Director | Robert W. Baird & Co.

Katie Melzer joined Baird in 2002 and is a member of Baird’s Consumer Group working with private equity firms and multinational companies on sell-side, buy-side, and financing transactions. Katie has significant cross-border transaction experience having spent three years in Baird’s London office and six months in Baird’s Asia office. Katie’s most recent investment banking transactions within the Consumer Group include Southern Tide, ENVE, Icebreaker, Fox Head, PrAna, Peter Millar, Helly Hansen, Filson, Snapware, Speck Products, Dunkin’ Brands, Body Central and Gordmans.

EDUCATION & DEGREE(S) ACHIEVED: B.A., University of Michigan; M.B.A, UCLA Anderson School of Management

I COULDN’T DO MY JOB WITHOUT: A strong cup of coffee and a blue 0.5 Pilot G2 Retractable Pen.

BIGGEST CHALLENGE YOU’VE OVERCOME: Learning how to manage clients and processes in a global environment oftentimes means little sleep. But being fortunate enough to have this cross-border experience has enabled me to develop a practice that is visible across the globe.

WHAT OR WHO HAS ENABLED YOU TO BECOME SUCCESSFUL: My parents have always been my biggest fans and encouraged me to pursue anything I set my mind to. From a very early age they inspired me with their strong work ethic and passion for everything they encountered. Their influence continues to humble me daily.

BIGGEST ACCOMPLISHMENT TO DATE: Every client I have been fortunate to work with provides a different accomplishment and one that continues to remind me why I love this industry. Meeting entrepreneurs and industry leaders and having the opportunity to add value to their dream will always be my biggest achievement.

BIGGEST LIFE LESSON: Success is not measured by what you accomplish in life, but by what you give back.

WHAT YOU WOULD WANT YOUR LEGACY TO BE: To live a life full of purpose, passion and perseverance…and have a little fun living it.

MOST IMPORTANT THING I HAVE LEARNED: Never take anything for granted because there are three things you can’t recover in life: the moment after it’s missed, the word after it’s said and the time after it’s wasted.

BEST ADVICE I WAS GIVEN OR THAT I WOULD GIVE: “There are no secrets to success. It is the result of preparation, hard work, and learning from failure.” –Colin Powell

DESCRIBE YOURSELF IN TWO WORDS: Good Crazy