Gary Gessel joined ACT Capital Advisors as a managing director. Gessel will focus on helping business owners in Pierce County, WA achieve an optimal outcome when they decide to sell their company.

Gessel was president and COO of Milgard Windows and Doors, a windows and doors manufacturer in Washington state, for nine years, beginning in 2008. Prior to his role at Milgard, Gessel served as executive vice president and chief financial officer of Nalley’s Fine Foods in Tacoma.

“I am looking forward to developing the South Puget Sound market for ACT,” Gessel said. “There are thousands of businesses in this area that can benefit from the M&A guidance that ACT provides. ACT has an excellent deal support process, that when combined with my M&A background, will enable me to deliver a full-service investment banking experience to my clients.”

Bob Hild, ACT Capital Advisors chairman and managing director, said, “It’s great to have a seasoned executive like Gary Gessel on our team. His business expertise will be central to helping us build ACT’s South Puget Sound M&A practice. Business owners from Tacoma to Olympia will know they are in good hands with Gary when they go to sell their company.”