Calder Capital, a national lower middle-market mergers and acquisitions advisory firm, is proud to announce the opening of its office in Fort Myers, Florida. Veteran dealmaker, Matt Uhl, is spearheading the firm’s developments in Florida.
The expansion into Florida is a testament to Calder’s continued growth trajectory and the Company’s commitment to providing top-notch M&A advisory services to its clients nationwide. With 25 years of experience in financial services and 6 years of experience at Calder Capital, Matt is well-positioned to lead the firm’s efforts in Fort Myers and beyond.
A West Michigan native and Central Michigan University alumnus, Mr. Uhl is eager to lead the Firm’s Florida office. True to many Michiganders, Matt has spent quite a bit of time in Florida, especially when the weather turns frigid in the North.
“I love the State of Florida for its beautiful beaches and weather,” Matt commented. “The state’s incredible growth provides Calder Capital with an opportunity to expand our reach and drive growth in both our Sell-Side and Buy-Side services in the region. I’m excited about the opportunity to spend more time in the Fort Myers area and Florida as a whole!”
“Calder’s Buy-Side team has worked with several buyers and sellers in the Southeast largely remotely, but having boots on the ground with a tenured and experienced advisor like Matt will take our effectiveness to another level,” commented Sam Scharich, a Buy-Side Director.
Matt has a robust 18-year tenure in Banking and Financial Services, where he excelled as Vice President and Commercial Lender within Huntington Bank’s Business Banking Group. Since joining Calder Capital in 2019, Matt has led many successful transactions due to his demonstrated expertise and strategic insight.
What buyers and sellers are sharing about their experience working with Matt Uhl:
“Having done and been a part of many acquisitions for a number of years, the experience with Calder and Matt was very professional and pleasant. Matt was very attentive, had the best interest of all parties in mind, and helped make the buy/sell process as smooth as possible.”– Mychal Manolatos, Owner, Bontrager Pools, Chicago, IL (Buyer)
“While it was a difficult decision to sell our family business, which was now on the third generation, it was the right decision. We can’t say enough good things about working with Matt Uhl and Calder Capital. Very little in life can prepare you for the emotions and realities of parting ways with your business. In working with Calder we knew we had a partner that stood up for our interests and represented us fairly and professionally. Calder kept the sale process quiet and confidential and were always in good communication. We received multiple offers and knew ultimately that we choose the best buyer in Mettler-Toledo!”– David Martin, Owner, D.C. Martin & Son Scales, Grand Rapids, MI (Seller)
“Working with Matt was easy and very seamless. We appreciated all the work that went into our process from the whole Calder Capital team.”– Dustin Lockwood, Owner, Bontrager Pools, Elkhart, IN (Seller)
“As I started to think about retiring, I wanted to ensure that all of the employees and customers would have a smooth transition. After engaging with Calder Capital, I was quite surprised at the speed and volume of interest in my business. Within the first week on the market we had three showings and two solid offers. With the help and guidance of Matt Uhl, we decided that Heath Verstraete was the buyer that was the right fit for the business and its future. Heath is ambitious, smart and determined. He took the deal by the reins and I appreciate it. I look forward to working with him.”– Bob Sokorai, Owner, Conveyability, Inc., Walker, MI (Seller)
“The Calder team was incredibly helpful. It took longer than any of us could’ve anticipated, but Sam and Matt were professional and patient, and they were always available to answer questions.”– Ron Hill, Owner, Otsego Crane & Hoist, Otsego, MI (Seller)
Mr. Uhl brings a fervent dedication to working with business owners, leveraging his extensive background in banking to structure deals that optimize shareholder returns while ensuring the arrangements are attractive to banks. Matt has cultivated a strong network in both Florida and Michigan, where he is known for aggressively advocating for his clients’ interests throughout the entire sales process.
“Matt is fearless and a pioneering type,” noted Max Friar, Calder’s Founder. “Kickstarting a Florida presence aligns with his enjoyment of travel and warmer weather, and it allows him to target a market that is ripe with business owners seeking to retire and spend more of their time there.”
Outside of work, Matt enjoys working out at the gym he owns, D1 Training Grand Rapids. He is a family man, married to his wife of 18 years, Karie, and the proud father of two children, Grace, 13 years old, and Grady, 10 years old. Mr. Uhl coaches his daughter’s travel softball team and assists on her middle school softball team. Additionally, he coaches his son’s basketball team.
“Many of our Michigan business owners spend a lot of time in Florida during the winter months, so this is a natural expansion for our firm. Florida embodies its retirement community, so we are confident that many business owners could use our sell-side services as they look to spend more time enjoying Florida’s world-renowned beaches, culturally rich cities, and perfect weather. We are working with more and more sellers in Florida, so it is exciting that Matt will be an in-person presence as we look to make a splash in the Sunshine State,” shared Garrett Monroe, Sell-Side Director.
“Part of our 10-year plan is nationwide expansion physically,” commented Max Friar. “While we serve clients everywhere presently, it’s important to have boots on the ground for those critical face-to-face meetings and discussions. Additionally, Florida makes a lot of sense. Beyond the significant business and community ties to the Midwest, the population of Florida is expected to grow 30% by 2040 and already the state is one of the largest economies in the world.” Friar continued, “Quite frankly, we continue to find that manufacturing, construction, and services businesses in the $2-50M range are underserved; Main Street brokers are ill-equipped and ineffective, and larger investment banks are not interested.”
Calder Capital has been rapidly expanding its team and capabilities in recent years, with a focus on serving middle-market businesses across the Nation. The firm has deep expertise in a variety of industries including industrial, distribution, service, and construction. The Company’s experience working with middle market and lower middle market buyers and sellers touts strong growth and 140+ closed deals in the last 3 years. With the opening of the Fort Myers office, Calder Capital is poised to further expand its reach and impact in the Florida market. The firm’s commitment to excellence and client-focused approach make it a valuable partner for businesses looking to navigate the complex world of mergers and acquisitions.
If you are interested in learning more about Mr. Uhl we encourage you to connect with him on LinkedIn.
About Calder Capital
Calder Capital, LLC is a lower middle market investment bank providing mergers and acquisitions advisory services to business owners, entrepreneurs, family offices, and investors across the United States. Our dedicated team of professionals combines extensive industry experience, technological innovation, negotiation savvy, and key relationships to exhibit exceptional execution. Calder’s services include mergers and acquisitions advisory, private funds and capital markets advisory, and business valuations.