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Spotlight: Chase Fountain, VP of Business Development for Mid-Atlantic Region

Colleague Spotlight: Building Relationships and Bridging Gaps with Chase Fountain

In the fast-paced world of asset-based lending and inventory valuation, success isn't just about the numbers on a spreadsheet—it's about the trust behind the data. At GA Group, we are thrilled to spotlight Chase Fountain, our Vice President of Business Development for the Mid-Atlantic Region.

Based in the heart of New York and covering the tri-state area, Chase brings a unique blend of technical "boots-on-the-ground" appraisal experience and a passion for high-level relationship management. Whether he's navigating metal products, power generation, or food distribution, his goal remains the same: ensuring every stakeholder understands the strategy and reasoning behind the results.

We sat down with Chase to discuss his transition from project leadership to business development, the "intuitive" nature of valuations, and how a lifelong love for golf shapes his professional mindset.

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From the Field to the Front Lines

Chase didn't start in business development; he earned his stripes in the field. Having spent five years on the appraisal team, he developed a deep appreciation for the mechanics of valuation.

"I worked hard to build trust with both our clients and their subject companies' management teams by staying on top of tasks, managing expectations, and providing detailed updates," Chase explains. "This effort developed confidence that GA Group was capable of providing quality valuations in a timely fashion."

Today, Chase leverages that technical background to serve as a bridge between GA's valuation work and the expectations of all stakeholders, ensuring all parties understand the strategy and reasoning behind the results. Chase advocates for a "Big Picture" mindset. By understanding a client's ultimate end goal, he ensures the team focuses on the variables that actually impact the deal, rather than getting lost in irrelevant details.

A "One-Stop-Shop" for the Mid-Atlantic

The Mid-Atlantic region is a hub of financial activity, and Chase is eager to expand GA Group's footprint there. One of the developments he is most excited about is the growth of our Field Exam practice, bolstered by the acquisition of CBC.

"As more lenders utilize external field exam services, GA Group is positioned to provide a one-stop-shop for both asset appraisals and field exams," says Chase. By offering a full range of in-house services—including valuation, transaction advisory, and a new lending platform—GA provides a level of integration that is rare in the market.

Debunking the "Formulaic" Myth

One of the most common misconceptions in the valuation industry is that the work is purely mathematical. Chase is quick to correct this.

"Most people would expect our valuations to be formulaic. While there is some element of truth to that, our valuations are much more intuitive," he notes. "We're constantly revising our strategies based on market conditions, new information, and real-world liquidation experience."

In a dynamic landscape of shifting tariffs and evolving accounting policies, staying current is paramount. GA Group maintains a constant pulse on the market through regular management discussions, development of proprietary industry monitors, and active participation in networking and industry events. Chase explains how these comprehensive efforts leverage and hone our team's collective expertise, providing and receiving real-time insights that enable us to adapt our valuation strategies with agility and precision.

The Human Side: Lessons from the Links

When he isn't navigating complex multi-divisional appraisals, you can likely find Chase on the golf course. For him, the sport is more than just a hobby; it's a masterclass in professional perseverance.

"Golf forces you to take different approaches, learn new techniques, and own the results. Our business is fluid—no two opportunities are exactly the same. My mindset is to learn something with each opportunity."

Looking Ahead

As Chase moves from Boston to our New York office, his priority is clear: Connection. "I'm looking forward to building my network and meeting our clients in person," he says. "I hope to be an extension of the great service GA Group has provided since its inception and help foster continued growth for our company."

About

Chase Fountain is Vice President of Business Development for GA Group's Mid-Atlantic Region, where he leads relationship development across New York, Connecticut, and New Jersey. He works closely with GA's appraisal, field exam, valuation, and advisory teams to deliver integrated solutions for lenders, investors, and operators, providing clients with seamless access to GA's full platform of services

Prior to moving into business development, Chase spent over five years on GA's appraisal team, including serving as a project leader on complex, multi-divisional engagements across the wholesale and industrial sectors. His background spans industries such as metal products, power generation, electrical distribution, building materials, plastics, and food processing and distribution. This hands-on experience allows him to bridge technical valuation strategy with client objectives, ensuring clarity, alignment, and confidence throughout each engagement. Chase is focused on expanding GA Group's presence in the Mid-Atlantic and strengthening relationships across the broader financial and advisory ecosystem.

EMAIL: [email protected]