Our Team
Dedicated to your success
Our team combines expert transactional advisors with industry partners possessing deep sector knowledge. We believe these skillsets and strategic insights allow entrepreneurs and small business owners to maximize value while finding the optimal partner for their company.
J.D. Blank
Partner
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Prior to joining Tamarack Partners in 2019, J.D. was the Managing Director of Treehouse Health, a Minneapolis-based healthcare venture capital firm and incubator. In this role, he was responsible for sourcing, evaluating and executing investments in seed, venture and growth- stage companies in the healthcare IT & services and medical technology sectors of healthcare. In addition to working alongside of and advising portfolio companies, he developed and managed a variety of partnerships with large, corporate partners and professional service providers.
J.D. has sat on the board of multiple organizations and currently serves on the board of directors at the Bakken Museum. He is a graduate of Miami University and received his MBA from the University of Minnesota Carlson School of Management.
Ryan Schultz
Partner
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Ryan has more than 15 years of transactional experience having spent his entire career in investment banking, private equity and corporate development. Over the course of his career, Ryan has worked closely with dozens of entrepreneurs, family-owned businesses, private equity groups and strategic buyers in evaluating and executing transactions.
Prior to joining Tamarack Partners in 2025, Ryan led corporate development at Phase 1 Equity (a healthcare-focused roll-up strategy). Ryan began his career in investment banking at Piper Sandler in Minneapolis. He also brings private equity experience having held roles at TT Capital Partners, Cresset Capital, Sterling Partners, and Piper Sandler.
Ryan holds a BSBA in Finance from the University of Denver and lives in Wayzata with his wife, two kids and their dog. Outside the office, you can find him on a golf course or enjoying the great outdoors in Minnesota.
Michael Kessler
Senior Advisor
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Michael’s career as an investment banker began at New York-based Smith Barney in 1985. In 1992, Michael moved to Minneapolis to join the partners of Wessels, Arnold & Henderson, an institutional investment banking firm serving high growth and emerging market companies. During his career, he has specialized in healthcare, technology and industrials; underwriting IPOs; raising private capital; and advising on mergers and acquisitions. For the past 15 years, he has focused exclusively on advising private business owners in mergers and acquisitions.
Michael served active duty in the Marine Corps in the late 1970’s and has sat on several charitable boards, including the United Health Foundation and Children’s Cancer Research Fund. He is a graduate of St. John’s College Annapolis and received his MBA from Columbia University.
Contact Us
If you are considering an ownership transition, our transaction team would be happy to provide you with guidance.