NEW CANAAN, CT, October 30, 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 addition of Rodney Eshelman as Managing Director. Rodney joins Gridiron’s investment team, bringing a new perspective and over two decades of expertise in private equity investing and value creation.
Mr. Eshelman commented on his new role, “I am honored to join Gridiron, a firm I have long admired for its commitment to partnership and excellence. I look forward to joining such a talented team to help drive value and growth for our portfolio companies, while also contributing to the firm’s strategic growth initiatives.”
Mr. Eshelman joins Gridiron from TZP Group, where he was a Partner of the firm’s TZP Small Cap Partners strategy. During his tenure, Rodney co-founded TZP Small Cap Partners and was a member of the Investment Committee. Through his leadership in executing platform investments and serving on numerous Boards of Directors, Rodney has played a key role in enhancing companies’ operational capabilities and market positioning. Prior to TZP Group, Rodney was a Partner and Co-Founder at Alston Capital Partners. His career also includes roles at Crystal Ridge Partners, JPMorgan Partners, and PaineWebber Group, where he focused on investing in and generating value for leading middle-market companies. Rodney holds an A.B. with distinction from Duke University and an M.B.A. from the University of California at Berkeley. His extensive experience includes serving on the Board of Directors of over 15 companies in Gridiron’s target investment sectors.
Tom Burger, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Gridiron Capital, stated, “We are excited to welcome Rodney to Gridiron. His extensive experience and strategic insight will be invaluable as we continue to expand our investment capabilities and support our portfolio companies in achieving their growth objectives. Rodney’s deep industry knowledge will bolster Gridiron’s Thematic Areas of Expertise, helping to position us as the partner of choice for companies as they begin their next chapter of growth.”
Kevin Jackson, Managing Partner, added, “Rodney is a welcomed addition to our growing Gridiron team. His collaborative approach to thematic investing combined with his passion for partnering with entrepreneurial leaders perfectly align with Gridiron’s culture and values. We are confident that he will seamlessly integrate into our team, making immediate and meaningful impact to the ongoing success of Gridiron.”
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. 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.