Advantage Inc. : Amid Turmoil, a Rising Star

With seven deals in a relatively short span, Ling has honed his assessment skills and can rely on instinct. He passed on a number of potential deals because the executives on the other side of the conference table weren't on the same page as Advantage. "Over the course of several meetings, their true colors will come out," Ling adds. "I generally trust my own gut on whether it's a good or bad fit—regardless of how good the acquisition may appear on the surface."