Senior Management
Dr. Laukien is the founder of Black Forest Ventures. He holds a Ph.D. in Physics from Tufts University and a Bachelor’s degree from Brandeis Univrsity. Dr. Laukien guides Black Forest Ventures’ principle investment strategy.
Mr. Hitchcock holds the position of Chief Financial Officer, and is responsible for overseeing the financial and operational aspects of Black Forest Ventures' various holdings and operating businesses. In addition, he plays a key role in the company's due diligence process and its investment strategy development. Prior to joining Black Forest Ventures, Mr. Hitchcock held senior financial and operational management roles at both a publicly-traded and privately-held, multi-national companies. Mr. Hitchcock holds a Bachelor's degree in Accounting and MBA degree in Management, from Bentley University.
Mr. Kustu holds a B.S. degree in Marketing from University of Hartford and has over 15 years of experience in strategic marketing, public relations, technical sales support and operational management for public, private and non-profit organizations. Senior Advisors
Mr. Wangler has been a Certified Public Accountant for in Germany since 1984. Mr. Wangler holds a Master of Economics and Commerce degree and an M.B.A. from the University of Mannheim, Germany. Mr. Wangler has extensive experience in strategic planning and international tax and finance matters, currently represents Kanzlei Wangler GmbH & Co.
Mr. Peck has been a researcher and technology analyst for 35 years. He was a member of the Quantum Electronics Group at MIT Lincoln Laboratory, spent 20 years as a Wall Street analyst at Donaldson Lufkin & Jenrette and Cowen & Company, where he was a partner and managing director running the firm's semiconductor equity research. In 2002, Mr. Peck joined Crimson Investment, a private equity firm, where he directed investments in electronics companies in Asia. In 2006, he cofounded Steel Horse Advisors, an investment advisory firm that offers both emerging and established technology companies specialized expertise in positioning, valuation, and business development. Mr. Peck holds a B.A. in physics from Brandeis University, and an M.S. degree in management and electrical engineering from The Massachusetts Institute of Technology. Hospitality
Mr. Johnson's professional achievements include opening and managing hotels, Five Star Five Diamond Resorts in Georgia, Aruba, Grand Cayman, Key West, Seattle, San Diego, Maui, Lanai and Key Largo. Mr. Johnson served as the General Manager of The Woodlands Resort & Conference Center since May of 2005, prior to joining Black Forest Ventures. Mr. Johnson holds a B.A. degree from the University of Hawaii, and has earned advanced certifications from Cornell University and The Culinary Institute of America. Real Estate & Development
Mr. Quinn has a wide range of commercial real estate experience, including
Mr. Sim's career spans over 20 years in commercial real estate and property management operations. Prior to joining Black Forest Ventures, his work included time with local firms Tarantino Properties, TCP Realty Services, The Woodlands Development Company and more recently PM Realty Group as Senior Property Manager. Mr. Sim attended Buffalo State College and Houston Community College and holds a bachelors degree in business administration and is a member of Houston Building Owners and Managers Association (BOMA) since 1998. Aviation
Mr. Reid started his career by attending the United States Air Force Academy in Colorado Springs, and was involved in may airlift operations overseas during his time in the Air Force. Jeff Reid joined GE Aircraft Engines as program manager for Business to Business integration, also participated in numerous deal evaluations and deal strategies. Mr. Reid also served Executive Jet Management as a Vice President, managed the procurement of charter lift for NetJets, and then became Executive Vice President at Million Air headquarters in Houston to ran their 135 Charter services. Mr. Reid joined Wing Aviation as President and CEO back in 2008, and have helped the company’s significant growth in aircraft management and charter services since then. |
