes in M&A transactions and analysis of the strengths and weaknesses of a wide variety of companies. In that role, he performs due diligence and advises on potential business risks and opportunities of the firm's clients and portfolio companies as well as potential targets in various industries.
Paul is a licensed attorney and former CPA. He most recently served as the Chief Financial Officer of Adara Acquisition Corp. (NYSE: ADRA) and was a Partner with McGuireWoods. His 30 years of experience in corporate transactions (primarily, M&A, restucturings and capital finance) and financial statement review provides valuable insights regarding the firms portfolio companies and clients.
Paul received his law degree from the University of Notre Dame, and has a BSBA in Accounting from University of Arkansas (CPA).
Admin & Office Manager
Katie Walsh
Katie brings a wealth of experience to her role as the Admin & Office Manager at Blystone & Donaldson. Prior to B&D, Katie had a background spanning 8 years in the food & beverage and travel industries. Katie thrives in dynamic environments, adeptly blending organizational skills with a passion for fostering positive workplace culture.
In her downtime, Katie enjoys spending time with her family, including her daughter, fiancé, and two dogs. Her dedication to both her professional and personal life reflects her commitment to success and fulfillment in every facet of her journey.
OUR MISSION
Blystone & Donaldson: Reviving the Merchant Banking Tradition for a Modern Economy
At Blystone & Donaldson, we believe the future of finance lies in returning to its roots — not in replicating the outdated models of today's mega-banks, but in embracing the original spirit of merchant banking:
Ownership. Partnership. Stewardship.
Historically, merchant banks weren't just financiers; they were builders.
They partnered with entrepreneurs, invested their own capital alongside clients, and helped companies grow with both strategic guidance and financial firepower.
This model built industries. It built empires.
And we believe it's the model the modern economy desperately needs again.
Today's traditional banks are heavily regulated, risk-averse, and disconnected from the real economy.
Meanwhile, many private equity firms operate as short-term financial engineers, focusing more on arbitrage than building real, lasting value.
There's a growing gap between the capital that's available and the capital that's needed:
-
Capital that is patient,
-
Capital that is involved,
-
Capital that is strategic.
That’s the gap Blystone & Donaldson fills.
We don’t just raise capital for clients.
We deploy it. We co-invest.
We structure financing and ownership solutions that align interests, not divide them.
Through our merchant banking model, we integrate capital raising, investment, and advisory into one seamless, relationship-driven platform.
We are investors first, bankers second.
This makes B&D radically different:
-
We think like owners because we are owners.
-
We advise businesses with the discipline of an investor and the creativity of an entrepreneur.
-
We manage risk with skin in the game — not by passing it off to someone else.
By combining the strength of a private investment firm with the flexibility of an advisory shop, Blystone & Donaldson gives businesses access to the best of both worlds:
-
Smart capital.
-
Tailored advice.
-
Long-term partnership.
