Committed to partnership,
growth and lasting impact.

Bret Wiener

Bret Wiener is the Founder and CEO of Gemspring Capital. Over the course of his career, Bret has been involved in over 150 acquisitions across a broad range of industries.

Prior to founding Gemspring in 2015, Bret was a Managing Director at H.I.G. Capital where he spent 11 years. Bret also worked in Corporate Strategy at Microsoft and investment banking at Donaldson, Lufkin & Jenrette. Bret’s extensive experience includes earlier career stints as an institutional cook, a NYC messenger, and a telemarketing rep.

Bret received a BS, summa cum laude, from New York University and an MBA from Stanford University.

D.J. Andrzejewski

D.J. Andrzejewski is a Managing Director and member of the Investment Committee at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, D.J. was a Partner at PeakEquity Partners, a private equity firm focused on investments in growth-stage software companies. In his eight years with PeakEquity, D.J. was responsible for all aspects of the investment process including sourcing, structuring, and executing new investments. D.J. served as a board member for several portfolio companies including EnterpriseDB, CareerArc, BERA, and HighLevel. He was also involved in PeakEquity’s investments in G5 and Valiant Solutions.

Prior to PeakEquity Partners, D. J. worked on the investment team at Stripes, a New York-based growth equity firm with $7.7 billion in capital under management. At Stripes, D. J. sourced and executed investments across the software and technology sectors. D. J. began his career at Milestone Partners, a Philadelphia-based private equity firm, where he focused on leveraged buyouts and recapitalizations of middle market businesses across various industries.

D.J. serves on the board of ClearCompany and Sitemetric.

D.J. received a BA from the University of Pennsylvania and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Clay Cole

Clay Cole is a Managing Director and member of the Investment Committee at Gemspring Capital.

Clay has over fifteen years of experience partnering with founders and management teams to execute transactions across a variety of structures, including family and founder capital solutions, growth equity investments, buy and builds, and leveraged buyouts. Clay has invested across a broad array of industries, including business and tech-enabled services, IT services, industrial services, infrastructure and communications services, and distribution.

Prior to Gemspring, Clay was a Managing Director at A&M Capital Opportunities (“AMCO”). While at AMCO, Clay was responsible for all aspects of the investment lifecycle, including originating transactions, executing investments, and collaborating with management teams to orchestrate value-creation and growth initiatives. Prior to AMCO, Clay worked at General Catalyst Partners, H.I.G. Capital, and Stephens Inc.

Clay has served as a director and observer to numerous boards, including Crash Champions, Heartland Business Systems, Champion Optical Network Engineering, CLEAResult Consulting, and Envoy Global.

Clay received a BS in Industrial Engineering with a minor in General Business from the University of Arkansas.

Michael Fan

Michael Fan is a Managing Director and member of the Investment Committee at Gemspring Capital.

Michael has over a decade of experience in sourcing and executing transactions in the technology sector, as well as operating experience from founding and leading a digital media business.

Prior to Gemspring, Michael was at Rubicon Technology Partners, an enterprise software-focused private equity firm. Michael has also held roles within private equity at York Capital and Bain Capital, primarily focusing on technology investments. In these roles, Michael collaborated with management teams to execute strategic initiatives and served as a board director for multiple portfolio companies. Earlier in his career, Michael was the founder and CEO of a digital media business focused on car safety, and worked as a technology investment banking Analyst at Morgan Stanley.

Michael serves on the boards of GoldenSource, OPEXUS, and Telna.

Michael received a BA in Economics with a minor in Computer Science from Stanford University and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Charlie Fraas

Charlie Fraas is a Managing Director and Head of Portfolio Operations at Gemspring Capital. Charlie has over 25 years of experience leading transformations and driving profit enhancement. He has worked with over 50 clients executing projects across the strategic and operational spectrum, including strategic planning, post-merger integration, BPO / shared service adoption, robotics process automation, sourcing and procurement, supply chain network, lean manufacturing, and ERP / technology implementation.

Prior to Gemspring, Charlie led a boutique advisory firm focused on operational transformation, profit enhancement, and restructuring / turnaround engagements in a variety of industries, including aviation, brokerage, distribution, healthcare, manufacturing, real estate, retail, services, and technology, for clients including H.I.G. Capital and TPG. He has held various transformation leadership and restructuring roles including Interim CEO, Interim President, Interim COO, Chief Restructuring Officer (CRO), and Chancery Court Trustee (Delaware).

Previously, Charlie held several roles at 1800flowers.com, including Senior Vice President of Improvement, Senior Vice President of Operations, and COO, where he oversaw all operations, including call centers, distribution, transportation, sourcing and procurement, customer database marketing, and florist operations.

Prior to 1800flowers, Charlie started his career at Arthur Andersen and Deloitte Consulting, spending 13 years in various practices, including audit, bankruptcy and transaction advisory, marketing analytics, operations, retail industry, strategy, supply chain, and several technology teams.

Charlie serves on the board of Skyline. He previously served on the boards of Insurvia and Outform.

Charlie received a BS in Accounting from Binghamton University and is a Six Sigma Black Belt.

Aron Grossman

Aron Grossman is a Managing Director and a member of the Investment Committee at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Aron was a Principal with Rho Capital, a technology-focused private equity firm with $1.4 billion in capital under management, where he focused on the origination and execution of enterprise software investments.

Prior to Rho, Aron spent five years in operational roles with software businesses, most recently as Founder and CEO of Cleanshelf, a software expense management company he bootstrapped and merged with a competitive business. Previously, Aron was an executive at Voxy, a venture-backed education technology company, where, in addition to being CFO, he played a central role in the sales, marketing, and operations activities driving the company’s growth.

Earlier in his career, Aron focused on business services, healthcare, and media / communications investments with Tailwind Capital, a middle-market private equity firm. Aron began his career as an investment banking Analyst with Houlihan Lokey.

Aron serves on the boards of Appriss Retail, GoldenSource, OPEXUS, and Sigga. He previously served on the boards of Bobit, Cforia, and Valant.

Aron received a BA in Economics and Spanish from Emory University.

Courtney Hamlin

Courtney Hamlin is a Managing Director at Gemspring Capital focused on Investor Relations and ESG Initiatives.

Prior to Gemspring, Courtney was a member of the Investor Relations team at Corsair Capital, where she specialized in buyout and infrastructure strategies. Prior to Corsair, she was a Vice President at Acalyx Advisors, where she was involved in a number of fundraisings in the buyout, growth, and credit segments. Courtney began her career at GLG, where she supported general partners in their origination, diligence, and value-creation activities.

Courtney received a BA from the University of St Andrews.

Zubin Malkani

Zubin Malkani is a Managing Director and a member of the Investment Committee at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Zubin was a Managing Director at CI Capital Partners, a middle market private equity firm, where he worked for nearly a decade. While at CI Capital, Zubin led investments in business services and consumer services companies and served as a board member for numerous portfolio companies, including Hero Digital, PRA, SavATree, Total Fleet Solutions, and WTS International.

Prior to CI Capital, Zubin was an Associate at GTCR, where he focused on middle market leveraged buyouts, and an investment banking Analyst at Goldman, Sachs & Co., where he advised clients on mergers, acquisitions, and corporate finance transactions.

Zubin serves on the boards of Amplix, Residence, and ROR Partners.

Zubin received a BBA from the University of Michigan and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Michael McCulloch

Michael McCulloch is a Managing Director, Head of Research, and a member of the Investment Committee at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Michael was a Partner at Providence Public, the crossover public/private fund of Providence Equity Partners, a global private equity firm. In his four years at Providence, Michael was responsible for all aspects of the investment process, including the sourcing, diligence, and execution of new investments.

Prior to Providence, Michael was a Senior Analyst at ThornTree Capital where he focused on the media, telecom, and consumer sectors. Prior to ThornTree, Michael worked at Finepoint Capital, investing broadly across sectors, geographies, and asset classes. Michael began his investing career at Relational Investors, covering the industrials and materials sectors.

Michael received a BA in Economics and Political Science from Vanderbilt University and an MA in Finance from Claremont McKenna College.

Kal Mukherjee

Kal Mukherjee is a Managing Director of Portfolio Operations at Gemspring Capital. Kal has over 25 years of experience working with C-suite leadership to drive growth, improve processes, and reduce costs. He specializes in operational excellence, pricing and strategic planning, M&A, and post-merger integration.

Prior to Gemspring, Kal was Operating Partner at Apollo Global Management where he partnered with portfolio management teams to drive operational improvement, pricing, sales force effectiveness, and overall process improvement.

Prior to Apollo, Kal worked at AlixPartners, Nielsen Media Research, Danaher Corporation, and McKinsey.

Kal received his BTech (Hons) in Mechanical Engineering from the Indian Institute of Technology, Kharagpur, an MS from Penn State, and an MBA from University of Rochester.

Martin Mumford

Martin Mumford is a Managing Director of Portfolio Operations at Gemspring Capital. Martin has experience working with C-suite leadership across a variety of industries to create value through operational improvement. He specializes in operational transformation, M&A integration, carve-outs, strategic planning, and organizational development.

Prior to Gemspring, Martin was at Angeles Equity Partners, where he was responsible for value creation in portfolio companies across manufacturing, distribution, services, and healthcare sectors. Prior to Angeles Equity, Martin was a Principal in Oliver Wyman’s Consumer, Industrial, and Services practice, where he worked on large-scale transformations for facilities services and retail clients. Before joining Oliver Wyman, Martin served as an Infantry Officer with the 101st Airborne Division of the United States Army.

Martin received a BA in International Relations from Stanford University and an MBA with honors from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania, where he was a Palmer Scholar.

James Nouss

James Nouss is a Managing Director of Portfolio Operations at Gemspring Capital. James has deep experience partnering with executive teams to accelerate growth and enhance operational performance. He specializes in transformation, strategic planning, operational excellence, commercial effectiveness, and M&A integration across diverse industries.

Prior to joining Gemspring, James was a Senior Principal in the Portfolio Group at TowerBrook Capital Partners, where he led value creation initiatives across consumer, business services, and healthcare investments. Earlier in his career, he served as Senior Vice President at Dorilton Capital, where he focused on strategic and operational initiatives within the firm’s PE portfolio. James began his career in management consulting, holding roles in Deloitte’s Strategy & Operations and IBM’s Global Business Services practices.

James received a BS in Mechanical Engineering, cum laude, from Lehigh University and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

Connor O’Byrne

Connor O’Byrne is a Managing Director of Business Development at Gemspring Capital. He is responsible for deal origination and driving the firm’s marketing and business development efforts.

Prior to Gemspring, Connor spent a combined six years sourcing investment opportunities for StoneCalibre and Skyview Capital, two privately funded investment firms in Los Angeles.

Connor received a BBA in Finance, with a concentration in European Economics from James Madison University.

Matt Reibl 

Matt Reibl is a Managing Director and the Chief Financial Officer at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Matt spent over eight years at Blackstone in various leadership roles. Most recently, Matt was a Principal on the Private Equity Portfolio Operations team where he led finance transformation efforts across several portfolio companies. Prior to that, Matt was a manager on Blackstone’s middle office finance team overseeing valuations, investor reporting, portfolio monitoring, and FP&A for various funds in the Private Equity segment.

Matt began his career in GE’s Financial Management Program in the Aviation segment. Matt then joined GE’s Corporate Audit Staff, completing assignments in GE’s Capital, Energy, and International divisions, ultimately progressing to Audit Manager.

Matt received a BS in Finance with minors in Accounting and Economics from Fairfield University.

Jay Reynolds

Jay Reynolds is a Managing Director and a member of the Investment Committee at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Jay was with The Riverside Company, a global private equity firm, where he worked for nearly a decade. While at Riverside, Jay was responsible for all aspects of the investment process, including sourcing, structuring and executing non-control investment opportunities, as well as post-investment collaboration with portfolio company management teams to implement growth plans.

Prior to Riverside, Jay was with Veronis Suhler Stevenson, a lower middle market private equity firm, where he executed control and non-control investments. Jay began his career as an investment banking analyst in the Media & Telecommunications group at Merrill Lynch, where he worked on M&A, leveraged finance, and equity capital transactions.

Jay serves on the boards of Carr & Duff and OCI. He previously served on the board of Sparkstone Electrical Group (fka Chicago Switchboard).

Jay received a BS in Business Administration, magna cum laude, from Washington & Lee University.

Karl Rodger

Karl Rodger is a Managing Director of Business Development at Gemspring Capital. He is responsible for deal origination and driving the firm’s marketing and business development efforts.

Prior to Gemspring, Karl was a Vice President with Spire Capital Partners, an operationally oriented lower middle market private equity firm focused on technology, communications, media, and education services. Prior to Spire Capital, Karl worked for Dubin Clark & Company, a lower middle market private equity firm focused on investments in the business services, light manufacturing, and B2C rental industries. Earlier in his career, Karl spent time at The Riverside Company, where he was focused on executing investments in North America. Karl began his career as an Analyst with Harris Williams, where he assisted in the execution of middle market M&A transactions.

Karl received a BA, magna cum laude, from Vanderbilt University and an MBA from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University.

Alex Shakibnia

Alex Shakibnia is a Managing Director and a member of the Investment Committee at Gemspring Capital. Alex has extensive experience structuring and executing transactions across a broad range of industries.

Prior to Gemspring, Alex spent three years at Friedman Fleischer and Lowe, a San Francisco based middle market private equity firm focused on executing both majority and minority growth equity investments. Alex began his career as an investment banking Analyst at Credit Suisse in Los Angeles where he focused on the execution of debt and equity transactions for companies in various sectors.

Alex serves on the boards of A10 Capital, Airswift, and Security 101. He previously served on the boards of Insurvia and Outform.

Alex received BA in Business Economics and Mathematics, cum laude, from UCLA and an MA in Finance from Claremont McKenna College.

Matt Shuman

Matt Shuman is a Managing Director and Head of Business Development at Gemspring Capital. He is responsible for deal origination and leading the firm’s overall marketing and business development efforts.

Prior to Gemspring, Matt was with Northwestern Mutual. Previously, he ran the FX Prime Brokerage sales efforts for Royal Bank of Scotland and Barclays Capital, where he was responsible for a broad range of activities, including business development, origination, contract negotiation, and due diligence, and successfully led efforts in onboarding strategic relationships and rolling out new platforms for the banks’ Prime Brokerage businesses. Matt began his career as an Analyst on the Sales & Trading desks at J.P. Morgan in New York.

Matt received a BS in Finance from Syracuse University.

Kristin Steen

Kristin Steen is a Managing Director and a member of the Investment Committee at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Kristin was a Managing Director at CCMP Capital, a middle market private equity firm. While at CCMP, Kristin was responsible for all aspects of the investment process, including originating, evaluating, and executing investments, partnering with management teams to drive value creation, and serving on the boards of portfolio companies. She was involved in several of the firm’s investments, including Eating Recovery Center, The Hillman Group, Truck Hero, and other companies in the consumer, specialty manufacturing, and services sectors. Prior to joining CCMP, Kristin worked for Lone Star Funds and HBK Capital Management.

Kristin serves on the boards of Bradford and Creative Labs.

Kristin received a BS in Commerce from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia.

Glenn Stevens

Glenn Stevens is a Managing Director and Head of Portfolio Talent at Gemspring Capital and has over 30 years of experience in talent management and retained executive recruitment. He has consulted with some of the world’s leading companies regarding their human capital management issues and strategic growth initiatives.

Prior to Gemspring, Glenn was a Partner at Apollo Global Management. At Apollo, Glenn focused on talent and leading management team and board construction for Apollo’s portfolio companies. Prior to Apollo, he was the Head of Talent Management at L Catterton, a consumer-focused private equity firm. Prior to L Catterton, Glenn held roles at Odgers Berndtson, The Gerson Group, Nobok Ltd., and A.T. Kearney.

Glenn received an AB in Politics from Princeton University.

Jack Tucker

Jack Tucker is a Managing Director and the Chief Operating Officer at Gemspring Capital. He is focused on Investor Relations, ESG Initiatives, Business Development, and Recruiting.

Prior to Gemspring, Jack was a Partner at Acalyx Advisors, where he raised capital from institutional investors for private equity funds. At Acalyx, Jack was involved in several milestone fundraisings in the buyout and growth segments. Jack also worked on a number of advisory mandates with general partners and helped develop and execute marketing strategies to assist general partners with ongoing investor relationship management. Jack began his career at MVision Private Equity Advisers, where he worked with general partners across the US and Europe.

Jack received a BA from the University of Delaware.

Mathew Wallace

Matt is a Managing Director and a member of the Investment Committee at Gemspring Capital. He is responsible for leading investing activities in the Industrials vertical and is focused on all industrial subsectors with an emphasis on chemicals & specialty materials, packaging, industrial technology, engineered equipment & components, specialty distribution, and industrial & infrastructure services.

Prior to Gemspring, Matt was a Managing Director on Cerberus Capital Management’s Private Equity team where he led private equity investments in the Industrials vertical. During his tenure with Cerberus, Matt was responsible for leading all aspects of the investment process including sourcing, structuring, and executing new investments, as well as portfolio management. While at Cerberus, he served as a board member for several portfolio companies including Closure Systems International, PQ Performance Chemicals, Cyanco, and Kellermeyer Bergensons Services.

Prior to Cerberus, Matt worked at H.I.G. Capital, RBC Capital Markets, and The Hartford Financial Services Group.

Matt received a BS in Business Administration from the University of Connecticut and an MBA from Columbia University. He is also a Lean Six Sigma Black Belt.

Dave Welinsky

Dave Welinsky is a Managing Director and Head of Capital Markets at Gemspring Capital. He is focused on all aspects of the financing process for both new platforms and existing portfolio companies.

Prior to Gemspring, Dave was a Managing Director at Monroe Capital, where he was responsible for structuring debt financings, maintaining co-lender relationships, club deal origination, and syndications. Prior to Monroe, Dave was at UBS Investment Bank in their Leveraged Finance Capital Markets group.

Dave received a BA in Economics from the University of Michigan.

Dan Andrews

Dan Andrews is a Principal at Gemspring Capital and focuses on structured investment opportunities. Dan has over a decade of investing experience across various strategies in both public and private credit markets.

Prior to Gemspring, Dan was at Moab Partners, a value-oriented hedge fund, where he focused on special situations and event-driven investment opportunities. During his time at Moab, Dan invested in a wide array of credit products and focused on structured direct lending financings.

Earlier in his career, Dan was a Vice President at Morgan Stanley Credit Partners, a $1 billion credit opportunities fund within the Merchant Banking division of Morgan Stanley. Dan was part of a team responsible for investing both outside investor funds and Morgan Stanley capital, focusing on complex direct lending situations and stressed liquid credit opportunities. Dan began his career in the investment banking group of Robinson Humphrey and also spent time at MCG Capital, a publicly traded private equity and debt investment firm where he executed middle market investments across the capital structure and served as a portfolio company board director.

Dan serves on the board of Mantis.

Dan received a BS in Commerce from the McIntire School of Commerce at the University of Virginia and an MBA from Columbia Business School.

Greg Barnes

Greg Barnes is a Principal at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Greg was a Vice President at Comvest Partners. While at Comvest, Greg was responsible for the evaluation, execution, and monitoring of control investments across multiple sectors with a focus on consumer. Prior to Comvest, Greg was an Associate at H.I.G. Capital.

Greg began his career as an investment banking Analyst at Barclays where he executed M&A and leveraged finance transactions across a range of industries.

Greg serves on the board of Creative Labs.

Greg received a BS in Business Administration from Georgetown University.

Howy Fang

Howy Fang is a Principal at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Howy was a Business Analyst with McKinsey & Company, where his client work centered around strategic growth initiatives, sales & marketing practices, and enterprise transformations.

Howy serves on the boards of AMPAM, Bridgeway Connects, Fenceworks, JTI, and Security 101. He previously served on the board of Bobit.

Howy received a BA in Economics from the University of Chicago.

Thomas Henry

Thomas Henry is a Principal at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Thomas was an Associate at Palladin Consumer Retail Partners, a Boston-based private equity firm focused on control buyouts and growth investments in lower middle market consumer products and specialty retail businesses. While at Palladin, Thomas focused on evaluating and executing transactions and portfolio management initiatives at the fund level, and spent a year embedded full-time within KT Health, a Palladin portfolio company, to drive operational value creation. Thomas began his career as an investment banking Analyst with Wells Fargo Securities, where he executed M&A and leveraged finance transactions across a range of industries.

Thomas serves on the board of Amplix and Midland Industries.

Thomas received a BS in Business Administration from the University of Southern California’s Marshall School of Business and an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management.

Chirag Hirawat

Chirag Hirawat is a Principal at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Chirag was a Vice President at BlackIvy Group, a US-based holding company that owns and operates essential services businesses in Sub-Saharan Africa. Prior to BlackIvy, Chirag was a Vice President at Golden Gate Capital, a private equity firm with $15 billion under management, where he evaluated and executed new investments and monitored portfolio companies in the consumer and software sectors. Chirag began his career as an investment banking Analyst at Goldman Sachs, where he focused on leveraged finance transactions for private equity and corporate clients.

Chirag serves on the board of Amplix and Zavation.

Chirag received a BA in International Relations, magna cum laude, from New York University.

Reid Litowitz

Reid Litowitz is a Principal at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Reid was the Chief of Staff to the CEO of VelocityEHS, a Chicago-based software provider to the Environmental, Health & Safety market, before becoming Senior Director of Business Intelligence for the company. Prior to VelocityEHS, Reid was an Investment Executive at CVC Growth Partners, a New York-based growth equity firm investing in vertical software companies. Reid began his career as an investment banking Analyst with Harris Williams.

Reid serves on the board of Appriss Retail.

Reid received a BS in Finance from the University of Virginia.

Ryan Liu

Ryan Liu is a Principal at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Ryan was a Principal at TPG, where he was a technology investor. Ryan began his career in the investment banking group of Morgan Stanley.

Ryan received a BS in Business Administration from the University of California, Berkeley, and an MBA from Harvard Business School.

Chris Lloyd

Chris Lloyd is a Principal at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Chris was a Senior Associate at American Securities, a New York-based private equity firm with more than $26 billion under management. At American Securities, Chris focused on the evaluation and execution of buyout and strategic add-on investments across multiple sectors including industrials, business services, and consumer.

Prior to American Securities, Chris was an investment banking Analyst in the M&A group at J.P. Morgan, where he focused on strategic and sponsor-related M&A across a variety of industries and geographies.

Chris serves on the boards of A10 Capital and Airswift. He previously served on the board of Crafty Apes.

Chris received a BS in Accountancy from Brigham Young University.

John Ross

John Ross is a Principal at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, John was with Black Diamond Capital Management, a $9 billion alternative asset management firm, where he focused on the evaluation and execution of distressed private equity investments and was deeply involved in the turnaround of companies post-acquisition.

Prior to Black Diamond, John was an Associate at Irving Place Capital Management, a middle market private equity firm, where he was responsible for analyzing new investment opportunities, due diligence, and monitoring existing portfolio companies. John began his career as an investment banking Analyst at Bank of America Merrill Lynch, where he focused on the execution of M&A transactions across a broad range of industries and geographies.

John previously served on the board of Cforia.

John received a BA in Economics and Government, cum laude, from Dartmouth College and an MBA from the Tuck School of Business at Dartmouth, where he was an Edward Tuck Scholar.

Erich Sorger

Erich Sorger is a Principal at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Erich was a Principal and the second employee at Corbel Capital Partners, a $1 billion AUM firm focused on structured investments. In his eight years at Corbel, Erich led investments in performing and special situations across a diverse set of industries, including services, logistics, manufacturing, and consumer. He served on the boards of ARES Security Corp., Baker’s Computer Services, Brooklyn Brands, Cosmetic Design Group, LinkTrust, SpaceJet Media, and T3 Expo.

Prior to Corbel, Erich worked in the Private Equity group of Ares Management, a $300 billion alternative asset management firm, and completed the acquisitions of myTheresa.com and BlackBrush Oil & Gas. Prior to Ares, Erich worked in investment banking at Moelis & Company, and advised on over $12 billion in M&A. Erich began his career at Goldman Sachs within the Asset Management division. Erich also worked on monetary policy at the Bank of Israel, Israel’s central bank.

Erich serves on the boards of Residence and ROR Partners.

Erich received dual BS degrees in Economics and Engineering from the Wharton School and the School of Engineering and Applied Sciences at the University of Pennsylvania. He completed the Jerome Fisher Program in Management and Technology (M&T), as both a Joseph Wharton Scholar and Benjamin Franklin Scholar.

Kathy Calio

Kathy Calio is a Director of Operations at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Kathy was a Director in Central Management at Deutsche Bank in their Investment Banking division. She supported the Real Estate, Financial Sponsors, and Financial Institutions groups in the Americas as their COO and worked closely with senior management in the day-to-day operations of these businesses. Prior to joining Deutsche Bank, Kathy practiced corporate law at Davis Polk & Wardwell in New York, rotating through M&A and Capital Markets before specializing in Investment Management.

Kathy began her career as an investment banking Analyst at Morgan Stanley in the Real Estate, Gaming, Lodging, and Leisure group in New York and Milan.

Kathy received a BA in History, summa cum laude, from Princeton University and a JD from Columbia Law School where she was a Harlan Fiske Stone Scholar.

Kelsey Curtis

Kelsey (Lozier) Curtis is a Director of Business Development at Gemspring Capital. She is responsible for deal origination and driving the firm’s marketing and business development efforts.

Prior to Gemspring, Kelsey led business development and marketing efforts at Silver Oak Services Partners, a Chicago-based private equity firm focused on business, healthcare, and consumer services companies. Kelsey began her career on the investment team at Speyside Equity, a lower middle market private equity firm based in Detroit, where she focused on manufacturing and industrials.

Kelsey received a BA in Financial Management and Spanish from Hillsdale College.

Ryan Donegan

Ryan Donegan is the Director of Fund Finance at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Ryan spent over a decade at General Atlantic working in various roles across the finance and accounting teams. Most recently, Ryan was a Vice President in the Fund Accounting group leading a team focused on transactions and LP fund accounting.

Ryan received a BS and an MS in Accounting from the University of Connecticut and an MS in Finance from Indiana University.

Arjun (AJ) Singh

Arjun (AJ) Singh is a Director of Business Development at Gemspring Capital. He is responsible for software deal origination and driving the firm’s marketing and business development efforts.

Prior to Gemspring, AJ was a Vice President at Marlin Equity Partners, a Hermosa Beach-based private equity firm focused on B2B software. Prior to Marlin he worked at N47, a venture capital firm based in Palo Alto, where he focused on value creation initiatives for N47 portfolio companies. Earlier in his career, AJ spent time at Discovia, a legal tech services firm, where he focused on corporate strategy. AJ began his career at J.P. Morgan.

AJ received a BA in Economics from Boston University and an MBA from Duke University’s Fuqua School of Business.

Susie Starr

Susie Starr is the Director of People and Performance at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Susie was the Director of Talent and Human Resources at Star Mountain Capital, a lower middle market private credit firm, where she led the development of the firm’s talent acquisition and performance management strategies. Susie managed various talent initiatives, including the creation of a comprehensive performance management framework designed to support the team’s growth. Prior to Star Mountain, Susie held talent roles at PURE Insurance and Five Rings, LLC.

Susie received a BA in Political Science from Yale University and an MBA from Fairfield University.

Jordan Stewart

Jordan Stewart is a Director of Portfolio Operations at Gemspring Capital. Jordan focuses on value creation planning, strategic growth, operational improvements, and transformation initiatives.

Prior to joining Gemspring, Jordan was with Huron Capital, where he led value creation strategies for portfolio companies across diverse sectors, including manufacturing, facility services, and residential services. Prior to Huron, Jordan worked at Waud Capital Partners, concentrating on investment thesis development and strategic initiatives. Earlier in his career, he worked as a Strategy Manager for IBM. Jordan has spent over 15 years working in a variety of strategic and operational roles across a range of industries.

Jordan received a BS in Cellular and Molecular Biology from the University of Michigan, an MS in Law from Northwestern Pritzker School of Law, and an MBA from the University of Michigan’s Ross School of Business.

Jennifer Zanetti

Jennifer Zanetti is a Director of Operations at Gemspring Capital.

Her extensive background in private equity operations is built on over 15 years of combined administrative experience. Prior to Gemspring, Jen spent over a decade at American Industrial Partners, where she was the Chief Administrative Officer. Prior to American Industrial Partners, Jen held administrative roles at SolarReserve, Slate Path Capital, and Nautic Partners.

Jen received a BA in Art History from Marist College.

Alex Crowe

Alex Crowe is a Vice President at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Alex was a Senior Associate at Pine Brook Partners, a middle market private equity firm based in New York. At Pine Brook, Alex evaluated and executed investment opportunities primarily within the financial services sector. Prior to joining Pine Brook, Alex worked as an investment banking Analyst at Citigroup, executing M&A and capital markets transactions for a variety of firms within the financial institutions industry.

Alex received a BS in Finance from Indiana University.

Tyler Feldman

Tyler Feldman is a Vice President at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Tyler was an Associate at AQR Capital Management, a hedge fund based in Greenwich, Connecticut. At AQR, Tyler focused on the execution of long-term strategic projects for clients relating to multi-asset portfolio construction. Prior to AQR, Tyler worked as an investment banking Associate at Canaccord Genuity / Petsky Prunier, where he focused on sell-side M&A in the middle market.

Tyler received a BA in Economics from Brown University and an MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Jake Fenlon

Jake Fenlon is a Vice President at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Jake was a Senior Associate at Providence Equity Partners, a private equity firm focused on growth-oriented investments. At Providence, Jake focused on the evaluation and execution of majority, minority, and strategic add-on investments across the media, communications, education, and technology industries. Jake started his career as an investment banking Analyst at Credit Suisse in the M&A group, where he focused on buy-side and sell-side advisory across a variety of sectors.

Jake received a BA in Economics from the University of Chicago, where he was also a Dougan Scholar at the Booth School of Business.

Geoff Griffen

Geoff Griffen is a Vice President of Portfolio Operations at Gemspring Capital. Geoff focuses on supporting companies on transformational initiatives led by the office of the CFO. This includes organizational design and enhancement, reporting and budgeting, process effectiveness, technology efforts, M&A integration, and overall effectiveness of the finance team.

Prior to joining Gemspring, Geoff was a consultant at ZCG Consulting, where he was responsible for portfolio company financial reporting, due diligence and other M&A support, data analytics, and strategic finance transformation initiatives. He began his career at PwC, where he focused on assurance and financial due diligence.

Geoff received a BS in Accounting and Finance and an MS in Accounting from Boston College.

Molly Langer

Molly Langer is a Vice President at Gemspring Capital focused on Investor Relations.

Prior to Gemspring, Molly worked at Eaton Partners where she was involved in a number of fundraisings in the buyout, growth, infrastructure, and credit segments.

Molly received a BS and an MBA from the University of Connecticut.

Conor McNamara

Conor McNamara is a Vice President of Business Development at Gemspring Capital. He is responsible for deal origination and driving the firm’s marketing and business development efforts.

Prior to Gemspring, Conor was an Account Director at Intapp (formerly DealCloud) where he was responsible for managing and growing strategic relationships with leading private capital firms. Conor began his career as an Equities Sales Trader at Jefferies in New York City.

Conor received a BA in Economics from Syracuse University and an MBA from the University of North Carolina’s Kenan-Flager School of Business.

Yadel Okorie

Yadel Okorie is a Vice President at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Yadel served as an Associate at TowerBrook Capital, where he worked on evaluating investments for buyout and structured opportunities funds, as well as driving value creation initiatives across portfolio companies. Prior to TowerBrook, Yadel worked as an Associate at Boston Consulting Group.

Additionally, Yadel co-founded Fluna, a company that helps high-growth African exporters and importers tap into global markets via proprietary trade data, flexible financing, and global treasury solutions.

Yadel received a BS in Mechanical Engineering from Johns Hopkins University, an MPP from Harvard Kennedy School of Government, and an MBA with Distinction from Harvard Business School.

Nathan Rakos

Nathan Rakos is a Vice President at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Nathan was an Associate at Monomoy Capital Partners, a middle market private equity firm based in New York. At Monomoy, Nathan focused on the evaluation and execution of buyout and credit investments across the industrial and consumer markets. Prior to Monomoy, Nathan worked as an investment banking Analyst at Houlihan Lokey, where he focused on strategic and sponsor-related M&A within the business services sector.

Nathan received a BS in Computer Science and Finance from William & Mary.

Stephen Reynolds

Stephen Reynolds is a Vice President focused on software investments at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Stephen was an Associate at Accel-KKR, an enterprise software-focused private equity firm. Prior to Accel-KKR, Stephen was an investment banking Associate at MVP Capital (now part of Houlihan Lokey), delivering financing and M&A advisory services to lower middle market software and IT services businesses. Stephen began his career as an Analyst in the Energy group at Bank of America Merrill Lynch.

Stephen received a BS in Finance from Santa Clara University.

Adrian Roth

Adrian Roth is a Vice President of Strategy and Research at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Adrian was an investment banking Analyst in the Financial Restructuring group at Houlihan Lokey in Los Angeles. While at Houlihan Lokey, Adrian worked on several engagements across a range of industries involving in-court and out-of-court restructurings, M&A mandates (buy-side, sell-side, and SPAC), and capital raises.

Adrian received a BS in Financial Actuarial Mathematics, cum laude, from UCLA.

Gardiner Schroeder

Gardiner Schroeder is a Vice President at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Gardiner was an Associate at Re:Build Manufacturing, an investment holding company in Boston. At Re:Build, Gardiner focused on the evaluation and execution of investments across the aerospace & defense, industrial technology, and biotechnology sectors. Prior to joining Re:Build, Gardiner was an investment banking Analyst in the M&A group at Alantra where he focused on transaction advisory across a range of industrial verticals.

Gardiner received a BS in Finance, cum laude, from Bentley University.

Jack Shannon

Jack Shannon is a Vice President at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Jack worked at AEA Investors, a middle market private equity firm based in New York. At AEA Investors, Jack focused on the evaluation and execution of buyout and strategic add-on investments across a range of industries. Previously, Jack worked as an investment banking Analyst at Fidus Partners where he focused M&A advisory services within the lower middle market.

Jack received a BS in Business Administration from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill.

James Simpson

James Simpson is a Vice President at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, James worked at Gallant Capital, a Los Angeles-based private equity firm. At Gallant, James focused on the evaluation and execution of control and non-control investments across a range of industries, with a focus on the aerospace & defense and business services sectors. Prior to joining Gallant, James worked as an investment banking Analyst at Centerview Partners, where he focused on M&A, restructuring, and activist defense mandates across a range of industries, and as a paralegal at Latham & Watkins.

James received an MA from the University of Cambridge.

Andrew Smith

Andrew Smith is a Vice President at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Andrew was a Vice President at Rubicon Technology Partners, a private equity firm that invests in middle-market enterprise software companies. Prior to joining Rubicon, Andrew worked as a Senior Associate at Sunstone Partners, a growth-oriented private equity firm that invests in tech-enabled and software businesses providing both majority and mintority capital. Andrew began his career at Deloitte Corporate Finance as an Investment Banking Analyst working on middle-market sell-side advisory.

Andrew Graduated from Duke University with a BA in Economics with a minor in History.

Kelley Weibezahl

Kelley Weibezahl is a Vice President at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Kelley was an Associate at Cortec Group, a middle market private equity firm based in New York. At Cortec, Kelley focused on the evaluation and execution of buyout and strategic add-on investments across a range of industries. Prior to Cortec, Kelley worked as an investment banking Analyst at Piper Sandler, where she focused on strategic and sponsor-related M&A within the healthcare services sector. Kelley began her career in PricewaterhouseCoopers’ Deal Advisory practice.

Kelley received a BS in Accounting and Finance from Lehigh University.

Davis Bak

Davis Bak is a Senior Associate at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Davis was a Private Equity Associate at Kinderhook Industries where he focused on the evaluation and execution of buyout and strategic add-on acquisitions across the industrial services, automotive, and asset light manufacturing sectors. Prior to Kinderhook, Davis worked as an investment banking Analyst at Bank of America in their Industrials Group.

Davis received a BA in Business Economics from Brown University.

Kenton Criser

Kenton Criser is a Senior Associate at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Kenton was the Director of Corporate Development for Koch Minerals and Trading, LLC, a part of Koch Industries. While at Koch, Kenton led comprehensive investment activities including buyouts, growth equity investments, structured capital investments, greenfield projects, joint ventures, strategic M&A, and divestitures in the metals, chemicals, energy, and infrastructure industries.

Kenton received a BS in Finance and Agricultural Economics from Oklahoma State University.

George Gong

George Gong is a Senior Associate at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, George was a Private Equity Associate at Golden Gate Capital where he focused on the evaluation and execution of buyout and strategic add-on acquisitions across the technology, tech-enabled services, and financial services sectors. Prior to Golden Gate Capital, George worked as an investment banking Analyst at Morgan Stanley in their Financial Institutions Group.

George received a BS in Economics, Summa Cum Laude, with concentrations in Finance and Behavioral Economics, from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania.

Eileen O’Connor

Eileen O’Connor is a Senior Associate on the Finance team at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to joining Gemspring Eileen worked on the accounting team at an import and distribution business for ten years. Prior to that role, she held various positions in accounting groups in real estate and financial services businesses.

Eileen received a BA in Accounting from Assumption College.

Scott Wright

Scott Wright is a Senior Associate at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Scott was an Associate at H.I.G. Capital, where he focused on the evaluation and execution of buyout and strategic add-on acquisitions across a variety of industries. Prior to H.I.G., Scott worked as an investment banking Analyst at Citigroup, executing M&A and capital markets transactions.

Scott received a BBA with high distinction in Finance from the University of Michigan.

Raymond Zhao

Raymond Zhao is a Senior Associate at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Ray was a Senior Associate at D Cubed Group, a middle market private equity firm based in New York. While at D Cubed, Ray evaluated and executed a number of platform investments and strategic add-ons, primarily within the consumer and business services sectors. Prior to D Cubed, Ray worked as an investment banking Analyst at Jefferies, where he focused on M&A, leveraged buyouts, and capital raises within the healthcare sector.

Ray received a BBA with high distinction in Finance and Accounting from the University of Michigan.

Derek Chen

Derek Chen is an Associate at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to joining Gemspring Capital, Derek was an Investment Banking Analyst at Greenhill & Co., where he was a generalist in M&A advisory.

Derek received a BS in Economics with a minor in Computer Science, graduating magna cum laude from Duke University.

Gordy Leech

Gordy Leech is an Associate at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Gordy was an Analyst at Financial Technology Partners, specializing in M&A and equity offering transactions within the FinTech sector.

Gordy received a BA in Economics from Trinity College.

Amos Luptak

Amos Luptak is an Associate at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to joining Gemspring, Amos was an Investment Analyst at Raymond James Financial in New York City. He began his career as a Core Associate at FNB Corporation.

Amos received a BBA in Finance and MBA from Geneva College.

Alex Malin

Alex Malin is an Associate at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Alex was an Analyst at Golub Capital, where he focused on credit investments across software, healthcare, consumer restaurant & retail, and diversified industries. Prior to Golub,  Alex was an Analyst in the Technology Coverage Group at Stifel.

Alex began his career as the founder of RUUTS, an Iced Tea Company that distributed its products to premium retailers, including Juice Press, Erewhon, and Urban Outfitters.

Alex received a BS in Business with a concentration in Finance from New York University.

Colin Minicus

Colin Minicus is an Associate at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Colin was an investment banking Associate in J.P. Morgan’s Healthcare group in San Francisco, where he focused on M&A advisory and capital markets transactions. Prior to J.P. Morgan, Colin was an Analyst in the Structured Products Banking group at Cantor Fitzgerald.

Colin received a BA in Economics from Amherst College.

John O’Doherty

John O’Doherty is an Associate at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to joining the firm as an Analyst, John interned with Gemspring assisting in marketing efforts and other ad-hoc projects supporting the Business Development team.

John received a BA in Finance and Analytics from Sacred Heart University.

Heather Pascanik

Heather Pascanik is an Associate at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Heather was as an investment banking Analyst in the M&A group at William Blair. While at William Blair, Heather focused on transaction advisory across a range of industries.

Heather received a BA in Economics from the University of Virginia and an MS in Management from the Fuqua School of Business at Duke University.

Alex Rakos

Alex Rakos is an Associate at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Alex was an investment banking Associate at Matrix Capital Markets Group, where he focused on M&A advisory within the downstream energy and retail sectors.

Alex received a BS in Business Administration with concentrations in Finance and Accounting from the University of Richmond.

Matt Troiani

Matt Troiani is an Associate at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Matt was an Associate at Cohen & Company Capital Markets (“CCM”). While at CCM, Matt focused on a wide array of transactions spanning M&A, equity and debt raises, special situations and DeSPACs.

Matt received a BA in East Asian Studies from Princeton University.

James Wetter

James Wetter is an Associate at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, James was an Associate at Financial Technology Partners, specializing in sell-side M&A advisory and capital raising transactions in the FinTech and Enterprise Software sectors. He began his career at Ernst & Young in the Strategy and Transactions Group.

James received a BA in Finance and Accounting from St. Bonaventure University.

Thompson Wu

Thompson Wu is an Associate at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to joining Gemspring Capital, Thompson was an Investment Banking Analyst at Lincoln International, specializing on M&A advisory services for clients Lincoln’s Technology Group.

Thompson received a BA in Economics from New York University.

Thomas Finan

Thomas Finan is an Analyst at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to joining the firm as an Analyst, Thomas interned with Gemspring assisting in marketing efforts and other ad-hoc projects supporting the Business Development team.

Thomas received a BS in Finance and Economics from Sacred Heart University.

Devon Olsen

Devon Olsen is an Executive Assistant at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Devon held multiple roles as an Executive Assistant, Office Manager, and Project Coordinator for executives in the architecture, real estate, and design industries.

Devon attended Santa Monica College.

Morgan Papp

Morgan Papp is an Executive Assistant at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to Gemspring, Morgan worked as an Executive Assistant at H/2 Capital Partners.

Morgan received a BS in Business Administration from the University of Connecticut.

Adriana Scala

Adriana Scala is an Executive Assistant at Gemspring Capital.

Prior to joining Gemspring, she worked as an Executive Assistant at Monday Properties, a real estate investment firm.

Adriana received a BS and an MBA from Johnson & Wales University.