Colfax Creek Capital isn’t just about making investments. It’s about building businesses to create lasting value for all the business’s stakeholders. I am focusing on “smaller” middle market companies in the Great Lakes states working with management and like-minded capital partners to improve their operations and grow their business over the long-term.

In the last 20 years, I’ve led nearly $2 billion in private investment transactions and managed or co-managed investments in 12 platform companies with EBITDA of $3 million to $12 million in the consumer products, services, and industrials sectors. I’ve sourced investment opportunities, closed those investments, worked with management to enhance value, and realized many of those investments.

Now I’m leveraging those years of private investment experience to invest in businesses where I have a greater level of involvement in the company’s success. Colfax Creek, named for my hometown in Illinois, is about building relationships and developing partnerships to create long-term value. I’m interested in working with people who are committed and passionate about a business and value integrity, transparency, and candor.

An Experienced Equity Partner

My investment experience includes leading deal negotiations, performing due diligence, financing, recruiting and retaining management teams and developing an investment strategy. Here is an overview of four different businesses I was previously involved with.

• ACE Bakery — Produces and markets 35 varieties of European-style artisan bread and other baked goods that are marketed in Canada and the United States.
• Encore Rehabilitation Services — Provides outcome-driven rehabilitative therapy services to skilled nursing facilities, assisted-living facilities, and home health agencies.
• Moosejaw — A leading online retailer, Moosejaw also sells outdoor apparel and equipment through retail stores and seasonal catalogs. Moosejaw offers its own Moosejaw brand and major names in outdoor products, such as North Face, Patagonia, and Canada Goose.
• Fusion Education Group — Operates a network of private middle and high schools that offer each student a one-on-one education tailored to their learning differences.

Investment Focus

Colfax Creek will focus on the smaller side of middle market companies in the Great Lakes states – operations within a drive of Detroit.  Staying closer to home allows me to spend more time working with each company to deliver more resources by utilizing my regional connections to improve the long-term health and success of my companies.

Life is too short to work with people you don’t like. The people factor is critical. I’m interested in building a partnership with the right companies run by the right people.

To find the best opportunities for Colfax Creek, I’ve developed investment guidelines.

Geography — Companies that operate in the Great Lakes states (Illinois, Indiana, Michigan, Ohio, Pennsylvania, and Wisconsin)  or generally easy for me to visit.

Investment structure — Control investments or shared control with like-minded investors.

Company EBITDA — $2 to $7 million (or larger if I have a significant operational edge) with 10 percent or greater operating margins.

Industry focus — Consumer products, services, and industrials.

Management team — Prefer to support the existing management team or with limited management transitions.

When Everything Comes Together

Colfax Creek isn’t the right investment firm for every company. I am selective about the companies I invest in, as I am not just making a financial investment. It is personal. I am investing my time, energy and talent to help our collective vision succeed.

Visit Colfax Creek at colfaxcreek.com to learn more who we are.