Portfolio Company Operating and Transformational Approach
Due Diligence -
The Firm drives confidence that the target’s financials are accurate, ensures performance forecasts (including synergies) are valid, and understands the key drivers of EBITDA growth supporting our investment thesis.
Value Creation -
Once the deals are closed, our team will assist the management teams to capitalize on the first 100 days post investment and work to maximize value during the overall investment hold period. The Firm will position the companies for continued growth by effectively leveraging technology and implementing strategic operational improvement plans.
Management Advisory -
The Firm will partner with the management teams to develop first class management techniques, streamline operations, bolster sales teams to maximize revenues, and reduce and optimize cost structures.
Execution
The Firm's team members combine deep operational experience and public policy involvement with subject matter expertise in the technology and manufacturing sectors. The team is supported by best-in-class legal, research and other professional service providers in sourcing, underwriting, executing, monitoring, and exiting the Firm's portfolio company investments.
Team
James A. Stuber, Founding Managing Partner
Jim Stuber is an attorney and entrepreneur with over forty years of experience in business planning and development, fund organization and operation, and public policy. As Founding Managing Partner, he leads the establishment of the Firm’s investment thesis and value creation strategy, team formation and coordination, portfolio construction and management, and investor relations.
Jim is dedicated to the Firm’s mission of supporting and growing companies in industries critical to U.S. national, health, and economic security. In further support of that mission and the Firm’s portfolio companies, Jim pursues favorable public policies as Legislative Counsel for the Coalition for a Prosperous America, and has authored a book about the problem of offshoring jobs and how to solve it, What if Things Were Made in America Again (Current Affairs Press, 2017).
Jim received his J.D. degree from the Georgetown University Law Center, and holds a B.A. and M.A. in Political Science from the University of Pennsylvania and Columbia University, respectively, and is admitted to the bar in the District of Columbia and Florida.
An experienced attorney, entrepreneur, and author, Jim brings passion, vision, leadership, and expertise to the accomplishment of the Firm’s mission.
Dominic Catrambone, Managing Partner
Dom Catrambone is a finance executive with over 25 years of experience in the creation and operation of institutional investment programs and independent investment funds. As Managing Partner, he oversees the operation and compliance of the Firm’s funds and investments, including regulatory filings and investor communications.
Dom brings to this role rich experience in fund organization and operation, investment strategies, and compliance. He has played a key role in the planning, launch, and operation of a hedge fund and SEC RIA, and has served as Managing Director in charge of the alternative assets and high-net worth private client divisions of leading regional capital management and banking institutions. Dom also conceptualized, designed, launched, and managed a top-performing NYSE large cap ETF.
These roles have included Dom’s serving as Chief Compliance Officer and provision of comprehensive training to staff in alternative asset investments and in preparation for securities examinations.
Dom holds a BA in finance and marketing from La Salle University, and brings deep expertise and commitment to excellence to the Firm’s operations.
John A. Burtka Jr., Operating Partner
John Burtka is a senior operations executive with over 40 years of experience driving lean transformation, organizational development, and operational excellence across the manufacturing and metalworking industries. As Operating Partner, he leads the selection, integration, and performance strategy of the Firm's portfolio, transforming individual businesses into a cohesive, high-performing enterprise.
John has a proven record of operational turnarounds and sustainable growth. His leadership has delivered results such as doubling sales and tripling profits at a precision machine builder, improving plant-wide OEE by 12%, reducing labor costs by 13.6%, and achieving a 360% increase in operating earnings at a global industrial firm.
He holds an MBA and postgraduate training from the University of Michigan in Rapid Plant Assessment and Lean Manufacturing, along with a Six Sigma Black Belt from the Michigan Manufacturing Technology Center.
A successful entrepreneur and global operator, John brings strategic vision, hands-on leadership, and a deep commitment to operational excellence across the Firm's portfolio.
Brian Vargo, Legal Advisor
Brian Vargo is an accomplished business attorney with expertise in private and registered fund formation, operations and governance; public offerings and private placements of securities; securities regulation, compliance and reporting; business organization and governance; mergers, acquisitions and reorganizations; and other securities, financial and business transactions. As Legal Advisor, he provides counsel to the firm in the structuring of its funds and M&A transactions, compliance, and investor relations.
Brian has worked with boards of directors, trustees, and principals of hedge funds and other private investment funds and mutual funds, including closed-end funds and interval funds, and public and privately held companies.
Brian is known as a trusted business advisor and for his skills in securities regulation, asset management, and alternative investments.
