Team
Partner with Stratus Business Advisors
At Stratus Business Advisors, we specialize in business valuation, succession planning, and financial management, customizing solutions to meet each client’s unique goals. With years of experience working with business owners, we understand the constant overlap between business and personal considerations. Our goal is to be your trusted resource, helping you navigate and resolve all aspects of your financial life with customized, lasting solutions.
Sam Brownell, CVA, CFA, MBA
Founder & CEO
Sam Brownell, CVA, CFA, MBA has been a financial professional since 2006 and formed Stratus Capital Management in July 2013 to provide goals-based succession planning and financial management to independent business owners and their families. Sam’s initial focus was the building materials industry, and that continues to be a major focus today. However, as the firm grew, an increasing number of independent business owners in related industries sought Sam’s advice on their short and long-term planning needs, including valuation, tax strategy, business continuity planning, and succession planning. In 2019, Sam obtained the CVA certification from the National Association of Certified Valuators and Analysts (NACVA) in order to better serve the valuation and succession planning needs of his independent business owner clients.
Sam earned his BA in Economics from Loyola University in Maryland and his MBA from the University of Maryland’s Robert H. Smith School of Business. Prior to forming Stratus, Sam worked in trading, valuation, and raising capital at two investment banks, where he became a CFA Charterholder.
In his free time, Sam gives back to his community as treasurer of a local, DC-area non-profit focused on teaching children to swim, and he is also an avid fly fisherman. Sam and his wife, Sara, reside in Kensington, MD, with their sons Felix and Finn.
Amanda Monschein
Chief Operating Officer (COO)
Amanda is a financial professional based in Montgomery County, MD, where she lives with her husband and two children. A graduate of Wake Forest University, Amanda began her career in a small business, working in television production in Washington, DC. She managed operations, client service, event planning, and production before advancing to oversee the accounting department and financial operations, including production budgets. Amanda transitioned to the corporate sector as a senior financial analyst for a publicly traded medical technology company, where she gained valuable experience in financial strategy and analysis.
Amanda realized her true passion was working directly with small business owners and individuals to make a meaningful impact on their financial well-being. This led to her next career move, working as a financial manager for seniors, adults with disabilities, and busy professionals with small businesses.
In 2021, Amanda joined Stratus, where she now helps business owners and their families navigate their financial futures. Her approach is rooted in building lasting, meaningful relationships and offering customized solutions that help clients thrive financially and personally within their families and communities.
Her diverse experience in small business operations, accounting, direct client service and corporate finance provides her with a unique perspective in helping clients navigate complex financial decisions. She is deeply committed to meeting clients where they are and helping them achieve their long-term goals.