ED BAGDASARIAN

Chief Executive

Intrepid Investment Bankers

Ed Bagdasarian is the co-founder of Intrepid Investment Bank and oversees merger-and-acquisition transactions for the eight-year-old investment bank. His three-decade investment-banking career includes transactions in the consumer, healthcare, technology, manufacturing, industrials and business services sectors. Previously, he was one of the principal partners at Barrington Associates, helping grow the specialty investment bank, which was acquired by Wells Fargo Securities in 2006. His career also includes a stint as vice president at First Global Securities.

What was your proudest moment?

Recently, my proudest moment was moving our firm on Jan. 2, into the completely redesigned 22nd floor of our building, in the very same space that had served as home of our first firm that we built and sold in 2006. It reminded me of the heritage of our first 25 years in business, amped up by the energy and vibe of our new firm and its 40 member team. We were back home, ready to build something special.

What is your alma mater?

UCLA, B.A. in Business/Economics

What is your next project?

Building Intrepid into the “navy seals” of investment banking.

Who is your hero?

My dad. He taught me everything by showing, not preaching. He left his home country when he was 50 and came to the U.S. with no safety net, to give me and my brother a world of opportunity. Every day, I try to live the lessons he taught me—be honest, be honorable, treat everyone with respect and do your best every time.

What do you like best about Los Angeles?

L.A. is in the middle of a massive rebirth—it is a magnet for creative people, fearless entrepreneurs, and every imaginable culture, that all combine to create a most resourceful city that will spawn many of the ideas, companies and institutions that will change the world in profound ways.