ForteONE's leaders are all seasoned, hands-on executives who've each owned or operated several middle-market companies.

We are:

Mark Rittmanic - CEO
 
A passionate and results-oriented leader, Mark has conceived, built, led and sold several successful businesses. He is the founder and inspirational leader of ForteONE and he leads business development, designs processes for serving clients and identifies growth opportunities for the firm.

During the past 11 years he has assisted more than 100 middle market companies in the manufacturing, distribution, consumer products and services industries. Mark began his business career in banking and financial services, and has also built (and sold) a number of technology companies. Mark is a former Captain in the U.S. Army.

Mark holds a Bachelor of Science degree from Davidson College and an M.B.A. from Southern Illinois University. He sits on the Board of Advisors for WHI Capital Partners and CRN, and on the Board of Visitors for Davidson College. He is also a member of Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) and Vistage.

Office: 224.639.1181
Email: mark@forteone.com



David Marshall - President
 
Dave is an experienced company builder and business advisor. His background includes leading, growing and selling numerous innovative start-up to midsize companies. He has been CEO, President, COO, CFO, and sat on Board of Directors. Dave has worked in the consulting, multi-channel retail, licensing, hospitality and accounting industries.

Prior to becoming President of ForteONE, Dave was one of our Consultants. In this capacity he assisted the owners of a 33-year-old private company achieve their life goals by successfully leading a challenging sale process. After the sale he stayed on board to integrate the company into the acquirer.

Dave’s roles at ForteONE include leading strategic initiatives, managing engagements, talent manager (selecting and assigning the Consultant teams), directing internal operations and leading marketing and PR.

Dave holds Bachelor of Science degrees in Finance and Accounting and is a C.P.A.

Office: 224.639.1182
Email: dave@forteone.com



Mike Shelist - Chairman
 
Mike joins ForteONE with extensive experience in the areas of mergers and acquisitions, including consultant and advisor to closely held corporations.

Prior to ForteONE, Mike co-founded Much Shelist, Chicago-based law firm serving entrepreneurs, privately and publicly held middle-market companies. During his tenure, Mike served as managing partner and chairman of the management committee.

Mike has more than 40 years of experience in the areas of federal income tax and estate planning. He has acted as consultant and legal advisor to closely held corporations concerning exit strategies, including perpetuation of family businesses for the next generation at the lowest possible cost, selling out and going public.

Mike holds a Juris Doctor from Northwestern University School of Law and a Bachelor of Science from Northwestern University School of Business. He served as a member and former Chairman of the Professional Advisory Committee of the Jewish United Fund of Metropolitan Chicago, a member of the President's Advisory Board of Judson College in Elgin, IL, and Chairman of the 501(c)(3) charity, International Center on Deafness and the Arts. He is also a member of Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) and the Ravinia Planned Giving Advisory Committee.

Office: 224.639.1183
Email: m.shelist@forteone.com