Our Approach
Colfax Creek takes a long-term approach to investing in "smaller" middle market companies. We develop relationships with business owners and management and focus our capital and resources with a shared purpose of creating lasting value.
Our Values
The key to our investment success is based on relationships -- relationships with the person introducing the company, relationships with our capital partners, and most importantly relationships with the management team. If we get the relationships right, we can produce a shared purpose towards lasting company value. We are striving to build long-term value, not just over an election cycle, but ten or more years. During that length of time, relationships are built on integrity, transparency and personal enjoyment. We value candor and honoring our commitments -- "doing what we say we are going to do".
INVESTMENT GUIDELINES (NOT RULES)
Geography
Great Lake States - operations within a drive from Detroit
Investment Structure
Control investments or partner with like-minded investors
Company EBITDA
$2 million to $7 million with 10% or greater operating margins
Industry Focus
» Consumer Products
» Services
» Industrials
Management Team
Prefer to support the existing management team or limited management transitions
No Jerk Rule
Life's too short to work with people you don't like
Principal
Jason Duzan
Over the last twenty-plus years, Jason Duzan has led nearly two billion in private investment transactions, developed new investment opportunities, and managed a diverse portfolio of operating companies. With Colfax Creek, Jason is a managing partner and board member for Midwest Innovative Products, Premier Engineered Products, Traverse City Products, and Dial Tool Industries. Before Colfax Creek, Jason managed or co-managed 12 platform companies; he led deal negotiation, due diligence, financing, management recruitment and retention, and investment strategy focusing on service, consumer product, and industrial companies with EBITDA $3m – $12m. His prior work experience includes Glencoe Capital and BMO Harris Bank. Jason earned an MBA from the University of Chicago and an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois. He was raised on a corn and soybean farm in Colfax, Illinois, where his parents still farm. Jason and his family live in Birmingham, Michigan.
Testimonials
Over the course of my career, I have had the opportunity to partner with multiple private equity funds and by extension been fortunate to work with extraordinarily talented individuals. Jason stands out as someone who has keen business judgment, fosters calculated risk-taking and is incredibly down to earth. He was insightful and calm as we experienced the typical growing pains of a fast-paced company. Simply put, Jason has both substance and style.
Philip Shaw
Former Chief Executive Officer
ACE Bakery
Since acquiring GLE Precision, Jason has brought a calm, steady, strategic direction to the business and management team. He has shown himself to be a professional with superior understanding, knowledge, and skills in financial management and investment strategy. Jason is excellent at inspiring individuals, judging talent, and analyzing diverse business opportunities.
Clint Bucholz
President
GLE Precision
I have worked with Jason for over ten years. He led the initial acquisition team and continued to serve on our Board of Directors. Over the years, Jason has provided me and my team with invaluable insight and guidance on both strategic opportunities and challenging issues. He is a thoughtful listener that processes and understands complex business issues quickly. We could always rely on Jason to follow through on his commitments.
Scott Cotter
President & Chief Executive Officer
Childcare Network
After interviewing dozens of PE firms, I chose to partner with Jason based on, not only his knowledge and strong business acumen, but he was truly the “right fit”. Jason Duzan is professional, down to earth, genuine, calm, supportive, and works with you like a true partner. He excelled amongst the rest in the areas of business strategy, decision making, and financial management. He always looked out for my personal best interests and at the same time…the best for the company. I was tremendously successful under his leadership and guidance, and as an owner/CEO of a business, I would definitely recommend him and would personally choose to partner with him over and over again.
Linda Shackelford
Chief Executive Officer
Encore Rehabilitation
