Brian Burns - Partner

Brian Burns founded Platform Capital in 2016. As Partner, Brian’s role is focused on the sourcing of acquisitions and the strategic financial management of Platform’s holdings Prior to founding Platform Capital, Brian was a Partner at Pine Street Growth Partners in Denver, CO. Pine Street was an independent sponsor investment firm focused on growth investments in the lower middle market. Brian played a key role in the four investments acquired by Pine Street from 2010 to 2015. Brian began his career in the Global Corporate Finance Division at Arthur Andersen in Chicago where he participated in the successful turnaround of several middle-market companies. In 2002, Brian joined Alvarez & Marsal, a New York-based interim management firm and participated in the successful turnaround of Levi Strauss, the buyout and IPO of Dresser-Rand Group by First Reserve Corporation, and the acquisition and integration of several companies in the recreational sports industry. In 2008, Brian joined a middle market private equity firm in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania as a Principal where he was responsible for sourcing investments and day-to-day management of several portfolio companies in the following industries: commercial glass, waste industry equipment rental, and consumer specialty finance. Brian’s financial and operational experience as a turnaround professional has created an investment approach that is focused on driving value through sound operational and financial discipline while serving as a catalyst to companies in need of change. Brian holds a B.A. in accounting from the University of Iowa and is a C.P.A. in the State of Illinois.

Jake Walker - Partner

Jake Walker joined Platform Capital in 2019. As Partner, Jake works alongside Brian Burns in the sourcing of acquisitions and investors. Jake is also responsible for the overall strategic vision and growth of Platform and its holdings. Prior to joining Platform, Jake served as an Executive in the print and marketing industries from 2009 to 2019. Jake led the acquisition of a group of distressed commercial print manufacturers in 2009 and served as CEO of the newly formed company, CPG. Jake led strategic growth of nearly 400% over 8 years until ultimately selling to a larger manufacturer in 2018. Prior to CPG, Jake held a senior management position with an international media company where he was responsible for the strategic planning and execution of new markets in the Western United States. Jake brings a unique combination of strategic management experience in sales, marketing, mergers and acquisitions to compliment Platform Capital’s operational and financial strength. Jake attended the University of Kansas and holds a B.S. in Business Management.

Todd Burns - Partner - Platform Real Estate

As an operating partner, Todd Burns joined Platform Capital in 2016 and served as on-site interim management in special situations. Today, Todd leads Platform’s real estate division with his focus fully dedicated to the sourcing and management of real estate investment opportunities. Prior to joining Platform Capital, Todd was a Partner at Pine Street Growth Partners in Denver, CO. Pine Street was an independent sponsor investment firm focused on growth investments in the lower middle market. Todd played a key role in two investments acquired by Pine Street from 2010 to 2015. In 2000, Todd began his career in Chicago in the tax group at Arthur Andersen and then joined the audit practice at Ernst & Young. In 2005, he participated in the MCI Worldcom bankruptcy while at Huron Consulting Group and in 2006, joined Alvarez & Marsal, a New-York based interim management firm. Todd’s operational experience and financial background has created a unique hands-on approach focusing on ground-level procedural execution to achieve desired results. Todd holds a B.S. in marketing from Bradley University, his commercial real estate license in Colorado, and completed accounting coursework at the University of Illinois.