GRIDIRON CAPITAL - Key Persons
At Gridiron Capital, Aaron focuses on new investment opportunities, due diligence, and value creation at current portfolio companies including Royal Paper and VSG.
Background
Aaron was previously an associate at Gridiron Capital and rejoined the team after earning his M.B.A. Prior to joining Gridiron Capital as an associate, Aaron worked as an analyst at Rothschild & Co. in the Mergers & Acquisitions Advisory practice focused on the Industrials sector.
At Gridiron Capital, Andrew focuses on new investment opportunities, due diligence, and value creation at current portfolio companies including GSM Outdoors, Class Valuation, Jacent Strategic Merchandising and Essential Cabinetry Group.
Background
Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Andrew worked as an analyst in the Global Consumer Group at Citi.
At Gridiron Capital, Ben focuses on new investment opportunities, due diligence and value creation at current portfolio companies.
Background
Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Ben worked as an analyst in the Mergers & Acquisitions group at Bank of America. Ben began his career as an analyst in the Financial Institutions Group at Scotiabank.
Brittany is an experienced Executive Assistant with several years in the financial services industry. In her role at Gridiron Capital, Brittany supports business development, investor relations and focuses on the general marketing of the firm.
At Gridiron Capital, Brynn focuses on new investment opportunities, due diligence, and value creation at current portfolio companies.
Background
Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Brynn worked as an analyst in the Industrials Group at Wells Fargo Securities.
At Gridiron Capital, Chris focuses on new investment opportunities, due diligence, and value creation at current portfolio companies. Chris serves on the boards of Erie, GSM Outdoors, M&D, and Royal Paper. Chris previously served as a board member of Leaf Home and Rough Country and continues to actively support those investments in addition to Dealer Tire. Chris also previously served as a board observer for prior Gridiron Capital partnership Dent Wizard.
Background
Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Chris served as an associate at Vestar Capital Partners, where he was responsible for transaction execution and portfolio company management. Previously, Chris worked as an analyst at Lehman Brothers and Barclays Capital in the Consumer Mergers & Acquisitions Group.
Christina is an experienced Executive Assistant with a number of years in the Finance Industry. Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Christina was the EA to the CEO of Bridgewater Associates for 10 years.
Job Titles:
- Controller - Management Company
Dan has an accounting and finance background in manufacturing and private equity. Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Dan was a fund accountant at Lime Rock Partners, where he oversaw the accounting and administration of new, legacy, and co-investment funds. Earlier in his career, Dan was a Specialist at Sikorsky Aircraft Corporation where he held several accounting and finance positions.
At Gridiron Capital, Doug focuses on new investment opportunities, due diligence, and value creation at current portfolio companies. Doug currently serves on the boards of Class Valuation, Colibri Group, The Lattice Companies, and Travel Nurse Across America.
Background
Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Doug served as an associate at Sterling Partners, where he was responsible for transaction execution and portfolio company management. Previously, Doug worked as an analyst at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.
At Gridiron Capital, Eric focuses on new investment opportunities, due diligence, and value creation at current portfolio companies.
Background
Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Eric worked as an associate in the Mergers & Acquisitions Group at Barclays. Eric began his career in audit at Deloitte and is a Certified Public Accountant.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder
- Senior Advisor
Gene is senior advisor and co-founder of Gridiron Capital. He currently serves on the boards of Essential Cabinetry Group, HM Dunn, and Tokyo Joe's. Gene previously served on the boards of several Gridiron Capital partnerships, including: PAS Technologies, Inc., Engage2Excel, Performance Health, and Yellowstone Landscape Group.
Background
Prior to co-founding Gridiron, Gene was President and Chief Operating Officer, a member of the Board of Directors, and a member of the Executive Committee of Greenwich Air Services, Inc. He led Greenwich Air from a single facility with 400 employees to become the world's largest independent provider of repair, refurbishment, overhaul, and maintenance for gas turbine engines. Gene took Greenwich Air public in 1993 and, in 1997, sold the business to General Electric in a negotiated transaction valued at $1.5 billion.
Prior to Greenwich Air, Gene was President of Haskon Corporation, a leading supplier of silicone rubber seals for the aerospace industry, and EPCO Technologies, a leading supplier of specialty packaging supplies to the consumer products industry. He sold both of these companies in 1989 to a U.S. subsidiary of BTR, plc. He has served as board member and a member of the Audit Committee and the Governance and Nominating Committee for a NYSE-listed company and is an active board member of several private companies.
At Gridiron Capital, Hailey focuses on new investment opportunities, due diligence, and value creation at current portfolio companies.
Background
Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Hailey worked as an analyst in the Tech Enabled Services Group at Jefferies.
At Gridiron Capital, Hank focuses on new investment opportunities, due diligence, and value creation at current portfolio companies.
Background
Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Hank worked as an analyst in the Global Industrials Group at Jefferies.
At Gridiron Capital, Jack focuses on new investment opportunities, due diligence, and value creation at current portfolio companies.
Background
Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Jack worked as an analyst in the Global Industrials Group at Barclays.
Jackie is an experienced Executive Assistant and Office Manager with many years in the financial services industry. In her role at Gridiron Capital, Jackie supports investment professionals and focuses on event planning.
Jason is a finance and accounting professional with a focus on taxation in the Private Equity and Hedge Fund industry. Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Jason was a member of the fund taxation team at Bridgewater Associates. Previously, he was on the tax team for Sykes Enterprises, Inc., a publicly-traded multi-national company. Jason began his tax career in public accounting with PwC and KPMG focusing in the Financial Services industry with clients in the Private Equity and Hedge Fund space. He also brings a wide-array of tax and accounting experience from small firms with a broad client base and high-net worth individuals.
Jessica Kurys - CFO, Chief Compliance Officer
Job Titles:
- Chief Compliance Officer
- Chief Financial Officer
At Gridiron Capital, Jessica oversees all financial and compliance activities, including financial administration, reporting, and budgeting, among other functions.
Background
Jessica brings over 15 years of experience working in the private equity sector. Prior to joining Gridiron Capital in 2015, Jessica worked at Lime Rock Partners LLC and General Atlantic, LLC, both global private equity firms. Jessica began her career in the Financial Assurance & Advisory practice of Deloitte where she managed all aspects of various private equity client engagements.
Jodi has several years of experience in sales and operations with focus in hospitality. In her role at Gridiron Capital she works with the Managing Partners and the Gridiron team across a number of different initiatives.
At Gridiron Capital, John focuses on new investment opportunities, due diligence, and value creation at current portfolio companies. John currently serves on the boards of Cubii, GSM Outdoors, Jacent Strategic Merchandising, and Tokyo Joe's.
Background
Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, John was a managing director at CCMP Capital and its predecessor firms, JPMorgan Partners and Chase Capital Partners where he was responsible for investing on behalf of global funds with more than $10 billion under management. He has previously served as a board director for numerous companies in the consumer/retail, industrial, and energy sectors. John started his career as a private equity investment professional at FS Private Investments and Riverside Partners and as a strategy consultant at Monitor Company.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Investor Relations
At Gridiron Capital, Kallie focuses on fundraising, marketing, new business development, and communicating with investors.
Background
Kallie has an extensive background in the private equity industry including marketing, new business development, fundraising, and building relationships with leading institutional investors. Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Kallie was a principal at NovaFund Advisors, working with a variety of general partners across geographies and fund types including buyout, growth and venture capital, credit and distressed debt, mezzanine, and fund of funds. Previously, she was a vice president at Knight Capital Partners, an advisory boutique for alternative managers, and worked at State Street Global Advisors. Kallie began her career at Merrill Lynch.
Job Titles:
- Managing Partner
- Member of the Investment Committee
In addition to his management responsibilities of Gridiron Capital, Kevin is a Member of the Investment Committee and focuses on new investment opportunities, due diligence, and value creation at current portfolio companies. Kevin currently serves on the boards of M&D, Colibri Group, Cubii, Dealer Tire, GSM Outdoors, Jacent Strategic Merchandising, Legacy Service Partners, Rough Country, and Royal Paper. Kevin previously served on the boards of multiple Gridiron Capital partnerships, including Dent Wizard, McKenzie Sports Products, and Performance Health.
Background
Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Kevin was an investment professional at CCMP Capital, where he had responsibilities for all aspects of transaction execution and portfolio company management, primarily in the consumer, healthcare, and industrial sectors. Previously, Kevin was an analyst at Credit Suisse in the Global Industrial & Services Group. Kevin began his career as an entrepreneur, co-founding a direct-to-consumer services business based in Southern California.
At Gridiron Capital, Kirk focuses on new investment opportunities, due diligence, and value creation at current portfolio companies.
Background
Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Kirk worked as an analyst at J.P. Morgan Securities, LLC covering Consumer & Retail.
At Gridiron Capital, Lauren focuses on investor relations, marketing, fundraising, and new business development.
Background
Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Lauren was a senior associate at real estate development firm The Dinerstein Companies, where she focused on investor relations, fundraising, and fund operations. Lauren began her career as an analyst at middle-market investment bank Stifel in the Healthcare Group.
Marianne has experience in equity sales, management consulting and customer service, most
At Gridiron Capital, Marlon focuses on investor relations, business development, marketing, fundraising, and communicating with business owners.
Background
Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Marlon was a Senior Customer Success Manager at Lucidworks; an enterprise search technology company. Previously, Marlon worked at Thomson Reuters, which later became Refinitiv.
We've invested in over 100 companies - and like to let the breadth of our experience speak for itself.
Job Titles:
- Technology and Data Solutions Manager
At Gridiron Capital, Mauricio focuses as the primary liaison between IT data & technology and business decision-makers.
Background
Mauricio has extensive experience building and implementing software solutions for alternative asset firms. Prior to joining Gridiron, he was a digital specialist at UBS.
Michelle is a finance and accounting professional with experience in the alternative investments industry. Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Michelle was an Audit Senior at Deloitte & Touche in the Financial Services Industry group. She provided audit services to a broad range of clients, with a focus on private equity.
Job Titles:
- Senior Associate, DTC Data and Strategic Insights
At Gridiron Capital, Miles focuses on providing strategic insights and DTC growth support for current portfolio companies.
Background
Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Miles was a Business Operations & Strategy Manager at LeagueApps, a youth sports technology company. Previously, Miles worked as an analyst at Goldman Sachs in their Asset Management division.
Nate is a finance and accounting professional with experience in the alternative investments industry. Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Nate was an Associate on the credit accounting team at Fortress Investment Group. Nate began his career as an Assurance Senior Associate in PwC's alternative investments group, where he audited hedge funds, private equity funds, and fund-of-funds.
At Gridiron Capital, Nick focuses on new investment opportunities, due diligence, and value creation at current portfolio companies including Foundation Wellness. Nick currently serves on the board of Cubii.
Background
Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Nick served as an associate at Genstar Capital, where he was responsible for transaction execution and portfolio company management. Previously, Nick worked as an analyst at Morgan Stanley.
At Gridiron Capital, Owen focuses on new investment opportunities, due diligence, and value creation at current portfolio companies. Owen currently serves on the board of The Service Companies. Owen previously served on the boards of Gridiron Capital partnerships, including Engage2Excel, McKenzie Sports Products, Motion Recruitment Partners, and Yellowstone Landscape Group.
Background
Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Owen was an investment professional with Saugatuck Capital Company, a lower middle-market investment firm. He was initially controller and investment associate and later vice president. Prior to joining Saugatuck Capital, Owen was a senior accountant with KPMG LLP.
At Gridiron Capital, Rohit focuses on new investment opportunities, due diligence, and value creation at current portfolio companies.
Background
Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Rohit worked as an analyst in the Healthcare Group at Morgan Stanley.
At Gridiron Capital, Ryan focuses on new investment opportunities, due diligence, and value creation at current portfolio companies. Ryan currently serves on the boards of M&D and Legacy Service Partners.
Background
Ryan was previously an associate at Gridiron Capital and rejoined the team after earning his M.B.A. Prior to joining Gridiron Capital as an associate, Ryan worked as an analyst at Deutche Bank Securities in the gaming, lodging and leisure group.
Job Titles:
- Chief Operating Officer
- Senior Managing Director
In addition to his operations management responsibilities of Gridiron Capital, Scott focuses on new investment opportunities, due diligence, and value creation at current portfolio companies. Scott currently serves on the boards of Leaf Home™ and The Service Companies. Scott previously served on the board of Quality Solutions, Inc., a Gridiron Capital partnership.
Background
Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Scott served as chief financial officer to several middle-market businesses, including FM Facility Maintenance and CPG International, Inc. Earlier in his career, Scott worked at First Union Capital Partners and Bowles Hollowell Conner & Co.
Job Titles:
- Managing Director, Business Development
At Gridiron Capital, Sean focuses on developing new business partnerships, marketing, communicating with business owners, and managing investment sourcing and exit planning.
Background
Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Sean served as vice president at BB&T Capital Markets in Richmond, Virginia. His responsibilities at BB&T included executing mergers and acquisitions advisory for middle-market businesses, as well as establishing and strengthening business development relationships with middle-market investors. Earlier in his career, Sean worked at Credit Suisse and Deutsche Bank.
Spencer is a finance and accounting professional with a focus in the private equity industry. Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Spencer was an Audit Senior Assurance Associate at RSM US LLP working primarily with their Financial Services team. Spencer provided audit services to a broad range of private equity clients.
At Gridiron Capital, Tammy focuses on marketing and DTC growth support for current portfolio companies.
Background
Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Tammy was a Growth Marketing Manager at Care/of, one of Bayer's DTC brands. Previously, Tammy worked at Wpromote, one of the largest independent marketing agencies in the country.
Job Titles:
- Co - Founder
- Managing Partner
- Member of the Investment Committee
In addition to his management responsibilities of Gridiron Capital, Tom is a Member of the Investment Committee and focuses on new investment opportunities, due diligence, and value creation at current portfolio companies.
He currently serves on the boards of AML RightSource, Class Valuation, Erie, Esquire, Foundation Wellness, Jacent Strategic Merchandising, Leaf Home™, The Lattice Companies, Travel Nurse Across America, Vertical Supply Group, and Vistage. Tom previously served on the boards of multiple Gridiron Capital partnerships, including Dent Wizard, Electronic Systems Protection, Engage2Excel, McKenzie Sports Products, Motion Recruitment Partners, PAS Technologies, Inc., Performance Health, Quality Solutions, Inc., Vistage, and Rough Country.
Background
Tom has over 30 years of relevant experience, with over 25 years of acquiring and building middle-market companies. He spent five years in manufacturing operations, marketing, project management, cost benchmarking, strategy, and management consulting.
Prior to co-founding Gridiron Capital, he was a managing director of RFE Investment Partners and Butler Capital Corporation, where he acquired and built middle-market companies in the manufacturing, service, and specialty consumer markets. Previously, Tom worked as a consultant and project manager with The Boston Consulting Group out of its Chicago office. Prior to BCG, Tom was with General Electric as a manufacturing and marketing manager, a technology project consultant, and a global sourcing manager in GE's Manufacturing Management Program. Tom started his career working in his family's manufacturing business.
At Gridiron Capital, Jinx focuses on business development, marketing, and providing research & analyt ical support to current portfolio companies.
Background
Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Jinx worked as an analyst in the Strategic Capital and Financial Sponsors Group at Cowen & Company.