Gary Waugh – Founder | CEO

Business Growth Strategist & Economic Development Partner

Gary Waugh is a strategic business growth consultant with deep expertise in financial services, digital marketing, and capital readiness. Known for helping professional service firms and community-based ventures get fundable, access growth capital, and scale with clarity, Gary brings a practical, systems-driven approach to business transformation.

His entrepreneurial journey began with inspiration from his father, a hard-working business owner whose enterprise was ultimately derailed by the lack of proper structure and exit planning after being diagnosed with a serious health condition that rendered him unable to work any longer. That experience shaped Gary’s lifelong commitment to helping entrepreneurs build businesses that are sustainable, scalable, and ultimately transferable—whether for exit, succession, or long-term income.

Gary began his professional career with Bank One in Columbus, Ohio in 1997 before going on over the next 20 years expanding into healthcare billing, retirement planning for federal employees, and financial advising. In 2010, he transitioned into digital marketing—helping small businesses establish their online presence through websites, SEO, and social media. It was during this period that Gary recognized a powerful insight: marketing and capital access are two sides of the same coin. Without proper business structure and positioning, even well-marketed companies can struggle to secure funding or grow predictably.

This realization led Gary to become a business loan broker and consultant in 2017, helping entrepreneurs not just access capital, but become fundable by design. He now works with professional service firms, small and mid-sized businesses, and nonprofit ventures to improve fundability, implement scalable systems, and navigate the path from startup to sustainable growth.

Gary’s portfolio of collaborations reflects his versatility and reach. He is currently engaged in projects with several offices of the Maryland state government, Comcast Business, Alnylam Pharmaceuticals, and a community-based bank in the Philadelphia region. His previous work includes engagements with federal agencies such as the General Services Administration (GSA) and the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA), also locally with the Towson, Maryland Chamber of Commerce. He has also partnered with national and regional financial ecosystem partners including Credit Suite, NAV, Dun & Bradstreet, ROK Financial, Prime Coporate Services, and several banks in both the midwest and east coast. In addition, Gary continues to support a wide range of small and medium-sized businesses and their owners across multiple industries.

Currently, Gary is developing a micro private equity firm focused on launching or acquiring recession-resistant businesses. These ventures are either built from scratch using proven business models or acquired with the intent to scale using operational playbooks and growth frameworks. The goal: create value, generate predictable income, and offer optionality—whether through exit, hold, or transfer.

Gary also serves as Director of Business Development for the Health Empowerment Network of Maryland, a nonprofit committed to expanding access to quality healthcare in underserved communities across Maryland and Washington, D.C.

Gary is a proud member of the Black Executive Men Community, which is a global network of high-achieving Black male professionals committed to mutual support, mentorship, and leadership development.

Gary partners with organizations in Columbus, Ohio and the broader Midwest, as well as in Maryland/D.C. and Philadelphia to drive economic development through entrepreneurship and investment. His work centers on helping founders get structured, funded, and scalable—fostering job creation and wealth-building opportunities in communities that have historically been overlooked.

Education & Credentials

Although Gary does not hold a traditional college degree, his insights are forged through decades of hands-on business experience and mentorship from many high-performing leaders. He holds multiple certifications in business consulting, marketing, and funding, and has held licenses in the insurance and financial services industries. His practical, impact-focused approach to business makes him a trusted advisor for founders, nonprofits, and ecosystem builders alike.

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