For Jesse Ransford, the path from the snow-capped peaks of Aspen to the glass towers of New York’s financial district may seem unconventional—but for those who know him, it’s a natural evolution of curiosity, discipline, and an appetite for challenge.

Ransford, a rising star in corporate finance consulting, recently relocated to New York City, where he advises clients on high-stakes financial reporting, tax structuring, and valuation matters at Economics Partners. At just 26 years old, Jesse has carved out a reputation as a meticulous analyst, blending technical skill with a global perspective honed from his formative years in Colorado and New England.

“I’ve always been drawn to environments where the stakes are high, whether it was racing gates on the mountain or navigating complex financial models for a client,” Ransford says.

Early Foundations: From Aspen to New England

Born and raised in Colorado’s Roaring Fork Valley, Jesse Ransford’s upbringing was steeped in mountain culture. He spent weekends carving through powder at Aspen Highlands, competing on ski teams and embracing the alpine lifestyle.

But his story isn’t just one of moguls and chairlifts. At his small charter school in Aspen, Ransford discovered an unexpected passion for the performing arts, stepping into leading roles in school productions. His most memorable performance? Playing the White Rabbit in Alice in Wonderland—a role he credits with pushing him outside his comfort zone.

Eager for broader experiences, Ransford persuaded his parents to send him to boarding school in New Hampshire, where he immersed himself in rigorous academics and forged friendships with classmates from around the globe.

“It was the first time I truly understood how diverse the world is—culturally, economically, intellectually,” he recalls. “That exposure shaped my curiosity about global markets and complex systems.”

Transformational Moments Along the Way

Jesse Ransford’s academic path led him to the University of Colorado, Boulder, where he pursued a degree in economics. It was there that he developed a passion for understanding financial systems and market behavior, laying the groundwork for his consulting career.

One of his proudest moments came when he helped a student at the University of Colorado Boulder navigate the loss of a parent and the financial fallout that followed. Ransford worked with the student’s mother to develop a strategy to ensure he wouldn’t have to drop out, Ransford recalls. A few semesters later, the student graduated on time. That moment meant everything, Ransford says.

Another transformational story took place during a summer internship with a neuroplasticity training center where Ransford worked with a paraplegic patient who was told he would never walk again. Ransfor guided the patient through aquatic therapy over weeks of incremental progress, ultimately helping him regain movement. By the end of the program, the patient was walking independently across the pool. Ransford is proud of how he helped his patient. While he gave him the opportunity to change his life, Ransford says “He also changed mine.”

These moments reflect Jesse Ransford’s core values: humility, curiosity, and human connection. He believes professionalism is about knowing your limitations and being eager to grow. “I recognize that my colleagues bring decades of experience,” he says. “That awareness keeps me eager to learn, comfortable acknowledging my limitations, and willing to make mistakes in service of growth.”

Thriving in a Finance Career

Today, at Economics Partners, Ransford specializes in corporate finance consulting, providing strategic insights to clients navigating an increasingly volatile business landscape. His work spans valuation modeling, industry research, and tax structuring—critical elements for companies in sectors like technology, energy, and retail.

“Each day begins with scanning industry updates across our key verticals,” Ransford explains. “Mornings are for deep work—building or refining valuation models, reviewing tax memos, preparing client presentations. Afternoons shift toward collaboration—calls with analysts, directors, or tax teams.”

Staying productive in New York’s relentless consulting world requires discipline, he adds.

“I rely on structure—time-blocking tasks, pre-planning my week around deliverables—but I also carve out time to decompress. Whether it's CrossFit or exploring a new neighborhood, that balance keeps me sharp.”

Tackling Complex Client Challenges

In the world of corporate finance, few projects are straightforward, but Ransford thrives in complexity. He recounts a recent engagement involving a multi-entity tech company undergoing restructuring ahead of a potential merger or acquisition.

“The challenge was valuing business units with vastly different revenue models and growth trajectories,” he says. “We couldn’t apply a one-size-fits-all approach.”

Ransford spearheaded the valuation process, isolating each vertical, developing tailored discounted cash flow (DCF) models, and leveraging market comparables to assess each unit's independent value.

“Collaboration was critical. Our tax team navigated intercompany transfers while I refined model assumptions through interviews with internal operators,” he explains. “The final deliverable not only clarified the company’s leadership structure but positioned them to maximize value in upcoming negotiations.”

Such experiences have reinforced his belief that successful consulting blends technical expertise with relationship-building and strategic thinking.

Continuous Learning in a Fast-Moving Industry

The consulting world is a constant race to stay informed, particularly in dynamic sectors like technology, energy, and retail. Ransford embraces that challenge with characteristic focus.

“Capital IQ is my daily driver—it lets me track comps and industry shifts in real-time,” he shares. “But I also make time for The Wall Street Journal, PitchBook updates, and sector-specific newsletters.”

Beyond formal resources, he follows thought leaders on LinkedIn and other platforms, ensuring he stays on top of evolving valuation strategies and public market insights.

“Continuous learning isn’t just part of the job—it’s what keeps it exciting,” he adds.

A New Chapter in New York City

Ransford’s recent move to New York marks a new chapter, blending professional ambition with personal exploration. Though he traded mountain vistas for skyscrapers, he’s energized by the city’s pace and diversity.

Outside of work, Ransford is excited to dive into the neighborhoods, the cultural and food scenes.

True to his Colorado roots, he remains committed to staying active, squeezing in CrossFit sessions after long workdays and planning ski trips when possible.

Growing up chasing knee-deep powder in expert terrain was a challenge, and for Ransford, that challenge never really goes away—it just takes different forms.

Looking Ahead

While his career is still in its early stages, Ransford’s trajectory points upward. His blend of analytical rigor, curiosity, and adaptability positions him well for the evolving demands of corporate finance.

“I’m grateful for the mentors and experiences that have shaped me so far,” he reflects. “The goal now is to keep learning, keep delivering value to clients, and keep pushing myself in new directions.”

From the slopes of Aspen to the boardrooms of Manhattan, Jesse Ransford embodies a new generation of professionals—globally minded, technically skilled, and unafraid to tackle the complex challenges of today’s business landscape.

While the terrain may have shifted from snow to skyscrapers, one thing remains constant: Ransford’s commitment to embracing the uphill climb.