Duane Gentry

Introduction

About Duane Gentry, Founder & Team Leader:

Duane Gentry is a seasoned executive, entrepreneur, and advisor with more than 30 years of experience in business, finance, and leadership.

Born and raised in Western North Carolina, Duane grew up in modest circumstances, where his parents instilled in him the values of faith, hard work, and education. Though resources were limited, his parents worked tirelessly to ensure he received a strong education and developed a lifelong appreciation for art, music, and culture. From an early age, Duane learned the importance of diligence and integrity by working alongside his father on weekends and during summers to help with his family’s small business—a formative experience that shaped his entrepreneurial spirit.

Duane began his professional career in banking and corporate finance, working with both regional banks and Fortune 500 companies. In 1998, he purchased a home services company and served as its President for 22 years. Through his leadership, the company grew its revenue twentyfold and became a recognized industry leader before its successful sale in 2018. Following the transaction, he continued to serve as President and later as Chief Operating Officer of a regional platform company, leading integration and strategic growth initiatives.

Today, Mr. Gentry is the Founder and President of CD Gentry Associates, a business consulting and M&A advisory firm specializing in helping lower-market companies grow, prepare for sale, and achieve successful exits. In addition to his own firm, he serves as a contract executive with eMerge M&A, a New York City–based investment bank that provides M&A advisory services to lower- and middle-market businesses across the country. His expertise spans business valuation, financial analysis, succession planning, and transaction management, drawing on both operational experience and financial acumen to guide clients from “build to sale.”

Duane earned a Bachelor of Arts in Finance from the University of North Carolina and an MBA from the University of North Carolina at Pembroke. He also completed the Executive Mergers & Acquisitions Certification program at Columbia Business School and holds an unlimited mechanical contractor’s license in three states.

Grounded in his Christian faith, Duane and his wife are active members of Community Bible Church in Savannah, Georgia. Together, they are deeply involved in charitable and mission-based efforts, including the orphanage they purchased in Mixco, Guatemala, which provides care for orphaned children and helps connect them with loving families for adoption. He is also passionate about mentoring young leaders and supporting arts, education, and community initiatives—reflecting his lifelong commitment to leadership, service, and purpose-driven success.