About Us

Our Leadership

Jay Winkler

Founder/Managing Partner

For more than three decades, I've had a career filled with moving forward, through some difficult but mostly fabulous times, taking on new opportunities and challenges to find myself right where I trust I’m supposed to be. 

I was privileged to lead and expand the family manufacturing business then endured its closing.  Worked with many smart and talented people and served as a leader at family-owned, privately-held and private equity backed companies in manufacturing, non-profit, communications, consulting, consumer products, education, technology, business services, and globalization. I've started factories around the world, launched businesses, succeeded in turning around distressed ones and helped others prosper, transition or sell.

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My goal for Brave Lion Group is to combine my network of highly-accomplished and thoughtful professionals with my own skills and experience to help develop businesses, offer great insights to clients, collaborate, build relationships and solve problems.

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My Favorite Quotes

"Hard work beats talent when talent doesn't work hard."

"If everyone is thinking alike, someone isn't thinking."

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My Personal Stuff

I'm a Chicago-native who loves an active lifestye and competitive sports -- coaching, playing and watching.  I'm also a bit of a foodie, enjoy cooking and sharing a great meal with friends, vacationing with my wife, and bragging too much about my awesome kids.