Staff Spotlight: Jake Mathews

Expanding Keiter’s reach in Tennessee through valuation and advisory expertise

As Keiter continues to broaden its geographic footprint, Senior Analyst Jake Mathews, CPA, ABV, is helping to lead the effort in Tennessee. After relocating from Richmond to his hometown in Tennessee, Jake is helping to expand the firm’s reach while continuing to provide trusted valuation and advisory services to business owners across industries.

Born and raised in Clarksville, Jake developed a strong work ethic through diverse early employment experiences, and pursued his passion for music as a guitarist, singer, and songwriter. At age 26,

Jake decided to chart a new course in his professional life, returning to academia to pursue further education. He began his studies at Frederick Community College in Maryland before transferring to the College of William & Mary, where he earned a Bachelor of Arts in Public Policy and gained valuable legislative experience as an intern with the Virginia State Senate. Following the advice of a peer at the Raymond A. Mason School of Business, he went on to complete a Master of Accounting.

Jake was first introduced to Keiter while studying at The College of William & Mary, where he met Harold Martin, Keiter’s Valuation and Forensic Services (VFS) Director and an adjunct professor at the college. “I expressed an interest in doing valuations, something finance-related,” Jake recalls. “As soon as I graduated in 2022, I started my career with Keiter’s Valuation & Forensic Services (VFS) team as an Associate.”

Wearing two hats: VFS and Keiter Advisors

Jake’s role spans both the VFS department and Keiter Advisors. He specializes in transaction planning, sell-side advisory, and complex financial modeling. In addition, he provides business valuation, forensic accounting, and litigation consulting services. Jake particularly values working with closely held and family-owned businesses, helping them achieve the best outcomes for their futures.

“The core of what we do in VFS is business valuations and understanding what drives shareholder value,” Jake explains. “Keiter Advisors is the practical reality of that—actually selling the company and representing shareholders in the process.” The synergy between the two teams creates a feedback loop that enhances both sides of the work. The insights gained from live deals strengthen his valuation expertise, and that technical background, in turn, enhances the advisory work he provides to clients.

Jake takes pride in long-term client partnerships and the tangible impact of his work. He enjoys both the strategic relationships on the M&A side and the high-stakes excitement of valuation and litigation projects.

Looking ahead: Growth opportunities in Tennessee

Jake and his growing family returned to his home state of Tennessee in 2024, driven by a desire to be closer to relatives. His ability to work remotely has opened the doors to some exciting opportunities for Jake and the Firm.

Middle Tennessee has seen sustained growth driven by population increases, business relocations, and investment across healthcare, manufacturing, logistics, and professional services. Nashville’s nationally recognized healthcare ecosystem continues to attract private equity interest, physician practice consolidation, and complex transaction activity-areas where specialized valuation and transaction advisory expertise is critical. Just north of Nashville, Clarksville’s rapid commercial development and proximity to Fort Campbell, one of the largest military installations in the U.S., have fueled growth among closely held and family-owned businesses that are increasingly focused on succession planning, transactions, and long-term value creation.

Jake sees these trends as a natural extension of Keiter’s strengths. “As markets mature, business owners start asking bigger questions about exit strategies, shareholder value, and how to prepare for a sale or transition,” he explains. “That’s where valuations and advisory services really come together.”

Working remotely while remaining deeply connected to the Firm, Jake is able to serve Tennessee-based clients while leveraging Keiter’s full valuation, forensic, and M&A capabilities. His presence in the region allows the firm to build relationships locally while delivering the same high-level technical rigor and personalized service clients expect.

As Keiter continues to grow beyond Virginia, Jake’s role in Tennessee reflects both a homecoming and a strategic opportunity: supporting business owners in a dynamic market while helping extend the Firm’s regional reach with insight, precision, and a long-term perspective.

Life beyond the numbers

When he is not immersed in valuations, Jake enjoys spending time with his wife and two young children, finds creative fulfillment through songwriting and playing music, and stays busy working on home projects.

Learn more about Keiter’s Valuation and Forensic Services practice and meet the team.