Summary
Calder Capital is thrilled to announce that Max Friar, Founder and Managing Partner, has been named 2026 Michigan Inspiring Leader by Corp! Magazine. The recognition honors visionary leaders who demonstrate exceptional leadership, innovation, and influence while making a meaningful impact across Michigan’s business and community landscape.
Max’s Recognition
Max Friar founded Calder Capital in 2013 and continues to lead the firm as its Founder and Managing Partner with Sam Scharich as Managing Director – Buy-Side, Garrett Monroe as Managing Director – Sell-Side, and Hannelore Jones as Director of Operations. Since launching the firm in Grand Rapids, Michigan, Max has guided Calder’s growth from a one-person operation into a nationally recognized mergers and acquisitions advisory firm with more than 50 professionals across the United States.
“Working alongside Max, I’ve seen firsthand the passion, determination, and vision he brings to Calder every day,” commented Hannelore Jones, Director of Operations at Calder Capital. “As we’ve grown from a small team into a national firm, he’s never been satisfied with maintaining the status quo. He continually challenges us to improve, build better systems, and create opportunities for people to grow alongside the business. What I’m most grateful for is that, through all of that growth, he’s never lost sight of the people behind the work; our team, our partners, and the business owners and buyers who trust us during some of the most important moments of their lives. This recognition is incredibly well deserved.”
Max has worked in mergers and acquisitions since 2005, beginning his career as Director of Marketing for a Midwest-based M&A firm. Early in his career, he developed a deep appreciation for the fast-paced, complex, and relationship-driven nature of business transactions. In addition to advising business owners, Max has personal experience investing in, buying, selling, starting, and owning closely held businesses, giving him a practical perspective on the challenges and opportunities entrepreneurs face.
Max’s leadership style is shaped by his entrepreneurial mindset and his interest in process improvement, technology, psychology, and growth. As Calder has expanded, he has remained focused on building a firm that combines disciplined execution with creativity, market insight, and a commitment to creating better outcomes for clients and team members.
Sam Scharich, Buy-Side Managing Director at Calder Capital noted, “The Calder team embodies the hustle and resilience exemplified by our fearless leader. Max has poured into the team and spent considerable time nurturing and empowering the team to accomplish more than even they originally thought possible. Because of him, the team doesn’t stop at “good” but constantly strives for greatness. This mindset allowed experimentation and ultimately generated innovation that delivers the very best for clients and has led to Calder’s success team wide. I’m proud to be a co-pilot on this rocket ship and excited to say that we haven’t even left the launchpad yet. Buckle up!”
Under Max’s leadership, Calder Capital has advised on the sale of more than 380 businesses. He has advised Sell-Side and Buy-Side clients: from small, family, and founder-owned business owners to financial buyers, and corporate divestitures to strategic acquirers.
“Max’s entrepreneurial mindset and relentless focus on growth have been true differentiators for Calder Capital,” stated Garrett Monroe, Sell-Side Managing Director at Calder Capital. “He has never been content to simply follow the traditional M&A playbook. Instead, he has built a firm that is willing to innovate, improve, and challenge the industry to serve business owners better. That combination of execution and forward thinking has shaped Calder’s success and continues to raise the standard for what an M&A advisory firm can be.”
Max has also received numerous recognitions for his leadership and contributions to the M&A industry. He was named a Crain’s Grand Rapids Business Notable Leader in Finance in 2025, recognized among Grand Rapids’ Top 200 Business Leaders from 2019 through 2022, named a Grand Rapids Business Journal 40 Under 40 honoree in 2020, and selected as an ACG Dealmaker of the Year finalist in 2018.
A summa cum laude graduate of Alma College, Max studied International Relations and became the college’s first Fulbright Scholar. His background in international relations, economics, entrepreneurship, and dealmaking has informed his approach to leadership, firm-building, and advising business owners through significant transitions.
Friar stated, “I’m incredibly honored to be recognized by Corp! Magazine alongside so many inspiring leaders across Michigan. While this recognition bears my name, it’s really a reflection of the talented team at Calder Capital, the trust our clients place in us, and the buyers and sellers who allow us to be part of such an important chapter in their lives. When I founded Calder, the goal was simple: build a firm that raises the standard for M&A advisory while creating exceptional outcomes for business owners and buyers. It’s rewarding to see how far we’ve come, and I’m even more excited about what lies ahead.”
The full list of 2026 Michigan Inspiring Leader winners are available on the Corp! Magazine website.
About Corp! Magazine:
Corp! Magazine is a nationwide business publication dedicated to business owners and C-Suite leaders. Their publications provide breaking business news, legislative news and guidelines, best practices, and economic trends. Learn more at www.corpmagazine.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].