Calder Capital is excited to announce the formalization of its leadership team in promoting three team members: Garrett Monroe, Hannelore Jones, and Sam Scharich. Necessary for Calder’s present size and continued growth aspirations, Garrett, Hannelore, and Sam have been formally promoted to senior leadership positions, marking a new phase of alignment within the firm. With 2025 being another breakout year for Calder Capital, these promotions are occurring to double down on a shared vision of lower middle market M&A advisory domination and continued firm-wide growth. 

As part of the firm’s leadership alignment initiative, Garrett Monroe has been promoted to Managing Director – Sell-Side, Sam Scharich to Managing Director – Buy-Side, and Hannelore Jones to Director of Operations. 

“While this might appear ‘new’ to the outside, this feels very natural and a long-time coming internally,” stated Max Friar, Calder’s Founder and Managing Partner. “Garrett, Sam, and Hannelore have demonstrated leadership and a commitment to growth since the first days they set foot in Calder. It is a genuine blessing to work closely with such driven, intelligent, and long-term focused people. I couldn’t be happier with the formalization of a management team within Calder. In certain relationship dynamics, 1+1 = 3. In this one, 1+1+1+1 = 10. I am certain that the impact will be exponential.”

Sam began his career at Calder as an intern nearly a decade ago. Garrett joined Calder as an analyst and Calder’s first W-2 employee out of college. Both progressed through increasingly larger roles to eventually shape and manage the Buy-Side and Sell-Side operations of the firm, respectively. Since Hannelore joined as Director of Continuous Improvement, she has steadily grown within her role, earning recognition for her operational leadership and execution across core functions, including marketing, finance, HR, and operations. Today, Garrett, Hannelore, Sam, and Max lead the strategic direction of Calder Capital and will spend the next 5 years building out teams to support Calder’s national expansion. 

“Since 2022, Calder has grown explosively in revenue and headcount,” stated Friar. “Frankly, we continue to grow at a pace where a formalized management team is necessary and healthy for our future. Garrett and Sam, over the past 7 and 8 years, respectively, have continued to put their hands up and take on more responsibility. While Hannelore has not been at Calder as long, her impact has been tremendous. When I think of the three of them, I think of Giles Corey from The Crucible; they keep saying, ‘more weight, more weight.’ It’s nothing short of stunning.” 

Friar concluded, “Garrett, Hannelore, and Sam embody the intellect, integrity, work ethic, and leadership that have fueled our firm’s growth year after year. As we enter this next phase of growth, this is the Dream Team.”

Garrett Monroe joined Calder upon graduating from Grand Valley State University. He quickly ascended to the position of an M&A Advisor. Since then, Garrett has claimed the title of top revenue producer at Calder Capital for three of the past four years. “Garrett is a visionary and strategist, one of the sharpest, deliberate minds I have ever worked with,” stated Friar. “Over the years, he has re-invented much of our sell-side advisory structure, from our team of analysts and associates to our business development and engagement structure. He has a clear vision and plan for the growth of our sell-side team over the next 5 years. I am greatly looking forward to watching him execute on it.”

Hannelore Jones has advanced within her role, encompassing the execution and oversight of key operational and administrative roles, strengthening Calder’s infrastructure and ensuring the firm’s processes scale with its growth. With a background in client service, management, and operations, Hannelore stepped into a complex, high-performance environment and quickly became the go-to expert for process optimization and systems improvement at Calder Capital. According to Friar, “Hanne came in and essentially took on three jobs, improved them, and continued finding time to explore new initiatives. I am not sure I’ve seen anyone work harder in my life.”

Sam Scharich, known for his blend of vision, grit, and kindness, began at Calder Capital eight years ago as a freshman intern while attending Michigan State University. Sam’s trajectory has been anything but typical. Today, he leads Calder Capital’s Buy-Side advisory division, which he reimagined, built, and scaled, transforming what was once a small division into a nationally recognized practice with nearly 70 active clients. “Sam is a pureblooded and levelheaded entrepreneur,” stated Friar. “Calder provided him with a launchpad, a fledgling division, and he literally 10x’d it in a few years. Sam has true grit. I watched him struggle through tough times: rising interest rates, wars, and economic fears, which made the buy-side a very hard place to feel good about years ago. But Sam clenched his teeth and powered through it. The Buy-Side division is now one of the fastest-growing business units that I have ever been part of.”

In tandem with this leadership promotion, Calder is deepening and expanding its commitment to growth throughout the organization. From interns and analysts to associates and directors, Calder continues to invest in hiring top-tier talent, create pathways for advancement, and have a little fun along the way. 

The firm expects 2025 to be its most successful year yet, having already closed 45 transactions and continuing to grow its presence and relationships across the United States and abroad. With the alignment of its leadership team, Calder Capital is better equipped to serve clients, expand into new markets, and continue on its trajectory as a leading mergers and acquisitions firm, offering valuations, Sell-Side, and Buy-Side advisory services to clients across the United States.

About Calder Capital:

Founded in 2013, Calder Capital is a cross-industry mergers and acquisitions advisory firm with offices across the United States. Calder provides valuation, sell-side, and buy-side services. We are nationally recognized for excellence in advising $1-100M enterprise value transactions in manufacturing, construction, distribution, and business services. Calder serves business owners, entrepreneurs, family offices, financial buyers, and investors. Learn more at www.CalderGR.com.

About Sam Scharich:

Sam has been recognized as an Emerging Leader by The M&A Advisor, and, under his leadership, Calder’s Buy-Side Gold service was named a finalist for Product/Service of the Year at the 23rd Annual M&A Awards in New York City. Additionally, Sam and Calder Capital’s Buy-Side advisory team have been publicly acclaimed by former clients such as Yan Vinarskiy, Brian Houck, and Will Gano, and on podcasts such as Acquiring Minds. Some of the most notable buy-side deals he has advised on and successfully closed include:

• Amerikooler: A Florida-based manufacturer of walk-in coolers and freezers, acquired Tarpon Stainless of Florida, a designer and manufacturer of custom stainless steel kitchen equipment.
• Strata Landscaping Services Acquisition 1: The California-based provider of commercial landscape services acquired Gentry Landscape, a premier provider of landscape maintenance solutions for commercial clients throughout Orange County, California.
• Strata Landscaping Services Acquisition 2: The California-based provider of commercial landscape services acquired Boulder Landscaping of Salt Lake City, Utah, which specializes in residential and commercial landscaping services.
• Morales Group: The Indianapolis, Indiana-based leader in workforce solutions, acquired Career Transitions of South Bend, Indiana, a regional provider of workforce solutions, including talent acquisition, contract staffing, and outplacement services.
• Ben Greve, Rick Slater, and Sleeping Giant Capital: Ben, Rick, and Michigan-based investment firm Sleeping Giant Capital acquired Portland, Michigan-based Portland Products, a leading manufacturer of precision metal components for the automotive industry.
• Bryan Houck: Bryan, an experienced entrepreneur, acquired Extra Credit Projects, a full-service marketing and advertising agency based in Grand Rapids, Michigan.

About Hannelore Jones:

Since joining Calder Capital, she has been recognized as a driving force behind nearly doubling the firm’s revenue. Her leadership in continuous improvement has shaped key areas of the business through initiatives such as:

• Marketing: Developed a structured process for pursuing earned media, refined prospecting campaigns, and elevated brand recognition. Contributed to team honors such as the BBB Torch Award for Ethics and the Best and Brightest Companies to Work For (West Michigan and National).
• Invoicing: Improved client billing systems and established streamlined processes for accounts receivable, strengthening financial operations.
• Human Resources: Built out hiring frameworks, streamlined onboarding and internship programs, and introduced health insurance and benefits.
• Internal Operations: Advanced reporting and data analytics for tracking new clients and prospects, improving strategic visibility and decision-making.

About Garrett Monroe: 

Garrett’s ascent to Managing Director – Sell Side reflects his leadership, wisdom, work ethic, and the trust he has earned among peers, clients, and the broader business community. While leading the Sell-Side team, Garrett has advised on and successfully closed more than 29 transactions. Some of his most notable deals include:

• Eidemiller Precision Machining: A global supplier of quality precision-machined parts acquired by Japanese company, Kyowa Industrial, providing a strategic Midwest operations base.
• Rohr Gasoline Equipment: Petroleum equipment service provider acquired by D.H.T. Holdings, expanding logistics and service capabilities.
• Strain Electric Company: A 75-year-old diversified electrical utility contractor acquired by Power VAC, LLC to expand into West Michigan.
• B&L Bolt: A construction and industrial supplies distributor acquired by Colony Hardware Corporation (an Audax Private Equity portfolio company).
• Nordic Hot Tubs (Nordic Products): Leading manufacturer of high-quality therapeutic hot tubs acquired by Monomoy Capital Partners, joining their pool and spa wellness platform.
• Waverly Animal Hospital: A full-service animal hospital providing veterinary services, dog and cat boarding, dog daycare, bathing and grooming, and physical rehabilitation in Lansing, Michigan, acquired by Veterinary United, preserving local ownership and culture.
• Thread-Craft: A precision manufacturer of mechanical linear movement actuators, acquired by Depatie Fluid Power Group to further extend its service offerings to include ball screw manufacturing.
• Allied Electric: A Walker, Michigan-based electrical contractor acquired by Continuum Legacy Partners to support long-term growth and legacy preservation.
• Envision Engineering: A Lowell, Michigan-based proprietary component manufacturer specializing in deep-draw forming, stamping, laser cutting, and welding, acquired by Hoffmann Family of Companies.
• Courtesy Driving School: A trusted Michigan-based driver education service provider, acquired by Anthem Management Group.
• Capital Stoneworks: Vertically-integrated stone supplier and fabricator based in Bridgeport, Michigan, acquired by Leelanau Private Capital.
• Jackson Tumble Finish: Metal conversion coatings specialist from Jackson, Michigan, acquired by VSP Ventures of Ferndale, Michigan.