About Us
Golden Beacon Advisory Group was built to serve business owners who want real guidance, not generic advice.
After spending years as an owner, investor, and advisor — and sitting on both sides of the table — we saw a consistent problem:
Business owners were being forced into processes designed for bankers, not operators.
Business owners were being forced into processes designed for bankers, not operators.
- Deals were optimized for fees.
- Advice was disconnected from execution.
- And too often, owners were left navigating the most important transaction of their lives without a true advocate.
Golden Beacon exists to change that.
Built for Owners — Not Bankers
We believe business owners deserve:
- Straight answers, not jargon
- Strategy before structure
- Confidentiality and control
- Advice aligned with long-term value, not short-term fees
That’s why Golden Beacon operates differently.
We don’t push listings.
We don’t sell capital.
We don’t chase transactions.
We advise, structure, and execute with the same mindset we use in our own businesses — focused on clarity, alignment, and certainty of outcome.
Golden Beacon exists to be the advisor we wished we had when we were in your seat.
Why Golden Beacon Exists
Founder Story
Golden Beacon was founded by operators who have:
- Built and scaled real businesses
- Bought and sold companies
- Raised capital
- Navigated complex transactions firsthand
We understand what it means to run a business before, during, and after a deal — because we’ve lived it.
Our firm was created to bridge the gap between strategy and execution, providing business owners with an advisor who understands risk, reality, and long-term outcomes, not just closing mechanics.
Guiding our vision
Leadership Team
Our advisory team brings together experienced professionals who provide strategic guidance, industry insight, and mentorship to support our vision and long-term growth.
David Ondik
David Ondik is a multifaceted entrepreneur with a dynamic career spanning investment banking, finance, hospitality, and real estate. He began his career at JPMorgan in investment banking and capital markets. His Wall Street foundation shaped his strategic approach to business and laid the groundwork for building, advising, and investing across multiple industries.
David holds dual undergraduate degrees in Finance and Investment Management from Duquesne University, and earned his graduate degree from Boston University’s School of Management. His hospitality ventures have generated more than $100 million in food and beverage revenue.
He has been featured on national television, maintains a verified IMDb profile, and has collaborated with prominent figures such as Mark Cuban. His work includes partnerships with the NHL, MLB, major sports teams, billion-dollar casino companies, and national media brands including Barstool Sports.
David lives in Upper St. Clair with his wife Ginny, their sons Cameron and Colton, and their dog Banjo. He brings unmatched energy, vision, and community focus to every project he leads.
Jared Hunt
Jared Hunt is an accomplished strategy and marketing leader with more than 15 years of experience driving growth for complex, customer-centric businesses. His career spans financial services, technology, and enterprise software, where he has consistently shaped programs that strengthen customer engagement, loyalty, and long-term brand value. At JPMorgan Chase, Jared helped launch and scale the Chase Ultimate Rewards program, playing a central role in evaluating program health, advancing long-term growth strategy, and enhancing customer experience for millions of cardholders.
He later brought his strategic expertise to Microsoft, where he contributed to the redesign of the Microsoft Rewards program through a mix of qualitative and quantitative research, customer insights, and monetization strategy. Jared now leads strategy for Microsoft Copilot, guiding program growth, customer retention, and sentiment analysis across a rapidly expanding product line. His work focuses on data-driven decision-making, cross-functional leadership, and building programs that meet evolving customer expectations at scale.
Beyond his corporate leadership experience, Jared is known for building strong teams, mentoring emerging leaders, and managing large operational groups with clarity and steady direction. His background in digital marketing strategy—combined with his track record in product, loyalty, and customer experience—positions him as a versatile operator capable of driving both strategic vision and executional excellence. Jared brings this blend of expertise to his entrepreneurial and community-focused initiatives, helping to shape sustainable, high-impact programs that deliver meaningful value.
Jared lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife, their seven-year-old son—an avid young golf enthusiast—and their energetic puppy, Mabel. His family’s love for outdoor recreation and community activities continues to inspire his passion for developing projects that bring people together and create lasting local impact.
Where vision meets action
Our Mission
To guide business owners, founders, and organizations through critical decisions with clarity, confidence, and strategic leadership.