Proven Investors & Operators
WHO WE ARE
Collectively, the team has closed 30+ transactions across the lower middle market as advisors, investors, and operators.
Our team has executed transactions on both sides of the table as advisors, as private equity investors, and as operators inside businesses. That background shapes everything about how we approach a deal and how we show up as true partners after a deal closes.
LEADERSHIP
30+
YEARS COMBINED M&A EXPERIENCE
15+
PLATFORMS & ADD-ON TRANSACTIONS
Houston Stokes
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.
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.
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
PARTNER
William co-leads the firm's origination, investment, and portfolio management activities. He has significant experience executing transactions, transitioning businesses from family- and founder-ownership, and aligning people and resources for growth.
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.
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.
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.
Keith graduated from Davidson College with a degree in history and economics. He lives in Charlotte with his fiancé and golden retriever.