Calder Capital Named to the 2026 Inc. 5000
Inc. revealed that Calder Capital, a leading nationwide M&A Advisory Firm, has earned the rank of No. 2,808 on the 2026 Inc. 5000, Inc.’s prestigious annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States.
This marks Calder Capital’s fifth appearance on the list. As of 2026, only 387 companies in the United States have attained this number of appearances on the Inc. 5000, placing Calder Capital in the top 7.74% of companies that have ever been on the Inc. 5000 list.
On the list in 2026, Calder Capital was ranked No. 48 of 101 in Michigan and No. 10 of 23 headquartered in the Grand Rapids area. Additionally, Calder ranked No. 228 nationally of 420 financial services firms. Calder earned these rankings after achieving 110.7% revenue growth from 2022–2025. During this same timeframe, Calder Capital experienced a compound annual growth rate (CAGR) of approximately 28.2%; due to these factors, Inc. Placed Calder Capital among the fastest-growing privately held companies in the United States.
“Every company on the Inc. 5000 has a story of perseverance, smart decision making, and a refusal to sit still,” says Mike Hofman, editor-in-chief of Inc. “Their growth reflects more than strong financial performance–it reflects creativity, resilience, and the customer focus required to build companies that make a lasting impact. We congratulate all honorees on this significant achievement.”
What It Takes to Make the Inc. 5000
The Inc. 5000 judging process is rigid and entirely merit-based on sales numbers. Companies on the 2026 Inc. 5000 are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2022 to 2025. To qualify, Inc. requires:
- Companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2022
- At least $100,000 in revenue in 2022
- At least $2 million in revenue in 2025
- Companies must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent (not subsidiaries or divisions of other companies) as of December 31, 2025
- All revenue figures are verified via tax returns and an independent CPA review.
Calder Capital Continues to Grow Despite a Challenging M&A Market
Calder’s inclusion this year is especially noteworthy given the continued evolution of the M&A market. While transaction activity has improved from recent lows, buyers remain meticulous and selective, financing costs remain elevated compared to norms over the last 20 years, and due diligence continues to be more rigorous than in previous years.
Despite these headwinds, Calder continued to strengthen its position in the lower middle market, completing 58 transactions in 2025 across a diverse range of industries while serving an expanding national client base. Calder Capital also grew its team, invested in firm-wide technology and process improvements, and further solidified its reputation as one of the nation’s leading lower middle market M&A advisory firms.
This continued growth allows Calder to invest in better technology, attract top advisory talent, expand industry expertise, and ultimately provide an even higher level of service to business owners and buyers across the country.
Leadership Reflects on Calder’s Growth
“Being named to the Inc. 5000 for the fifth time is a tremendous honor and a reflection of the trust our clients place in us,” stated Calder Capital Founder and Managing Partner Max Friar. “Every business owner and buyer we work with has played a role in this achievement, and I’m incredibly grateful to our team for the passion and commitment they bring to the team every day. We’re proud to be the buy-side advisor, sell-side advisor, and valuation partner businesses rely on during some of the most important decisions of their lives.”
“Growth like this comes from hiring exceptional people, giving them the right tools, and creating a culture where collaboration and accountability drive results,” stated Buy-Side Managing Director Sam Scharich. “As we’ve expanded nationwide, we’ve remained focused on delivering the same personalized, high-quality experience for every client.”
Hannelore Jones, Director of Operations, added, “Behind every successful transaction is a team supported by strong systems, thoughtful processes, and a commitment to continuous improvement. We’ve spent years building an operational foundation that allows Calder to grow without losing the responsiveness and client experience that set us apart. This recognition is a testament to that work.”
Calder’s History on Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies Lists
Over the past several years, Calder has successfully navigated a rapidly evolving M&A market shaped by shifting economic conditions, elevated interest rates, and changing buyer and seller expectations. The firm’s resilience, innovation, and client-first approach have fueled its continued growth and earned repeated recognition from Inc. Magazine.
Calder’s past Inc. 5000 recognitions include:
| Year | Geography | Rank Overall | Rank in State | Rank in City |
| 2021 | Nationwide | No. 2,896 | No. 42 | No. 12 |
| 2023 | Nationwide | No. 1,498 | No.24 | No. 8 |
| 2024 | Nationwide | No. 1,409 | No. 22 | No. 6 |
| 2025 | Nationwide | No. 2,276 | No. 35 | No. 5 |
| 2026 | Nationwide | No. 2,808 | No. 48 | No. 10 |
| 2022 | Midwest Region | No. 61 | No. 5 | No. 1 |
| 2023 | Midwest Region | No. 80 | No. 4 | No. 2 |
| 2024 | Midwest Region | No. 73 | No. 7 | No. 3 |
| 2025 | Midwest Region | No. 30 | No. 2 | No. 1 |
| 2026 | Midwest Region | No. 62 | No. 5 | No. 1 |
Looking Ahead
Looking ahead, Friar remains focused on sustainable, long-term growth, sharing, “my goal is to make this list as many years as possible. The Inc. 5000 is not only a morale boost for our team, but also a magnet for the kind of driven, innovative people we want on board. We believe that our growth attracts top talent and perpetuates our trajectory. I believe we’re just getting started.”
The complete list of 2026 Inc. 5000 honorees may be found here.
About Inc.
Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.Inc.com.
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.
Notice: Calder Capital, LLC is not affiliated with any similarly named organizations or entities. To verify communications from our firm, visit our website or contact [email protected].