Dan Bales

Dan began his business career in 1971 as a management trainee at Liberty Bank, OKC., where he eventually became a commercial lender. In 1982, he was a co-founder of Alliance Bank NA , OKC and served as the bank’s first President and CEO. 

After the Bank was purchased in 1985, Bales continued his banking career as EVP of a Founders Bank, OKC, which was eventually purchased by Boatmen’s Bank, St. Louis in 1992. Bales served as the Oklahoma Division Head of Private Banking for Boatmen’s Bank until the bank was sold in 1996.

Dan's non-banking career includes being President and owner of a multi-state wholesale distribution company, President & CEO of an award-winning manufacturing company, and EVP and CFO of a privately owned fully licensed NASD investment / securities firm.

In 2002, Mr. Bales started his own consulting firm, serving small to medium sized companies in the banking sector with a focus on growth and capital strategies. In 2008, Bales was asked to join GiANT Partners, OKC where he co-founded and co-managed GiANT Capital, continuing to focus on assisting small to medium size companies. 

Bales sold his interest in GiANT in 2014. During his tenure as an independent consultant and with GiANT, Bales closely worked with a variety of U.S. Midwestern businesses and business owners, resulting in debt and equity placements totaling over $500 million.

Dan’s 45+ year career highlights include:

• Advised on over $500 million in successful debt & equity placements

• Developed funding strategies for mergers and acquisitions in both banking and non-banking sectors

• Long history in commercial banking and financial advisory

• M&A experience as both an owner and advisor