In 2013, I was the first employee of LDR Growth Partners I knew nothing and 10+ yrs later, I learn the more that I do learn, the less that I actually know.
Most of my network doesn't know:
- I was homeless for the first 3 months of LDR Growth Partners
- My first office was in my 1995 Jeep Wrangler, outside of someone else's office (perhaps getting some free wifi;)
- I questioned my decision for years of going all-in on a company that didn't have a business plan, had $3,000 in the bank account, I had no family money to help me make ends meat, and no business track record to fall back on (saying all that...I wouldn't recommend this approach)
So not only do I externally fully support Ryan Martin in this new position. I strongly endorsed him internally, prior to this announcement, to our partnership, that we needed this hierarchical adjustment! Ryan Martin is the guy to get it done.
Losing control, and authority, is not an easy thing to let go of especially when not too long ago you were the full C-Suite/Admin/trash guy/ customer rep and so on....Ultimately you are saying "there is someone else better for this next chapter". Well we preach this to other founders we purchase from, but to walk this path is not an easy.
Now we have a little over 200 employees in our portfolio. They need a leader that is working on the business and not in the business. I will always be that guy that wants to jump on the shop floor and BS w/ the employees but now Ryan is going to lay out if, or when, I do that and that is a difficult thing to say, even now, out loud.
I continue to work myself out of jobs LDR Growth Partners but in the end it has to be about what's best for those 200 employees. As we continue to work and invest in #manufacturing in #america!
Onward and upwards!
We are thrilled to announce the appointment of Ryan Martin as Managing Partner of LDR Growth Partners. Together with his deep commitment to servant leadership and industry expertise, we believe that our team is uniquely positioned to capitalize on the long-term opportunities in the alternative investments space and unlock meaningful value for our investors, portfolio company employees, and other valuable stakeholders.
As Managing Partner, Ryan serves as the head of governance, management, and strategic direction for LDR Growth Partners. As the chair of LDR’s governing board and its investment committee, Ryan will continue to demonstrate his leadership in guiding the firm's strategic vision. His responsibilities also extend to LDR's portfolio companies, where he oversees the design and implementation of transactional and governance frameworks.
#privateequity #leadership
