Eric Green stands out as a seasoned professional and a beacon of empathy-driven success. As the Chief Operating Officer and Managing Director at Cascade Partners, Eric brings a wealth of experience from his distinguished career in the U.S. Navy and the financial sector, blending service, dedication, and a profound understanding of human connections.

When Eric joined Cascade Partners in January 2024, he assumed the dual responsibility of steering operational excellence as the COO and driving business development and deal execution as a managing director. His commitment to his team is palpable; he considers them his primary customers. Eric’s measure of success is ensuring that every Cascade professional has the tools, resources, and support needed to thrive in their roles, from the tools required for deal execution excellence, human resources, information technology, finance to compliance and beyond.

Yet, for Eric, it’s about more than numbers and transactions, it’s about honoring the opportunity to impact people’s lives in a positive way. In a field often perceived as mechanical and quantitative, Eric emphasizes the emotional and qualitative dimensions that underpin every deal. For him, serving the middle market is about deeply caring for clients and their aspirations and fostering a team culture rooted in empathy. We are fortunate he found the same priorities and focus at Cascade Partners.

Our mission is to buy, sell, finance, and restructure companies. When said like this, the job seems mechanical, callus, and very quantitative. However, our business is quite the contrary;
it is very human, very emotional, and very qualitative. That is the best part of serving the middle market. We deeply care for our clients and what they want to achieve, which means we must have a team that is rooted in empathy. Helping to shape our team in service to our clients is the best part of the job.

– Eric Green

Reflecting on his journey into investment banking, Eric traces his decision back to 2003 when he transitioned from the Navy to Citigroup’s Corporate Investment Bank in New York. The transition from a service career to one of financial stewardship felt like a natural progression, allowing him to dedicate his time to serving clients—a value deeply ingrained in his military background. Two decades later, Eric enjoys sharing his wealth of experiences as an investor and C-suite operator with clients and teammates.

When asked what advice he would give to his younger self, Eric had this to say,

The advice I would give myself is part of a discussion I had with a handful of Navy colleagues. We sat down to define the characteristics of high-performing teams. We came away with three main characteristics:

1. The team must do the work. You must know and trust that people are trained, have the resources, and, most of all, are motivated to do the job.
2. Seek humor in adversity and humility in success. Teams always know there are going to be highs and lows in every operation. When successful, run from hubris and welcome humility. During adversity, look for the lessons learned, and find the positive associated with what is happening.
3. Finally, dedicate yourself to your teammates’ success. Look left, look right, and make that person successful. Do that and you have little to worry about.

So, younger Eric, do the work, be humble, and make people better.

Eric is deeply engaged in nurturing the next generation of community leaders. Through tutoring, mentorship, or sharing experiences with candidates for the United States Naval Academy, he is committed to paying forward the guidance and support he received. And let’s not forget his love for sports—a passion that transcends the numbers and brings people together in camaraderie and joy. He has a business card that serves as an inspiration that reads:

Eric Green
Sportsman 
415-994-2594
Please give me a call.

However, amidst his professional accolades and community engagement lies a lesser-known fact: Eric’s eclectic talents extend beyond the financial industry and sports. From deriving quadratic equations in talent shows to serenading audiences in karaoke contests (he was runner-up in a karaoke contest), Eric’s zest for life and love for numbers shine through, painting a vivid picture of the multifaceted leader behind the title.

Cascade Partners has found Eric Green to be a seasoned executive, compassionate leader, mentor, and visionary whose journey embodies the true essence of success—rooted in service, empathy, and a relentless pursuit of excellence. As he continues to chart new territories and inspire those around him, Eric Green remains a shining example of leadership in action, lighting the way for others to follow.

Cheers to our Cascade Colleague, Eric Green.