The Bootstrap Difference

“We are owner-operators who honor the legacies of bootstrapping entrepreneurs by unlocking the potential of the companies they built.”

Investment Approach

  • We are experienced, successful entrepreneurs
  • We have a long-term horizon
  • We provide day-to-day leadership
  • We will partner with entrepreneurs to implement a succession plan

Investment Approach

Size:

  • Revenue from $5 to $10 million
  • EBITDA from $750,000 to $1.5 million

Ownership:

  • Control Preferred

Sectors:

  • Business services, distribution and light manufacturing / assembly
  • Defensible, measurable differentiation or niche market position

Stages:

  • Mature and growth stage companies

Location:

  • Illinois, Wisconsin, Indiana, Michigan and Colorado

Portfolio


Since 1989, VeriLogic Solutions has been on the forefront of industrial identification and product tracking solutions.  Since its inception, the company has provided a completely customized product identification solution that seamlessly integrates and interfaces with existing warehouse management and enterprise systems.  The company’s ability to integrate hardware and software into a fully comprehensive, yet affordable, solution distinguishes VeriLogic Solutions from the competition and is the reason that it continues to be a valuable supplier to both Fortune 500 and middle market companies. (www.veri-logic.com)


Based in Sheboygan, Wisconsin, O&W Communications traces its roots to 1949, when Peter Oostdyke and Roger Wilke founded a TV antenna installation business.  As the market opportunities changed, so did the company, first adding sound systems and later business telephone systems to its offerings.  Today, the company takes pride in being the state’s preferred provider of low voltage systems, such as fire alarm, telephone, public address, nurse call, door access and video surveillance systems.

The company represents best-in-class products from the industry’s leading OEMs, including Notifier by Honeywell, Valcom, NEC, biamp., Rcare and Open Options, as well as many others. (www.OWCommunications.com)


Founded in 2019, Wash Fox develops and operates automated express tunnel car washes in the Greater Denver Metro area.  The company strives to serve the communities in which it operates, supporting local charities, working with local organizations, protecting the environment and, of course, quickly and efficiently turning out the cleanest cars possible.

Because Wash Fox is doing ground-up development, starting with raw land and building its car washes to its own unique specifications, the company’s sites flow smoothly and are extraordinarily energy efficient.  Its buildings are purposefully designed to accommodate a maximum amount of solar energy panels; its water reclaim systems recycle approximately 80% of the water used to wash vehicles; and its extensive implementation of variable-frequency drive motors and other energy conserving measures minimize its overall energy usage.

Customers will soon be able to sign up for unlimited wash club memberships at www.washfox.com.


Prior Investments


Clear Automation is an industrial automation technology integrator that specializes in customized robotics, machine vision and line tracking solutions. Founded in 1990, the company designs, builds, installs and services complex test and assembly cells, as well as complete manufacturing lines.  Clear Automation has a history of driving cost and efficiency improvements in a broad range of industries, including cosmetics and personal-care products, medical devices, electronic components and automotive parts and assemblies. (www.clearautomation.com)