Blackford Capital

We are excited to share that Senior Analyst John Gutmann has been named a winner of the 15th Annual Emerging Leaders Award by The M&A Advisor! Congratulations, John Gutmann and thank you for your many contributions to Blackford Capital. Read more here: https://lnkd.in/gX4GDKzk

Thank you to DBusiness Magazine for highlighting our most recent acquisition, Eight12 Automation! We are thrilled to welcome Eight12 Automation to our PACIV Platform, further expanding our industrial automation platform.

Today, we shine the spotlight on an extraordinary member of our Blackford Capital family, Emily Heist, as we commemorate 9 wonderful years of dedication, growth, and success together!   Emily joined us nine years ago, and since then, she has been nothing short of a powerhouse of talent, driving innovation and embodying the spirit of teamwork. Her journey with us is a story of remarkable achievements, constant learning, and an unwavering commitment to excellence.   Through her hard work, Emily has left an indelible mark on our company, influencing our culture, and setting a benchmark for excellence. She has not only contributed to our success but has also been a mentor and inspiration to many.   We are immensely proud to have Emily as a pivotal part of our team. Her journey is a testament to the incredible impact one individual can have on a community and a company.   Please join us in congratulating Emily on this significant milestone. Here's to more years of success, innovation, and collaboration together!

On Tuesday, Grand Rapids saw RECORD SETTING high temperatures for late February. Fittingly, the Blackford team celebrated with a "Grand Rapids Beach Day🏝️☀️🌊™️" to enjoy the Vitamin D! Grand Rapids Beach Day🏝️☀️🌊™️ activities included: • An early afternoon walk to Rosa Parks Circle • Hawaiian shirts and beach apparel - sunglasses were encouraged! • Ice Cream • Warm weather phrases and anecdotes

Every year, our team conducts a rigorous annual operating plan review with each of our portfolio companies. Throughout these reviews, Blackford operating partners and managing directors collaborate with portfolio company leadership to set goals and develop a plan for the coming year. In our latest blog, Paul I. Doyle unpacks the heartbeat behind these meetings and how they help set each company up for success. Read the full blog: https://loom.ly/wDLvrnA

Thanks Crain's Grand Rapids Business for highlighting our acquisition of Data Science Automation and expansion of the PACIV platform! Check out the full story, featuring an interview with Blackford Managing Director Jeffrey W. Johnson: https://loom.ly/ppY0nXA

A big thank you to Mergers and Acquisitions - themiddlemarket.com for highlighting our recent acquisition of Data Science Automation! Read the article: https://lnkd.in/g6mJZ5CD

2023 was a great year for our team! In the last year, we acquired two new businesses, expanded our team, and were recognized with seven industry awards, including being named to Inc. Magazine's Founder Friendly Investors list. Blackford Capital embodied resilience this past year and we're excited for all that is to come in 2024! Check out our full Year in Review on our website: https://loom.ly/wsVz4_Q

At Blackford, we're fortunate to have a team of incredible individuals, but today, we want to spotlight someone truly special. In every company there are people who are your rocks. The ones you can count on, the ones who do and never need to be asked, the ones who think of others first, the ones who radiate positive energy, the ones who quietly get things done and don't seek the spotlight. Rarely do you find that all in one person. We at Blackford are lucky to have Lisa Long who is all this and more. Today we honor her 6th work anniversary. Lisa thanks for all you have done for us over the years! We look forward to our future with you continuing to lead the way.

We're excited to announce the recent acquisition of Data Science Automation, our first addition to the PACIV Platform! DSA is an automation engineering services and training firm that collaborates with clients to digitally transform and automate laboratory, product, manufacturing, and test systems and applications. Learn more: https://loom.ly/IBKBVws