San Carlos Advisors

TEAM

Managing Director
Rick Ludlow

Advisory Professionals
Michael Caglarcan
Bruce T. Coleman
John Grosshans
Paul Gustafson
Roger Jensen
Kevin O’Donnell
David Opsahl
Brigitte Wilson

Rick Ludlow
Rick Ludlow is the founder and managing director of San Carlos Advisors. He brings more than 25 years of experience in technology mergers & acquisitions (M&A) and has directly participated in numerous buy-side, sell-side and IPO transactions. Rick’s technology experience includes enterprise software, eCommerce, SaaS (Software-as-a-Service), communications, Internet, ERP (Enterprise Resource Planning), CRM, Security, eLearning, CAD, collaboration, visualization, email, services and EDI (Electronic Data Interchange). Prior to founding San Carlos Advisors, Rick held president, CEO and senior management positions with leading technology companies such as VeriFone (acquired by HP), Premenos (acquired by Harbinger), ViewCentral (acquired by Rainmaker Systems), Captara (acquired by Ecologic Leasing Solutions), Supplybase (acquired by I2), Capital Analysts, and Vuent (acquired by iEngineer). Rick holds a B.S. in Finance, Cum Laude, from CSUH School of Business and Economics.

Michael Caglarcan
Michael Caglarcan brings more than 25 years of leadership and industry experience in the information technology field to San Carlos Advisors. Michael served as president of Rockwell Electronic Commerce, a global leader in call center technology products and services. Prior to that, he was chairman and chief executive officer of Teleos Communications, a leading Wide Area Network Access technology company where he executed a successful merger agreement. Before Teleos, Michael was chairman and chief executive officer of Evernet Systems, a national network systems integrator that was acquired by Control Data Systems. Earlier in his career, Michael held various executive positions at EDS over a 12-year period. Michael holds a B.A. in mathematics from The University of Virginia and an M.S. in operations research from George Washington University.

Bruce T. Coleman
Bruce T. Coleman brings his extensive experience running both publicly and privately held companies to San Carlos Advisors. Since November 1991, Bruce has served as the Chief Executive Officer of El Salto Advisors, an interim executive firm. He was CEO of Boole & Babbage, Inc., Information Sciences, Inc. and Walker Interactive Products. He has also taken on a number of interim CEO assignments, including Openwave, WebTrends, Stamps.com, Computer Network Technology, Websense and Rogue Wave. Coleman is currently a director of Websense and Printronix. He received his MBA from Harvard University and his bachelor's degree in economics from Trinity College.

John Grosshans
John Grosshans brings to San Carlos Advisors more than 20 years of experience in the areas of enterprise software, hardware, services and networking, in roles that have included general management, sales, marketing, business development, and professional services. In his career, he has managed, built, and restructured organizations at nearly every stage of development and growth. John Grosshans led the Avaya Global Applications and Software business, in the position of Vice President. Prior to Avaya, John was SVP and Corporate Officer of Worldwide Sales and Business Development at GoRemote (NASDAQ:GRIC). When GoRemote was successfully acquired by iPass (NASDAQ:IPAS), John took the position of VP, Fixed Broadband. Before GoRemote, John held the position of VP, Worldwide Sales and Services for Access360. Access360 was successfully acquired by IBM. Prior to Access360, John was EVP, Worldwide Sales and Marketing for Vuent. Vuent was acquired by Oracle. Prior to Vuent, John was the VP of domestic and international Sales with Parametric Technology Corporation. Prior to PTC, John held various sales and management positions with Eastman Kodak. John holds a B.S. in Industrial Distribution, awarded with distinction by Clarkson University.

Paul Gustafson
Paul Gustafson brings over 20 years of Silicon Valley experience to San Carlos Advisors. Paul’s experience includes leading client services and business development for The TDA Group, a legendary high tech marketing and custom publishing agency. Prior to TDA, Paul led the consulting firm he founded-Market Pioneering, a specialist in delivering marketing strategy and program design services to high-tech clients. Paul's prior experience includes executive leadership posts at industry leaders such as Xerox and Adobe Systems, as well as innovative startups such as Teknowledge and General Magic. Paul has a B.S. in Engineering Operations/Journalism from Iowa State University.

Roger Jensen
Roger Jensen brings over 25 years of senior management and technology experience to San Carlos Advisors. Roger has extensive experience in online applications, healthcare systems, clinical trial data management, laboratory information systems and medical devices. Roger’s work experience includes AlphaDetail, SatMetrix, LifeChart, Avantec, and a SmithKline Clinical Laboratories software system project with Sunquest. Roger holds a BA in Chemistry from the University of Minnesota and an MBA from Santa Clara University.

Kevin O’Donnell
Kevin O’Donnell brings 25 years of financial experience to San Carlos Advisors. He has held numerous positions at the CFO and VP of Finance level. Kevin has experience setting operational, financial and strategic objectives and providing business counsel and financial support to operating executives. Kevin has worked at companies such as Apple Computer, Unisys Corporation, Network General (now Network Associates) and Cassatt Corporation, and he has participated in several M&A transactions during his career. Kevin holds a B.A. in Finance from DePaul University and an MBA from Northeastern University.

David Opsahl
David Opsahl brings over 25 years of executive management and technology experience to San Carlos Advisors. His experience includes process management, manufacturing, CAD/CAM, product information management, and visualization software. David has been directly involved in several successful M&A transactions. David’s roles include CEO, General Manager and Founder as well as executive positions in business development, marketing and sales. David’s technology career spans many companies including Actify, Cardonet, Assentive Solutions, Computervision and Tecnomatix Technologies. David currently sits on the boards of Foldier, Inc. and Actify.