Sorrell College of Business alumnus Will Pouncey’s commitment to the Wiregrass area and the University runs deep, and he hopes to continue making a significant impact in the communities of the region.
With a 2018 economics bachelor’s degree and a 2020 master’s degree, Pouncey serves as a business advisor for the Small Business Development Center at Troy University, and manages Optics Consulting, a firm that specializes in M&A and Investment Banking. His vision: “preserve the value we have, create value that we don’t.”
Through Optics, Pouncey and his team assist small business owners, many nearing retirement age, in navigating the complex process of selling their businesses. With poor industry success rates, he saw an opportunity to help the small business community through these services, successfully transitioning business value from one generation to the next and preserving or growing the economic impact those businesses contribute.
His practical approach and commitment to achieving successful outcomes have earned him the trust of many clients seeking to make this important transition in their lives, as he and his team have achieved impressive success rates.
“Our goal extends beyond preserving value, but in creating value as well,” he said.
Envisioning a bright future for entrepreneurship in the southeast, Pouncy acts as an advisor and leads teams to source capital for numerous, large-scale projects in the Wiregrass area and in major metropolitan areas across the South. Raising capital primarily through private placement/limited partner offerings, as well as assisting with debt placement, Optics is one of a very small number of firms who assist lower-middle market entrepreneurs with structuring, underwriting, and raising capital for venture projects in the $5m – $100m range.
It’s this experience that comes into play for SBDC clients. Pouncey plays a crucial role in supporting and guiding aspiring entrepreneurs.
“Will’s passion for helping others achieve their business goals shines through as he provides valuable insights, assists with financing projects, and leads workshops and educational events,” said Juliana Bolivar, the Center’s director. “His dedication to fostering the growth and success of small businesses in the Troy community is a testament to his commitment to giving back.”
Pouncey readily admits he makes any excuse for lunch at Troy’s Half Shell restaurant, but his motivation in helping businesses grow comes from a deeply rooted sense of commitment.
“Without my experiences in Troy, the people I’ve met and learned from, the staff in the Johnson Center and the friends I have made there who I have the pleasure of working with today, I’d be nowhere close to where I am now,” Pouncey said. “TROY was just what I needed.”
