Meet the Team
R. Todd Lazenby
Founding Partner
Todd Lazenby is the founder of Royal Ascot Partners bringing over 25 years of private equity, investment banking, and corporate finance experience to the firm, having held increasing senior level…
Terry Hess
Managing Partner
Terry Hess is a Managing Director of Royal Ascot Partners and oversees Royal Ascot Partners’ Restructuring practice. He boasts an impressive background constituting more than 30 years of…
James L. Kammann
Director
James L. Kammann has over 15 years of national sales & marketing experience along with 20 years of entrepreneurial ownership to Royal Ascot Partners. His career has focused on placing new…
Jack Ross
Chief of Staff
Jack manages the firm's deal pipeline and facilitates contract and negotiation work at the center of its investment banking practice. He partners closely with firm leadership to keep transactions moving, translating complex deal terms into clear decisions and protecting the priorities that drive each engagement forward.
As an attorney and a member of the Florida Bar, Jack brings a strong business law foundation to every deal. His work spans the full range of transactional documents, including joint venture agreements, purchase and sale agreements, operating agreements, development contracts, brokerage agreements, and commercial leases.
His earlier experience includes in-house corporate counsel work in the sports and entertainment sector, where he negotiated sponsorship, licensing, event, and land acquisition agreements for a national sports organization. Jack earned his Juris Doctor with a Business Law Certificate, distinguishing himself as a recognized advocate and award-winning negotiator, including a Top Negotiator honor among his law school class. He also holds an undergraduate degree in Political Science and Finance.
Benedetto LaBarbera
Analyst II
Benedetto LaBarbera holds an M.S. in Finance from the USC Marshall School of Business and a B.S. in Finance with a minor in Business Analytics from Florida State University. He brings investment banking experience across sell-side and buy-side M&A, having previously served as an Analyst at Truist Securities, where he supported transactions across the Consumer & Retail, Industrials, and Healthcare sectors, as well as advisory roles at Crosstree Capital Partners and Vermilion Rock Advisors. Ben brings a strong technical foundation in financial modeling, transaction diligence, and deal execution, with a track record of supporting engagements from origination through close. Outside of work, he enjoys tennis, international travel, and HIIT training.
Kory Gehring
Analyst
Kory Gehring is an M.S. Finance graduate from Florida State University, where he also earned a B.S. in Finance. He brings experience across private equity, buy-side advisory, and wealth management. Kory has supported live transactions through diligence and financial modeling, contributing to acquisition evaluations. He brings a disciplined, execution-oriented approach and leadership experience.
Steven Vetter
Analyst
Steven is an M.S. Finance graduate from Florida State University and holds a B.B.A. from Stetson University, where he double majored in Investment Finance and Professional Sales. His background spans equity research, financial modeling, and investment analysis, with experience evaluating consumer and industrial businesses.
Steven brings proven leadership skills and an analytical, detail-oriented approach to client engagements, with a focus on mergers and acquisitions, capital markets, and long-term business strategy. Outside of work, he enjoys following the markets, Formula 1, and Atlanta Braves baseball.
Nicole Reichenbach
Office Management
Nicole is a seasoned professional with 20 years of experience driving growth through strategic business development and efficient office management. Combining a sharp sales acumen with meticulous operational oversight, she specializes in streamlining workflows while cultivating high-value client relationships. Known for bringing structure to fast-paced environments, Nicole excels at aligning daily operations with long-term company goals.