Our Leadership Team

With nearly three decades of expertise spanning the technology, services, and risk management sectors, Dennis Crowley stands as a distinguished Senior Executive and Entrepreneur. His rich experience encompasses guiding startups and growth-stage organizations, providing astute management consulting, and pioneering the development of service offerings and new products to foster sustainable growth. As a Founder of Apollo Security International, Dennis played pivotal roles including General Counsel and President. His successful negotiation of the company's sale to Allied Universal showcased his diligence expertise. Subsequently, as Senior Vice President of Integration Technology at AUS, he played a key role in launching cutting-edge AI-based technology. In 2020, he co-founded Trellis Software, where he also serves as President overseeing its Private Marketplace venture. Dennis's skill set includes executive leadership, strategic planning, sales, marketing, human resources, quality control, security operations, and corporate law.

Dennis holds a bachelor’s degree from the University of Massachusetts-Amherst, a CSS in Business Administration from Harvard University, and a JD, cum laude, from Suffolk University Law School. He is a proud member of YPO, and is a member of the Massachusetts Bar.

Samuel Kidston, CFA, stands as a seasoned investor and financial expert with a diverse background in special situation investing and advisory roles. As the Managing Member of North & Webster SSG, LLC, a prominent special situation investing vehicle, and a key advisor to Belenus Holdings, Sam has demonstrated exceptional acumen in structuring private investment partnerships and navigating bankruptcy transactions. His expertise spans various industries, including financial services, electronics distribution, apparel, energy, and real estate.

With a notable focus on deep value and activist investing, Sam has a keen eye for identifying opportunities in small and micro-cap publicly traded companies as well as small private businesses. He possesses extensive experience in managing distressed companies and assets, showcasing his expertise in due diligence processes.

He has  held significant roles, including Chairman of the Board of Directors, in several publicly traded companies, such as Sport-Haley Holdings, Inc., SED International, Inc., and Ezenia! Inc.

Sam holds a B.A. from Wesleyan University and is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA). Currently serving as the CFO of Asylon Robotics, a leading robotic perimeter security company, Sam continues to leverage his extensive expertise to drive strategic financial initiatives and foster innovation in the industry.

With over three decades of dedicated service, Michael Crowley brings a wealth of knowledge and expertise in the business realm, coupled with a profound commitment to assisting entrepreneurs in their growth journey. Michael's passion for empowering others not only enriches his own life but also leaves a lasting impact on his clients. Through his extensive experience as a CEO and Principal, he has successfully grown, systemized, and sold businesses across diverse industries, showcasing his adeptness in strategic transitions.

Currently serving as a Principle for Planned Value Group, Michael embodies a personal and direct approach in guiding fellow business owners. He and his team specialize in enhancing the intangible capitals – human, customer, structural, and social – which collectively constitute 75% of a company's value. Their mission goes beyond consultancy; they are trusted advisors committed to ensuring the success of every business they touch.

Michael's professional ethos centers around teamwork and the value of input from every team member. He fosters an environment where insights are valued, ensuring that Planned Value Group operates seamlessly and effectively. With a deep understanding of the challenges faced by business owners, Michael's dedicated focus is on preventing business closures and facilitating successful transitions for all clients.

Jake Crowley, a seasoned business professional and Managing Member at Chief Properties for six years, has a rich background in property and residential development. As the Principal/Operations Manager at AH Painting, a 2020 Inc. – Top 5000 Fastest Growing Independent Company, Jake played a pivotal role in the company's remarkable growth, culminating in its successful exit in 2022.

With over a decade of experience, Jake has served as a dedicated Business Consultant for The CND Group, now known as Planned Value Group. He leads a team focused on Value Acceleration, systematically improving and measuring the human, customer, structural, and social capitals within businesses. Understanding the challenges faced by business owners, Jake's commitment lies in ensuring clients feel heard and understood. He approaches problem-solving with a keen objective perspective, addressing concerns logically and methodically.

Beyond his professional pursuits, Jake is an active individual, dedicated to his training in jiu-jitsu, a Brazilian martial art. In his leisure time, he enjoys skiing and engaging in sports games with friends and family, showcasing his passion for both physical fitness and camaraderie.

Brian Popiel stands as an accomplished CFO/COO with a robust background in finance and operations, showcasing a rich history of collaboration with technology and financial services companies. With an extensive skill set spanning finance, operations, risk management, legal expertise, compliance, venture capital, capital markets, private equity, and asset management, Brian brings a comprehensive perspective to his roles.

A proud graduate of Harvard University and Boston College Law School, Brian's professional journey includes a notable tenure as the CFO of Trellis Software from 2021 to 2023. In this capacity, he demonstrated exceptional leadership and financial acumen, contributing significantly to the company's growth and success.

His multifaceted expertise and dedication highlight his ability to navigate complex financial landscapes, making him a valuable asset to any organization fortunate enough to benefit from his extensive experience and insights.

Kim McCauley is a distinguished strategic partner at Belenus and the driving force behind A Missing Link, a comprehensive Human Capital Company she founded and leads as President. With a diverse skill set, Kim excels in various domains, including Mergers and Acquisitions, Executive Assessment, Compensation and Benefit Design, Business Strategy Development, Management Consulting, and Executive Leadership and Organizational Design.

Kim's notable contributions include her pivotal role at Narragansett Bay Insurance Company, where she orchestrated the successful sale of the company to Heritage Holdings. Her expertise extends to post-deal integration activities, showcasing her proficiency in managing complex transitions. Early in her career, Kim spearheaded human capital initiatives for high-growth ventures and startups across diverse industries, solidifying her reputation as a trusted leader in the field.

Kim's academic journey includes a bachelor's degree from the University of Rhode Island, an Executive HR Certification from Bryant College, and a master's degree in Organizational Development from Lesley University. She is a dedicated member of several professional associations, including NEHRA, HRM, SHRM, ASTD, and World at Work, underscoring her commitment to continuous learning and staying at the forefront of industry trends.