Our People

Kris Karlson

Founder and President

Kris formed Bowman/Hanson in 1996 to create a more efficient marketplace for sellers, buyers, and financiers of privately held middle-market companies. Kris, who had more than a decade of experience buying, selling, and financing companies, was disillusioned with the standard intermediary model.

Kris had witnessed too many dashed hopes, broken deals, and misguided valuation expectations; unduly large professional fees; and an overall lack of professionalism. In search of a better way to execute deals, Kris theorized that straight-talking professional advisors versus fast-talking intermediaries were long overdue for the industry. Bowman/Hanson was born with a vision for deals with the end in mind.

In 1986, Kris was recruited from Drake University (in the cornfields of Iowa) to work for Banc of America (B of A) in San Francisco. In those days, the investment banking group at B of A had a wealth of gray hair. Kris quickly set to work doing deals. B of A trained him in all aspects of deal making, and Kris spent time in every department of the investment banking division learning the details from the bottom up. B of As fast-track management program would serve as a successful backdrop for his future.

Kris’ next stop was PGP Industries, where he learned about M & A for privately held companies. Once again, Kris found himself getting acquainted with the intricacies of smaller, privately held companies and their unique opportunities and challenges. Kris ventured inside the beast to understand what acquiring companies are looking for, how they value companies, and, most important, what prompts them to pay a premium. Kris led, managed, and held P & L responsibility for the newly acquired divisions for his deals. He quickly learned the need to do deals with the end in mind (especially if it is your end that gets kicked if the deal does not work out). This buy-side experience and understanding lends a unique perspective to Kris abilities. This also was his first exposure to the world of business brokers and boutique microcap investment banks. While he marveled at the entrepreneurial spirit of the principals of the companies he was acquiring, he believed there should be a more efficient marketplace for buyers and sellers.

Kris held a similar position with Vulcan Chemical, managing business development and acquisition of privately held manufacturing operations. In between these tenures, Kris launched two technology startups, and experienced firsthand the entrepreneurial thrill of what it takes to make and transition a successful company. Working on hundreds of deals on both sides of fence (public and private, internal and external) gives Kris the unique skill set that’s required to assemble successful deals.

In his personal time, Kris enjoys water skiing in the delta and motor sports. He also is an active mountain climber, snow skier, and mountain biker. Kris graduated from Drake University in Des Moines, Iowa, in 1986.

Kris is also actively involved with Rotary, as an active participant in the Youth Exchange Program. He’s also on the board of his son’s school as Fundraising Chairman for River Montessori Foundation. He’s married with two boys, ages 4 and 7.

Eric J. Bergman

Bowman/Hanson Principal

Eric brings to Bowman/Hanson a depth of experience in business management, valuation, merger and acquisition, post-merger integration, and commercial real estate investing.

Eric offers an entrepreneurial perspective in working with both private and large publicly held companies, implementing business acquisition, new product launches, and business development. Eric’s experience has given him a keen ability to recognize market trends, customer needs, and implement strategies to capitalize on profitable business development initiatives.

Eric previously held several senior level management positions at United Business Media Limited, a leading global business media company. Eric cut his teeth integrating multiple divisions to create integrated media solutions for Fortune 500 companies. As a Group Publisher he researched, developed, acquired, and launched multiple new profit centers within the mobile and Internet space. Eric was instrumental in the acquisition and integration of numerous companies under the United Business Media umbrella.

Eric also co-founded a real estate syndication investment company where he was responsible for evaluating multi-million dollar commercial real estate investments, raising capital from the private sector, and managing the day-to-day operations of a national portfolio of commercial property.

In his personal time, Eric enjoys golf, road biking, snow skiing, and hiking the mountains of Northern California with his family. He also likes attending professional sporting events (one day the 49ers will be back), and volunteering for various youth programs. Eric graduated from Drake University, in Des Moines, IA, in 1986.

Todd G. Chambers

Bowman/Hanson Associate

Todd brings to Bowman/Hanson a wealth of knowledge of merger and acquisition, with a special emphasis on post-merger integration.

Todd offers the unique perspective of working with and for large publicly held companies and implementing entrepreneurial plans with privately held dealerships and franchisee networks. Going from the boardroom to the showroom allowed him to see and understand how deals work for buyers and sellers, and then down the line for suppliers, vendors, landlords, and, most important, employees. Todd quickly learned to think of deals with the end in mind, and this focus brought him to Bowman/Hanson.

Todd previously held several management positions at the Maytag Corporation, a Fortune 500 manufacturing company. Todds early endeavors in post-merger integration forged new policy for Maytag to help integrate new companies, products, and franchisees. He was responsible for the business development of The Maytag Store, a dealership franchise opportunity. He successfully opened the first store in the Western region, creating a showplace for dealership candidates. Todd oversaw the frontline integration of Amana into the Maytag family, the largest merger to date of any appliance manufacturer. Todd brings to Bowman/Hanson his post-market integration and franchise business sales experience.

In his personal time, Todd enjoys mountain climbing, snowboarding, and mountain biking. In his youth, he was a professional skateboarder and promoter and organizer of the National Skateboard Association. Todd holds a business degree from West Virginia University.

Kicki Mansson

Bowman/Hanson Office Manager

Kicki is a recent graduate of Sierra Nevada College, where she had a skiing scholarship. Kicki was on the Swedish Junior National Team, and was ranked among the top 100 women skiers in the world. Kicki will bring her competitive spirit to Bowman/Hanson, where she will be responsible for technology, research, and administrative duties.