FortéOne Capital
Our Story
Over the past 25+ years FortéOne Consulting has been professionalizing middle market privately-owned firms. Our singular focus – growing sustainable enterprise value in the middle market - has never varied. But the real proof of our work is measurable results. For the majority of our clients, we have increased EBITDA by more than 50%, and in some cases by 3-4X.
We achieve these results by employing two critical elements: (i) a team of 60+ Operating Partners who have each spent more than 20 years working in C level roles in middle market companies and, a (ii) proprietary process, the Business Accelerator, to assess and improve every area of a firm that is critical for sustained and profitable growth.
The objective of our process is to build a “culture of innovation and performance” and to continuously enhance and evolve every element of the firm on a path that culminates in undisputed industry leadership. At FortéOne we believe that business evolution is a constant and never-ending journey and our Business Accelerator process is the blueprint we follow for that journey.
FortéOne Capital leverages the Operating Partners and processes of FortéOne Consulting to bring proprietary deals to investors with patient capital who understand the advantages of the Independent Sponsor model (vs. Private Equity) and who seek superior returns.
Our Team
Our team of investment professionals and 65 operating partners brings together a wealth of experience and expertise in the manufacturing industry. With backgrounds in operations, finance, and strategic consulting, we have a proven track record of success in helping manufacturing businesses achieve their growth objectives. We are committed to collaborating closely with management teams to drive operational improvements, implement best practices, and navigate market challenges effectively.
Craig Speed
Managing Partner
With over twenty-seven years of experience in sales, operations, and management across diverse industries, including manufacturing, financial services, and retail, I bring a wealth of expertise to navigating complex business challenges.
Having worked with Fortune 500 companies and private equity firms like The Carlyle Group and Bain & Company, I have a proven track record of driving operational excellence and achieving significant growth.
As both a CEO and Owner of multiple middle market manufacturing businesses and a leader in private equity consulting, I understand the unique needs and opportunities within this sector.
With a background from Columbia University and experience at Lehman Brothers, I am well-equipped to guide owners through successful transitions for their businesses.
Mark Rittmanic
Partner
Mark is a driven and visionary entrepreneur who has successfully founded, led, and sold multiple businesses. With a background in assisting 300+ companies in various industries, Mark brings a wealth of experience to his work, having assisted numerous companies across various industries since 2000.
A former U.S. Army captain, Mark holds a bachelor’s degree from Davidson College and an MBA from Southern Illinois University.
He has also contributed to the leadership of Davidson College and a private equity firm, demonstrating his commitment to driving success at every level.
Mark's dedication extends to his involvement in a Chicago-based CEO group, where he shares his expertise and fosters collaboration among peers.
Marc Barbeau, CEPA
Vice President,
Business Development
With over twenty-two years of experience in wealth management and private banking, Marc brings extensive expertise in advising business owners and high-net-worth individuals through complex private equity transactions, helping them navigate acquisitions, exits, and business transitions.
Prior to joining FortéOne Capital, Marc served as a Director and Private Wealth Advisor at BMO Private Bank, where Marc led a Client Strategy Team, tailoring wealth management solutions to meet clients' lifestyle, professional, and philanthropic goals. Marc also held senior private banking roles at Wells Fargo and Northern Trust in Chicago, specializing in large custom credit and investment management solutions.
Before transitioning into banking, Marc managed one of the largest racehorse breeding and racing operations in Quebec, Canada for 17 years, providing him with a unique perspective on managing complex businesses.
Marc holds a degree in finance from Champlain College in Quebec, Canada, and have completed a Financial Planning Certificate Program from DePaul University. In 2019, Marc earned the Certified Exit Planning Advisor (CEPA) certification, specializing in assisting business owners with their exit strategies.
Our Approach
We achieve these results by employing two critical elements: (i) a team of 60+ Operating Partners who have each spent more than 20 years working in C level roles in middle market companies and, a (ii) proprietary process, the Business Accelerator, to assess and improve every area of a firm that is critical for sustained and profitable growth.
The objective of our process is to build a “culture of innovation and performance” and to continuously enhance and evolve every element of the firm on a path that culminates in undisputed industry leadership. At FortéOne we believe that business evolution is a constant and never-ending journey and our Business Accelerator process is the blueprint we follow for that journey.
FortéOne Capital leverages the Operating Partners and processes of FortéOne Consulting to bring proprietary deals to investors with patient capital who understand the advantages of the Independent Sponsor model (vs. Private Equity) and who seek superior returns.
Us in Numbers
300+
Middle-Market Companies we have worked with
150+
M&A Transactions
65+
Operating Partners with 22 years average C-Suite Experience
25+
Years of Experience
Our Mission
FortéOne Capital is committed to unlocking the full potential of middle-market companies by driving operational excellence, strategic growth, and long-term value creation.
Transforming Businesses for Sustainable Growth:
-
We partner with companies to transform them into high-performing, scalable businesses that are built for sustainable success. Our focus is on creating lasting value that outlives our involvement.
Building Resilient and Efficient Enterprises:
-
By employing our Value Acceleration Roadmap, we refine strategy, leadership and operations to position businesses for continued growth. We believe in structured processes, data-driven insights, and a relentless focus on operational efficiency.
Data-Driven, Disciplined Decision Making:
-
Our approach relies on data-driven decision-making, and we establish clear, measurable goals, ensuring that every action we take drives us closer to achieving our long-term objectives.
Challenging the Norm to Drive Innovation:
-
We don’t settle for the status quo. At FortéOne, we challenge convention and build a culture of innovation where we are always looking for ways to deliver customer value that distinguishes us from competitors.
Identifying Hidden Opportunities:
-
We specialize in uncovering value in places where others might not look. Our industry expertise and rigorous diligence allow us to identify and capitalize on overlooked investment opportunities.
Our Core Values
ForteOne Capital is driven by a set of core values that guide our approach to transforming middle-market companies and creating lasting value.
Transparency: Open. Honest. Collaborative.
-
Collaboration Over Hierarchy:
-
We encourage open dialogue and place significant value on diverse perspectives. The best ideas are prioritized, regardless of origin.
-
Commitment: Ownership. Excellence. Integrity.
-
Striving for Excellence:
-
We hold ourselves to the highest standards, making informed decisions that reflect our commitment to integrity and excellence in all that we do.
-
Innovation: Visionary. Adaptive. Bold.
-
Adaptive Leadership:
-
We combine bold decision-making with the flexibility to pivot when necessary, ensuring our strategies remain aligned with long-term goals.
-
Agility: Responsive. Decisive. Pragmatic.
-
Pragmatic Problem-Solving:
-
We readily adapt to changing circumstances, learning from our experiences to drive continuous improvement.
-
Long-Term Focus: Strategic. Patient. Data-Driven.
-
Sustainable Value Creation:
-
Our commitment to strategic, data-driven decisions ensures that we build resilient businesses capable of delivering sustainable value over time.
-
Strategy
Mark Boutelle
FortéOne's Strategy expert, is a seasoned Senior Executive known for impactful achievements in general management, acquisitions, divestitures, and change management.
Key Highlights:
•Deublin Company Leadership:
-
Chief Executive Officer at Deublin Company within HOERBIGER.
-
Achieved a remarkable 40% increase in revenues and a 140% surge in EBITBDA.
-
Strategic market focus led to significant business growth.
Illinois Tool Works (ITW) 28 Year Career:
-
Global Leadership Roles, including Group President for various divisions.
-
Drove strategic portfolio transformations, divestitures, and acquisitions.
-
Improved underperforming segments through restructuring and talent development.
Operational Excellence:
-
Adept at navigating challenging macro-economic environments.
-
Successful management of cost/price and supply chain issues.
Go-To-Market
Scott Tollefson
FortéOne's Go-To-Market expert, is a business leader who has consistently driven top and bottom-line performance through strategic market facing initiatives and the development of high-performance sales teams.
Key Highlights:
W.W. Grainger, Inc.:
-
Director of Corporate Accounts, delivered double-digit sales growth, exceeded gross profit goals, and developed new national account relationships. Played a pivotal role in contributing to the company's strategic sales initiatives.
Cargill, Inc.:
-
Contributed to Cargill's success through strategic market development initiatives. Demonstrated a keen understanding of the business landscape and implemented effective strategies to enhance customer value.
U.S. Navy Experience:
-
Served in various leadership roles in the U.S. Navy, including Assistant Operations Officer and Division Officer. Demonstrated strategic acumen, leadership, and crisis management skills during military service.
Supply Chain
Tom Wright
FortéOne's Supply Chain expert with a two-decade+ career and a proven track record of success in both domestic and international leadership roles. With expertise in managing budgets exceeding $500MM for materials and $400MM for logistics.
Key Highlights:
-
Kohler Company Achievements: Served as Director of Fixtures Supply Chain at Kohler Company, overseeing Customer Service, Planning, Logistics, and Purchasing. Implemented strategic plans, metrics, and process redesigns, resulting in increased inventory turns and improved on-time delivery. Contributed significantly to Kohler’s international manufacturing expansion operations.
Executive Leadership Roles:
-
Held executive roles, including Executive Vice President and Chief Logistics Officer at H.H. Gregg Inc., spearheading initiatives for world-class standards in Big Box Home Delivery.
-
At Whirlpool Corporation, served as Vice President Supply Chain Operations & General Manager, Logistics North America, contributing to the development of an E-Enabled Supply Chain Strategy.
Leadership & Governance
Joe Escribano
With 35 years of experience in sales and marketing, operations, safety, human resources, and administration and financials, he possesses a prodigious capacity to streamline operations, instigate change, and develop innovative strategies that increase sales and improve the bottom line
Key Highlights:
-
Assura Windows & Doors Leadership:
Administered the company’s sales program and policies, implemented national marketing strategies, and maintained and improved customer relations.
Industry Expertise:
-
an expert on impact-resistant windows and Florida energy codes he also spent time as a market consultant for Florida’s Best, vice president of manufacturing for CGI Windows, dealer sales manager for Lawson Industries, Inc., and general manager for Harmony Manufacturing.
Operational Excellence:
-
He has amassed a broad range of pertinent knowledge and insight critical to solving complex challenges and delivering long-term results, and, throughout his career, made significant contributions in the areas of startup, turn around, lean processes, restructuring, profit and loss responsibility and strategic planning.