A Proven Team
Built for Entrepreneurs.
Building and leading a successful business is more than a professional achievement. For many owners, the company represents years—or decades—of sacrifice, risk, relationships and hard work. Decisions about its future deserve the same level of commitment.
That is why Hilltop exists: to help business owners navigate consequential decisions with clarity, perspective and confidence.
Our perspective is shaped by experience across investment banking, commercial banking, business operations, and military service—and by a genuine respect for the people who build the businesses that we depend on.
FOUNDER & PRESIDENT
Justin Palmer
Justin founded Hilltop Advisors after a career spanning investment banking, commercial banking, corporate finance and operations. Across those roles, one theme has remained constant: working alongside business owners and executives as they make important decisions about their companies.
His perspective on entrepreneurship began much earlier. Growing up around family members who built businesses—and starting his own small ventures as a kid—gave Justin an early appreciation for the risk, responsibility and personal commitment that come with ownership. That perspective continues to shape the way he advises clients today.
Before founding Hilltop, Justin advised public and private companies on M&A and capital transactions representing more than $2.5 billion of transaction value. His experience also includes commercial banking, CFO consulting, and leading M&A and business development for a middle-market company. Justin also serves in the U.S. Navy Reserve and has deployed as Deputy Commander of an Expeditionary Logistics Task Group.
Justin founded Hilltop to bring that breadth of experience to business owners in a more personal way: providing thoughtful, objective advice while staying focused on the people and priorities behind every transaction.
VICE PRESIDENT
Stephen Berrier
Stephen began his career in public accounting, where he worked with companies across a range of industries and developed a strong foundation in financial reporting, analysis and business operations.
He later held accounting and finance roles with private equity-backed companies, including Lucas Group and Tidal Wave Auto Spa. In those roles, Stephen supported both buy-side and sell-side M&A, as well as financial planning and analysis during periods of significant growth.
That combination of accounting, finance and transaction experience gives Stephen a practical perspective on the financial and operational issues that can shape both the value of a business and the outcome of a transaction.
Stephen serves on the Board of Directors of Postpartum Support International, where he serves as Treasurer. A native Atlantan, Stephen and his wife are raising their two daughters in Tucker, Georgia.
A SHARED PERSPECTIVE
Experience matters. So does who you trust.
Important decisions deserve thoughtful advice from people who understand what is at stake.