Meet Our Founder

Robert M. Clinger III, CBA, CVA, CMEA
Founder & Principal, Highland Global

Robert M. Clinger III is a nationally recognized business valuation expert and strategic financial advisor with over two decades of experience serving privately held and family-owned companies across the United States. As a Certified Business Appraiser (CBA), Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA), and Certified Machinery & Equipment Appraiser (CMEA), Mr. Clinger brings deep expertise to every engagement.

Since 2000, he has performed more than 10,000 business valuations for a wide range of purposes, including:

  • SBA 7(a) business acquisition loans
  • ROBS plan reporting
  • Estate and gift tax valuations
  • Employee Stock Ownership Plans (ESOPs)
  • Mergers & acquisitions
  • Shareholder buyouts and disputes
  • Buy-sell agreements
  • Capital raising

In 2004, Mr. Clinger founded Highland Global, a leading valuation and advisory firm serving clients nationwide. The firm specializes in SBA loan appraisals, strategic exit planning, transaction support, and financial analysis for privately held businesses. His services often include fundamental and industry research, detailed financial analysis, preparation of corporate profiles, and collateral materials for transactions.

On select engagements, Mr. Clinger represents buyers or sellers in mergers and acquisitions.

Education & Credentials

Mr. Clinger earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration – Finance from Coastal Carolina University, graduating summa cum laude in 2000. He was honored with the President’s Award and Outstanding Student of Finance Award, and received the Financial Executive Institute Scholar’s Medallion (Carolinas Chapter).

He holds the following designations:

  • Certified Business Appraiser (CBA) – Institute of Business Appraisers (IBA)
  • Certified Valuation Analyst (CVA) – National Association of Certified Valuators & Analysts (NACVA)
  • Certified Machinery & Equipment Appraiser (CMEA) – NEBB Institute
  • Licensed International Financial Analyst (LIFA) – International Research Association (defunct organization)

In 2015, Mr. Clinger was recognized by NACVA as a “40 Under Forty” Honoree.

Publications & Thought Leadership

Books:

  • The Seven Deadly Sins of Business Valuation (2005)
  • The Seven Deadly Sins of Business Valuation: Closely Held and Family Controlled Companies (2006)

Select Articles:

  • “Direct Market Data Method: Value Disparity Issues, Part I” – The Value Examiner, March/April 2006
  • “Direct Market Data Method: Value Disparity Issues, Part II” – The Value Examiner, July 2006
  • “Rising Oil Prices May Have Long Term Benefits” – The Financial Times, Sept 19, 2000
  • “Amtrak Reform” – The Financial Times, April 19, 2002

Speaking Engagements

  • Financial Decision Making in Today’s Economic Environment – Coastal Carolina University (2001)
  • Current Issues Facing Finance Students – Coastal Carolina University (2002)
  • Current Business Valuation Issues – USABizMart.com Podcast (2008)
  • Exit Strategy Planning & Valuation – CompanyFounder.com Podcast (2010)
  • M&A Issues for Privately Held Companies – CompanyFounder.com Podcast (2010)

Community Involvement

  • Board of Visitors – E. Craig Wall Sr. College of Business Administration, Coastal Carolina University
  • Advisory Board – Coastal Carolina University Men’s Golf Program
  • Member – Horry County Tax Assessment Board of Appeals (2010–2016)
  • Host – The Robert M. Clinger III Invitational Golf Tournament at The Dunes Golf & Beach Club