Paul Hajek is a Managing Director at ACT Capital Advisors, where he leverages over 16 years of experience in M&A advisory, business consulting, and strategic growth planning. Prior to joining ACT, Paul founded and led Synergy Business Development, a consulting firm specializing in business valuation, succession planning, and exit strategy execution for lower-middle-market companies.

Paul’s career began in technical roles at NASA Ames Research Center, followed by leadership positions in finance, marketing, and operations at several high-tech firms. He has also personally acquired, scaled, and sold multiple businesses, giving him hands-on insight into the M&A lifecycle from both advisory and ownership perspectives.

He holds an MBA in Finance and Marketing from San Jose State University, an M.S. in Optics from the University of Rochester, and a B.S. in Physics from Michigan State University. Paul is based in Spokane, Washington, and holds several industry credentials, including CM&AA, CVA, and CEPA. He remains active as an M&A educator and speaker.