2024 Dealmakers of the Year Honorees
Presented By: Argent Wealth Management
STUART BENTON
President & CEO
Bradford Soap International, Inc
Manufacturer of solid cleansing products
- Sold Bradford Soapworks to Gemspring Capital in June 2023 through an $47 million LBO.
- In support of the transaction, undisclosed lenders provided debt financing in the form of a term loan, and a revolving credit line.
RUFUS CLARK
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
MARK DEBLOIS
Co-Founder & Managing Partner
Bunker Hill Capital
A private equity firm that focuses on acquiring industrial, specialized business services, and niche consumer products sectors.
- Over the past several years has made multiple venture-related investments to build out platforms and add tuck-ins to existing platform companies.
- Experienced a few exits, including a recent IPO in foreign markets and the sale of a portfolio company, Taos Mountain, to IBM.
LINDSAY FREY
Co-Founder
DAN PAUL
Co-Founder
demandDrive
Provider of sales development solutions that include data and demand generation programs. The company's services include integrated inbound and outbound lead generation, sales acceleration, demand generation consulting, and marketing intelligence.
- Boston-based, woman-majority-owned business that entered into a PE partnership in 2022 with Everlane Equity Partners through a majority recapitalization transaction.
- Has since completed two acquisitions, including Jim Rohn Process in 2023.
SOCIAL IMPACT
CHARLIE HIPWOOD
President & CEO
MassVentures
Venture capital firm founded in 1978 that invests in information technology, healthcare, cybersecurity, e-commerce, mobile, manufacturing, and robotics sector firms.
- Over the past 24 months has invested in more than 20 start-up ventures.
- Also offers an accelerator program which provides additional resources for founders.
DAVID MODEL
Chief Operating Officer
Triton Systems Inc.
Operator of an engineering product development firm focused on the development and commercialization of innovative technologies across various sectors.
- Secured funds to speed up development of anchoring system for floating wind
- Recently received funding for Offshore Wind Anchoring System Research
SOCIAL IMPACT
JENNIFER NEUNDORFER
Co-Founder, Managing Partner
January Ventures
Venture Capital investment firm that invests in early-stage companies. digital health, productivity or data, financial health, commerce enablement, and planet health sectors
- Founded by mostly female operators-turned-investors who believe in an equal opportunity tech ecosystem.
- Focus on seed funding for women and minorities who are founding companies.
OLIVER PATTEN
Managing Partner
PARKER SHIELDS
Managing Partner
Sherburne Partners
Private equity firm that invests in specialty distribution, niche manufacturing, industrial services, commercial services and consumer services sectors.
- In January 2024 completed its first acquisition, Digital Color Concepts.
- The New Jersey-based firm will serve as a platform for Sherburne, and spur additional tuck-in acquisitions.
DAVID SCHNEIDER
Partner
River Birch Partners
Family office that invests in companies operating in the aerospace, automotive, heavy truck, and engineered industrial components industries.
- Recently acquired Vortex Racing, manufacturers of motorcycle racing components, as well as logistics company, General Courier.
- The firm focuses on investments in the Eastern half of the United States, as well as, Utah, Wyoming and Montana.
CHRISTOPHER VICKERS
President and CEO
STARC Systems
Designer and manufacturer of modular wall systems for contractors, healthcare facilities and building professionals.
- In July 2023 was acquired by North Branch Capital through an LBO.
- The deal injected capital into the company and positioned it for future growth.
TED WIRTH
President & CEO
Diversified Communications
Media company that specializes in connecting, educating and strengthening business communities through market-leading events, online communities and print publications.
- In September 2022 acquired Smart Energy Decisions, a web-based information resource for commercial and industrial electric power customers.
- The company has made more than 30 acquisitions over the past several years, and this year is celebrating its 75th
COMMUNITY IMPACT
DEATRICH WISE JR.
Defensive End & Team Captain; CEO
New England Patriots; Wise Up Foundation
Deatrich shines brightly as the current Defensive End and Team Captain for the New England Patriots. His journey to becoming a Super Bowl LIII champion is a testament to his exceptional prowess on the football field.
Deatrich Jr's athletic talents are not limited to football alone; during his years at Hebron High School (Carrollton, TX), he showcased his versatility by excelling in both football and track & field. His achievements were duly recognized, earning him athletic scholarships to the University of Arkansas for football and shot put. He was selected by the New England Patriots in the 2017 NFL Draft, emerging as the 131st overall pick in the 4th round. Since then, he has made significant contributions to the Patriots' defensive lineup, solidifying his position as a key player on the team.
Beyond the gridiron, Deatrich Jr's life takes on another dimension as a nonprofit leader and devoted family man. As the CEO of his family's Wise Up Foundation, Deatrich provides strategic leadership to the organization's programs that provide resources and opportunities to underserved youth and military veterans.