Clara Stedman

Chief Executive Officer

As CEO of Palmer, Clara works directly with agency founders from the earliest stages of preparation through close. She’s known for her hands-on approach and commitment to educating clients on what selling a business really looks like, breaking down the process so founders feel informed and empowered every step of the way.

Clara founded Palmer with a simple belief: founders deserve more than a transaction. They deserve a partner who will walk alongside them, answer the hard questions, and make sure they truly understand what they’re signing up for. She focuses on preparation, education, and making sure every founder is ready, not just financially, but mentally and emotionally too.

Before Palmer, Clara served as a Head of Growth, where she built deep expertise in relationships and strategic outcomes. That experience shaped how she approaches M&A today. Deals are built on trust, communication, and understanding what both buyers and sellers need. Clara brings that perspective to every engagement.

She understands that selling a business is deeply personal. For many founders, their business is their identity. There’s no standard checklist or predictable timeline, and walking away, even when it’s the right decision, can be hard. Clara creates space for those conversations and helps clients work through the emotional side, not just the financial one.

Outside of work, Clara loves hitting workout classes, spending time with her dog, and catching up with friends. Wisconsin born and raised, she’s a proud University of Wisconsin alum who brings Midwest grit and genuine care to everything she does.

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