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Spotlight: David Triompo: Managing Director, Appraisal & Field Exam

Unpacking Retail Valuations: An Inside Look with Dave Triompo, Managing Director of Appraisal & Field Exam

In the world of Asset-Based Lending (ABL), ensuring a business has solid ground beneath its feet often comes down to one critical factor: inventory valuation. We recently sat down with Dave Triompo, Managing Director of Appraisal & Field Exam, whose expertise in the retail and consumer products space provides essential insight for lenders navigating a rapidly changing market.

From the aisles of department stores to the evolving landscape of e-commerce, Dave offers a fascinating look at what it takes to accurately assess risk and value in one of the most dynamic sectors of the global economy.

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From Department Store Floors to Valuation Models

With a background that includes 16 years as a buyer and Divisional Merchandise Manager with May Department Stores/Filene's, Dave's transition into ABL valuations was a natural fit.

"We build inventory valuations for Asset Based Lenders for retailers across all different segments of the retail industry, as well as wholesale distributors or vertical manufacturers/distributors of consumer-related products," Dave explains.

His deep understanding of the retail environment, honed by years in the trenches of merchandising, has proven invaluable in his current role. It allows him to blend the numbers with real-world liquidation experience, providing a more holistic and accurate appraisal.


The E-Commerce Evolution: An Exciting Frontier

The retail world is in constant flux, and Dave is particularly enthusiastic about one ongoing development: the growth of e-commerce, marketplaces, and direct fulfillment.

The challenge, and where Dave and his team are focusing their efforts, is refining their valuation approach to account for these online channels.

"These have become primary distribution channels for many of our client companies but they require careful consideration and bespoke tactics to successfully leverage in a liquidation," Dave notes. His team is consistently evolving their valuation models to reflect proven liquidation results. This willingness to adapt their methodology is key to providing cutting-edge valuations.

In addition to evolving their valuation models, the team is also focused on internal innovation, actively exploring ways to automate parts of the appraisal process to boost efficiency and responsiveness for clients.

Beyond the Balance Sheet: What Appraisals Really Mean

For those outside the ABL field, there's a common misconception about the purpose of an inventory appraisal.

"People often misunderstand that while inventory appraisals are done for Asset Based Lending purposes, it doesn't necessarily mean that a company is insolvent or liquidating," Dave clarifies.

He emphasizes that an appraisal is far more than just a numerical calculation. It's a collaborative process that requires blending hard data, liquidation experience, and an understanding of the individual company and the broader global factors—like tariffs and the political climate—that may influence performance.

Dave describes himself as a "student" of all things retail, constantly reading industry updates and staying ahead of developments. This passion allows him to offer crucial insights into timely issues.

"The tariffs are being sold as a benefit, when in fact they are placing great burden on the retail companies and will force prices to be increased to offset," he points out, underscoring a critical, less-understood dynamic.


The Human Side of High Finance: Finding Balance

For Dave, professional success goes hand-in-hand with his commitment to a healthy personal life.

"I am definitely a 'work to live', not 'live to work' person," he states, emphasizing the importance of work/life balance for himself and his team. Maintaining this perspective is something others have found valuable, as he ensures his team is happy, feels appreciated, and receives recognition for their accomplishments.

Outside of the office, his focus shifts entirely to his family. Though his coaching days are retired now that his son is in high school, Dave prioritizes being present, whether he's cheering at his son's games and tournaments or attending his daughter's dance competitions and recitals. For Dave, being an active part of his children's lives and development is the most important thing, reinforcing his belief that a well-balanced life leads to a stronger professional perspective.


The Ultimate Goal: Accuracy and Insight

Ultimately, Dave's work, and the role of his team, is foundational to the financial health of the industry.

"GA's role in the underwriting process of an asset-based loan is to accurately advise our lending clients on the potential risks associated with recovering capital in the event the performance of the Company declines," he explains. The long-term impact is providing accurate recovery values with thorough insight, doing their part to minimize the number of companies that ultimately face insolvency.