A Conversation with Founder Rick Kohr, President Shelley Lombardo, and President of Investment Banking Steve Prichett
Twenty-five years ago, Evergreen Advisors was founded with a simple but powerful belief: great advisory work starts with strong relationships. What began in 2001 as an entrepreneurial vision has grown into a multi-disciplinary advisory firm serving clients through some of the most important decisions of their businesses—while never losing sight of the people behind those decisions.
Over the past quarter century, Evergreen has evolved alongside its clients, expanding from its investment banking roots into business valuation, CFO advisory, and location strategies. Through changing markets, economic cycles, and industries in transition, one thing has remained constant: a relationship-first approach grounded in trust, integrity, and long-term partnership.
As Evergreen Advisors marks its 25th anniversary, we sat down with Founder Rick Kohr, President Shelley Lombardo, and President of Investment Banking Steve Prichett to reflect on the firm’s beginnings, the milestones that shaped its growth, the culture built by its people, and the vision guiding the next chapter. Their conversation highlights not only how far Evergreen has come—but why its future is just as compelling as its past.
Q: Rick, take us back to the beginning. What inspired you to found Evergreen Advisors in 2001?
Rick Kohr:
I saw a real gap in the market. There were plenty of financial firms offering technical expertise. Too often, advisory work felt transactional and failed to provide strategic accounting and capital markets guidance. I wanted to build a firm that genuinely understood the client’s goals, their business strategy, and the people behind the decisions. From day one, Evergreen was meant to be relationship-driven.
It is a privilege to work with privately held companies that are focused on growth, and with owners who devote so much time, capital, and energy to their enterprises. I did not want to be deal-driven, but rather focused on the relationship and on educating clients about the options available to them at their particular point in the business life cycle. That core belief has guided everything we’ve done over the last 25 years.
Q: Evergreen has grown significantly since those early days. Shelley, what do you think has been critical to the firm’s expansion?
Shelley Lombardo:
Listening—both to our clients and to our people. As clients shared challenges, we chose not to point them somewhere else. Instead, we expanded our capabilities to meet them where they were, developing deep expertise in valuation, investment banking, CFO advisory, and location strategies. At the same time, we invested in our team, empowering them to help shape those practice areas. Growth happened organically because it was client-led and we have a team driven to deliver the very best for our clients.
Q: Steve, from an investment banking perspective, how has Evergreen differentiated itself over the years?
Steve Prichett:
Preparation and process.
Our team spends significant time understanding a business long before a transaction begins—its financial profile, growth drivers, competitive positioning, and potential buyer universe. That preparation allows us to move efficiently when a client decides to pursue a sale, recapitalization, or capital raise.
We also run a very disciplined process. From building the right buyer list to managing diligence and negotiations, our focus is on creating competitive tension and keeping transactions moving toward a successful close. Clients rely on us not just for execution, but for clear guidance throughout what can be a complex, and sometimes emotional, process.
Q: Rick, when you look back over 25 years, what are you most proud of?
Rick Kohr:
The success we have helped our clients achieve by playing a meaningful role in the relationship.
Many of our relationships have lasted for decades, and clients often come back to us for advice at multiple stages of their business journey. That kind of trust only happens when you consistently deliver good work and put the client’s interest first. I’m also proud of the team we’ve built—people who are collaborative, hardworking, and committed to doing things the right way.
Q: Relationships have always been central to Evergreen’s philosophy. Shelley, why do you think that approach has endured?
Shelley Lombardo:
Because it’s timeless. Markets change, industries evolve, but relationships remain the foundation of strong businesses. Internally, we’ve built a culture where people genuinely care about one another. Externally, clients know we’re invested in their success for the long term—not just for one engagement. That consistency builds trust, and trust is what sustains a firm over decades.
Q: The business landscape looks very different today than it did in 2001. Steve, how has Evergreen adapted?
Steve Prichett:
Transactions today are more data-driven and more complex, and our team has evolved with that reality.
We’re using deeper market data, more sophisticated financial analysis, and broader buyer outreach than we did years ago. Buyers also conduct more detailed diligence, so preparation and organization are critical. Our role is to help clients anticipate those expectations and position their businesses accordingly so the process runs smoothly and we achieve the best possible outcome.
Q: Looking ahead, what excites you most about the future of Evergreen?
Rick Kohr:
The opportunities to bring cutting edge, sophisticated solutions for our clients in an effort to help them achieve greater success.
Shelley Lombardo:
Businesses are facing more complexity than ever, and our integrated approach across investment banking, valuation, CFO advisory, and location strategies is incredibly powerful.
Steve Prichett:
Our investment banking pipeline is strong, and the team continues to grow. What excites me most is helping more clients successfully navigate transactions and seeing our younger bankers step into larger leadership roles.
Q: Finally, what advice would you give to entrepreneurs and business leaders?
Rick Kohr:
Surround yourself with the right people and develop a plan that outlines how you will define success.
Shelley Lombardo:
Invest in relationships early and intentionally.
Steve Prichett:
Prepare early if you’re considering a transaction. The more time you spend strengthening your financial reporting, leadership team, and growth story, the more options you’ll have when the time comes.
As Evergreen Advisors celebrates its 25th anniversary, one thing remains clear: while markets evolve and services expand, the heart of Evergreen’s success has always been—and will continue to be—the employees who power the firm and the clients who trust them as partners.
