Nicole Behm-Koep

BIO

Nicole is an experienced investment banker with a strong focus on business development and client relationships. She excels in guiding clients through the acquisition process and ensuring successful deal closures while overseeing operations to maintain efficiency and effectiveness.

Driven by her father's values, Nicole believes in the importance of businesses giving back to their communities. She actively serves on various association and nonprofit boards, including the Immediate Past Board President of the Association of Corporate Growth (ACG) Minnesota, Vice President for the Minnesota-Dakotas Chapter of The ESOP Association Officer Group, Board Member of the Minneapolis Club, and the James Sewell Ballet. Nicole generously volunteers her time with WomenVenture, the Printing Industry Midwest Education Foundation committee, and the Northwest Suburban Chapter of Pheasants Forever.

Before joining Quazar in a full-time capacity, Nicole served as the HR Business Partner to New Ventures at Ecumen, a non-profit provider of Senior Housing and Services. In this role, she successfully managed HR responsibilities for in-house and third-party senior housing start-ups across multiple states, overseeing the entire process from proforma development to building opening. During her tenure of over six years at Ecumen, Nicole provided invaluable HR consulting to senior management, field leadership, and employees.

Nicole's professional journey includes notable HR leadership positions at Next Day Gourmet, a division of US Foodservice, and Target Corporation. Her expertise in human resources, combined with her solid background in investment banking, contributes to her holistic understanding of business operations. With her unwavering dedication to her clients, her commitment to community involvement, and her well-rounded skill set, Nicole continues to thrive in the field of investment banking.

Q&A - Get to know Nicole 

What do you enjoy most about working in M&A?

Building Relationships: M&A involves working with a diverse range of clients and professionals, including executives, lawyers, accountants, and other advisors. This collaborative nature of the field offers opportunities to build relationships and network with talented individuals across industries. Engaging with people from different backgrounds and expertise areas is rewarding and enriching.

What do you believe sets your team or group apart from others in the industry, and how do you work together to achieve success for your clients?

What sets the Quazar team apart from others in the industry is our unwavering commitment to our clients and the way we collaborate to ensure their success. Other key factors that make us stand out are our client-first approach, strong collaboration, adaptability, and commitment to building lasting relationships. By combining these qualities, we consistently achieve success for our clients and ensure their satisfaction throughout their business journey and beyond.

What are some of the most valuable lessons you have learned throughout your career, and how have those lessons helped you in your work?

Throughout my 25+ year career, I have gained invaluable insights that have greatly influenced my work. The three primary lessons that have left a profound impact on me are: Prioritizing reputation over monetary gain, embracing authenticity, and giving back to the community. These lessons have become guiding principles that contribute to my personal and professional fulfillment. These insights continue to empower me in navigating the complexities of my career and making a positive impact in the lives of others.