2027RIC: January Breakfast - Transaction Panel: Sell-side

Gil Grattan is Founder and CEO of Virginia Green, a residential and commercial lawn care company he built into one of the largest and most respected lawn treatment providers in the Mid-Atlantic. Since founding the company in 2004 with just four associates, Gil and his team have grown Virginia Green into a company serving over 108,000 customers, across 6 states along the East Coast, and growing.

Gil leads Virginia Green under the philosophy "Go Beyond, Grow Beyond," a mindset that shapes how he leads his team and grows his business. It reflects his belief that lasting success comes from exceeding customer expectations, investing in the growth of associates, and continually raising the standard for the industry. That philosophy has guided Virginia Green's culture from four employees to a regional leader and continues to define how Gil approaches every stage of the company's growth.

Gil holds a B.S. in Agronomy from Clemson University. He is active in the community including support for Making Strides Against Breast Cancer, Children's Hospital of Richmond, Tech for Troops, and Habitat for Humanity. In addition, he funds the Hank Holloway Scholarship, mentors emerging leaders, provides internships, and participates in industry peer groups. 

Michael Lovern is the founder and CEO of Brandito, a promotional products distributor and fulfillment company headquartered in Richmond, VA. 

Built on the core values of service, authenticity, and giving, Brandito has averaged over 30% organic growth annually since its founding in 2010 — earning 11 consecutive spots on the Inc. 5000 list and multiple Best Places to Work recognitions along the way.

In 2023, Michael led the successful sale of Brandito to Chicago-based private equity firm Monroe Street Partners — a milestone transaction advised by Richmond's Dickinson Williams — while retaining his role as CEO and single largest shareholder. Under his continued leadership, Brandito has since completed two acquisitions and is now approaching $100 million in annual revenue, cementing its position as one of the largest distributors in the industry.

Michael's story is one of building something real — a people-first company that grew through purpose, not shortcuts.