Borgman Capital
TOP 50 PE Winner
2021 | 2023
Primary Address
111 E. Kilbourn Ave. Suite 2600, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202
Website
www.borgmancapital.com
Phone Number
(414) 975-4629
Which best describes the firm?
Independent Sponsor
Firm Inception
2017
Leadership
Sequoya Borgman – Founder & CEO
Michael Pepke – Managing Director
Brent Adam – Managing Director
Team Members
10
Firm Overview
Borgman Capital is a Milwaukee-based private equity firm focused on investing in profitable and stable lower middle-market businesses. We are opportunistic in nature, ready to explore deals in a fair, flexible and creative manner.
Investment Criteria:
Revenue of $10 to $100 million
Record of profitability
EBITDA between $2 and $15 million
Growth-oriented leadership and sound operational management
Midwest-focus; open to opportunities across the U.S.
Industry agnostic with proven expertise in Food, Infrastructure and Manufacturing
Additionally, Borgman Capital’s real estate practice acquires, develops, improves and repositions assets with a deal size between $2 and $40 million. It is focused on industrial, office, multi-family and mixed-use asset classes.
Why do prospects want to do business with the firm?
The Borgman Capital website states: Our investment approach is relationship-focused. We deal with people, not positions; because that’s where the true value lies. We want employees to know that they’re appreciated, be motivated to continue to grow the business, and be excited about the prospects of the company. The above is not lip service; it’s really how we do business. Borgman Capital acquired K.G. Stevens in early-October. Here is what one senior leader within the company had to say about the transition so far: “I’m trying to figure out how Dave Bartelme with Borgman Capital seems to know the names of every one of our 170 employees already. It’s amazing how much that means to people.” Sellers experience a relationship-focused approach as well. Borgman Capital acquired Dairyfood USA in May 2022 as an add-on acquisition to portfolio company Gilman Cheese Corporation. The following quote comes from Daniel Culligan, the former CEO of the business: “Throughout the selling process, it became distinctly obvious that Borgman Capital was the right choice to lead Dairyfood USA in its next chapter. The professionalism, honesty and genuine respect for our team and culture is what set them apart from other buyers. I am confident that the future is extremely bright for Dairyfood USA and Gilman Cheese.” This people-first approach also extends to Borgman Capital’s investor network. We care deeply about each unique relationship, providing transparency, and most importantly delivering results. Ryan Festerling, president of QPS Employment Group, has invested in several of Borgman Capital’s opportunities since 2017. Ryan says: “I invest with Borgman Capital because from the day I met Sequoya I admired his objective approach to building a business and wanted to be a part of it. I have watched him build a team around him to not only grow the existing business but truly invest for the future. Borgman Capital understands that business starts and ends with people, regardless of geography or business vertical. As an investor in several businesses, I continue to value the effective communication that Sequoya and his team provides. I trust the team’s approach, philosophy and their ability to deliver great results for years to come.”
Why do intermediaries present opportunities and want to conduct transactions with the firm?
Ann Hanna is managing director and co-founder of Milwaukee investment bank The Taureau Group. Ann is in the unique role of being an intermediary and investor. She says: “I view investment in private equity opportunities as a decision based on trust: Do I trust the investment decision? I invest with Borgman Capital because I trust Sequoya and his team to make the right decisions throughout the life of the investment. I believe they exercise tremendous care and diligence in choosing quality companies. I believe after investment, Borgman Capital fulfills its promises, treats the people and families reliant on the business appropriately, and provides the guidance and discipline required to grow a company. All these factors coalesce to provide above average returns, lower volatility compared to the stock market, and personal portfolio diversification.”
Contact
111 E. Kilbourn Ave. Suite 2600, Milwaukee, Wisconsin, 53202
Call (651) 323 8126 | Visit www.borgmancapital.com