Jonathan Hartley

Managing Director / Business Development

Mr. Hartley joined Croft & Bender in 2023. Prior to joining Croft & Bender, Mr. Hartley advised private equity funds on their portfolio companies, which also included serving on boards and co-investing.

For over 12 years, Mr. Hartley was Chief Executive Officer of Carousel Designs, a designer, manufacturer, and online retailer of premium baby and children's bedding, fabrics, and home décor. Mr. Hartley successfully sold the company to Crown Crafts, Inc. (NASDAQ: CRWS) in 2017, and Croft & Bender was the financial advisor for the transaction.

Prior to Carousel, Mr. Hartley served as co-founder and Chief Technology and Operating Officer for RentClicks, a leading online real estate rental portal. RentClicks was acquired by RentPath (fka Primedia) in 2006 and renamed Rentals.com, during which time Mr. Hartley served as Chief Technology and Operating Officer of the company's Rentals division. Croft & Bender was the financial advisor for the transaction.

Following graduation from West Point, Mr. Hartley served as a Field Artillery Officer in the United States Army. While serving in the U.S. Army, he was selected for the Army's World Class Athlete Program as a member of the U.S. National Team Handball Team. He competed in several national and international competitions including the 1998 Pan American Championships and the 2000 All-Military Games, and was a finalist to earn a spot in the Sydney 2000 Olympics.

Mr. Hartley received a B.S. in Engineering Management from the U.S. Military Academy at West Point.

Working with Croft & Bender was a game-changer for the sale of my businesses. Their expertise and strategic guidance through every step of the process were invaluable. They not only helped me navigate complex negotiations with confidence but also ensured that we maximized value at every turn. I couldn't have asked for a better partner in these critical transactions.

- Jonathan Hartley, CEO and 2x Client