CEO Advisors
Our experience, expertise, education and hands-on advice can be the difference in your business.
Each CEO Advisor has experience with both mid-size/major corporations and small entrepreneurial businesses. Our experience includes years at McGraw-Hill Corporation, The Walt Disney Company, eToys.com, Digital River, Accenture, Thomson Corporation, Saban Entertainment/Fox and others. Our education includes Master's Degrees in Business (MBA) from top 10 business schools, as well as, Certification in Mergers and Acquisitions from Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania, and over 85 years of mergers and acquisitions experience and expertise.
Each CEO Advisor has experience with both mid-size/major corporations and small entrepreneurial businesses. Our experience includes years at McGraw-Hill Corporation, The Walt Disney Company, eToys.com, Digital River, Accenture, Thomson Corporation, Saban Entertainment/Fox and others. Our education includes Master's Degrees in Business (MBA) from top 10 business schools, as well as, Certification in Mergers and Acquisitions from Wharton Business School, University of Pennsylvania, and over 85 years of mergers and acquisitions experience and expertise.
Meet the Founder Mark Hartsell, MBA, President
Mark Hartsell has over forty years of experience with small businesses and Fortune 250 corporations. He was most recently the founder, Chairman and CEO of Infocon America Corp., a software company that he funded, grew and sold to a NASDAQ company with a $1 billion market capitalization. His prior experience includes Chairman/CEO/President, Vice President of Sales & Marketing, Group Director of Consumer Products, and Vice President of Subscriptions Services with companies including McGraw-Hill, Film & Video, Thomson Corp., Saban Entertainment/Fox and Digital River.
As an M&A advisor and business advisor to CEOs, Presidents and business owners of small and mid-size companies since 2004, our specialization in mergers and acquisitions will enable you to accelerate your growth through acquisitions, and plan and execute your exit through the sale of your company.
Mark Hartsell attended the University of Maryland for undergraduate studies, has a Master's Degree in Business (MBA) from Loyola University, and achieved a Certification in Mergers & Acquisitions from the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania. Mark is an expert in acquiring and selling small and mid-size companies, including software, technology, digital media, professional services, business services, defense, healthcare and other types of companies.
Mark Hartsell attended the University of Maryland for undergraduate studies, has a Master's Degree in Business (MBA) from Loyola University, and achieved a Certification in Mergers & Acquisitions from the Wharton School of Business, University of Pennsylvania. Mark is an expert in acquiring and selling small and mid-size companies, including software, technology, digital media, professional services, business services, defense, healthcare and other types of companies.
Meet the Team
Scott Sparks, MBA CEO Advisor
Scott Sparks, MBA, is a seasoned executive with broad-based business and M&A/due diligence experience. Scott was previously a Partner at Accenture providing strategy and business advisory services for sixteen years to privately-held and public companies. Scott was also an Associate Consultant at A. T. Kearney providing general strategy advisory services to key executives.
Scott achieved his MBA from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and has a BS in Engineering from the University of California, San Diego.
Scott achieved his MBA from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA) and has a BS in Engineering from the University of California, San Diego.
Craig Cooke CEO Advisor
Craig Cooke is a dynamic entrepreneur, digital expert and business advisor. Craig was formerly the CEO of Rhythm Interactive, Inc. for 26 years from 1996 to 2022. Craig Cooke’s expertise in growth, strategy, digital transformation and digital marketing is top in the industry. Craig has deep expertise across a wide array of industries to design and build web applications for both growth and cost-efficiencies, as well as, a full range of digital marketing expertise for accelerated growth.
Craig Cooke achieved a Bachelor's in Science in Business Administration from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona.
Craig Cooke achieved a Bachelor's in Science in Business Administration from California State Polytechnic University-Pomona.
Theresa Caruso, MBA VP/CEO Advisor
Theresa Caruso has mergers and acquisitions and business advisory experience with both small and Fortune 50 companies. Her experience includes twenty years of mergers and acquisitions advisory services and analytical research with CEO Advisor, Inc., Marketing Director, Account Director, Sr. Manager of Licensing and other positions with The Walt Disney Company, eToys.com, Sachs/Finley Advertising & Promotions and Thacher, Zades & Aubrey Advertising.
Theresa Caruso attended the University of Delaware for undergraduate studies and has a Masters Degree in Business (MBA) from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Theresa Caruso attended the University of Delaware for undergraduate studies and has a Masters Degree in Business (MBA) from the University of California, Los Angeles (UCLA).
Corey Bertola Business Development
Ryan Barlow Associate
Corey Bertola is a Business Development Associate and valued member of the CEO Advisor, Inc. team. Corey focuses on relationship building with CEOs, Presidents and business owners with a focus on growth/strategy and mergers and acquisitions advisory services. Corey has previous experience working with Primer Financial Services attracting new clientele and educating potential investors on financial literacy topics.
Corey is completing his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics at San Diego State University with an expected graduation date in 2025.
Corey is completing his Bachelor of Arts degree in Economics at San Diego State University with an expected graduation date in 2025.
Ryan Barlow is a Business Development Associate and valued member of the CEO Advisor, Inc. team. Ryan focuses on relationship building with CEOs, Presidents and business owners with a focus on growth/strategy and mergers and acquisitions advisory services. Ryan has also served as a Project Engineer at AJ Kirkwood Associates.
Ryan completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management at California State University, San Marcos and he is currently engaged in a Master’s Degree in Business (MBA) program at California State University, Fullerton.
Ryan completed his Bachelor of Science degree in Business Management at California State University, San Marcos and he is currently engaged in a Master’s Degree in Business (MBA) program at California State University, Fullerton.