間合い
間合い
間合い
In Japanese, "Maai" refers to the perfect sense of timing and distance. This sense is critical in strategy, negotiation, and competition. In the fast-moving world of M&A, that precision can mean the difference between a deal won or lost. Maai Services Group was founded to give dealmakers the competitive edge they need.
In Japanese, "Maai" refers to the perfect sense of timing and distance. This sense is critical in strategy, negotiation, and competition. In the fast-moving world of M&A, that precision can mean the difference between a deal won or lost. Maai Services Group was founded to give dealmakers the competitive edge they need.
As new tools emerge daily, organizations struggle to stay ahead, often needlessly overspending on resources and frustrating teams in the pursuit of efficiency.
We founded MAAI to bridge this gap. We work to leverage deep expertise to cut through the noise, thoughtfully curate best-in-class AI solutions, and integrate them into your workflow. By empowering your team with custom automation, strategic guidance, and ongoing training, we help transform complex challenges into clear competitive advantages.
Our mission is to ignite a transformative era in M&A by integrating AI at every stage of the process. We’re committed to unleashing unprecedented growth and creating abundant opportunities for every player—from innovative entrepreneurs to global conglomerates.
As new tools emerge daily, organizations struggle to stay ahead, often needlessly overspending on resources and frustrating teams in the pursuit of efficiency.
We founded MAAI to bridge this gap. We work to leverage deep expertise to cut through the noise, thoughtfully curate best-in-class AI solutions, and integrate them into your workflow. By empowering your team with custom automation, strategic guidance, and ongoing training, we help transform complex challenges into clear competitive advantages.
Our mission is to ignite a transformative era in M&A by integrating AI at every stage of the process. We’re committed to unleashing unprecedented growth and creating abundant opportunities for every player—from innovative entrepreneurs to global conglomerates.
Our Advisors
In addition to partnering with innovative AI builders, we’ve built a tight-knit network of trusted advisors. Their deep insights help us uncover and refine the most effective solutions for our customers.
Terrence F. Doyle
Terrence F. Doyle is Firm Vice Chair and a Partner in Calfee’s Corporate and Finance practice, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, equity financings, leveraged buyouts, and corporate governance. As Co-Leader of Calfee’s Private Equity practice, he advises leading funds including Align Capital Partners, Highview Capital Partners, and others, while also guiding public companies like RPM International and The J. M. Smucker Company on reporting obligations and governance issues.
Regularly honored by Chambers USA (Band 4, Corporate/M&A), Terry is praised as “extremely strong commercially and also very personable.” He consistently appears in The Best Lawyers in America®, Ohio Super Lawyers, and Crain’s Cleveland Business “Forty Under 40.” A summa cum laude graduate of Cleveland State University College of Law (J.D.) and a cum laude graduate of Boston College (B.A.), Terry is known for his creative solutions, keen business insight, and ability to drive impactful outcomes for clients.
Mark W. Beliczky
Mark W. Beliczky is a growth-minded, values-driven, and people-centric business leader with a remarkable track record of transforming organizations, scaling operations, and building cultures of performance excellence. Over the course of his career, he has served as President & CEO, CMO, executive advisor, and partner to private equity firms, Fortune 50 companies, and start-ups—always focused on unlocking value creation through clarity of mission, strategic execution, and empowering people to lead.
Tim O'Hearn
Tim O’Hearn is a distinguished legal professional and business advisor with extensive experience at the highest levels of patent law and corporate counsel. He served as a Judge on the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, where he presided over complex patent disputes and developed a reputation for fair, strategic, and insightful decision-making. Prior to his judicial role, Tim was a Partner at the global law firm Jones Day, advising clients on all aspects of intellectual property litigation, transactions, and strategy. Now, as an Advisor on the MAAI Services Group Board of Advisors, Tim draws on his unique blend of industry, government, and legal expertise to guide organizations in navigating evolving legal landscapes, fostering innovation, and driving strategic growth.
Lawlor Coe
Lawlor Coe is an accomplished finance professional with diverse experience in credit analysis, mergers and acquisitions, and employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) advisory. He currently serves as a Senior Analyst at Evernorth in Burlington, Vermont, where he leverages his strong analytical skills and deep industry knowledge to guide strategic financial decisions.
Emily Easley
Emily Easley began her venture capital career at CincyTech, a seed-stage fund in Cincinnati, and later joined Blue Chip Venture Company, a late-stage venture firm. Across both roles, she deployed $300 million in over 80 deals and oversaw 20 exits, returning more than $900 million. Most recently, she has worked as a fractional CFO for high-growth startups and founded (and exited) an interior design sourcing and procurement firm for 3x revenue. A 2012 graduate of Miami University, Emily is also the founder and former President of RedHawk Ventures, the university’s student-run venture fund. Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys needlepoint, experimenting with new recipes, beekeeping, building custom cornhole boards, cultivating micro cut flower gardens in low-income neighborhoods, fermenting bitters, making kombucha, golfing, pickleball, and teaching yoga.
Steve Malbasa
Steve Malbasa is a Partner in Cerity Partners’ Cleveland office, bringing 35 years of executive experience in the financial services industry with a focus on corporate retirement. As a Retirement Plan Advisor, he collaborates with corporate decision-makers to design and implement qualified retirement plans that help organizations and their employees achieve their financial goals. He also contributes to Cerity Partners’ Personnel Development, guiding professional growth within the firm.
Before joining Cerity Partners, Steve served as Director of Retirement Plan Services at Spero-Smith Investment Advisers in Cleveland, and as a senior executive with the Capital Group Companies in Los Angeles, where he managed the retirement effort for the American Funds. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Steve and his wife co-founded the Aspire II Nav Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping people navigate life’s challenges. He also sits on its Board of Directors. Previously, Steve served on the Board of Trustees at Ohio Northern University and American Funds Distributors, acted as President and Director of Northeast Cleveland Little League, and led the Northeastern Ohio chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation as President and Director.
Johnny Avant
Johnny Avant is an experienced data scientist and ML/AI researcher specializing in consumer insights and design research practices. He is driven by a passion for bridging business value with cutting-edge innovation, leveraging quantitative analysis and user-focused methodologies to inform product strategies and drive growth.
Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in AI/Cognitive Science, Johnny’s career includes serving as Managing Director at Sprout, where he has advised on Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems, interpretability initiatives, and recommendation engines for enterprise and consumer applications. He previously led the development of deep learning solutions as Director of Applied AI at Automized, focusing on consumer behavior insights and user-centric product improvements. Prior to that, as a Senior Data Scientist at CoStrategix, Johnny spearheaded AI strategy, harnessing advanced research methods to uncover user insights and enhance product designs.
Through his blend of technical expertise, strategic leadership, and research-driven innovation, Johnny consistently delivers impactful solutions that create value for organizations and their end-users—all while shaping the future of AI through his doctoral work.
Kyle Chin-How
Kyle Chin-How is the Head of Origination at Apis & Heritage Capital Partners, a lower middle-market buyout firm specializing in converting established U.S. businesses in essential services and construction trades into 100% employee-owned enterprises. In this role, Kyle leads the identification and development of new investment opportunities, leveraging his background in M&A and corporate transactions.
Prior to Apis & Heritage, Kyle was an M&A Specialist at Citi, managing proprietary M&A and strategic transactions across Citigroup Inc. and its subsidiaries. He began his career at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, where he supported a wide range of corporate and real estate transactional matters. Kyle’s experience spans legal, financial, and operational domains, enabling him to guide complex deals from inception to execution.
Eric Hornung
Eric Hornung serves on the Advisory Board at Maai Services Group, bringing a wealth of experience in finance, strategy, and M&A. Since joining RKCA in 2019 as an Associate, he has worked closely with corporate leadership and boards, developing financial valuation models and advising on transactions and strategic initiatives. Previously, Eric rose rapidly from Analyst to Vice President at Duff & Phelps, where he advised on complex bankruptcies, co-founded the cryptocurrency advisory practice, and gained international experience across China, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.
Eric earned a BSBA in Finance and Economics (with a minor in Chinese) from The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business. He has passed Level I of the CFA, is a Certified Bitcoin Professional, and co-hosts the upside podcast, recognized by Fortune. Eric also sits on the Fisher College of Business Alumni Advisory Board.
Spencer Roule
Spencer Roule serves on the Advisory Board at Maai Services Group, bringing to the team deep expertise in wealth management, transaction advisory, and strategic planning. As a Senior Principal in Cerity Partners’ Cleveland office, he advises individuals, families, corporations, and non-profit organizations on holistic wealth strategies that span investment management, estate and tax planning, and philanthropic goals. Spencer’s client-centric approach and ability to distill complex financial issues into clear action plans have made him a trusted counselor to executives and business owners across the Midwest.
Before joining Cerity Partners, Spencer was a Financial Analyst at Marsh, Berry & Company, where he guided independent insurance brokerages through M&A transactions, valuation analyses, and long-range business planning initiatives. Earlier in his career he honed his investment-research skills at Spero-Smith Investment Advisers, supporting portfolio construction and market analysis for high-net-worth clients.
Away from the office, Spencer gives back to his community as a youth basketball and football coach and is an avid outdoorsman who can often be found on regional hiking trails. His passion for mentorship and service mirrors the hands-on, growth-oriented mindset he brings to Maai Services Group’s advisory board.
Modern M&A starts here.
Quick Links
© 2025 by 2555 Ventures LLC (d.b.a. "Maai Services Group") | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
Modern M&A starts here.
Quick Links
© 2025 by 2555 Ventures LLC (d.b.a. "Maai Services Group") | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
Modern M&A starts here.
Quick Links
© 2025 by 2555 Ventures LLC (d.b.a. "Maai Services Group") | Privacy Policy | Terms of Use
Our Advisors
In addition to partnering with innovative AI builders, we’ve built a tight-knit network of trusted advisors. Their deep insights help us uncover and refine the most effective solutions for our customers.
Terrence F. Doyle
Terrence F. Doyle is Firm Vice Chair and a Partner in Calfee’s Corporate and Finance practice, focusing on mergers and acquisitions, equity financings, leveraged buyouts, and corporate governance. As Co-Leader of Calfee’s Private Equity practice, he advises leading funds including Align Capital Partners, Highview Capital Partners, and others, while also guiding public companies like RPM International and The J. M. Smucker Company on reporting obligations and governance issues.
Regularly honored by Chambers USA (Band 4, Corporate/M&A), Terry is praised as “extremely strong commercially and also very personable.” He consistently appears in The Best Lawyers in America®, Ohio Super Lawyers, and Crain’s Cleveland Business “Forty Under 40.” A summa cum laude graduate of Cleveland State University College of Law (J.D.) and a cum laude graduate of Boston College (B.A.), Terry is known for his creative solutions, keen business insight, and ability to drive impactful outcomes for clients.
Mark W. Beliczky
Mark W. Beliczky is a growth-minded, values-driven, and people-centric business leader with a remarkable track record of transforming organizations, scaling operations, and building cultures of performance excellence. Over the course of his career, he has served as President & CEO, CMO, executive advisor, and partner to private equity firms, Fortune 50 companies, and start-ups—always focused on unlocking value creation through clarity of mission, strategic execution, and empowering people to lead.
Lawlor Coe
Lawlor Coe is an accomplished finance professional with diverse experience in credit analysis, mergers and acquisitions, and employee stock ownership plan (ESOP) advisory. He currently serves as a Senior Analyst at Evernorth in Burlington, Vermont, where he leverages his strong analytical skills and deep industry knowledge to guide strategic financial decisions.
Kyle Chin-How
Spencer Roule
Eric Hornung
Kyle Chin-How is the Head of Origination at Apis & Heritage Capital Partners, a lower middle-market buyout firm specializing in converting established U.S. businesses in essential services and construction trades into 100% employee-owned enterprises. In this role, Kyle leads the identification and development of new investment opportunities, leveraging his background in M&A and corporate transactions.
Prior to Apis & Heritage, Kyle was an M&A Specialist at Citi, managing proprietary M&A and strategic transactions across Citigroup Inc. and its subsidiaries. He began his career at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, where he supported a wide range of corporate and real estate transactional matters. Kyle’s experience spans legal, financial, and operational domains, enabling him to guide complex deals from inception to execution.
Spencer Roule serves on the Advisory Board at Maai Services Group, bringing to the team deep expertise in wealth management, transaction advisory, and strategic planning. As a Senior Principal in Cerity Partners’ Cleveland office, he advises individuals, families, corporations, and non-profit organizations on holistic wealth strategies that span investment management, estate and tax planning, and philanthropic goals. Spencer’s client-centric approach and ability to distill complex financial issues into clear action plans have made him a trusted counselor to executives and business owners across the Midwest.
Before joining Cerity Partners, Spencer was a Financial Analyst at Marsh, Berry & Company, where he guided independent insurance brokerages through M&A transactions, valuation analyses, and long-range business planning initiatives. Earlier in his career he honed his investment-research skills at Spero-Smith Investment Advisers, supporting portfolio construction and market analysis for high-net-worth clients.
Away from the office, Spencer gives back to his community as a youth basketball and football coach and is an avid outdoorsman who can often be found on regional hiking trails. His passion for mentorship and service mirrors the hands-on, growth-oriented mindset he brings to Maai Services Group’s advisory board.
Eric Hornung serves on the Advisory Board at Maai Services Group, bringing a wealth of experience in finance, strategy, and M&A. Since joining RKCA in 2019 as an Associate, he has worked closely with corporate leadership and boards, developing financial valuation models and advising on transactions and strategic initiatives. Previously, Eric rose rapidly from Analyst to Vice President at Duff & Phelps, where he advised on complex bankruptcies, co-founded the cryptocurrency advisory practice, and gained international experience across China, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.
Eric earned a BSBA in Finance and Economics (with a minor in Chinese) from The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business. He has passed Level I of the CFA, is a Certified Bitcoin Professional, and co-hosts the upside podcast, recognized by Fortune. Eric also sits on the Fisher College of Business Alumni Advisory Board.
Johnny Avant
Kyle Chin-How
Kyle Chin-How
Johnny Avant is an experienced data scientist and ML/AI researcher specializing in consumer insights and design research practices. He is driven by a passion for bridging business value with cutting-edge innovation, leveraging quantitative analysis and user-focused methodologies to inform product strategies and drive growth.
Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in AI/Cognitive Science, Johnny’s career includes serving as Managing Director at Sprout, where he has advised on Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems, interpretability initiatives, and recommendation engines for enterprise and consumer applications. He previously led the development of deep learning solutions as Director of Applied AI at Automized, focusing on consumer behavior insights and user-centric product improvements. Prior to that, as a Senior Data Scientist at CoStrategix, Johnny spearheaded AI strategy, harnessing advanced research methods to uncover user insights and enhance product designs.
Through his blend of technical expertise, strategic leadership, and research-driven innovation, Johnny consistently delivers impactful solutions that create value for organizations and their end-users—all while shaping the future of AI through his doctoral work.
Kyle Chin-How is the Head of Origination at Apis & Heritage Capital Partners, a lower middle-market buyout firm specializing in converting established U.S. businesses in essential services and construction trades into 100% employee-owned enterprises. In this role, Kyle leads the identification and development of new investment opportunities, leveraging his background in M&A and corporate transactions.
Prior to Apis & Heritage, Kyle was an M&A Specialist at Citi, managing proprietary M&A and strategic transactions across Citigroup Inc. and its subsidiaries. He began his career at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, where he supported a wide range of corporate and real estate transactional matters. Kyle’s experience spans legal, financial, and operational domains, enabling him to guide complex deals from inception to execution.
Kyle Chin-How is the Head of Origination at Apis & Heritage Capital Partners, a lower middle-market buyout firm specializing in converting established U.S. businesses in essential services and construction trades into 100% employee-owned enterprises. In this role, Kyle leads the identification and development of new investment opportunities, leveraging his background in M&A and corporate transactions.
Prior to Apis & Heritage, Kyle was an M&A Specialist at Citi, managing proprietary M&A and strategic transactions across Citigroup Inc. and its subsidiaries. He began his career at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, where he supported a wide range of corporate and real estate transactional matters. Kyle’s experience spans legal, financial, and operational domains, enabling him to guide complex deals from inception to execution.
Johnny Avant
Johnny Avant is an experienced data scientist and ML/AI researcher specializing in consumer insights and design research practices. He is driven by a passion for bridging business value with cutting-edge innovation, leveraging quantitative analysis and user-focused methodologies to inform product strategies and drive growth.
Currently pursuing a Ph.D. in AI/Cognitive Science, Johnny’s career includes serving as Managing Director at Sprout, where he has advised on Retrieval-Augmented Generation (RAG) systems, interpretability initiatives, and recommendation engines for enterprise and consumer applications. He previously led the development of deep learning solutions as Director of Applied AI at Automized, focusing on consumer behavior insights and user-centric product improvements. Prior to that, as a Senior Data Scientist at CoStrategix, Johnny spearheaded AI strategy, harnessing advanced research methods to uncover user insights and enhance product designs.
Through his blend of technical expertise, strategic leadership, and research-driven innovation, Johnny consistently delivers impactful solutions that create value for organizations and their end-users—all while shaping the future of AI through his doctoral work.
Steve Malbasa
Steve Malbasa is a Partner in Cerity Partners’ Cleveland office, bringing 35 years of executive experience in the financial services industry with a focus on corporate retirement. As a Retirement Plan Advisor, he collaborates with corporate decision-makers to design and implement qualified retirement plans that help organizations and their employees achieve their financial goals. He also contributes to Cerity Partners’ Personnel Development, guiding professional growth within the firm.
Before joining Cerity Partners, Steve served as Director of Retirement Plan Services at Spero-Smith Investment Advisers in Cleveland, and as a senior executive with the Capital Group Companies in Los Angeles, where he managed the retirement effort for the American Funds. Outside of his professional responsibilities, Steve and his wife co-founded the Aspire II Nav Foundation, an organization dedicated to helping people navigate life’s challenges. He also sits on its Board of Directors. Previously, Steve served on the Board of Trustees at Ohio Northern University and American Funds Distributors, acted as President and Director of Northeast Cleveland Little League, and led the Northeastern Ohio chapter of the Make-A-Wish Foundation as President and Director.
Emily Easley
Emily Easley began her venture capital career at CincyTech, a seed-stage fund in Cincinnati, and later joined Blue Chip Venture Company, a late-stage venture firm. Across both roles, she deployed $300 million in over 80 deals and oversaw 20 exits, returning more than $900 million. Most recently, she has worked as a fractional CFO for high-growth startups and founded (and exited) an interior design sourcing and procurement firm for 3x revenue. A 2012 graduate of Miami University, Emily is also the founder and former President of RedHawk Ventures, the university’s student-run venture fund. Outside of her professional pursuits, she enjoys needlepoint, experimenting with new recipes, beekeeping, building custom cornhole boards, cultivating micro cut flower gardens in low-income neighborhoods, fermenting bitters, making kombucha, golfing, pickleball, and teaching yoga.
Tim O'Hearn
Tim O’Hearn is a distinguished legal professional and business advisor with extensive experience at the highest levels of patent law and corporate counsel. He served as a Judge on the Patent Trial and Appeal Board (PTAB) at the United States Patent and Trademark Office, where he presided over complex patent disputes and developed a reputation for fair, strategic, and insightful decision-making. Prior to his judicial role, Tim was a Partner at the global law firm Jones Day, advising clients on all aspects of intellectual property litigation, transactions, and strategy. Now, as an Advisor on the MAAI Services Group Board of Advisors, Tim draws on his unique blend of industry, government, and legal expertise to guide organizations in navigating evolving legal landscapes, fostering innovation, and driving strategic growth.
Kyle Chin-How
Eric Hornung
Spencer Roule
Kyle Chin-How is the Head of Origination at Apis & Heritage Capital Partners, a lower middle-market buyout firm specializing in converting established U.S. businesses in essential services and construction trades into 100% employee-owned enterprises. In this role, Kyle leads the identification and development of new investment opportunities, leveraging his background in M&A and corporate transactions.
Prior to Apis & Heritage, Kyle was an M&A Specialist at Citi, managing proprietary M&A and strategic transactions across Citigroup Inc. and its subsidiaries. He began his career at Skadden, Arps, Slate, Meagher & Flom LLP, where he supported a wide range of corporate and real estate transactional matters. Kyle’s experience spans legal, financial, and operational domains, enabling him to guide complex deals from inception to execution.
Eric Hornung serves on the Advisory Board at Maai Services Group, bringing a wealth of experience in finance, strategy, and M&A. Since joining RKCA in 2019 as an Associate, he has worked closely with corporate leadership and boards, developing financial valuation models and advising on transactions and strategic initiatives. Previously, Eric rose rapidly from Analyst to Vice President at Duff & Phelps, where he advised on complex bankruptcies, co-founded the cryptocurrency advisory practice, and gained international experience across China, the Caribbean, and the Middle East.
Eric earned a BSBA in Finance and Economics (with a minor in Chinese) from The Ohio State University’s Fisher College of Business. He has passed Level I of the CFA, is a Certified Bitcoin Professional, and co-hosts the upside podcast, recognized by Fortune. Eric also sits on the Fisher College of Business Alumni Advisory Board.
Spencer Roule serves on the Advisory Board at Maai Services Group, bringing to the team deep expertise in wealth management, transaction advisory, and strategic planning. As a Senior Principal in Cerity Partners’ Cleveland office, he advises individuals, families, corporations, and non-profit organizations on holistic wealth strategies that span investment management, estate and tax planning, and philanthropic goals. Spencer’s client-centric approach and ability to distill complex financial issues into clear action plans have made him a trusted counselor to executives and business owners across the Midwest.
Before joining Cerity Partners, Spencer was a Financial Analyst at Marsh, Berry & Company, where he guided independent insurance brokerages through M&A transactions, valuation analyses, and long-range business planning initiatives. Earlier in his career he honed his investment-research skills at Spero-Smith Investment Advisers, supporting portfolio construction and market analysis for high-net-worth clients.
Away from the office, Spencer gives back to his community as a youth basketball and football coach and is an avid outdoorsman who can often be found on regional hiking trails. His passion for mentorship and service mirrors the hands-on, growth-oriented mindset he brings to Maai Services Group’s advisory board.