Gridiron Capital Kick-starts its 20th Anniversary Year with Promotions
Promotions Reflect Gridiron’s Continued Growth and Strong Culture
NEW CANAAN, CT, January 27, 2025 – Gridiron Capital, LLC (“Gridiron Capital” or “Gridiron”), an investment firm focused on partnering with founders, entrepreneurs, and management teams, is excited to announce the several well-deserved promotions by strong team performers including: Ryan Gardner and Aaron Stoppelmann to Principal, Nate Krause to Financial Planning and Analysis Manager, and Rohit Basu to Senior Associate. Gridiron is honored to recognize these contributors and their commitment to growth, continuous learning, and development. Their collective work has empowered the entire Gridiron team to excel and drive innovation across the firm and our portfolio.
Mr. Gardner and Mr. Stoppelman both joined Gridiron Capital in 2016 as Associates before earning their M.B.A.s from Columbia Business School and UCLA, respectively. After completing business school, Ryan and Aaron returned to Gridiron, where their outstanding professional development was quickly acknowledged, earning their promotion to Vice President. As Principals, Aaron and Ryan will play a pivotal role in conducting due diligence and sourcing prospective investments, while continuing to aid value-creation efforts across the portfolio.
At Gridiron, Ryan focuses on companies in the Industrial Growth and Consumer Products and Services sectors. Ryan is currently working with several portfolio companies, including Colibri Group, Legacy Service Partners, and M&D Distributors, where he also serves as a Board Member. Before joining Gridiron, Ryan was an Analyst at Deutsche Bank Securities, specializing in the gaming, lodging, and leisure sectors. Ryan received a B.A., with honors, in Finance at the University of Richmond.
At Gridiron, Aaron focuses on companies in the Business Services and Industrial Growth sectors. Aaron is currently working with Health Monitor Network and Vertical Supply Group, where he also serves as a Board Member. Before joining Gridiron, Aaron was an Analyst at Rothschild & Co. in the Industrials Mergers and Acquisitions Advisory practice. Aaron received a B.B.A, with high distinction, in Finance and Accounting from the University of Michigan.
Mr. Krause started his career at PwC as a Senior Associate in the Financial Services Assurance practice. He also worked at Fortress Investment Group on the credit accounting team. He currently focuses on budgeting, forecasting, and financial reporting. Nate received a B.S. in Accounting from the Lundquist College of Business Honors Program at the University of Oregon.
Mr. Basu started his career at Morgan Stanley as an Analyst in the Healthcare Group. He currently focuses on new investment opportunities, due diligence, and value creation at current portfolio companies, including AML Rightsource, Jacent Strategic Merchandising, and Vertical Supply Group. Rohit received a B.S. in Finance-Mathematics with a minor in Computer Science from Northeastern University.
Tom Burger, Co-Founder and Managing Partner said, “At Gridiron, our team is our greatest asset, and we place immense value on fostering internal growth. Aaron and Ryan have consistently demonstrated exceptional leadership and a relentless desire to win, driving Gridiron forward and setting a benchmark for excellence in the industry. Nate and Rohit’s outstanding contributions and commitment to enhancing operations at Gridiron are highly valued, and we look forward to their future achievements in their new positions.”
Kevin Jackson, Managing Partner added, “On behalf of the entire Gridiron team, we want to congratulate Aaron, Ryan, Nate, and Rohit on their well-deserved promotions. We are proud of their leadership and significant contributions over many years to the firm. By investing in our people and cultivating a culture of continuous development, we empower our team members to reach their full potential, which in turn helps drive success for our investors and across our portfolio companies.”
About Gridiron Capital
Gridiron Capital is an investment firm focused on partnering with founders, entrepreneurs, and management teams, and creating value by building middle-market companies into industry-leaders in consumer products & services, industrial growth, and business services segments in the United States and Canada. in the United States and Canada. We help transform growing companies by winning together through hard work, partnerships grounded in shared values and a unique culture that comes from hands-on experience building and running businesses. As a team led by former operators and entrepreneurs, we know what it takes to run successful businesses on a day-to-day basis. Additional information is available on the firm’s website: www.gridironcapital.com.
Contacts
Gridiron Capital, LLC
Thomas A. Burger Jr.
Co-Founder and Managing Partner
tburger@gridironcapital.com
Kevin Jackson
Managing Partner
kjackson@gridironcapital.com