Colleague Spotlight: Tom Scotti, Managing Director

Tom articulates the vital role of Field Exams as "due diligence comprised of testing, analytics and reconciliations all with the focus of building a borrowing formula for an asset-based loan." This critical process provides lenders with an indispensable, clear picture of asset-based collateral, a cornerstone of sound financial decisions.

Tom's trajectory into this specialized field was a natural evolution from his appraisal background, quickly identifying the synergistic benefits of integrating field exams with asset appraisals. He is particularly enthusiastic about the escalating adoption of the "One-Stop Shop" model. This integrated service simplifies the experience for both clients and borrowers, an area where GA Group proudly remains an undeniable industry leader, consistently evolving to deliver superior solutions.

Tom frequently addresses a crucial distinction, noting that "people conflate audit and field exam." He clarifies that while field exams leverage certain audit procedures, their distinct purpose lies in robust risk management, tailored specifically to the lender's perspective.

To cultivate this deep understanding, Tom and his team conduct comprehensive management interviews, delving into how companies manage their assets, and then rigorously validate these insights through targeted testing. This dedication to granular detail and foresight is key to GA Group's commitment to excellence. For Tom, staying at the forefront of his domain means relentlessly monitoring and proactively assessing the impact of evolving business risks, such as the dynamic tariff environment on collateral values and management, ensuring our clients are always equipped with the most current and accurate insights.

The future for GA Group's Field Exam team is not merely bright but actively shaped by a commitment to perpetual improvement and evolution. "I am particularly excited by the addition of the highly-experienced CBC field exam team," Tom Scotti states, highlighting the strategic expansion of resources and geographical reach now available to optimally serve client needs. This integration has forged a formidable force of nearly 40 expert field examiners, extending our footprint across North America, including crucial coverage in Canada.

Tom affirms GA Group's standing: "While we are the recognized industry leader in the execution of complex combination engagements, expertly integrating multiple workstreams of asset appraisals and field exams, we work to continuously refine and improve every facet of our process." This dedication underscores GA Group's perpetual goal: to consistently redefine what 'best in class' means. A core tenet Tom champions in this intricate work is impeccable and timely communication, recognizing it as paramount to delivering unparalleled due diligence.

Beyond his professional accomplishments, Tom's dedication extends powerfully into the community. For over a decade, he has passionately supported a music education non-profit, working to ensure access to high-quality music education in schools. This commitment mirrors his broader personal philosophy: "In everything I do, work or otherwise, I hope to make a positive impact."

This drive to make a difference is intrinsically linked to his collaborative ethos. "I bring a sense of collaboration to everything I do," Tom Scotti explains. "I know I do not have all the answers but have learned that enjoining others with unique perspectives and life-experiences can develop creative solutions to problems."

Tom's unique blend of deep expertise, innovative foresight, and commitment to collaboration makes him not just an inspiring leader within GA Group, but a pivotal force in driving GA Group's perpetual mission to deliver excellence and maintain our industry-leading position.

With over three decades of finance experience, Thomas Scotti leads the Field Exam team within GA Group Advisory Services. As the Managing Director, his proven leadership in due diligence, capital raising, mergers and acquisitions, structuring and risk management have played an integral part in the due diligence and loan structuring among an array of industry sectors including chemical processing, construction, automotive, oil & gas, plastics, transportation, media, foundries & forging, pulp & paper, distribution, consumer products, specialty finance, e-commerce and retailing.

Previously, Scotti served as the Executive Director for Hilco Global where he led due diligence efforts on over 100 companies while advising clients on loan structuring and risk mitigation, initiating loans and other capital solutions. As the Managing Director for Consensus Advisors, Scotti developed solutions ranging from raising equity and debt capital, to providing due diligence and valuation services to public companies, private equity and lenders.

As the former Principal and President of Gordon Brothers Group's Appraisal division, Tom successfully completed over 2,500 asset valuations on approximately 1,000 companies, both domestic and international. His expertise led to the expansion of product sets that now include industrial inventory, machinery and equipment and intangible asset valuation. Scotti's previous experience with Bank of America Retail Group (previously Fleet Retail Finance) encompassed directing due diligence, collateral monitoring, and loan accounting associated with the management of a high-risk commercial loan portfolio. There he managed over 225 separate due diligence reviews and personally conducted over 65 while leading the firm's substantial growth in relationships and loan commitments.

Scotti received his Bachelor of Arts from Columbia College and Columbia University and his Master of Business Administration from Columbia University's Graduate School of Business. He is Series 79 certified by the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority (FINRA) and a member of the Secured Finance Network (SFNET).

EMAIL: tscotti@gagroup.com