Independent sponsor
acquiring, operating and scaling
consumer and related businesses
$1M–$3M EBITDA
We acquire and operate companies at pivotal moments of transition.
Many founders reach a point where they are ready to pass the torch, and we bring the hands-on operational leadership and discipline needed to advance their legacy and unlock the next phase of growth.
Independent sponsor
acquiring, operating and scaling
consumer and related businesses
$1M–$3M EBITDA
We acquire and operate companies at pivotal moments of transition.
Many founders reach a point where they are ready to pass the torch, and we bring the hand-on operational leadership and discipline needed to advance their legacy and unlock the next phase of growth.
Our ethos is simple: help lower middle-market businesses punch above their weight. Whether through financial discipline, strategic partnerships, or brand growth, we help companies achieve outsized results.
Investment Criteria
Investment focus aligned with operator-led leadership.
- Industry Focus: Consumer-focused businesses spanning manufacturing, distribution, technology or services
- Financial Profile: $1–3M EBITDA
- Geography: Primarily North America, with emphasis on Midwest-based companies
- Situations: Founder succession, family-owned transitions, or businesses preparing for their next stage of growth
Our Approach
We step into leadership roles and roll up our sleeves.
Proven track record of doubling revenue and EBITDA in 2–3 years.
Agility to adapt across industries with proven, repeatable playbooks.
Transparent, disciplined operators aligned with capital partners for long-term success.
Our Team
Steve Adolph - Co Founder
Steve is a seasoned CEO and private equity operator with a track record of transforming lower middle market, consumer-oriented businesses. Four different times, he has doubled revenue and EBITDA within 2–3 years, and twice he has turned significant losses into profitability in under two years.
He has led five private equity portfolio companies as CEO, President, or Board Member, and has been directly involved in more than 10 acquisitions, integrations, and divestitures. Steve combines hands-on operating discipline with deep commercial expertise, including longstanding relationships with leading U.S. retailers such as Walmart, Target, Costco, Amazon, and Best Buy.
He holds a B.A. from Duke University (Magna Cum Laude) and an MBA with Distinction from Northwestern’s Kellogg School of Management. Happily married and father of two boys.
Co-Founder
With 17 years of experience in both private equity–backed and family-owned companies, Punch Above’s co-founder has served as CEO, CFO, and COO, bringing broad leadership across finance, operations, IT, sales, and marketing. He has guided successful turnarounds, raised financial and operational standards to institutional levels, and completed more than 20 transactions through his work in transaction advisory services.
As a CPA with Big 4 experience and a B.S. in Finance, he combines financial rigor with operational leadership to create value in complex, evolving environments.
Proud husband and father of two girls.
Let’s Connect
Let’s Connect