About Us

When we decided to become FedEx Ground ISP operators ourselves, we were surprised to find that unlicensed brokers were managing deals in the industry. As we reached out to inquire about listed route packages for sale, brokers struggled to explain the industry structure, FedEx contract terms and key drivers of the financials. We also realized that brokers acted as independent facilitators rather than client advocates. This model incentivized existing brokers to close every deal regardless of whether it served a seller's or buyer's interests.

We felt that FedEx route owners deserved strong representation in their purchase or sale; advisers with expertise who worked in their best interest. We created BIA to bring a client-first approach to the FedEx Ground ISP market, focused on an unmatched combination of extensive investment banking expertise and firsthand FedEx ISP operator knowledge.

We understand the sacrifices that it took to build your business, and we are passionate about bringing our large transaction experience to this industry. This ensures you get the most out of your investment of time, energy and money.

Unlike competitors, BIA's fees are structured so that we only benefit by maximizing value for our clients. We do not accept lender kickbacks or buyer fees.

SUCCESS IS EVERYTHING

Our Team

W Blake Nielsen

Managing Director

Blake is one of the Co-Founders of Black Iron Advisers. Prior to BIA, Blake was a Senior Vice President at W.G. Nielsen & Co. where he spent 14 years assisting in all facets of mergers & acquisitions advisory. While at W.G. Nielsen, he led transactions with an aggregate transaction value exceeding $500 million. His practice at W.G. Nielsen & Co. was focused on Logistics, Manufacturing, Distribution, and Automotive related transactions. He led sell-side transactions for companies such as the third largest keg leasing company in the world, franchises like SealMaster, and one of the largest hurricane protection hardware distributers in the United States.

Blake was also one of the founders of Io Triumphe Capital, a firm founded to purchase and provide growth capital to small and mid-market companies.

Blake was previously named one of Denver's Top "40 Under 40" business leaders by the Denver Business Journal. Blake holds a bachelor's degree in Economics from Occidental College and a masters in Finance from the University of Denver.

Blake is a past member of the Board of Advisors for The Bridge Project and was one of the founders of the Los Conucos Scholarship Fund.

Registrations –

• FINRA – Series 7 Registered General Securities Representative
• FINRA – Series 79 Registered Investment Banking Principal

Fun Facts – Blake is one of the owners of a western belt buckle manufacturing company (www.jandhbuckles.com).

Todd Whitfield

Managing Director

Todd is Managing Director and Co-Founder of Black Iron Advisers. Prior to BIA, He co-founded Whitmar Transport, Inc. which has become one of the largest Independent Service Providers for FedEx Ground in the Denver, Colorado metro area.

Before putting on an entrepreneurial hat, Todd worked for Janus Henderson Investors (Formerly Janus Capital Group) as an Equity Analyst investing in Automotive, Industrial and Transportation companies. While at Janus, he covered over $500m in equity investments. Todd began his finance career as an Investment Banking Analyst with Putnam Lovell, NBF focused on mergers & acquisitions in the financial services industry.

Todd received his bachelor’s degree in Business Administration with honors from the University of Colorado at Boulder.

Registrations:

FINRA – Series 79 (Registered Investment Banking Principal)

Fun Facts - Todd is a car fanatic and has had the opportunity to meet the CEOs of all major car companies including Chrysler/Fiat, Ford, GM, Mercedes and Tesla.