When Dena Jalbert left a career in accounting and corporate finance to launch her own advisory firm, she wasn’t chasing scale — she was solving a problem.
“I saw early in my career how many founders were underserved in mergers and acquisitions,” she recalls. “They had incredible companies but lacked the sophisticated advice that large corporations could easily access. I wanted to bridge that gap — to bring institutional-grade expertise and empathy to the founder-led businesses that make up the backbone of our economy.”
That philosophy became the foundation of Align Business Advisory Services, a boutique M&A advisory firm that operates with Wall Street rigor and Main Street heart. Since its founding, Align has been recognized as one of the fastest-growing companies in both Florida and the nation, a testament to Jalbert’s vision of pairing deep financial acumen with human-centered leadership.
The Strategy Behind Align’s Growth
Jalbert attributes Align’s rise to an intentional approach to both clients and culture. “We lead with client outcomes,” she says. “Our reputation has been built on results, and satisfied clients are our strongest source of new business.”
Beyond performance, the firm’s growth has been fueled by a broad national network of partners spanning law, wealth management, and private equity. Those relationships, Jalbert explains, keep the firm’s deal pipeline both active and diverse. But she is quick to emphasize that numbers alone don’t explain Align’s momentum.
“Culture matters,” she says. “A values-driven team that genuinely enjoys working together delivers exceptional service — and that shows up in every client interaction.”
Leading with Intention
Running a fast-growing advisory firm can easily become all-consuming, yet Jalbert insists that balance is essential to leadership longevity. “No one leads effectively if they’re running on empty,” she says. “I set boundaries, build a team I can trust, and carve out time for both deep work and family. Balance is a practice — not perfection.”
That discipline, she adds, keeps her grounded during periods of rapid expansion or intense deal flow.
Creating Impact Beyond the Deal
For Jalbert, the firm’s success is measured not just by transaction volume but by the ripple effects those deals create. “We’ve helped founders achieve outcomes they once thought were out of reach — stronger valuations, more strategic partners, better deal structures that protect their legacy,” she says.
That impact extends beyond clients. Many of the entrepreneurs Align advises reinvest their proceeds locally, fueling new ventures, philanthropy, and jobs. The firm also devotes time to educational events and partnerships that equip business owners to make informed decisions long before they’re ready to sell.
A Voice for Women in Finance
As a female founder and CEO leading a national M&A advisory firm, Jalbert views her role as both a responsibility and an opportunity. “Own your seat at the table,” she advises aspiring female leaders. “Don’t wait until you feel perfectly ready — step into opportunities even if they feel uncomfortable, because that’s where growth happens.”
She also emphasizes the power of mentorship and authenticity. “Surround yourself with advocates who champion your success — and pay that forward when you can. You don’t have to lead like anyone else. Your authentic style is your strength.”
The Future of Dealmaking
Looking ahead, Jalbert sees the middle-market M&A landscape evolving in response to demographic and technological shifts. A wave of owner transitions is creating steady deal flow, while buyers are becoming more selective, scrutinizing financial quality and operational scalability. Specialized private-equity funds are emerging in sectors such as trades, industrials, and healthcare services, and digital tools are accelerating due diligence and integration.
“The common thread is preparation,” Jalbert says. “Founders who invest early in professionalizing their business — building systems, leadership, and data discipline — will have the upper hand when the time comes to sell.”
It’s advice that echoes her own journey: thoughtful preparation, strategic execution, and the conviction that great outcomes happen when expertise meets empathy.
Written in partnership with Tom White
