Jonathan Carson

Irvine, California, United States Contact Info
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Publications

  • Finding Distressed Real Estate Deals

    Real Talk with Andrew Kirsh

    In this episode of Real Talk, I speak with Jonathan Carson, Founder of Stretto.

    We discuss:
    * How to use bankruptcy offensively to find distressed real estate deals
    * Comparing today’s market to GFC
    * Where are the distressed deals

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  • Bankruptcy Must Be On The Table As A Student Loan Solution

    Law360

    Other authors
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  • What is the means test in bankruptcy?

    Business Insider

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  • What is Chapter 13 bankruptcy?

    Business Insider

    Under Chapter 13, distressed debtors can maintain control of their assets if they have entered into a formal plan to repay creditors, says Jonathan Carson, Co-CEO of Stretto, as interviewed in Insider. Read the entire article - https://lnkd.in/gEp_jDZu.

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  • ‘Star’ on Rise In Moisture Farming

    Los Angeles Business Journal

    It’s not a lightsaber, but the new gadget from Santa Monica startup Skywell might make spark nostalgia for “Star Wars” fans. The company makes machines – also called Skywells – that extract drinking water from ambient air. That’s the same idea behind moisture farming, the occupation of “Star Wars” hero Luke Skywalker and his family. Skywell even includes an image of Skywalker in company presentations.

    “What was his job? He was on a moisture farm,” said Jonathan Carson, Skywell’s…

    It’s not a lightsaber, but the new gadget from Santa Monica startup Skywell might make spark nostalgia for “Star Wars” fans. The company makes machines – also called Skywells – that extract drinking water from ambient air. That’s the same idea behind moisture farming, the occupation of “Star Wars” hero Luke Skywalker and his family. Skywell even includes an image of Skywalker in company presentations.

    “What was his job? He was on a moisture farm,” said Jonathan Carson, Skywell’s president. “1970s science fiction has become 21st century reality.”

    Pulling water from the air is low-tech stuff – think of a common dehumidifier – but Skywell’s trick, said Ron Dorfman, the company’s chief executive, is that its machines are designed to produce water you’d actually want to drink.

    That’s because they use ice-cold coils to condense water vapor in the air into liquid, which is then filtered and treated with ozone and ultraviolet light to kill germs. The amount of water a Skywell produces is a function of humidity and temperature, so a machine in Santa Monica would likely generate about five gallons in a day, while one in Las Vegas would produce less, Dorfman said.

    Carson; Dorfman; and Eric Kurtzman, a managing director of the company, started looking for customers earlier this month. The 10-employee company is focused on businesses for now. Skywell leases its machines for about $90 a month and sells them for nearly $3,000.

    That’s pricey, but Skywell’s executives say they’re banking on demand from environmentally conscious customers who will buy into the pitch that this kind of technology can alleviate water scarcity, cut down on the use of plastic bottles and provide water that’s cleaner than tap water. Of course, those green benefits come with a big tradeoff: A Skywell uses about as much power as a large refrigerator, eroding much of the environmental benefit.

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  • Entrepreneurs Who Cash Out Look for Meaningful Second Acts

    The NY Times

    While an entrepreneur’s first act is generally about building something impressive and making money, said Jennifer Kalita, a consultant and business coach in the Washington area, the second act is typically more personal and less focused on money. “The entrepreneur has already proven something to himself and others,” she said. “He and we know he can do it. The second act is more about what he wants to do — for his customers, for the environment, and for the legacy he wishes to…

    While an entrepreneur’s first act is generally about building something impressive and making money, said Jennifer Kalita, a consultant and business coach in the Washington area, the second act is typically more personal and less focused on money. “The entrepreneur has already proven something to himself and others,” she said. “He and we know he can do it. The second act is more about what he wants to do — for his customers, for the environment, and for the legacy he wishes to leave.”

    After the sale of KCC, Mr. Carson had a chance conversation with a family friend who helped him realize that he wanted to build another company, but one with a social mission. The opportunity came from another friend who had tinkered with a technology that could produce potable water from moisture in the air.

    They started a business called Skywell. “The more I thought about it, the more excited I got about building something again,” Mr. Carson said, noting that Mr. Kurtzman, his partner at KCC, had also become a part owner in the new company. “We are going to have a positive impact on the global water crisis through focused entrepreneurship,” he said, “and we’re going to have a lot of fun.”

    See publication

  • New Breed of Bankruptcy Filings Emerging?

    Fox Business

    Jonathan Carson, managing director and co-founder of Kurtzman Carson Consultants explains what he believes to be the 'new approach' to Chapter 11 filings in the U.S.

    See publication

  • A Changed Landscape? Bankruptcy Reform Five Years Later

    Turnarounds & Workouts

    The March 2011 issue of Turnarounds & Workouts features Aaron L. Hammer as a contributing industry expert in an article titled, "A Changed Landscape? Bankruptcy Reform Five Years Later." Throughout the article, author Dave Buzzell relies heavily on the opinions of Aaron Hammer and Jonathan Carson, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Kurtzman Carson Consultants. Both Aaron and Jonathan largely agree that "[i]t's hard to evaluate BAPCPA in a vacuum given that the economic circumstances have…

    The March 2011 issue of Turnarounds & Workouts features Aaron L. Hammer as a contributing industry expert in an article titled, "A Changed Landscape? Bankruptcy Reform Five Years Later." Throughout the article, author Dave Buzzell relies heavily on the opinions of Aaron Hammer and Jonathan Carson, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Kurtzman Carson Consultants. Both Aaron and Jonathan largely agree that "[i]t's hard to evaluate BAPCPA in a vacuum given that the economic circumstances have changed so much since 2005."

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  • KCC's Carson on prepackaged bankruptcies

    The Deal Video

    Kurtzman Carson's managing director Jonathan Carson says prepackaged bankruptcy cases are bound to grow this year due to liquidity restrictions and riming restrictions imposed by bankruptcy reform.

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  • Picking up pieces

    Daily Breeze News

    Carson, 36, is an animated, colorful figure in an industry that most people may view as esoteric and drab.He serves as president of Kurtzman Carson Consultants, an El Segundo-based firm that operates as a claims agent for financially troubled companies that file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

    Founded in 2001 by Jonathan Carson and his partner and CEO Eric Kurtzman, the El Segundo firm dubbed KCC provides important and legally required communications between a bankrupt company and its…

    Carson, 36, is an animated, colorful figure in an industry that most people may view as esoteric and drab.He serves as president of Kurtzman Carson Consultants, an El Segundo-based firm that operates as a claims agent for financially troubled companies that file for Chapter 11 bankruptcy.

    Founded in 2001 by Jonathan Carson and his partner and CEO Eric Kurtzman, the El Segundo firm dubbed KCC provides important and legally required communications between a bankrupt company and its creditors during the restructuring process. For example, KCC sends out letters to a company's thousands of creditors and potential creditors, who may include holders of warranties. "It's data management and document management," Carson said. "We have companies with a creditor matrix of 700,000 people, and we have to send to all of them."

    The El Segundo firm manages the public access Web site that carries bankruptcy documents, names of relevant attorneys and the bankruptcy court's address. The firm also tabulates creditor votes on a proposed reorganization and sends out checks to creditors. Sometimes the bankruptcy process requires establishing a call center for creditors. KCC would manage that operation as well.

    While Kurtzman handles internal operations, Carson focuses outside the firm, where he uses his chatty, extroverted manner to seek and retain clients and manage his sales force. In June, Ernst & Young named Carson and Kurtzman among the winners of the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur of the Year award for the Greater Los Angeles Area. The awards are given to entrepreneurs who demonstrate extraordinary success in the areas of innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

    Kurtzman Carson Consultants moved into its current 45,000-square-feet building last year with 60 to 70 employees. Today, the firm has 130 employees in El Segundo, with several dozen at offices in New York and Memphis, Tenn.

    See publication

  • A Memphis Presence Gives Small Firms Logistical Advantage Proximity to FedEx Hub Offers More Flexibility, Time to Process Orders

    Wall Street Journal

    Kurtzman Carson Consultants LLC, an administrative-support service company in the legal and financial industry, has offices in Los Angeles, New York and, now, Memphis, Tenn.

    Why Memphis?

    KCC's Memphis office, which opened in August, is located within six miles of the Express Super Hub, FedEx Corp.'s overnight air-cargo facility. That proximity, and the company's 11:40 p.m. final FedEx package pickup, gives KCC's law-firm clients more time to send documents by email for printing…

    Kurtzman Carson Consultants LLC, an administrative-support service company in the legal and financial industry, has offices in Los Angeles, New York and, now, Memphis, Tenn.

    Why Memphis?

    KCC's Memphis office, which opened in August, is located within six miles of the Express Super Hub, FedEx Corp.'s overnight air-cargo facility. That proximity, and the company's 11:40 p.m. final FedEx package pickup, gives KCC's law-firm clients more time to send documents by email for printing and shipping. Previously, clients had to submit mailings by about 9 p.m. on the East and West coasts, respectively, to make next-day delivery.

    "Lawyers find great value in any additional time that you can give them to finish a project," says Eric S. Kurtzman, chief executive and co-founder of KCC, whose document production and distribution business sends about 10,000 FedEx packages a month.

    Many large companies have distribution centers in Memphis to maximize delivery time frames. But a growing number of smaller companies like KCC are now moving to Memphis or adding a branch there to serve their customers faster. Small businesses are realizing that having a centralized distribution center in a city like Memphis can give them a competitive advantage. And it also provides a marketing opportunity, as companies pitch the logistical efficiency to potential clients.

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Honors & Awards

  • 2011 The M&A Advisor Turnaround Product/Service of the Year

    The M&A Advisor Annual Turnaround Awards

    Kurtzman Carson Consultants LLC (KCC) www.kccllc.com , a Computershare company and a leading claims and noticing agent was named “Turnaround Product/Service of the Year” for its Corporate Restructuring Services in The M&A Advisor Annual Turnaround Awards for the second consecutive year.

    KCC represents the first and only claims and noticing agent to be recognized in the award program, which was created by The M&A Advisor to honor individuals and firms for setting the industry standard in…

    Kurtzman Carson Consultants LLC (KCC) www.kccllc.com , a Computershare company and a leading claims and noticing agent was named “Turnaround Product/Service of the Year” for its Corporate Restructuring Services in The M&A Advisor Annual Turnaround Awards for the second consecutive year.

    KCC represents the first and only claims and noticing agent to be recognized in the award program, which was created by The M&A Advisor to honor individuals and firms for setting the industry standard in the marketplace. This year, the program identified 137 finalists in 31 categories. The final award recipients were determined by an independent body of experts that span the turnaround industry.

    "KCC represents the best of the turnaround, restructuring and distressed investing industry,” said Roger Aquinaldo, CEO, The M&A Advisor. "Despite the challenges facing our industry, the award winners represent the resilience and innovative spirit within the market."

    "In 2001, KCC set out to create a higher standard for claims administration services and we are honored to be recognized by the industry for our unwavering commitment to our clients," said KCC President, Jon Orr "As we reflect upon our 10-year anniversary, this recognition inspires us to continue to bring innovative solutions and add substantive value to the corporate restructuring process in new and progressive ways."

    In its role as a claims agent for the country’s largest Chapter 11 proceedings, KCC provides claims administration, noticing, document production, balloting & solicitation and disbursement services as well as a specialized suite of public securities services. KCC’s clients include Ambac Financial, Blockbuster, General Growth Properties, MSR Resort Golf Course, The Great Atlantic & Pacific Tea Co. and Washington Mutual, among many others.

  • 2009 Best Places to Work in LA

    Los Angeles Business Journal

    Kurtzman Carson Consultants LLC a leading claims and noticing agent serving companies undergoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy, was named as one of the 2009 Best Places to Work in LA by the Los Angeles Business Journal for the second consecutive year. This countywide survey and awards program identifies, recognizes and honors the best places of employment in Los Angeles County, benefiting the region's economy, its workforce and businesses.

    "As KCC expanded its staff over the past year to stay…

    Kurtzman Carson Consultants LLC a leading claims and noticing agent serving companies undergoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy, was named as one of the 2009 Best Places to Work in LA by the Los Angeles Business Journal for the second consecutive year. This countywide survey and awards program identifies, recognizes and honors the best places of employment in Los Angeles County, benefiting the region's economy, its workforce and businesses.

    "As KCC expanded its staff over the past year to stay ahead of growing demand for our services, we remained focus on preserving the “work-hard, play-hard” culture upon which the company was founded,” said Jonathan Carson, KCC’s co-founder and managing director. “As we continue to evolve as a company, we maintain our commitment to making KCC a positive and fulfilling place to work with team-building, internal training and fun activities designed to build an even better KCC for tomorrow.”

    The 2009 Best Places to Work in LA list is comprised of 67 companies split into three groups: 5 small-sized companies (15-24 employees), 50 medium-sized companies (25-249 employees) and 12 large-sized companies (250 or more employees). Kurtzman Carson Consultants LLC is named one of the Best Places to Work in LA in the medium-sized company category.

    Participating companies undergo a thorough reporting process where Best Companies Group, a third party provider and professional firm based in Harrisburg, PA, identifies strengths and weaknesses of the workplace according to a detailed employee survey. The report identifies opportunities within a company to build a better workplace and to recognize areas of excellence. The report includes categories such as leadership and planning, corporate culture and communications, work environment, training and development as well as pay and benefits.

  • 2008 Best Places to Work in Los Angeles

    Los Angeles Business Journal

    Kurtzman Carson Consultants LLC a leading claims and noticing agent serving companies undergoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy, was named as one of the 2008 Best Places to Work in LA by the Los Angeles Business Journal. This countywide survey and awards program identifies, recognizes and honors the best places of employment in Los Angeles County, benefiting the region's economy, its workforce and businesses.

    In its role as a claims and noticing agent for some of the country’s largest Chapter 11…

    Kurtzman Carson Consultants LLC a leading claims and noticing agent serving companies undergoing Chapter 11 bankruptcy, was named as one of the 2008 Best Places to Work in LA by the Los Angeles Business Journal. This countywide survey and awards program identifies, recognizes and honors the best places of employment in Los Angeles County, benefiting the region's economy, its workforce and businesses.

    In its role as a claims and noticing agent for some of the country’s largest Chapter 11 proceedings, KCC employees provide administrative support and services to streamline the restructuring process for corporate debtors and their professionals. Given the rise in Chapter 11 filings during the current downturn, KCC made substantial investments in infrastructure, operational capacity and personnel to remain at the forefront of the restructuring cycle. KCC clients include Cooper-Standard Holdings, Charter Communications, General Growth Properties, Lear Corporation, Six Flags, Visteon, among many others.

    Participating companies undergo a thorough reporting process where Best Companies Group, a third party provider and professional firm based in Harrisburg, PA, identifies strengths and weaknesses of the workplace according to a detailed employee survey. The report identifies opportunities within a company to build a better workplace and to recognize areas of excellence. The report includes categories such as leadership and planning, corporate culture and communications, work environment, training and development as well as pay and benefits.

  • Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur of the Year® 2008 Award in Los Angeles

    Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year awards are pleased to have the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation and SAP America as national sponsors.

    Kurtzman Carson Consultants LLC (KCC) today announced that Co-Founders Eric Kurtzman and Jonathan Carson received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2008 Award in the Services category in the Greater Los Angeles Area. According to Ernst & Young LLP, the award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic, growing businesses. Eric Kurtzman and Jonathan Carson were selected by an independent panel of judges, and the award was presented at a gala event at the…

    Kurtzman Carson Consultants LLC (KCC) today announced that Co-Founders Eric Kurtzman and Jonathan Carson received the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2008 Award in the Services category in the Greater Los Angeles Area. According to Ernst & Young LLP, the award recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs who are building and leading dynamic, growing businesses. Eric Kurtzman and Jonathan Carson were selected by an independent panel of judges, and the award was presented at a gala event at the Beverly Hilton Hotel on June 24, 2008.

    “Our entrepreneurial success would not have been possible without all of the support and guidance from our employees, friends and family,” said Eric Kurtzman, who serves as KCC’s CEO. “We feel fortunate to have been recognized for our entrepreneurial endeavors and share this honor with those that helped us along the way to create and build KCC into what it is today.”

    “We are deeply honored to have been chosen for this award among some of the best and brightest entrepreneurs from our business community,” added Jonathan Carson, KCC President. “This award represents an important milestone not only for us as entrepreneurs, but also gives recognition to all of the people who have shared in our vision and helped to bring it to life.”

    The Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year awards celebrate their 22nd anniversary this year. The program honors entrepreneurs who have demonstrated exceptionality in such areas as innovation, financial performance and personal commitment to their businesses and communities.

    “Ernst & Young is pleased to honor outstanding business leaders such as Eric Kurtzman and Jonathan Carson,” said Brian Ring, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year Program Director for the Greater Los Angeles area. “Winners of the Entrepreneur Of The Year award build leading businesses and contribute a great deal to the communities around them. Their success helps our area grow stronger.”

  • Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur of the Year® 2007 Award Finalists in Los Angeles

    Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are pleased to have Bank of America as the national presenting sponsor, as well as SAP America and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation as national sponsors.

    El Segundo, Calif., May 24, 2007 – In recognition of their entrepreneurial achievements and leadership, Eric Kurtzman and Jonathan Carson were selected for the second consecutive year as finalists for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2007 Award in the Greater Los Angeles region. Both former restructuring attorneys, Kurtzman and Carson founded Kurtzman Carson Consultants (KCC) in 2001 and grew the company into a leading provider of administrative-support and technology solutions for…

    El Segundo, Calif., May 24, 2007 – In recognition of their entrepreneurial achievements and leadership, Eric Kurtzman and Jonathan Carson were selected for the second consecutive year as finalists for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2007 Award in the Greater Los Angeles region. Both former restructuring attorneys, Kurtzman and Carson founded Kurtzman Carson Consultants (KCC) in 2001 and grew the company into a leading provider of administrative-support and technology solutions for the legal and financial industries. The Ernst & Young awards program recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs on a regional, national and global level who are building and leading dynamic, growing businesses.

    “We consider it a great honor to be recognized by Ernst & Young for our entrepreneurial endeavors in developing solutions that help legal and financial professionals efficiently manage complex legal processes and corporate transactions,” said Eric Kurtzman, KCC’s CEO and co-founder. “During the past year, the company made tremendous strides and it’s rewarding for all of us at KCC to have our hard work and dedication acknowledged by this award.”

    “Our entrepreneurial journey has presented many challenges and opportunities along the way that have helped to accelerate the growth of our company and its vision,” adds Jonathan Carson, KCC’s President and co-founder. “This award is an important milestone for us and it fuels our mission to continually seek innovation in meeting our clients’ needs and in creating a positive work environment for our growing staff.”

  • Entrepreneur Hot 100

    Entrepreneur 100

    Kurtzman Carson Consultants (KCC) in Los Angeles was recognized as one of the fastest-growing new companies in the United States in Entrepreneur Magazine's 12th Annual Hot 100 Listing. KCC's #41 rank marks the second consecutive year the firm has been acknowledged. "It is an honor to have been recognized for two consecutive years for our continued growth and innovation," said Jonathan Carson, KCC's president and co-founder.

  • Inc. 500

    Inc. 500

    Ranked #42 with 1,307.4% Three-Year Growth
    Revenue: $17.4 million Employees: 74
    Founded: 2001 in Los Angeles
    What it does: Uses proprietary software to streamline complex financial and legal processes for clients involved in restructurings, mergers, acquisitions, and litigation. Why it's growing: Co-Founders Eric Kurtzman and Jonathan Carson, both lawyers, were prepared for the bankruptcy wave. "We spent a lot of money ramping up and staffing for this boom," said Carson…

    Ranked #42 with 1,307.4% Three-Year Growth
    Revenue: $17.4 million Employees: 74
    Founded: 2001 in Los Angeles
    What it does: Uses proprietary software to streamline complex financial and legal processes for clients involved in restructurings, mergers, acquisitions, and litigation. Why it's growing: Co-Founders Eric Kurtzman and Jonathan Carson, both lawyers, were prepared for the bankruptcy wave. "We spent a lot of money ramping up and staffing for this boom," said Carson. "You manage growth by planning for it." What's next: They are now increasing their M&A presence.

  • Ernst & Young LLP Entrepreneur of the Year® 2006 Award Finalists in Los Angeles

    Founded and produced by Ernst & Young LLP, the Entrepreneur Of The Year Awards are pleased to have Bank of America as the national presenting sponsor, as well as SAP America and the Ewing Marion Kauffman Foundation as national sponsors.

    Eric Kurtzman and Jonathan Carson were selected as finalists for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2006 Award in the Greater Los Angeles region. Both former restructuring attorneys, Kurtzman and Carson founded Kurtzman Carson Consultants (KCC) in 2001 and grew the company into a leading provider of administrative-support and technology solutions for the legal and financial industries. The Ernst & Young awards program recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs on a regional, national and…

    Eric Kurtzman and Jonathan Carson were selected as finalists for the Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year® 2006 Award in the Greater Los Angeles region. Both former restructuring attorneys, Kurtzman and Carson founded Kurtzman Carson Consultants (KCC) in 2001 and grew the company into a leading provider of administrative-support and technology solutions for the legal and financial industries. The Ernst & Young awards program recognizes outstanding entrepreneurs on a regional, national and global level who are building and leading dynamic, growing businesses.

    "This year's finalists are true visionaries who have contributed to economic growth, innovation, and cutting-edge products and services," said Tony Radaich, Ernst & Young Entrepreneur Of The Year program director for Los Angeles. "We proudly celebrate their achievements as we mark the 20th anniversary of this prestigious awards program."

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