12075 N. Corporate Parkway, Suite 120 | Mequon, WI 53092
[email protected]

Built on Trust. Defined by Results.

Deal Room
Deal Room

Our Team

Our Team

Meet Our Team of Experts

Our team brings deep industry expertise, disciplined execution, and decades of transaction experience to every engagement. Each transaction benefits from senior-level leadership that works alongside the entire deal team from start to finish.

View Open Positions
Bill Penkwitz

Bill Penkwitz

Partner & Co-Founder
Mike Burmesch

Mike Burmesch

Partner & Co-Founder
Alex Penkwitz

Alex Penkwitz

Vice President & Co-Founder
Eli Buczek

Eli Buczek

Senior Analyst
View Open Positions

Join Our Team

At Vantage Investment Banking, we believe our people are our greatest strength. We foster a collaborative, high-performance environment where talented individuals can grow their careers, contribute to meaningful client work, and make a lasting impact. Whether you’re launching your career or looking to take the next step, you’ll work alongside experienced professionals, gain hands-on transaction experience, and be part of a team committed to excellence, professionalism, and shared success.

Analyst

Job Description



At Vantage, Analysts are key members of our deal teams, collaborating closely with senior professionals on live transactions from day one. Our fast-paced, team-oriented environment provides meaningful responsibility, direct client exposure, and excellent opportunities for professional growth. If you are driven, intellectually curious, and eager to build a career in investment banking, we invite you to take the next step with us.




  • Submit your resume and cover letter via email. Qualified candidates will be contacted regarding next steps.



Apply Now

We are always on the lookout for talented people to join our team. Follow us on LinkedIn!

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Built On Trust. Defined By Results.

We specialize in investment banking for privately held businesses, offering expert guidance and fresh perspectives. Contact us to learn more and explore your options.

Address
12075 N. Corporate Parkway, Suite 120 
Mequon, WI 53092
Get In Touch
[email protected]
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Mike Burmesch

Partner & Co-Founder

262-483-6014

[email protected]

Biography

With over a decade of middle market investment banking experience, Mike brings extensive transactional and advisory expertise to the team. He has advised on more than 40 M&A, Debt Placement, and Capital Raising transactions spanning the industrials & manufacturing, business services, technology & IT services, consumer products, and food & beverage industries.

In his role, Mike provides senior-level leadership across all aspects of transaction strategy and execution. He is actively involved in shaping go-to-market strategies, advising clients on valuation and deal structure, and leading negotiations with buyers, investors, and other counterparties. Mike oversees the development of marketing materials, manages buyer and lender engagement strategies, and guides clients through complex diligence and closing processes. His breadth of experience and strategic perspective allow him to provide clear, thoughtful advice to business owners and management teams, helping them navigate significant financial and strategic events with confidence.

Prior to entering investment banking, Mike worked as a Senior Accountant with Baker Tilly. Mike holds a BBA in accounting from St. Norbert College and is a licensed CPA.

Featured Transactions

Akey Manufacturing a portfolio company of Van Hise Companies has secured financing from EntreBank
Akey Manufacturing
Regal Ware has secured financing from Mountain Ridge Capital
Regal Ware
Tollefsen Steel & Fabrication
Tollefsen Steel & Fabrication
R.R. Streets has secured replacement and growth capital from 1876 Ventures.
R.R. Street & Co.
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Alex Penkwitz

Vice President & Co-Founder

262-339-8772

[email protected]

Biography

Working in the middle market investment banking industry since 2020, Alex is responsible for leading the day-to-day execution of M&A transactions for the Vantage Investment Banking team. His responsibilities span all phases of the transaction process, including financial modeling and valuation analysis, preparation of marketing materials, buyer and investor outreach, and coordination of due diligence activities. He plays a central role in managing timelines, facilitating communication between clients and counterparties, and supporting negotiations to ensure smooth execution.

Alex has advised on more than 25 M&A, Debt Placement, and Capital Raising transactions across multiple industries, including industrials & manufacturing, business services, technology & IT services, consumer products, and food & beverage. His experience working with both privately held businesses and institutional investors gives him a well-rounded perspective on the strategic, operational, and financial considerations that drive successful outcomes.

Alex holds a BBA in finance from Marquette University, centering his education around investments and participating in the Accelerating Ingenuity in Markets (AIM) Program. 

Featured Transactions

Northstar Metal Products has been acquired by IMS Companies
Northstar Metal Products
Golner Precision Products has been acquired by G3 Industries
Golner Precision Products
Regal Ware has secured financing from Mountain Ridge Capital
Regal Ware
Tollefsen Steel & Fabrication
Tollefsen Steel & Fabrication
Load More Projects
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Bill Penkwitz

Partner & Co-Founder

414-559-3519

[email protected]

Biography

Bill brings more than 25 years of investment banking experience, previously founding and building a boutique investment banking firm focused on advising middle market companies on mergers and acquisitions, debt placements, capital raising, and strategic advisory transactions. Over the course of his career, he has advised on more than 150 transactions across a wide range of industries. Bill remains active in the greater Milwaukee community, serving as a board member of several Wisconsin-based organizations and a shareholder in a number of privately held businesses.

Bill’s extensive experience gives him a unique perspective on both the advisory and operational sides of businesses, allowing him to provide thoughtful, senior-level guidance to business owners, management teams, and investors. Bill remains actively involved in all aspects of client engagements, ensuring each process benefits from his deep industry knowledge and leadership.

Prior to entering investment banking, Bill spent several years with U.S. Bank Capital Markets where he personally arranged over $200MM in structured finance transactions. Bill earned his Masters Degree in accounting and received a BBA in finance from the University of Wisconsin-Milwaukee and has passed the CPA exam.

Featured Transactions

Northstar Metal Products has been acquired by IMS Companies
Northstar Metal Products
Golner Precision Products has been acquired by G3 Industries
Golner Precision Products
Regal Ware has secured financing from Mountain Ridge Capital
Regal Ware
R.R. Streets has secured replacement and growth capital from 1876 Ventures.
R.R. Street & Co.
Load More Projects
x

Eli Buczek

Senior Analyst

[email protected]

414-828-6780

Biography

As an Analyst, Eli plays a key role in supporting the senior team throughout all stages of client engagements. His responsibilities include conducting in-depth financial analysis, developing valuation models, preparing presentation materials, and assisting in the coordination of due diligence efforts. Eli works hand-in-hand with senior members of the team to help manage transaction workstreams, maintain communication with counterparties, and ensure that key deliverables are executed accurately and on schedule.

Eli earned a BBA from the University of Wisconsin-La Crosse concentrating his education around corporate finance.

Featured Transactions

Akey Manufacturing a portfolio company of Van Hise Companies has secured financing from EntreBank
Akey Manufacturing
Tollefsen Steel & Fabrication
Tollefsen Steel & Fabrication
R.R. Streets has secured replacement and growth capital from 1876 Ventures.
R.R. Street & Co.
Carl's Place
Carl’s Place
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