
We are proven investors and operators of small businesses.
Get to Know Our Team

Houston Stokes
Managing Partner
Houston co-leads origination, investing, and portfolio management efforts. He has significant experience executing transactions and working with teams to grow sales and identify and execute operational improvements.
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Previously, Houston served as Director of M&A and Strategy at EnPro Industries, where he led acquisitions and strategy across several divisions. Houston was also an investment professional at Summit Park, a private equity firm investing in companies across the Southeast. Houston began his career at BB&T Capital Markets, where he advised owners of middle market companies through selling their businesses.
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Houston graduated from Wake Forest University with a degree in finance and accounting. He grew up in Denver, NC, and he lives in Charlotte with his wife, son, and two hound dogs.

William Blair
Managing Partner
William co-leads origination, investing, and portfolio management efforts. He has significant experience executing transactions, tranisitioning businesses from family- and founder-ownership, and aligning people and resources for growth.
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Previously, William served as Director of M&A and Strategy at EnPro Industries, where he helped lead a variety of strategic growth and operational improvement initiatives at locations across the U.S. Prior to EnPro, William was an advisor at Brookwood Associates, an investment bank focused on helping company owners on acquisitions, strategic alternatives and shareholder recapitalizations.
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William graduated from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill with a degree in business and finance. He grew up in Wilmington, NC, and he lives in Charlotte with his wife and son.

Keith Durante
Vice President
Keith assists in all aspects of acquisition execution and portfolio company management. Keith is an experienced M&A and investment professional and is highly skilled at sourcing and executing new investment opportunities, planning for ownership transitions, and supporting growth initiatives after closing.​
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Previously, Keith served in investment professional roles at Blue Point Capital Partners and Odyssey Investment Partners, where he focused on platform and add-on acquisition investments across a variety of business and residential service industries. He began his career in Healthcare Services investment banking and management consulting.
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​​​Keith graduated from Davidson College with a degree in history and economics. He lives in Charlotte with his fiancé and golden retriever.

Landon Scharf
Investment Analyst
Landon joined the fim in 2023 and assists the firm in sourcing, diligence, and execution of new investment opportunities along with portfolio management efforts.
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Landon graduated from Wake Forest University with a degree in business management. He grew up in Wilmington, NC and he currently lives in Charlotte. He enjoys keeping up with Wake Forest sports and boating in his free time.