The Big People

Learn About the People Behind Boot Island Group

James D. Lincoln - Principal

Utilizing his professional experience and network of resources, James D. Lincoln founded the Boot Island Group to match companies with competent management and capital needs. 

For the past two years, he has been a full-time advisor for BoxCast, a Cleveland-based streaming services start-up with nearly $7 million in revenue. BoxCast provides simple, cost effective solutions for organizations to broadcast events and on-demand content. The company has excelled in the house-of-worship, scholastic athletic, and municipality markets.

Beginning in 2011, Mr. Lincoln served as President / CEO of BIGs first acquisition, The Interior Products Company. He led the company’s transition to Rustbelt Reclamation, an industry-leading producer of custom furniture and installations that incorporate reclaimed material for the aesthetic appeal and environmental benefits. In its formative five years, Rustbelt Reclamation developed a national market with commercial clients including Marriott, Hilton, and First Watch. In 2018, Boot Island Group sold Rustbelt Reclamation.

Prior to founding BIG, Mr. Lincoln was a Vice President at Nook Industries (Cleveland, Ohio), a leading manufacturer of linear motion components.  His tenure at Nook Industries provided extensive involvement in channel management, team alignment, incentive programs, strategic relationships,  and product development.

Mr. Lincoln’s previous experience includes management at ITN/Signalstream, a media production and transmission facility located in San Francisco, California. As Manager of Production Services, he specialized in addressing the time sensitive needs of customers by marrying production staff and resources with broadcast and transmission services. His client list included MSBNC, NBC, ESPN, Charles Schwab, Apple, and Fox. 

Mr. Lincoln has a B.S. in pre-law from the University of Utah and earned an MBA from Case Western Reserve University. He lives outside of Cleveland, Ohio with his wife and two children.

Jeff Milbourn - Principal

Prior to joining Boot Island, Mr. Milbourn was a Senior Vice President & Chief Financial Officer for Corporate Services and Risk Management at National City Bank, now a part of PNC Financial Services. His tenure at National City included leadership roles in financial planning and analysis, outsourcing, real estate, project management and human resources. 

Mr. Milbourn's previous experience includes several consulting roles at GE Commercial Finance, most recently as a Six Sigma Master Black aligned to the Sales & Strategic Partnerships team. In this capacity he led customer and prospect engagements on topics ranging from succession planning and human capital development to deploying a strategic planning process. 

Mr. Milbourn earned a B.A. in Political Science from Indiana University and an MBA from Case Western Reserve University. He lives outside of Cleveland, OH, with his wife and three children. 

Brinton C. Lincoln - Principal

Brinton serves as a Senior Vice President at SelmanCo, one of the largest privately held insurance administration firms in the nation specializing in reducing cost and increasing efficiency for associations, credit unions, banks, employers, and insurance companies.  Focused primarily on Life and Supplemental Health products, the company manages over $300 million in premium and services more than 1.3 million individual customers.  Responsible for SelmanCo's two most significant markets, Employer Supplemental Benefits and Military, and its Marketing efforts, Brinton is a pivotal leader within the 200+ employee company.  As a special adviser to the Owner/President, his scope of responsibility ranges across the tactical, operational and strategic aspects of the thriving business.

Prior to joining SelmanCo, Brinton helped start, run, and ultimately sell Rustbelt Reclamation; a custom furniture design and manufacturing company that constructs its products out of wood reclaimed from industrial, residential, and agricultural buildings earmarked for demolition.  In his role as Executive Vice President, Brinton was intimately involved in all aspects of the company’s dealings and directly responsible for leading its operational activities, managing its human resources, spearheading its strategic business development, and attending to its administrative needs.

Before starting Rustbelt Reclamation, Brinton served our nation for near fourteen years in the officer corps of the United States Air Force.  As a Pararescueman and Combat Rescue Officer, Brinton deployed on eleven occasions in support of Operation ENDURING FREEDOM, Operation IRAQI FREEDOM, and other Global War on Terrorism initiatives. 

Brinton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Colorado with an emphasis in financial management.  While in the military, he earned a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of

Brinton holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Business Administration from the University of Colorado with an emphasis in financial management.  While in the military, he earned a Master’s degree in Political Science from the University of Oklahoma with emphasis in International Relations.  After separating from the service Brinton earned an MBA from Case Western Reserve University. 

When not working, Brinton very much enjoys contributing his time and energy to philanthropic and educational endeavors.  He serves as an active board member for The Centers for Families and Children, the North-East Ohio Chapter of the American Red Cross, Hawken School, and the G.R. Lincoln Family Foundation.  A Cleveland native, Brinton relishes in spending time with his wife and their three young children.

BIG Advisors:

BIG relies on a diverse group of more than 10 operating advisors for counsel and support. Their extensive experience as independent business owners and/or leaders of highly successful companies spans across a wide range of industries, including manufacturing, technology, marketing, finance, medicine, law, and more. A combination of practical experience and academic pedigree gives our team of advisors the competitive edge in realizing BIG goals.