4 minutes with… Mark Warren, Partner and Co-Founder, Ascendant Partners

January 7, 2015 |

2988c36Tell us about your company and it’s role in the Advanced Bioeconomy.

Ascendant Partners is an investment banking and financial advisory firm dedicated to helping mid-size renewable fuel, agribusiness and food companies protect and enhance shareholder value. Our services in the biofuels sector range from capital planning, M&A, capital raising and performance improvement.

Tell us about your role and what you are focused on in the next 12 months.

Our goal is to continue to be an advocate and a trusted advisor for biofuels producers whether they choose to continue to build out their business model with technology improvements, align with others in the market or maximize their value through a sale. When speaking specifically about the Advanced Biofuels community, we want to assist those producers with their capital and strategic development needs, continue to be a useful resource for their business, and help connect them with other thought leaders in the space. We do this by staying very active in the Advanced Biofuels industry. For example, during this last round of the DOE Loan Guarantee Program, Ascendant Partners served as DOE’s market and credit reviewer for its advanced biofuels loans. This provided us great insight into the technology developments, market fundamentals and supporting economics required to develop sustainable business models for this industry.

What do you feel are the most important milestones the industry must achieve in the next 5 years?  

It sounds like a broken record because so many have emphasized this point, but we need have stability in RFS2 policy. This creates more opportunities for emerging pathways for advanced biofuel production, new technology innovation and enhances our ability to accomplish our country’s goal of becoming more energy independent.

If you could snap your fingers and change one thing about the Advanced Bioeconomy, what would you change? 

Our ability to turn the corner. This relates to technology, financing, policy instability, and the constant conflict between political parties and selected industries. It would be nice, and beneficial for all of us, to begin rowing the same direction and fighting the good fight.

Of all the reasons that influenced you to join the Advanced Bioeconomy industry, what single reason stands out for you as still being compelling and important to you?  

You feel like you are having a meaningful impact on such an important issue such as energy independence and innovation. If you have a passion for what you do, enjoy the people you work for, and know that you are making a positive impact on our economy, country, and rural America then it’s hard not to find self satisfaction by serving this industry.

Where are you from? 

Memphis, Tennessee

What was your undergraduate major in college, and where did you attend? Why did you choose that school and that pathway?

Undergrad:Univ of Kentucky/ BA in Finance; MBA: Xavier Univ. My father went to UK for undergrad and law school so I grew up a huge UK basketball fan. It was a great way to follow my team and see a b’ball powerhouse for 4 years while soaking up their tradition. Lexington is a beautiful city and I was lucky to make a lot great friends along the way

Who do you consider your mentors – could be personal, business, or just people you have read about and admire. What have you learned from them?

My parents are my mentors. My father provided me a framework for my future professional development. I was able to observe how he approached every day of work and his commitment to excellence in all that he did. He also helped me understand the importance of taking calculated risks as well as provided me guidance on my journey without being heavy handed in his advice. My mother has also had a huge positive impact on my life. Being a middle school principal, she instilled the value of education and discipline while showing me how to be a better all-around person through compassion, humility and serving others.

What’s the biggest lesson you ever learned during a period of adversity?  

That you have to continue to have persistence, patience and desire to work through adverse situations. Also, putting the situation in context also helps ease the load.

What hobbies do you pursue, away from your work in the industry?  

Living in Denver, I love all things outdoors. I stay busy in the winter snow skiing and boarding while in the summer I enjoy fly fishing, mountain biking, and hiking. I also get a lot of enjoyment playing with my kids whether its on the soccer field or basketball court.

What are 3 books you’d want to have with you, if you were stranded on a desert island

1. Mergers Acquisitions & Other Restructuring Activities- to keep my mind fresh in case I was rescued and had to return back to work…

2. The Bible- to keep grounded and focused on what’s really important

3. Jerry Seinfeld’s book “I’m Telling You for the Last Time”- to keep my sense of humor while being stranded

What books or articles are on your reading list right now, or you just completed and really enjoyed?  

1. Grain Brain

2. Fearless: The Undaunted Courage and Ultimate Sacrifice of Navy SEAL Team SIX Operator

What’s your favorite city or place to visit, for a holiday?  

I love spending time in the mountains regardless of the holiday. Whether its enjoying the fresh snow or a sunny 4th of July parade down Main Street, you can’t beat the time spent in the hills.

Category: Million Minds

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