Justin G. Vaughn - Founder

Justin G. Vaughn is the founder of Guardian M&A and a seasoned business advisor and attorney with more than 30 years of experience serving privately held businesses. His work has included general counsel services, governance, strategic planning, succession matters, risk management, and strategic and private equity transactions.

Over the course of his career, Justin has served as general counsel to hundreds of companies and has advised on more than 30 transactions, with experience in deals ranging from lower middle-market transactions to transactions exceeding $700 million in enterprise value. He has worked closely with business owners, boards, and C-level executives to help them solve problems, make sound decisions, and navigate important moments in the life of a company.

Justin’s early career included substantial litigation experience, which continues to inform his approach to negotiations, risk analysis, and high-stakes decision-making. Over time, his work increasingly focused on helping owners build, protect, scale, and transition privately held companies. That experience now shapes the way Guardian M&A serves clients facing growth decisions, exit preparation, and transactions.

His professional experience includes founder and owner of The Vaughn Law Offices, service within an Am Law 200 firm, leadership roles in governance and advisory settings, and ongoing work with boards, entrepreneurs, and ownership groups. He is licensed as an attorney in Colorado and Arizona and has also pursued governance education through the Private Directors Association and the National Association of Corporate Directors.

Experience and Credentials

• More than 30 years of business advisory and legal experience

• General counsel to hundreds of businesses

• More than 30 strategic and private equity transactions

• Deal experience ranging from lower middle-market transactions to over $700 million in enterprise value

• Licensed attorney in Colorado and Arizona

• Certified in Private Board Governance through the Private Directors Association

• Member of the National Association of Corporate Directors

Leadership and Service

Beyond client work, Justin has served in a number of governance and community leadership roles. His experience includes board leadership with Make-A-Wish Colorado and the Douglas County Community Foundation, along with service in chamber, Rotary, and other philanthropic initiatives. This work reflects a longstanding commitment to stewardship, governance, and community leadership. His background also includes recognition as Philanthropist of the Year in his county, along with significant nonprofit and civic involvement over the course of his career.