EP27 Soaring High and Diving Deep in Military and Business with Chris Gaertner, Partner at Integrity Partners and Co-CEO and CFO of DHC Acquisition Corporation

This episode of On Point features an interview with Chris Gaertner, Partner at Integrity Partners and Co-CEO and CFO of DHC Acquisition Corporation. Chris has 25+ years of experience in underwriting, advising, and mergers and acquisitions for some of the best technology companies in the world. He has been a lead advisor on over 100 equity and M&A transactions, including some of the largest deals in technology, and has led IPOs for companies such as Google and OpenTable. He holds a BS in Electrical Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point, an MS in Electrical Engineering from Columbia University, and an MBA from the Wharton School of the University of Pennsylvania. Chris served as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army with the 82nd Airborne Division, XVIII Airborne Corps, and 1st Special Operations Command. In this episode of On Point, Chris Gaertner talks about how as a first generation American, he felt a need to serve the country. He discusses his experiences in ranger school and serving in the Army’s 82nd Airborne Division. Chris also speaks about his passion for flying and diving that has continued to this day since his time at West Point. In addition, Chris provides insight on moving from the military to civilian life, and shares advice on how to make the transition to business successful. -------------- Episode Timestamps (02:15) Segment 1: AAR (02:39) Chris’ experience at West Point (03:41) Handling flying and diving on top of everything at West Point (04:56) Other activities at West Point (04:03) Advice from Chris’ personal experience (06:15) Chris’ West Point mentors (08:08) Why Chris branched Infantry and 82nd (08:52) Chris’ Army experience (11:08) Why Chris decided to transition from the Army (12:11) Segment 2: Sit Rep (13:30) Going to business school (13:48) Why investment banking? (16:41) Chris’ most memorable transaction experiences (20:38) Transitioning into investment banking (23:05) Focusing on mobility, infrastructure and digital security at Integrity (25:47) Segment 3: The SOP (29:47) Daily work-life balance (31:51) Piloting his own plane (33:34) Leadership principles (36:38) Segment 4: Giving Back -------------- Links Chris Gaertner LinkedIn Integrity Partners West Point Association of Graduates We’d love your feedback—take a minute to complete our short podcast survey and help us make future episodes even better!