
Cory Dowless
Founder & Managing Director
Cory founded Quiet Waters Advisors to serve owners who want both the best deal and a thoughtful transition into the next phase of their lives.
Across $150M in closed M&A transactions, he has seen owners build meaningful lives after closing, and he has also seen the struggle that can come when a business that provided identity, community, and purpose is suddenly no longer part of daily life.
Before founding Quiet Waters, Cory advised and led lower-middle-market businesses across M&A, operations, sales, and growth. His experience includes serving as Chief Operating Officer of The Memory Company, where he helped improve profitability and enable growth through operational and digital transformation initiatives.
Cory holds a Bachelor’s in Mechanical Engineering with Honors from Auburn University and an MBA from MIT.
Outside of work, Cory enjoys spending time with his wife and three children. When not planning the family’s next Disney adventure, Cory can usually be found on the pickleball court or the golf course.


