Dan Picmann’s professional journey is a testament to the power of grit, expertise, and visionary leadership. With over two decades of experience spanning performance improvement advisory, private equity, commercial finance, and corporate operations, Dan has cultivated a reputation for delivering results that not only meet expectations but redefine them. He is known for his ability to architect and execute value creation strategies that generate superior investment returns, particularly in complex and high-stakes environments. His approach combines rigorous financial acumen with a human-centered leadership style, emphasizing transparency, humility, and trust.
Currently serving as Founder and Managing Partner of Keel Advisory Partners, a premier business advisory firm specializing in performance improvement for middle market companies. Keel delivers premium, comprehensive and actionable value creation services by partnering with lenders, founders and private equity sponsors. Acting as a flexible and scalable extension of our clients’ teams, we serve as their outsourced value creation engine – driving measurable impact across operations, finance, and strategy.
Most recently serving as Managing Director at Highview Capital, a middle market private equity fund, Dan is one of the founding members of the firm. He has played a critical role in building the firm’s investment platform and leading its most consequential deals. At Highview, Dan oversees the full investment lifecycle, from sourcing and due diligence to execution and post-acquisition value creation. In addition, he leads all corporate finance and debt capital placement activities across the portfolio—ensuring companies are structured for long-term financial health and strategic growth. Under his guidance, Highview has scaled its footprint across various industries, including food manufacturing, distribution, industrials, and consumer services.
Dan’s leadership extends beyond boardrooms and capital structures. He currently serves on the boards of National Fire & Safety, Quickplay, Randall Foods, and Safety Marking LLC. These roles are not ceremonial; they are platforms where Dan applies his deep operational insight, helping companies navigate dynamic market conditions, unlock new revenue streams, and refine organizational strategies. He is a hands-on board member—equally comfortable leading strategic offsites as he is rolling up his sleeves to assess supply chain efficiencies or customer acquisition models.
Before co-founding Highview, Dan sharpened his financial expertise at the Post Advisory Group, a Los Angeles-based credit hedge fund. As a Senior Associate, he specialized in high-yield bonds and leveraged loans within the technology sector, where his ability to evaluate risk and structure complex deals set him apart. Prior to that, he held a pivotal role in the Leveraged Finance Group at J.P. Morgan, working on transactions that required precision, speed, and a nuanced understanding of global capital markets.
Dan’s early career was forged during one of the most turbulent economic periods in recent memory. At Bank of America’s Special Assets Group during the Great Recession, he was responsible for restructuring distressed middle-market credits. This experience embedded in him a profound understanding of risk management, turnaround strategy, and the resilience required to lead in times of crisis. It was here that he developed the foundational skills that would later define his approach to private equity: identifying opportunity in adversity and executing with discipline.
Academically, Dan brings a robust foundation in finance and strategic management. He earned a Bachelor of Business Administration in Finance and Accounting from Western Michigan University, where he also served as captain of the varsity soccer team. His athletic background continues to inform his leadership style—competitive, disciplined, and team-oriented. He later earned his MBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business, where he was elected President of the Finance Club and Vice President of Operations for the Soccer Club, demonstrating his early inclination toward leadership and organizational stewardship.
Dan’s industry interests are diverse, though focused. He is especially drawn to sectors where tangible value can be created through operational improvement—manufacturing, packaging, transportation logistics, food distribution, and business services. He avoids industries where strategic influence is less impactful due to regulation or complexity, such as healthcare, defense, and government contracting. His preference is always to align with growth-minded companies where he can make a measurable difference.
Outside of his professional accomplishments, Dan is a dedicated family man and active lifestyle enthusiast. He lives in Los Angeles with his wife and two sons, where he balances a demanding professional life with a personal commitment to health, community, and travel. He enjoys golf, tennis, soccer, and cooking—activities that reflect his love for structure, creativity, and continuous improvement. His roots in Michigan remain a strong part of his identity, especially as a passionate supporter of University of Michigan sports.
Today, Dan is actively exploring additional board opportunities. With 20 years of rich and varied experience, he is driven by a desire to share his knowledge and insights with high-potential companies looking to scale and transform. As he builds his own business, he views board service as a synergistic avenue to contribute, collaborate, and continue learning. His blend of private equity rigor, operational depth, and values-based leadership makes him a uniquely qualified and high-impact candidate for advisory and fiduciary roles.
Character:
Dan exemplifies integrity, humility, and trustworthiness in every interaction. His leadership is grounded in empathy and accountability, making him a respected figure among teams, investors, and stakeholders alike.
Knowledge:
With over 20 years of experience across private equity, leveraged finance, and operations, Dan brings unmatched domain expertise. He possesses a strategic command of financial structuring, value creation, and M&A execution that adds immediate credibility and depth to any board.
Strategic:
Dan is a visionary leader who sees the big picture while mastering the tactical steps to get there. His ability to identify value levers, restructure underperformance, and scale organizations has been proven across multiple sectors and cycles.
Communication:
Known for his clarity, precision, and openness, Dan is a gifted communicator. Whether in a board meeting, investor presentation, or strategic planning session, he articulates complex ideas with logic and accessibility, inspiring confidence and alignment.
