Bryan Graiff

Partner, Armanino Advisory LLC

I focus on developing leaders who can develop leaders.

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Bio

Meet Bryan

Bryan leads the Private Equity Industry for Armanino. He has more than 25 years of diverse financial and operational C-level experience in public and private companies. His expertise spans various industries such as multi-channel healthcare retail, consumer products, chemical manufacturing, aerospace, and professional/financial services. He has been involved in reorganizations, acquisitions, divestitures and restructurings throughout his entire career.

Prior to joining Armanino, Bryan was the Chief Operating Officer and then Chief Executive at a private equity portfolio company, where he successfully acquired 10 different businesses for the company and led it through a successful sale process. At Armanino, Bryan has held several leadership roles leading Transaction Advisory Services, Valuation, and Forensic Litigation, as well as serving on the firm's Board of Partners and The Bridge committee.

Brian is a licensed CPA and holds ABV, CGMA, CVA, CFE, CM&AA certifications.

Contact Bryan Graiff

Experience

Professional History

Community

  • Catholic Charities - Finance Committee and Board of Directors
  • Enterprise Bank & Trust - Advisory Board
  • American Parkinson's Disease Association - Missouri Board President
  • Sunset Country Club - Board President

Education

  • University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign, B.S.
  • Southern Illinois University, Edwardsville, MBA

Experience

  • Life Uniform
  • Whelan Security
  • ICL Performance Products
  • LMI Aerospace
  • Arthur Andersen

Q&A

Q. What is it about accounting and consulting that first drew your interest?
I initially wanted to go to law school, but I loved taking finance and accounting classes and began working for Arthur Andersen. I quickly realized that I enjoyed helping my clients with business challenges and adding value. I continued that passion for the companies I worked for in the corporate world and have leveraged all these experiences to help our private equity clients across all our strategic industries and throughout the country.
Q. Please tell us one fun fact about yourself.
I aspired to play competitive golf in college and still try to play socially and somewhat competitively in club events, where I have won three club championships, hit four hole-in-ones and a double eagle. Not being able to play at that same level of competition takes some of the joy out of playing an individual sport like golf — ironically, I don’t necessarily love golfing if I’m not playing well enough to enjoy it. I have no plans to retire and play golf every day for the rest of my life.
Q. Describe your work style.
I focus on developing leaders who can develop leaders, using the full spectrum of leadership styles and trying to set up an environment to allow them to succeed with limited oversight and micromanaging. I strive to be a servant leader supporting the leadership on my team by removing obstacles, not by solving all their problems.
Q. Who is (or was) the most influential person in your life
My dad. He was a moral compass for me and provided me with a lot of fatherly and business advice throughout my career. He instilled “tough love” in me, pushing me to always work hard and never settle for just being good enough.
Q. If you could pass on a nugget of wisdom to aspiring accountants or consultants, what would that be?
You get out of your career what you put into it. Be open to change and learning new things. Never make a career change without discussing it with your boss, and always vet it with mentors to make sure it is aligned with your long-term career goals.
Q. What do you love most about your work?
Being a part of an entrepreneurial and innovative culture that allows me to help my clients achieve their goals and grow our firm.
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Industries Served
Bryan's Thought Leadership
3 Ways to Reset Your PE Exit Strategy for Today’s Tougher Environment
Article
3 Ways to Reset Your PE Exit Strategy for Today’s Tougher Environment
Here’s how to accelerate improvement initiatives in your portfolio companies.
July 03, 2024
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