Insolvency Thunderdome: Three Workouts Enter, One Emerges Victorious!

Join TMA West Michigan for the first session of our annual  panel series-

January 28, 2026
Insolvency Thunderdome: Three Workouts Enter, One Emerges Victorious!

Let's get ready to rumble! A no-holds-barred showdown is about to occur between restructuring professionals who swear by bankruptcy, receivership, or Article 9 sales! Watch our panelists spar over speed, cost, control, and collateral damage (literally). What option will triumph? 

Which panelist will "Float like a butterfly and sting like a bee"? (Muhammad Alli)? In the words of Mike Tyson, "Everyone has a plan 'til they get punched in the mouth." No fists here, but each turnaround solution packs quite a punch!

Date: January 28, 2026
Location: CItyFlats Event Room- Main Floor
83 Monroe Center St NW 
Grand Rapids, MI 49503
Time: 11:45 AM - 1:15 PM
Cost: TMA Member | $35
Non Member | $50
NextGen | $20

More about the Contenders:

Adam Duso: Adam Duso is the Chief Executive Officer of Second Wind Consultants, a consultancy that focuses on business preservation through strategic short sales. Adam has acted as the company’s Director of Consulting, a senior workout consultant, and a variety of other key roles for the company throughout his 13+ year tenure at SWC.  

Adam Has conducted and advised on hundreds of reorganizations, many of which were conducted under Article 9 of the Uniform Commercial Code. By doing so, he has helped settle ten of millions of dollars in unsupportable debt, helped hundreds of businesses avoid bankruptcy, and saved thousands of jobs. 

Mr. Duso has his MBA, has led two different distressed private equity funds, and specializes in settling and resolving outstanding SBA debts, traditional bank debts, and alternative lending products. He also has expertise in strategic planning, growth through acquisition, M&A advisory, financial forecasting, and distressed debt placements.

John Polderman: Since 2012, John has managed and transitioned millions in assets and served as receiver or counsel to receiver in over 500 cases. These have included apartment buildings, gas stations, commercial and industrial buildings and developments, restaurants and bars, liquor licenses, farms, homeowners’ associations, shipping centers, trucking companies, bowling alleys, doctors’ offices, and a health care staffing company. John handles all aspects of the of the administration, sale, and transfer of property, including the “claw back” of assets through litigation, the claims disposition process, the distribution process, and following distribution, the closing of the estate. John also has experience in representing and serving as assignee for the benefit of creditors. He has assisted assignees in all aspects of the assignment process, including implementation of t h e terms of the assignment agreement and negotiations for wind-down of the assignor’s business operations.

In addition to his receivership experience, John advises clients in the structuring of financial transactions and workouts as well as acquisition or disposition of businesses in insolvency proceedings. In state court litigation matters, John has considerable experience in representing creditors in both pre-judgment and post-judgment remedies. He has assisted creditors in exercising remedies following loan defaults and successfully sought the appointment of receivers in business court cases. John has been recognized by his peers in these areas, and served as an expert witness, disinterested person and mediator in business disputes.

In bankruptcy matters, John has served as counsel for a standing chapter 7 bankruptcy trustee in the Eastern District of Michigan. His responsibilities have included asset investigations and collections, objections to claimed exemptions, preference and fraudulent transfer avoidance litigation, asset sales including real and person property and all other aspects of chapter 7 liquidations and administration.

Elizabeth (Liz) Von Eitzen: A vigorous advocate, Liz Von Eitzen specializes in creditors’ rights cases and bankruptcy matters (representing corporate debtors, chapter 7 trustees and creditors). With a highly regarded national practice and substantial experience in retail, restaurant and agricultural bankruptcy matters, she’s well-versed in the law, purposeful in her preparation and resolute in court. Litigants often call upon Liz to take over and turn around cases previously handled by outside attorneys who’d gotten in over their heads.

In creditor cases, Liz helps clients retrieve their collateral or negotiate the terms on which the debtor retains it, always working diligently to ensure adequate protection for those she represents. Liz keeps her clients informed and updated on all processes, including the somewhat unusual rules governing repayment.

On the debtor side, Liz relishes the opportunity to make a significant impact on a company’s fortunes. That can range from ensuring that the liquidation process proceeds smoothly to helping an organization walk back from the brink of dissolution, retain its business and eventually lift itself out of debt.

Liz places a premium on crafting pragmatic and realistic solutions for clients. She brings an understanding nature and approachability to a practice that often centers on people and companies who are experiencing financial strain. Always emphasizing the human element, Liz excels at reading people and making them feel secure and comfortable, even in stressful circumstances.

Additional dates to follow:
February 25, 2026- Session 2
March 18, 2026- Session 3

Not a member? Click here to join!