Recently appointed the firm's first Chief Business Development Officer, Mr. Woods brings over three decades of seasoned industry and market experience to Commonwealth Capital's senior management team.

Prior to joining Commonwealth Capital as a Managing Director in 2017, Blake Woods was co-founder of Jackim Woods & Co., a leading middle-market investment banking and M&A firm located in Chicago. Mr. Woods has over 25 years of experience in investment banking, mergers & acquisitions, consultative sales, business operations, and C-Level client representation in B2B environments. Blake was promoted to Vice President of Acquisitions in June 2019.

Mr. Woods advises business owners on exit plans, acquisition strategies, and capital raises. He has worked with subsidiaries of Fortune 50 companies and privately held lower middle-market companies.

Before co-founding Jackim Woods & Co., Blake spent three years at MidCap Advisors, a middle-market, mergers & acquisitions and investment banking firm based in Manhattan, New York. Before MidCap, he spent 9 years selling high-end residential and commercial real estate, where he won numerous awards and industry recognition. Prior to that, he was the Marketing Director at The Presidents Forum, a think-tank for Presidents and CEOs of middle-market companies. In this role, Blake was responsible for doubling the size of that organization, arranging informal board meetings and seminars with thought-leaders on cutting-edge topics, and improving the leadership skills of Presidents & CEOs and the performance of their companies. Blake has also held management positions in the financial services, insurance, and securities industries.

Mr. Woods earned his undergraduate degree, a Master’s in Aeronautical Science, and an MBA from Embry-Riddle Aeronautical University. Blake is a licensed commercial pilot with instrument and multi-engine ratings and a licensed real estate broker in Illinois.

As a member of Commonwealth Capital’s senior management team, Mr. Woods’ responsibilities include acquiring portfolio companies for our Blue Chip Program™, growing an influential network of Blue Chip Partners™, and coordinating and overseeing Capital Sources for the firm. His role includes serving as a member of the firm’s Investment Policy Committee of Commonwealth Capital Income Fund–I™ and participating in firm policy oversight.

Blake, his wife, and his son live in the Northwest Suburbs of Chicago.