Blue River Welcomes Four New Team Members in Q2 of 2025

July 31, 2025 – Blue River Financial Group announced today that it welcomed four new team members in Q2 of 2025. The Buy-side division added Shane Brotherton as Director, Paige Mason as Administrative Assistant, and former intern Lloyd Dennis as Associate. The Sell-side division added former intern Gavin Nafso, as Investment Banking Analyst. The new hires bring fresh perspectives, diverse experience, and specialized expertise, further elevating the organization.

“We’re excited to welcome new talent to the team as we continue to grow and scale our impact across the lower middle market,“ said Michael Herrmann, Managing Director & Industrials Segment Leader.

Shane Brotherton joined Blue River as Director. He earned his B.A. in Finance from Michigan State University’s Eli Broad College of Business in 2014, after graduating from Mott Community College’s Honors Program, where he was an Academic All-American student-athlete. In 2024, he earned the Certified Merger & Acquisition Advisor (CM&AA) designation from the Alliance of M&A Advisors (AM&AA). Before joining Blue River, Shane spent over a decade in commercial banking.

Connect with Shane on LinkedIn or reach out @ sbrotherton@goblueriver.com.

Paige Mason joined as Administrative Assistant. She brings over 13 years of international experience supporting C-suite leaders and managing critical business operations across industries including global supply chain, distribution and logistics, medical technology, and financial services. With a foundation in communications from Kalamazoo Valley Community College, Paige has developed deep expertise in executive support, complex travel logistics, stakeholder relations, and high-profile event coordination.

Connect with Paige on LinkedIn or reach out @ pmason@goblueriver.com.

Michael added, “Each addition brings fresh perspectives and complementary experience that strengthen our capabilities and reinforce our commitment to delivering exceptional outcomes for our clients. It’s an exciting time at Blue River, and these hires reflect the momentum we’re seeing across the business.”

Lloyd Dennis first joined Blue River as Investment Banking Intern and is now Associate. He received his bachelor’s degree in finance and management from Fairfield University in 2025.

Connect with Lloyd on LinkedIn or reach out @ ldennis@goblueriver.com.

Gavin Nafso also first joined Blue River as Investment Banking Intern and is now Investment Banking Analyst. He holds a bachelor’s degree in finance with a minor in economics from Michigan State University, where he graduated with honors. Gavin also holds his Securities Industry Essentials (SIE) certification.

Connect with Gavin on LinkedIn or reach out @ gnafso@goblueriver.com.

“As our team expands, we gain more than headcount—we deepen our expertise, sharpen our strategy, and strengthen the foundation that drives excellence and client trust,” said Matthew Feldman, Managing Director & Sell-side Practice Leader.

About Blue River

Blue River Financial Group is a middle market merger and acquisition advisory firm. We assist corporations, private equity groups and individuals in the sale and acquisition of businesses and have completed assignments in multiple business segments. With over 20 years of experience spanning across 50 global industries, Blue River provides a suite of services to middle market clients including corporate development, private equity support, valuations, and transaction consulting, placing a premium on relationship-centered transaction counsel and client focus.

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