The People Behind Your Exit
We're not a factory. We're a team of advisors who have closed $1B+ in transactions — and we treat every deal like our reputation depends on it. Because it does.
Managing Partners
Clayton G. Stiver, CPA
Managing Partner, Co-Founder
Clayton graduated from the University of Kansas with a master's in accounting and became a CPA. After several years and over $1 billion in transactional value at a boutique M&A firm, he co-founded Ad Astra. Specializes in M&A tax, GAAP, and industry-specific knowledge.
Joe Lemieux
Managing Partner, Co-Founder
A graduate with a B.S. in Accounting and Finance from the University of Kansas. After five years at a prominent M&A firm, Joe co-founded Ad Astra Equity in 2022. Known for closing transactions totaling over $1 billion in the lower middle market.
Transaction Team
Click on a team member to learn more about their background.
Daniela Ochoa, CFA
Director of Transaction Advisors
Industrial engineering graduate with honors from Universidad de los Andes and CFA charter holder. Previously a Senior Analyst at SURA Investment Management overseeing $1B+ in alternative investment portfolios.
Natoshea Cate, MBA
Director of Buyer Relationships
Holds an MBA with Data Analysis specialization from Longwood University. Previously served as Senior Vice President at a Kansas City-based M&A firm, providing financial oversight and strategic guidance.
Jordan Wiechmann
VP of Buyer Relationships
More than eight years of M&A experience with a strong focus on buy-side representation, deal sourcing, and strategic acquisition execution. Works closely with acquisition-focused investors and operators to identify opportunities and guide transactions from initial outreach through closing.
Bill Oades
Managing Director of Partnerships
Serial entrepreneur and co-founder of Oades Brothers Tire & Auto. 16-year career with Mobil Oil Corporation advising on exits of service stations and convenience stores. Decades of experience buying and selling businesses.
Steven Rothstein
M&A Advisor
Attorney and M&A advisor with more than 30 years of experience working with entrepreneurs, founder-led companies, and family-owned businesses. Helped lead the formation of the business management practice at Rothstein, Kass & Company. Today focuses on HVAC, plumbing, electrical, home service, and construction owners.
Mondrell Harrison
M&A Advisor
M&A advisor and business development professional with a background spanning insurance, technology sales, and owner-focused advisory services. Prior roles at State Farm, Fuel Sales, T3 Expo, and Menufy by HungerRush. Based in Houston, brings an operator-focused perspective to every client engagement.
Daniel Baker
M&A Advisor
Seven years in the M&A industry, beginning at Baker Group and continuing with Ad Astra Equity following its acquisition. Brings experience across the full M&A process — business development, buyer outreach, transaction coordination, and client advisory work.
Matthew Bowlin
M&A Advisor
M&A advisor with 27+ years across airlines, distribution, construction, telecommunications, franchising, logistics, and financial services. U.S. Army veteran (101st Airborne). Holds a degree from Northern Kentucky University and certifications in project management and business analytics.
Scott Schulte
M&A Advisor
M&A advisor with more than 40 years of experience across real estate, insurance, and financial planning. Kansas State University graduate with six years focused on the M&A industry, helping business owners evaluate transition opportunities and navigate successful transactions.
Dave Corbin
M&A Advisor
More than four decades of entrepreneurial, real estate, and transaction experience. Realtor Institute graduate with the Certified Residential Specialist (CRS) designation. Focused for 42 years primarily on transactions involving cell tower businesses and physical therapy practices.
Built for Business Owners
Ad Astra — “to the stars” — was founded with a single conviction: every founder deserves institutional-quality advisory.
$1B+ Milestone
Surpassed $1 billion in cumulative transaction value across diverse industries and geographies.
Axial Top 25 Again
Back-to-back Axial Top 25 ranking, expanding team and industry vertical coverage nationwide.
Building Forward
Scaling sector specialists, growing Exit Hub for the next generation of owners, and continuing nationwide advisory.
What Drives Us
Clarity
We cut through complexity to deliver clear, actionable guidance at every stage of the transaction. No jargon, no ambiguity — just straight answers.
Integrity
We act as fiduciaries, always putting our clients' interests first. Your outcome is our only measure of success. We walk away from bad deals.
Excellence
We pursue the best outcomes through rigorous preparation, relentless execution, and attention to every detail that moves the needle on value.
Ready to Meet Your Team?
Every conversation starts with listening. Tell us about your business, your goals, and your timeline — we'll tell you exactly how we can help.