As iron sharpens iron,

so one person sharpens another.

Proverbs 27:17

Rob is responsible for the Early Ivy's acquisition sourcing and due diligence as well as corporate marketing and operations. Rob began his career at IBM and brings over 25 years of experience of middle-market growth strategy and operational management.  

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Rob is also a Partner at Iron Partners, a boutique private equity and advisory firm with an expertise and focus in increasing company valuations in the education, software, and professional services industries. The firm’s market focus since 2011 included working in the education industry growing companies and their associated valuations with a shift to the early education industry in 2019. 

Rob is a graduate of University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill in Communications. Rob, his wife Heather, and their four children reside in Charlotte.

Rob is responsible for leading Early Ivy's investor relations, acquisition negotiations, corporate accounting and finance, and legal functions.  Rob began his career at Ernst & Young and brings over 20 years of experience in sales, finance, accounting and acquisition deal structure. 

Rob is also a Partner at Iron Partners, a boutique private equity and advisory firm with an expertise and focus in increasing company valuations in the education, software, and professional services industries.  The firm’s market focus since 2011 included working in the education industry growing companies and their associated valuations with a shift to early education industry in 2019.

Rob is a graduate of West Virginia University in Accounting. Rob, his wife Cassie, and their three children reside in Charlotte.

Kristy is responsible for new acquisition transitions and ongoing site-level business and operations. 

Kristy Thornton is also the Founder of the Executive Business Consultants and is one of the most sought-after consultants in early childhood education. She has over 25 years of experience as a preschool teacher, director, owner, trainer, consultant, and business broker specializing in the childcare industry.  Kristy has also been recognized as an expert in administration and management and has worked as an expert witness with some of the largest law firms in Texas.

Kristy and her two children reside in the Dallas metro area.