"Bushido"
(boo-SHE-doe)
Meaning “the way of warriors” in reference to the ancient Samurai code of values including honor, duty, patience and wisdom, which they drew upon to protect and advance their employer's interests.
Prior to founding Bushido Strategic Advisory in late 2019, Justin served as Executive Vice President of Finance and Mergers & Acquisitions for San Francisco-based Top 10 retailer EPIC Insurance Brokers, leading EPIC’s efforts to enhance its rapid organic expansion through the acquisition of complementary insurance distribution firms in the property-casualty, employee benefits, and specialty program niches. He was also responsible for managing the financial operations of EPIC’s Specialty Programs & Investments (“ESPI”) division, where he made and oversaw investments in several InsurTech ventures. Justin joined EPIC as part of ESPI’s late 2017 investment in Paragon Insurance Holdings, a Connecticut-based specialty managing general agency, where he served as Chief Financial Officer. Prior to joining Paragon, Justin was Chief Financial Officer of Dowling Capital Partners, a Connecticut-based, insurance industry-focused, private equity firm.
Justin's career began in New York City, including M&A advisory and capital markets roles with Guy Carpenter’s investment banking division (now GC Securities) and Hales & Company (now Dowling Hales), as well as principal investing duties with alternative asset manager Northaven Management. Justin is a graduate of the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania, where he majored in finance. Justin also holds the Certified Management Accountant (CMA) designation from the Institute of Management Accountants. He currently lives outside Hartford, CT with his wife and two daughters.
Career Highlights
Corporate Development Executive
Leading M&A execution efforts for this large PE-backed retail insurance broker.
Chief Financial Officer
Driving financial operations / M&A transactions, raising capital, and supporting the ultimate sale of this specialty MGA.
Private Equity Investor
Overseeing portfolio company investments and financial operations for this insurance-focused PE fund.
Capital Solutions Provider
Advising insurance company clients of this global reinsurance broker on alternative risk capital and M&A solutions.
Investment Banker
Executing sell side transactions of insurance brokers and agents for this boutique insurance industry advisor.