Owner-operator buying, running and growing one great business at a time
Consumer businesses (B2C) &
businesses that support them (B2B2C)
$1M-$3M of EBITDA | Midwest
We acquire and operate companies at pivotal moments of transition.
Many owners reach a point where they are ready to pass the torch, and we bring the hands-on operational leadership and discipline needed to advance their legacy and unlock the next phase of growth. Our founder is a seasoned operator and five-time CEO.
Owner-operator buying, running & growing one great business at a time
Consumer businesses (B2C) &
businesses that support them (B2B2C)
$1M-$3M EBITDA | Midwest
We acquire and operate companies at pivotal moments of transition.
Many owners reach a point where they are ready to pass the torch, and we bring the hands-on operational leadership and discipline needed to advance their legacy and unlock the next phase of growth. Our founder is a seasoned operator and five-time CEO.
Our ethos is simple: help lower middle-market businesses punch above their weight. Whether through financial discipline, strategic partnerships, or brand growth, we help companies achieve outsized results.
Investment Criteria
Investment focus aligned with operator-led leadership.
- Industry Focus: Consumer businesses (B2C) and the companies that support them (B2B2C): products, manufacturing, distribution & services
- Financial Profile: $1M-$3M EBITDA
- Geography: Focus on Midwest
- Situations: Owner Transition, Growth Acceleration, Operational Turnaround
- Structure: Control-oriented - owner-operator takes active management role from day one
- Capital: Flexible partnerships with private equity and family offices
Our Approach
We step into leadership roles and roll up our sleeves.
Proven track record of doubling revenue and EBITDA in 2–3 years.
Agility to adapt across industries with proven, repeatable playbooks.
Transparent, disciplined operators aligned with capital partners for long-term success.
Our Team
Steve Adolph - Founder and Managing Partner
Steve is a seasoned CEO and private equity operator with a track record of transforming lower middle market, consumer-oriented businesses. Four different times, he has doubled revenue and EBITDA within 2–3 years, and twice he has turned significant losses into positive EBITDA in under two years.
He has led five private equity portfolio companies as CEO, President, or Board Member, and has been directly involved in more than 10 acquisitions, integrations, and divestitures. Steve combines hands-on operating discipline with deep commercial expertise, including longstanding relationships with leading U.S. retailers such as Walmart, Target, Costco, Amazon, and Best Buy.
He holds a B.A. from Duke University (Magna Cum Laude) and an MBA with Distinction from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. Happily married and father of two boys.
Advisory & Operating Network
We draw on a network of accomplished CEOs, operators, and functional experts across the consumer sectors we target — matching seasoned, deal-relevant leadership to each opportunity. This bench strengthens our diligence and underwriting, and provides hands-on operating support after close, so every business we acquire gains expertise directly relevant to its market.
Capital Backing & Certainty of Close
We structure every transaction for certainty of close, funding deals through a flexible mix of our own capital and outside capital partners. These include private equity funds our founder has worked with, who have expressed strong interest in backing future acquisitions, along with mezzanine and equity relationships developed across a long career. Owners can be confident that a transition, once begun, gets done.
- Proven Closer: 10+ acquisitions, integrations and divestitures successfully completed
- Flexible Capital: our own capital plus partners, matched per deal
- A process built to finish: disciplined from evaluation through close
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