top of page

About Us

At Highland Advisory Group, we are more than just M&A advisors—we are business owners, parents, and Little League coaches, just like you. Our firm was founded on the principles of empathy and understanding, ensuring that we always see the person behind the business. We know firsthand the responsibilities and challenges that come with managing a company, raising a family, and contributing to the community.

Forest Aerial View

Strategic Partnerships

Highland Advisory Group strategically partners with several M&A and family business associations to provide the maximum amount of resources and technology to service our clients. These partnerships allow us to leverage cutting-edge tools and industry insights, ensuring that we deliver the highest level of advisory service.
 

The Highland Bull

The Highland is a remarkable breed of Scottish rustic cattle. These majestic cattle, weighing up to 2,000 lbs., are among the hardiest animals, thriving in the most intemperate conditions and adapting to any terrain. And yet, these amazing creatures are renowned for their friendly personable nature.  
At Highland, we aim to mirror this same grit and perseverance. We understand the journey and harsh terrain you have traveled to get to where you are today and we are committed to helping you stay the course, thrive in any situation, and of course always willing to grab a beer after a long day's work.

Our Namesake

We love nothing more than hearing your story as a business owner.  Let’s discuss where you are today, your goals, and what we could accomplish together.  

Let’s Launch Your Future Today.

Ryan Tracey, CFA

Managing Partner

603.531.2081

  • LinkedIn
  • MBA University of Notre Dame

  • BA Fairfield University

  • CFA Charterholder 

  • Certified Insolvency & Restructuring Advisor (CIRA)

  • FINRA Series 79, 63, 62, 6

  • Adjunct Professor teaching Mergers & Acquisitions course at Northeastern University (Fall '24)

  • ​St. Thomas Aquinas High School, Board of Trustees Treasurer

I have been working with business owners and studying different business models and value creation strategies for my entire career.  I came from an entrepreneurial family with my grandfather founding a successful gear and shaft manufacturing company in his one car garage back in 1945. The business has stayed in the family with my father and uncles and is now onto generation three.  

My favorite part of what I do is hearing the origin stories of business owners and the family successions of those businesses creating something lasting and valuable.  This is what drives me to help business owners and their families realize their own American dream and getting rewarded for those years of hard work with the outcome they deserve.

 

On the personal side, it’s tough to find time outside of my 4 kids. Shooting baskets in the driveway and morning wrestling matches are now my cardio for the day. When life does slow down, I try to get outside as much as possible whether biking, fishing, golfing, or exploring the wilderness. I had the opportunity to live in Africa for a period after undergrad working on a private wildlife preservation outside of Kruger National Park and that nature & wildlife bug has never left me.

Amanda Sylvester

Creative Director

603.988.8878

  • LinkedIn
  • Marketing agency, Founder 

  • 5+ years M&A experience

  • 5+ years of leadership in marketing for emerging food & beverage concepts, driving brand growth and market presence

  • Specializing in website design that enhances client visibility and growth potential

  • BA Stony Brook University

At Highland, I have the privilege of blending my creative talents and marketing expertise with my passion for collaborating with business owners in a meaningful way. My journey began in M&A and select marketing roles, which inspired me to establish a marketing agency dedicated to helping business owners effectively communicate their passion and vision. I also gained valuable experience in operations and marketing while forming companies at a VC studio, further honing my skills in driving business growth.

 

As the Creative Director at Highland Advisory Group, I recognized a unique opportunity to support business owners during one of the most pivotal events of their careers – the M&A transaction. At Highland, we are revolutionizing how companies are positioned and marketed to potential investors, providing the right tools and messaging to the right audiences. This approach ensures we unlock the full value for our business owner clients.

Originally from Long Island, I now call the Seacoast home, where I live with my two rescue dogs, Honey and Frankie. A lifelong animal lover, I have a bit of a reputation among friends and family for my habit of bringing home strays—whether it’s a dog, cat, or even a squirrel (trust me, the vet still talks about that one).  If it has fur, feathers, or even a questionable background story, it’s probably found a temporary home with me.

bottom of page