Team

Mr. Taitz formed GVW Group in 1993. Mr. Taitz began his business career as an entrepreneur in South Africa, where he headed companies in the technology and frozen food industries. In 1990 Mr. Taitz immigrated to the United States. Mr. Taitz held operational and strategic roles for each of GVW’s early portfolio companies, including Union City Body Company, UpTime Parts, and Workhorse Custom Chassis. Today, Mr. Taitz leverages the operation by helping the management teams accomplish their goals. Currently, Mr. Taitz is a member of the Young President's Organization.

Mr. Lecher joined GVW in 2006. Prior to joining GVW, he served as Senior Vice President with a publicly-traded New Zealand company. In that role he worked on the acquisition and integration of nearly 45 Chinese state-owned enterprises. He also served as President and Chief Operating Officer for an automotive components company owned by Court Square Partners. While there, he globalized the business by opening up the organization’s Chinese, European and South America operations. He also served as Chief Financial Officer for Kao Specialties, LLC, the U.S. chemical arm of the publicly traded Japanese company, Kao Corporation. Mr. Lecher started his career at PricewaterhouseCoopers in Philadelphia, PA. Mr. Lecher earned his B.S. in Accounting from the Pennsylvania State University and has earned his Certified Public Accountant designation.

Mr. Schwartz joined GVW in 2003. Prior to joining GVW, Mr. Schwartz worked in management consulting with AT Kearney’s Automotive Practice, leading a number of engagement teams supporting major US, European, and Asian automotive, truck, agriculture, and construction equipment OEM’s and major suppliers on a variety of operational and strategic initiatives. Mr. Schwartz also served as co-lead on AT Kearney Automotive’s private equity business services offering. Prior to AT Kearney, he served in a number of domestic and international senior management and business development roles, with heavy emphasis in Latin America, Western Europe, and Asia with Gencorp, TRW, and AlliedSignal Automotive (Bendix and Garrett), where he started his professional career. Mr. Schwartz earned his MBA from the University of Chicago, and a B.S.B.A. in Transportation and Logistics, with a minor in International Business from the Ohio State University.

Mr. Danak joined GVW in 2008. Prior to joining GVW, he was a Vice President in Citigroup’s global industrial investment banking group. At Citigroup, Mr. Danak advised clients on strategic and financing alternatives, and completed a range of M&A and corporate finance transactions for global automotive OEMs and tier-1 auto suppliers. From 2002 to 2006, Mr. Danak was a technology investment banker for Cowen & Co. Mr. Danak helped clients in the technology services, semi-cap equipment, display, and software sectors raise growth equity in the form of private and public capital, and provided advisory services for M&A transactions. Mr. Danak earned an MBA from the University of Chicago and a BSE in mechanical engineering from the University of Michigan.

Mr. Guthman joined GVW in 2009. Prior to joining GVW, he was Sr. Director, Strategy and Development and Sr. Director, Acquisitions and Development at Career Education Corporation, a $2B provider of post-secondary education. At Career Education Corporation, Mr. Guthman initially managed corporate mergers and acquisitions activity prior to taking on responsibility for strategic planning and development for the firm’s $300M+ Healthcare Education Business Unit. From 2002-2007, Mr. Guthman was Senior Manager, Global Business Development and Strategy at Baxter Healthcare’s Medication Delivery Business, where he was responsible for global strategy and transaction analysis, sourcing, execution and integration. Earlier in his career, Mr. Guthman worked in private equity as an Associate with Lake Pacific Partners and in investment banking as an Analyst with Robertson Stephens. Mr. Guthman earned a BBA with Distinction from the University Michigan Ross School of Business.

Ms. Jonckheere joined GVW Group in 2008. Prior to GVW Group, Ms. Jonckheere worked at the Four Seasons Hotel in Chicago, as an Assistant Lounge Manager. At the Four Seasons, she assisted in operating the Seasons Bar and Lounge. From 2005 to 2007, Ms. Jonckheere worked at Walt Disney World in Orlando, FL as a Restaurant Guest Service Manager. There she assisted in running several outlets, arranging private parties and facilitating day-to-day operations. Ms. Jonckheere earned a B.A.S. in Hospitality from the University of Southern New Hampshire.

Ms. Wallraf joined GVW Group in 2008. Prior to GVW Group, Ms. Wallraf worked in public accounting. As a public accountant, Ms. Wallraf helped clients in various aspects of managing their businesses, including organizing clients’ business activities and preparing detailed financial statements. Prior to public accounting, Ms. Wallraf worked at a private school where she managed daily activities in the business office. Ms. Wallraf earned a B.A. in Business Administration with an emphasis in Accounting from Columbia College.