Meet our Advisory Board
Strategic Leadership, Industry Expertise, Trusted Counsel
J.M. Cook & Co. has assembled a distinguished Advisory Board comprised of experienced executives, industry leaders, legal professionals, and strategic advisors who provide invaluable insight, guidance, and perspective across investment strategy, corporate development, governance, operations, and transformational growth initiatives.
Our Advisory Board members bring decades of combined experience and a commitment to excellence, integrity, and disciplined execution; strengthening our ability to identify opportunities, navigate complexity, and create long-term value.
Frank M. Smith, Esq.
Mr. Smith brings more than 30 plus years of legal experience providing strategic counsel on complex corporate, transactional, regulatory, and business matters. Throughout his distinguished legal career, Mr. Smith has advised entrepreneurs, executives, investors, and organizations on sophisticated legal issues requiring strategic insight, disciplined analysis, and practical solutions.
As Legal & Regulatory Advisor to the Advisory Board of J.M. Cook & Co., Mr. Smith provides valuable guidance regarding corporate governance, transaction structuring, contractual matters, regulatory considerations, risk management, and best practices to support the firm’s investment initiatives and portfolio companies.
Mr. Smith's extensive legal background and experience navigating complex business environments provide J.M. Cook & Co. with an important strategic resource as the firm evaluates opportunities, executes transactions, and builds long-term value for stakeholders.
Mr. Smith’s commitment to sound legal principles, thoughtful counsel, and strategic execution reinforces the firm’s dedication to integrity, governance, and responsible growth.
Hollis Hunnewell
Mr. Hunnewell brings more than 40 years of distinguished and seasoned experience in capital markets, strategic advisory, and long-term value creation through his affiliation with Waban Partners Inc. He comes from a long line of prominent businessmen and philanthropists and strives to carry on their legacy of entrepreneurship, stewardship and civic leadership. Throughout his career, Mr. Hunnewell has advised entrepreneurs, executives, private companies, and investors on strategic initiatives, capital formation, business expansion, and value-enhancing opportunities.
As a member of the Advisory Board of J.M. Cook & Co., Mr. Hunnewell contributes an experienced investor's perspective to the firm's long-term strategic vision. He advises management on investment evaluation, strategic partnerships, corporate growth initiatives, and disciplined capital allocation while helping identify transformational opportunities that enhance long-term enterprise value.
Mr. Hunnewell's broad market experience, collaborative approach, and commitment to sustainable growth strengthen the firm's ability to execute sophisticated investment strategies and deliver lasting value for clients, partners, and stakeholders.
Peter J. Biscardi
Mr. Biscardi is a retired 40 year seasoned executive from the automotive finance and F&I industry, bringing decades of leadership experience in vehicle protection products, dealer development, strategic partnerships, and operational growth. Throughout his distinguished career, he has worked closely with automotive retailers, financial institutions, administrators, and industry partners to develop innovative solutions that enhance customer value, strengthen dealership performance, and improve long-term profitability.
Mr. Biscardi's expertise spans business development, strategic planning, sales leadership, operational execution, and the design and distribution of automotive protection products and finance solutions. Mr. Biscardi has earned a reputation for building lasting relationships, identifying growth opportunities, and helping organizations navigate an evolving marketplace through practical, results-oriented strategies.
As a member of the Advisory Board of J.M. Cook & Co., Mr. Biscardi contributes valuable industry insight, executive leadership, and an extensive professional network that supports the firm's investment evaluation, strategic advisory services, and long-term value creation initiatives across multiple sectors.
Christopher D. Barriteau
Mr. Barriteau is a seasoned business executive and investment banking professional with more than 30 years of experience spanning precious and critical metals, mining, capital markets, real estate, technology, and international business development. He serves as Co-Founder and CFO of Tresor Gold and leads Metals iO LLC, advising precious and critical metals ventures across Africa, including Uganda, Tanzania, and the Democratic Republic of Congo.
Mr. Barriteau brings more than 15 years of Wall Street experience, including a decade with Lehman Brothers and senior leadership at HedgeCo Securities. Earlier in his career, he served as Executive Vice President of Hirschfeld Properties, overseeing a commercial real estate portfolio exceeding one million square feet.
Mr. Barriteau's international experience includes structuring complex natural-resource transactions and advising companies across multiple sectors. Christopher is particularly focused on responsible mineral development, strategic capital formation, and creating sustainable value for investors and local communities.
As an Advisory Board Member of J.M. Cook & Co., Mr. Barriteau provides expertise in mining, capital markets, strategic transactions, and international resource development.