Lou Monari
Serving middle market privately held businesses in M&A and strategic advisory enabling business owners to maximize and realize the value of their companies
- Role
- Principal at The DAK Group
- Location
- Ridgewood, NJ, US
- LinkedIn followers
- 500 followers
About Lou Monari
Lou Monari develops and retains new business for Aon Risk Solutions\' North Region. His 25+ year career spans the large corporation, consulting/outsourced services, and entrepreneurship/start-ups. The depth and breadth of his experience brings clients and prospects exceptional client development, client services/retention and problem solving skills. In short, he helps build better businesses. Prior to Aon, Lou was a business development executive for MMC operating companies Marsh and Mercer. Prior to this, he served as Sr. Vice President, HR for RCN Corp. addressing cultural, organizational, compensation, employee benefits, and leadership issues. Previously, he assisted in the turnaround of NASDAQ wireless communications company Intek Global Corp, by consolidating 5 disparate business units (3 overseas), and two acquired companies, into a streamlined, integrated company. While at Intek, Lou led communications, investor relations, and HR efforts. At Digital Solutions, Inc, Lou’s early responsibilities included HR, Risk Management, non SEC legal, and acquisitions task force and when promoted to General Manager of a subsidiary, grew to include P&L responsibility for a $40 million business unit serving 100+ clients in 5 states. Prior to Digital Solutions, Lou spent 6 years as Co-founder and President of Holgate Associates, Inc, a HR consulting firm. Prior to Holgate, he obtained an intimate knowledge of global commerce while working at International Nabisco Brands. Lou is active in business and community organizations. He currently sits on the board of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) New Jersey, and has served on the boards of the Morris County Economic Development Corporation and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce. Lou is also an active participant of Financial Executives International (FEI) NJ, and the Society of Human Resource Management (SHRM). Lou earned a MBA from Seton Hall Univ. and a BS from the Univ. of Rhode Island. Specialties: Lou holds property, casualty, health and life insurance producer licenses in NJ, NY and CT. Lou has achieved the designation of Certified Management Consultant (CMC) from the Institute of Management Consultants (IMC). A graduate of Leadership Morris, a highly regarded education and leadership development program, he also served on the Leadership Morris Alumni Council.
Experience
Principal
Jul 2025 — Present · Ridgewood, NJ, US
Lou Monari is a trusted advisor to business owners and executives who want more than just advice—they want results. With decades of experience spanning entrepreneurship, corporate leadership, business development, and turnaround strategy, Lou brings a practical, solutions-oriented approach to building better businesses.Clients count on Lou for his ability to quickly identify challenges, connect the dots, and deliver clear, actionable strategies. His coaching style is rooted in real-world experience—from founding and running his own company, Holgate Associates, to leading business development efforts at Aon Risk Solutions, where he worked with middle market, startup, and Fortune 500 clients.Lou’s track record includes helping turnaround, integrate, and streamline a multi-unit Nasdaq wireless company. He also managed a $40 million P&L as General Manager of a business services firm subsidiary and contributed to M&A activity on corporate acquisition teams. These roles give him unique insight into what drives value—for both buyers and sellers.Whether you’re scaling, preparing for an exit, or navigating uncertainty, Lou offers a steady hand, a sharp mind, and a strong network.Lou is a founding member of ACG New Jersey and has been active in organizations like FEI, SHRM, the Morris County EDC, and the Morris County Chamber of Commerce. He holds an MBA from Seton Hall University and a BS from the University of Rhode Island.
Education
Seton Hall University
Masters; Bachelor of Science
University of Rhode Island
BS
Skills
- Business Process Improvement
- Due Diligence
- Organizational Design
- Risk Management
- Life Insurance
- Finance
- Financial Risk
- Integrated Marketing
- Employee Benefits
- Defined Benefit
- Outsourcing
- Financial Analysis
- Strategy
- P&L Management
- Management
- Team Building
- Mergers & Acquisitions
- Start-Ups
- Insurance
- Program Management
- Financial Services
- Strategic Planning
- Executive Management
- Property & Casualty Insurance
- Leadership
- Business Planning
- Business Development
- Training
- New Business Development
- Health Insurance
- Personnel Management
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