In this episode of the TMA Chicago/Midwest Podcast, Managing Director and Head of Loan Administration at CIBC Bank USA Hugh Wilder sat down with host Paul Musser to discuss the intricacies of lender workouts and the importance of early intervention regarding distressed credits. Hugh shared his insights on the workout process at banks, current trends in refinancing and distressed mergers and acquisitions (M&A), and the challenges that he is seeing with distressed borrowers. Additionally, they delved into the significance of building relationships within the restructuring community, with Hugh advising junior professionals to be patient and persistent, emphasizing that they should focus on building trust and experience over several years to develop credibility among their industry peers.

In this episode of the Turnaround Management Association’s (TMA) Chicago/Midwest podcast, Partner at Paladin Management Group Stefan Piotrowski sits down with host Paul Musser to discuss the importance of Chief Restructuring Officers (CROs) in distressed situations. Stefan delves into a CRO’s need for effective communication with stakeholders during turnarounds to ensure success. He also compares the unique challenges that often arise in family-owned businesses versus sponsor-backed companies. Then, Stefan and Paul discuss the value of networking and proactive relationship-building through organizations like the TMA. For new professionals entering the restructuring field, Stefan notes that first and foremost, good work is paramount, along with maintaining contact with new connections.

In this episode of the TMA Chicago/Midwest podcast, Senior Managing Director at Development Specialists, Inc. (DSI) Steven Victor sits down with host Paul Musser to discuss the evolution of the restructuring industry over the span of Steven’s career, the perception of bankruptcy as a rehabilitative process, and the role of assignments for the benefit of creditors (ABCs) as an alternative to Chapter 7 bankruptcy. Steve shares insights on the advantages and disadvantages of ABCs, the shift in their use by family-owned businesses to venture capital firms, and the importance of professional organizations, such as the TMA, in fostering community and professional development. He and Paul also emphasized the value of writing as well as committee involvement to enhance one’s brand and reputation within the industry.

In this episode of the TMA Chicago/Midwest podcast, Managing Partner and Founder of Ravinia Capital Tom Goldblatt sits down with host Paul Musser to discuss the intricacies of the role of investment bankers in navigating distressed sales and refinancing processes. Tom, among other things, shares insights on the importance of establishing a structured process and the strategic use of stalking horse bidders. Their conversation also highlights the recent Roti Mediterranean sale that Tom worked on, illustrating the challenges and successes in such distressed transactions. Additionally, Tom shares takeaways from his involvement in the Turnaround Management Association (TMA), considerations for marketing oneself, and the benefits of networking and developing meaningful relationships with industry peers.

In this episode of the TMA Chicago/Midwest podcast, Judge Deborah Thorne of the U.S. Bankruptcy Court for the Northern District of Illinois sits down with host Paul Musser to discuss her path to becoming a bankruptcy judge and her transition from private practice to the bench. Judge Thorne also shares perspectives from her experience as a woman in the restructuring and legal industries, as well as current trends she’s observed in her commercial bankruptcy cases. Additionally, she and Paul discuss the impact of virtual hearings on courtroom dynamics and collegiality between legal professionals as well as recommendations for younger attorneys starting out in the restructuring field, including engaging with peers and mentors, participating in industry networks and volunteering for pro bono opportunities.

In this episode of the TMA Chicago/Midwest podcast, Co-Head of the Portfolio Group at Monroe Capital LLC, Jonathan Weinberg, sits down with host Paul Musser to discuss his career path in restructuring, comparisons and contrasts between private credit and traditional bank lending horizons, and the importance of early intervention in workouts. He also shares insights from his own involvement in TMA and advises young professionals to invest time in networking within the restructuring community in order to build trust, learn and develop skills, and foster professional growth.

In this episode of the TMA Chicago/Midwest podcast, Co-Head of the Portfolio Group at Monroe Capital LLC, Jonathan Weinberg, sits down with host Paul Musser to discuss his career path in restructuring, comparisons and contrasts between private credit and traditional bank lending horizons, the importance of borrower relationships and early intervention in workouts, and the rise of independent directors in distressed situations. He also shares insights from his own involvement in TMA and advises young professionals to invest time in networking within the restructuring community in order to build trust, learn and develop skills, and foster professional growth.

In this episode of the TMA Chicago Midwest podcast, 2025 President of the TMA Chicago/Midwest Chapter David Levy sits down with host Paul Musser to discuss David’s journey in restructuring, his vision for the chapter’s 2025 theme, “Make It Rain,” and the importance of professional services marketing. David also shares insights from his background in distressed deal financing and his perspectives on the state of the commercial real estate market. He then describes his pathway to becoming the TMA chapter’s current president, the benefits of relationship-building and collaboration that he and other members gain through their involvement in the chapter, and the impact of strategic networking, particularly in the insolvency and restructuring industry.

In this episode of the TMA Chicago Midwest podcast, Jamie Sprayregen, Vice Chairman at Hilco Global, shares insights from his journey in the field of restructuring, the serendipitous events that shaped his career and the strategies he employed to build a wildly successful practice. He discusses his time at prominent firms such as Kirkland & Ellis, where he founded its renowned Restructuring Group, Goldman Sachs and Hilco Global, as well as his vision for the future of the firm. Jamie goes on to discuss the importance of creativity and commercial pragmatism in the legal space, particularly in restructuring, and the evolving landscape of bankruptcy practice, highlighting the rise of liability management transactions, the growth of private credit and the shift toward out-of-court restructurings. Finally, he emphasizes the value of participating in professional organizations such as TMA to foster meaningful relationships and develop one’s network.

Jamie encourages our podcast listeners to send him questions in advance of his conversation with keynote speaker Bob Costas, which he will be moderating, at the upcoming TMA Chicago Midwest's 16th Annual Executive Speaker Forum. You can reach Jamie at [email protected]. 

In this episode of the TMA Chicago Midwest podcast, Sandy Prabhakar, managing director at Armory, shares insights from his more than 20 years of experience. He discusses the typical distressed situations where investment bankers are brought in to help, the process of distressed sales and refinancing, and key differences between out-of-court and in-court transactions. Sandy also shares strategies for addressing regulatory issues in distressed M&A, as well as the current trends and his outlook for the future. He goes on to discuss his years-long involvement in the TMA Chicago Midwest chapter, where he currently serves as treasurer, along with the importance of young professionals’ participation in organizations such as TMA.