The McFarland Group, an Omaha-based advisory firm specializing in ownership transitions for closely held businesses, has appointed John Bruckner as managing partner. The announcement, made on September 13, 2026, formalizes a role Bruckner has effectively held for several years and signals continuity in the firm's approach to mergers and acquisitions advisory, management buyouts, and performance equity plans.
Bruckner's elevation matters because it ensures stability at a time when many business owners are navigating the complex and often once-in-a-lifetime process of selling their companies. With over two decades of experience and more than $3 billion in business value guided through more than 200 ownership transitions, The McFarland Group has built a reputation for senior-led, preparation-focused advisory work. Bruckner's appointment reinforces that model, which prioritizes thoughtful positioning well before any transaction begins.
Having led the firm's M&A advisory practice for the past four years and worked alongside founder Byron McFarland for more than a decade, Bruckner brings a blend of legal training and transactional experience to the table. His expertise in valuation, deal terms, and agreement structuring is particularly critical for owners in the lower middle market, who often face the sale process for the first and only time. In his expanded role, Bruckner will assume responsibility for firm operations and strategic direction while continuing his client-facing work.
Founder Byron McFarland framed the appointment as a natural progression. "John has been carrying this weight for some time, and the title reflects the work rather than announces a change in it," McFarland said. "My job has always been to help owners slow the moment down and think clearly. That continues, with a partner steering the firm who holds the same standard." McFarland's continued involvement suggests that the firm's guiding philosophy—captured in its motto, "Go Boldly"—will remain intact.
Bruckner himself emphasized the importance of preserving the firm's patient, preparation-driven approach. "Most owners sell a business once. The decisions they make in that window shape everything that follows, and they deserve advisors who are not in a hurry," he said. "The work that matters happens long before a closing. That is what this firm was built to do, and it is what I intend to protect." He also expressed respect for McFarland's legacy and a commitment to carrying it forward.
The appointment does not alter the day-to-day experience for clients, as engagements remain senior-led. The McFarland Group continues to offer three core service tracks: M&A advisory for sales to outside buyers, management buyouts for owners transferring the company to their leadership team, and performance equity plans designed to build value that a buyer will pay for. For owners considering a transition, the firm's proven track record and Bruckner's expanded leadership provide a reassuring constant in an otherwise uncertain process.
As the advisory landscape evolves, The McFarland Group's decision to formalize Bruckner's role underscores the importance of experienced, dedicated guidance in ownership transitions. It is a strategic move that reinforces the firm's ability to help owners navigate the most consequential financial event of their lives. For more information, visit https://themcfarlandgroup.com.
