Scott Wakeman

Scott served as the second generation CEO of Merriam-Graves, a highly successful family held business in the industrial, medical and specialty gas industry. He and his two brothers were shareholders and navigated many of the common issues and obstacles faced by families and their businesses. Scott's journey began at a very early age, learning the ropes in the trenches during school vacations and weekends. Scott graduated from the University of Vermont with a B.S. in Mechanical Engineering, and a minor in business. Upon graduating, Scott and his father, Henry, recognized the importance of working outside the family business and he began his career at a major industry supplier, Praxair, as a field engineer. In 1981, Scott joined Henry to begin his professional path in the family business.

In 1987, Henry suffered a major health issue, placing Scott, age 30, in the leadership role of the company. Leaning heavily on his father's advisors and management team in the beginning, Scott ultimately steered the company into several new markets through organic growth and acquisitions, creating consistent profitable growth year after year, acquiring over a dozen related strategic businesses. Merriam-Graves grew to become one of the industry's leading and most reputable industrial/medical gas distribution companies, servicing over 35,000 customers throughout the Northeast.

Scott, Henry, & Kit Wakeman, 1997

Henry K. Wakeman, Jr.

Father & Founder

1927-2001

FAMILY NAVIGATION STRATEGIES

Keeping Family Enterprises on Course

SCOTT WAKEMAN

Stepping outside of the family's normal comfort zone, Scott formed an outside Board of Directors, which proved to be a powerful tool for the family and the business. The independent and objective nature of the board allowed decisions to be made that significantly enhanced shareholder value, and also was significant in assisting with family issues and discussions.

Constantly assessing acquisition climate, business value and future options for family shareholders, Scott recommended that the family consider selling the remaining family business in late 2007 as the industry consolidation climate reached a new peak. The shareholders unanimously agreed to do so, and a very successful divestiture took place in early 2008.

Having personally driven over a dozen acquisitions and two successful divestitures, Scott possesses valuable skills in mergers and acquisitions and the creation of significant shareholder value.

Scott is a highly seasoned family business CEO employing his broad family business experience providing expertise to families as they navigate family business hurdles, bringing familiarity, perspective, ideas and strategies for you and your family members to consider. His deep expertise in family business strategy, succession planning, acquisitions, divestitures, finance, compensation strategies, and outside board formation allows Scott to differentiate himself as a highly valuable resource for your enterprise.

Scott's greatest joy and accomplishment is his family, with two grown daughters, his sons in law and two ganddaughters. He enjoys a host of activities, including flying (35 year instrument rated private pilot), skiing, salt water fly fishing, surfing, photography, cycling, sailing, and distance swimming. As a Wilderness EMT, Scott teaches back country emergency medicine to outdoor organizations and college students. He is a longstanding member of Young Presidents Organization (YPO) and is the moderator for his regional YPO CEO forum, offering facilitation to other forums. He serves on numerous non-profit conservation boards focused on regional environmental issues, climate change initiatives and the preservation of natural resources, and is active in the United States Coast Guard Auxiliary.

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