Mike James
Founder, Managing Partner

Mike, residing in Westlake Village, California, is the Founder and Managing Partner of Guernsey Holdings, where he also serves as the Chairman of the investment committee. With a wealth of expertise spanning restaurant franchising, mergers and acquisitions, and commercial real estate, Mike brings over a decade of experience to his role. He plays a pivotal role in shaping the company's vision, culture, growth, and strategic partnerships.

Mike's hands-on approach is a source of pride for him, as it grants him intimate knowledge of the business. By actively involving himself in various aspects of the company's operations, he gains a deep understanding of its intricacies and nuances. This approach enables him to stay closely connected to the day-to-day activities and challenges faced by the organization. 

Educated at the Arygos School of Business and Economics, Mike's educational background has undoubtedly contributed to his professional success. Through his leadership and expertise, he continues to guide Guernsey Holdings towards achieving its objectives and fostering valuable relationships within the industry.

Greg Grambling
Chief Financial Officer, Managing Director

Greg assumes the crucial role of Chief Financial Officer, Managing Director at Guernsey Holdings. With nearly two decades of expertise in restaurant mergers and acquisitions, as well as financings, Greg brings a wealth of experience to the table. Throughout his career, he has successfully led numerous transactions, showcasing his exceptional skills in navigating the intricacies of the industry.

In his position as CFO, Greg will be entrusted with critical responsibilities such as financial planning and analysis, making capital allocation decisions, and driving corporate strategy. His astute financial acumen and strategic insights will play a pivotal role in shaping the financial landscape of Guernsey Holdings, ensuring its sustained growth and success.

Greg's educational background includes a Bachelor of Science in Mechanical Engineering from the University of Virginia. Moreover, his commitment to professional excellence is demonstrated by his status as a CFA (Chartered Financial Analyst) charter holder. These qualifications highlight Greg's dedication to continuous learning and his ability to leverage his diverse skill set to make informed financial decisions.

With his extensive experience, educational background, and professional credentials, Greg is poised to contribute significantly to Guernsey Holdings' financial stability, growth, and overall strategic direction.

Ryan Morita
Managing Partner

Ryan, residing in San Francisco, California, is a Managing Partner at Guernsey Holdings and serves as a valuable member of the investment committee. His responsibilities encompass various crucial aspects of the organization, including corporate integrations, financial planning, budget management, overseeing the executive management team, and executing the organization's short and long-term goals.

Before joining Guernsey Holdings, Ryan laid the foundation of Oak Cap Ventures LLC, a private real estate investment, development, and asset management company. With a diverse portfolio of commercial properties spanning the nation, Ryan successfully navigated the intricacies of this sector. His experience in Oak Cap Ventures LLC equipped him with an acute understanding of investment strategies, property development, and efficient asset management.

Prior to his involvement with Oak Cap Ventures LLC, Ryan actively participated in the acquisition, disposition, and development processes in collaboration with an affiliated private equity group. This group owned and operated an impressive portfolio of 250 quick-service restaurants and a real estate portfolio with a valuation of $750 million. Ryan's contributions to these endeavors provided him with invaluable expertise and insights into the intricacies of the restaurant industry and real estate market.

Ryan's academic background includes graduating from The Fowler College of Business, where he honed his skills and knowledge in various business disciplines. As a resident of San Francisco, Ryan leverages his expertise and experiences to drive the success of Guernsey Holdings and contribute to the organization's growth and strategic initiatives.

Reed Melillo
Vice President, Partner

Reed is a Vice President and Partner at Guernsey Holdings and serves as a valuable member of the investment committee. With a primary focus on evaluating investment opportunities and formulating the company's real estate strategy, Reed plays a crucial role in shaping Guernsey Holdings' real estate portfolio.

With over a decade of experience in the realms of real estate, finance, and restaurant investing, Reed brings a wealth of expertise to his role. His comprehensive knowledge of these industries allows him to navigate the intricacies of real estate investments and make informed decisions that align with the company's goals.

Reed received his bachelor’s degree from UCLA, which provided him with a solid foundation for his career. Furthermore, as a resident of Los Angeles, California, Reed is well-versed in the local real estate market dynamics and can leverage his insights to drive strategic real estate initiatives.

Reed's contributions are instrumental in identifying lucrative investment opportunities, formulating effective real estate strategies, and ensuring the growth and success of Guernsey Holdings. With his expertise and commitment to excellence, Reed plays a vital role in advancing the organization's real estate objectives and driving its overall success.

Domenic Hjerpe
Partner

Domenic is a Partner at Guernsey Holdings, where he assumes critical strategic responsibilities such as: acquisitions, taxation strategy, and corporate integrations. With over six years of extensive experience in accounting, finance, and mergers and acquisitions, Domenic brings a diverse skill set and valuable insights to his role.

Before joining Guernsey Holdings, Domenic garnered significant expertise working at Deloitte, a renowned professional services firm, where he honed his skills in accounting and finance. Additionally, he gained hands-on experience at A&C Ventures, a prominent franchisee operating Taco Bell and Arby's locations. This experience provided Domenic with an in-depth understanding of the restaurant industry, further enriching his knowledge of finance and M&A transactions.

Domenic's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from Cal Poly San Luis Obispo, where he concentrated on accounting and finance. This strong academic foundation equips him with the necessary skills and knowledge to effectively analyze financial data and drive informed investment decisions. 

With his extensive background in accounting, finance, and mergers and acquisitions, Domenic plays a pivotal role in evaluating investment opportunities, formulating taxation strategies, and facilitating seamless corporate integrations at Guernsey Holdings. His expertise and dedication contribute significantly to the organization's growth and success, furthering its position as a key player in the industry.

Will Manderscheid
Vice President

Will is a Vice President at Guernsey Holdings, where he spearheads financial underwriting, acquisitions, taxation strategy, and corporate integrations. With over a decade of extensive experience in accounting, finance, and mergers and acquisitions, Will brings a diverse skill set and valuable insights to his position.

Prior to joining Guernsey Holdings, Will held prominent positions at esteemed financial institutions such as Carlson Capital, Sentinel Capital Partners, and Beekman Investment Partners. These roles provided him with hands-on experience and expertise in various aspects of accounting, finance, and M&A transactions. Will's track record of success in these roles showcases his ability to navigate complex financial landscapes and execute strategic initiatives.

Will's educational background includes a Bachelor's degree from the University of Virginia, which laid a strong foundation for his professional journey. Furthermore, he further honed his skills by obtaining an MBA from the prestigious Kellogg School of Management. This combination of academic excellence and practical experience equips Will with the knowledge and insights required to make informed investment decisions and drive the growth and success of Guernsey Holdings.

With his extensive background and expertise in accounting, finance, and mergers and acquisitions, Will is well-positioned to guide Guernsey Holdings in identifying lucrative investment opportunities, implementing effective taxation strategies, and ensuring seamless corporate integrations. His contributions play a vital role in shaping the organization's financial landscape and driving its overall success.

Sina Brus
Chief Administrative Officer

Sina has been serving as the Executive Assistant to Mike James since 2017, and currently holds the role as Chief Administrative Officer at Guernsey. She has over 15 years of invaluable experience in operational and executive support. Her expertise spans across all facets of these roles, enabling her to provide exceptional assistance to executives and optimize processes within the Guernsey Holdings organization. 

As an instrumental member of the team, Sina plays a vital role in streamlining and enhancing operational efficiency. Her unwavering commitment to delivering the highest quality of service aligns with the organization's objectives and contributes to its overall success. With her exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail, Sina ensures smooth coordination and communication, supporting Mike James and the entire team in their endeavors.

Prior to her role with Mike James, Sina spent over a decade working in the heart of Hollywood, providing support to A-list talent and movie producers. This experience allowed her to develop a deep understanding of high-pressure environments and sharpen her skills in managing diverse and demanding responsibilities.

Originally from Denmark, Sina's global perspective and multicultural background bring a unique perspective to her work. Sina resides in Austin, Texas.

Andrew Guido
Senior Associate

Andrew serves as a Senior Associate at Guernsey Holdings, leveraging his expertise to underwrite and assess new investment prospects while contributing to comprehensive financial planning and analysis. Before joining Guernsey, he honed his skills as an investment professional at Lafayette Square and Jefferies LLC, specializing in private markets investments spanning various industries. Andrew earned his Bachelor of Science degree in Finance from Georgetown University, providing him with a solid foundation for his current role.

Lauren Fielding
Controller

Lauren is an accomplished and driven Controller at Guernsey Holdings, where she spearheads all financial reporting requirements. With a firm grasp on GAAP requirements, Lauren adeptly leads a proficient team of internal and external accountants, ensuring seamless financial operations and compliance.

In her role, Lauren takes on the responsibility of overseeing internal controls and working diligently to collaborate with team members and stakeholders to ensure accurate and timely financial reporting. Her specialty is developing accounting practices for new companies from the ground-up, poising them for long-term compliance, growth, and comparability. Additionally, her involvement with financial planning and analysis helps marry the big-picture with the day-to-day accounting. Drawing from her extensive experience across diverse industries, she is equipped to tackle an array of financial challenges. With her analytical and problem-solving skills, she brings her invaluable expertise to the forefront, resolving complex issues and optimizing financial strategies to drive success.

Her academic background includes Bachelor's degrees from both Northern Arizona University and Western Governors University, along with a Master’s degree in Accounting from Western Governors University. Eager to further enhance her professional credentials, Lauren recently completed the Certified Management Accountant certification, a testament to her commitment to continuous growth and expertise.

Lauren's dedication to excellence and her commitment to staying abreast of industry requirements make her an asset to Guernsey Holdings and a driving force behind the company's financial success. With her dynamic leadership and proactive approach, she continues to elevate financial standards and empower her team to achieve their fullest potential.

Jane Adams
Accountant

Jane Adams joins our team as the newest member, bringing with her a wealth of experience and expertise in accounting. With a remarkable track record spanning over two decades, Jane has honed her skills in financial management and bookkeeping to a level of mastery that is unmatched.

Armed with an MBA from Missouri State University, Jane possesses a deep understanding of the intricacies of financial systems and the acumen to navigate the complexities of modern accounting practices. Her educational background, coupled with her extensive professional experience working with franchisees, makes her an invaluable asset to our team.

Throughout her career, Jane has demonstrated a relentless commitment to accuracy, efficiency, and integrity in her work. Her meticulous attention to detail ensures that financial records are maintained with precision, providing the foundation for informed decision-making and strategic planning. Jane is known for her collaborative spirit and proactive approach to problem-solving.