BIRMINGHAM, Alabama, May 3, 2024 – Founders Advisors announced today that Eric Cates has joined the firm as Chief Financial Officer. With more than 10 years of experience in finance and corporate development, Cates will provide financial oversight and support for the continued growth and improvement of the Founders platform.

“We are excited to welcome Eric as our new CFO,” said Duane Donner, CEO and Founder of Founders Advisors. “His expertise and leadership will be instrumental in driving our financial strategy forward.”

Prior to joining Founders, Cates partnered to create a private equity investment group and acquired a company in the transportation services space. Following the acquisition, he served as head of finance and corporate development for the company. He was an investment banking vice president with Truist Securities (formerly SunTrust Robinson Humphrey) in Atlanta for seven years. In that role, he focused on sell-side M&A across a range of industrials and services sectors. Before Truist Securities, Cates was with Bechtel Enterprises in Washington D.C. where he executed infrastructure development, financing, and investment transactions.

“We’re thrilled to have Eric on board as our Chief Financial Officer,” remarked Wesley Legg, President of Founders Advisors. “His diverse background in finance, from private equity to investment banking, coupled with his strategic mindset, will be a considerable asset in the growth of our firm.”

Cates is a graduate of the United States Naval Academy and began his career as a submarine officer in the United States Navy. He holds a B.S. in Political Science from the Naval Academy and an M.B.A. from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business.