March 7, 2018
SMS Assist Continues to Build World-Class Executive Team with Hiring of Amazon Veteran Peter Commons as Chief Product Officer
SMS Assist today announced the hiring of Amazon veteran Peter Commons as Chief Product Officer.
Chicago-based Granite Creek Capital Partners, L.L.C. is an active manager of lower middle market debt and equity investments in Business Services, Niche Manufacturing, Food & Agribusiness, Healthcare and value-added Distribution. Granite Creek invests in high-performing businesses to support rock star entrepreneurs, the next phase of growth or a transitional event that is driving the need for additional liquidity. Granite Creek brings decades of experience in private equity, lending, strategy and operations across 80+ deals over the course of 30+ years. The Granite Creek investment team, led by Mark Radzik, Brian Boorstein, Peter Lehman and Jim Clark, brings operational and business development resources to its portfolio companies that are often inaccessible to the typical smaller business. We are more than just money; we are partners to businesses.
Think differently, be realistic, be creative, dream, focus, accomplish, don’t give up.
Be excited about the work, so that it doesn’t feel like work. Have convictions and stick to them.
Take charge.
Underwrite the downside, but prepare and work hard for the upside.
Be honest, transparent and do the right thing.
$7-$20 million
Target Company ProfileSenior Debt, Mezzanine Debt with Equity, and Control or Minority Equity investments in growing and attractively-priced lower middle market businesses.
Granite Creek pursues control and minority interests in smaller enterprises in the United States and works as a partner to expand a portfolio company’s base business, optimize operations and leverage its network to fill leadership roles and tap strategic advisors. Granite Creek searches for businesses with defensible market niches, recognized brands, strong intellectual property and/or manufacturing process assets led by entrepreneurial management teams. Often Granite Creek’s equity investments are made in concert with a debt investment, but Granite Creek will consider equity-only investments in certain scenarios, particularly in industries where the firm has had prior experience and success.
Granite Creek makes structured investments in the subordinated debt of US-based small and mid-sized enterprises. Granite Creek invests in high-performing businesses to support rock star entrepreneurs, the next phase of growth or a transitional event that is driving the need for additional liquidity. Rather than taking the full dilution of an equity issuance, a Mezzanine capital investment from GC can provide the needed funding to effect the next phase of a company’s growth while preserving economic upside for entrepreneurs and business owners. Whether a Mezzanine investor, a majority equity owner or any structure in between, Granite Creek is a partner to businesses while bringing its support infrastructure to build businesses and optimize operations. Frequently, Granite Creek is the first institutional investor in a company and helps position the company to further access capital markets when needed.
Granite Creek is licensed by the Small Business Administration of the United States of America (“SBA”) as a Small Business Investment Company (“SBIC”).
As an SBIC, GC must adhere to certain investment restrictions:
In 2011, Granite Creek co-founded Renovo Financial, Chicago's leading specialty real estate rehab and construction lender. For more information, please visit www.renovofinancial.com
I needed a trusted private equity partner with experience investing in high growth companies with large capital market financing needs, and acting as a counter-party to a multi-billion dollar company. My longstanding association with GC’s Partners made me confident that they were the perfect fit.
Rob Webb President, UnitedHealth Group Ventures
I have held leadership positions with world class companies, and would rank my experience with GC as one of the best. They have offered unconditional support of my leadership with regards to direction, decision making, and enterprise wide investments.
Norman Young CEO, Weld Racing
GC was the first institutional investor to believe in the opportunity SMS had to revolutionize the facilities maintenance industry through our disruptive technology. The Granite Creek team has supported our growth objectives through trusted counsel as well as introductions to customers, strategic partners, and additional investors. It’s been a great partnership.
Mike Rothman CEO, SMS Assist
Granite Creek was a leader in every sense. They were accessible, open-minded, and supportive of me as the CEO; they gained the respect of the entire Board through their depth of business experience and sound advice; and the quality, quantity, and timeliness of their contributions were extremely valuable.
Jim Iversen Chairman of the Board, Mincron
Granite Creek was a true partner in giving us the resources and insights we needed. We have more than tripled revenues over the past six years and we certainly could not have done it without their partnership, financial acumen and overall support.
Dan Rosskamm President, Big Lift
Granite Creek was a great thought partner that created long term value for all stakeholders. Their contributions at the board level were numerous, and on multiple occasions they went out of their way to be a sounding board and resource for management.
Jamie Schleck Director, Cyalume