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June 17, 2025
Good Jobs in US Manufacturing
In a tight labor market, manufacturers need more than just competitive pay—they need to offer...
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June 10, 2025
Optimizing Operations in Industrial Manufacturing Portcos | John Stewart MiddleGround Capital
With shifting trade policies and rising geopolitical risk, our Founding & Managing Partner, John Stewart,...
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May 29, 2025
Podcast: executive sessions – successfully merging companies & cultures
Ryan McComb and Dan Stoettner discuss the strategy, challenges, and cultural alignment behind the merger of...
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May 6, 2025
Turning Tariffs into Opportunity | John Stewart MiddleGround Capital
With tariff turmoil and supply chains under pressure, our Founding & Managing Partner, John Stewart,...
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April 24, 2025
Engaging Your Entire Firm in Business Development Efforts
Our Head of North American Business Development, Dyana Baurley, shares her tips for building a...
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April 23, 2025
Podcast: executive sessions – practical automation for manufacturers
John Dotson and Miles Anderson discuss how automation is transforming the manufacturing industry, addressing labor...
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March 20, 2025
2024 Year in Review
2024 was a year that tested our resilience, challenged our creativity, and reinforced the strength...
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March 18, 2025
Podcast: executive sessions – marketing – the key to winning new business
Nate Wheeler and Leanne Walmsley discuss essential B2B marketing strategies, emphasizing the importance of digital...
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March 4, 2025
Lessons from a Junior Business Development Professional
Our Business Development Associate, Graham Sparks, shares lessons from his early career on how to...
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February 13, 2025
Podcast: executive sessions – bringing innovation to market
John Stewart and Steve Myers discuss creating product innovations that solve customer problems and bringing...
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January 16, 2025
Podcast: executive sessions – changing careers from auto to rail
Bill Krueger discusses career transitions between manufacturing sectors, sharing insights from his experience in automotive...
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December 11, 2024
Podcast: executive sessions – infrastructure today
Ryan McComb and David Walden discuss trends and challenges in the infrastructure market, focusing on...
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November 21, 2024
Deal Sourcing in a Down Market: Tips for Building a Take-Private Strategy
Our Head of North American Business Development, Dyana Baurley, shares her top tips for building...
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November 14, 2024
Podcast: executive sessions – building a successful workforce
Ron Lindsay and Tom Brockley discuss strategies for building and retaining a successful workforce amid...
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October 17, 2024
Podcast: executive sessions – cutting energy usage in manufacturing
Jason Jacob and Madelyn Tutewiler discuss practical approaches to cutting energy usage in manufacturing.
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August 29, 2024
2024 Sustainability Report: Our Commitment to ESG
A summary of our 2024 Sustainability Report including our values, culture, philanthropic activity, and portfolio...
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August 15, 2024
Podcast: executive sessions – crafting success in complex projects
Scot Duncan and Zach Jackson discuss building diverse and resilient teams, managing cross-functional teams, and...
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August 1, 2024
Podcast: executive sessions – maximizing manufacturing with technology
Scot Duncan and Stan Stanford discuss the importance of simple technological solutions, bridging the experience...
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June 20, 2024
Podcast: executive sessions – demystifying private equity for business owners
David Bookbinder and Dyana Baurley discuss private equity as a liquidity strategy, factors making a...
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May 30, 2024
Podcast: executive sessions – reflecting on our success with John Stewart
John Stewart and Sean Mooney discuss John’s unconventional journey from the factory floor to private...
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May 6, 2024
Buyouts: Unlocking Value Through Automation
The key to successful automation is in relying on, and integrating, the people that make...
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April 18, 2024
Podcast: executive sessions – AI opportunities and risks
John Stewart and Dr. Simon Sheather discuss AI opportunities, dangers, and its role in manufacturing...
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April 9, 2024
2023 Year in Review
2023 was another transformative year and we’d like to reflect on the journey we’ve taken...
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February 28, 2024
Cost Savings While Switching to Renewable Energy
Arrow-Tru Line switched to 100% renewable energy, with an estimated savings of $240,000.
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February 13, 2024
Supply Chain World: The Convergence of Reshoring and Solar Energy
Ryan McComb shares his perspective on the convergence of reshoring and the solar energy market,...
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January 29, 2024
Podcast: executive sessions – UAW Strike
John Stewart and Justin Steil discuss the United Auto Workers Strike, the new normal in...
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January 8, 2024
Private Equity International: A Q&A with our Mobility Thesis Lead
Driving Towards Opportunity in Mobility. Electrification and other tailwinds mean that investors can access a...
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December 20, 2023
Manufacturing Tomorrow: Automation Solutions in Mid-Size Manufacturing
The Vice President of our Automation Team, Miles Anderson, speaks with Manufacturing Tomorrow about identifying,...
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December 13, 2023
Case Study: Measuring and Lowering Carbon Emissions with Gravity Climate
Our motto is “Leaving the world better than we found it,” and ESG initiatives have...
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December 7, 2023
Podcast: executive sessions – 2023 economic retrospective
John Stewart and Dr. Mike Clark discuss the 2023 economic status, resurgence in US manufacturing,...
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December 6, 2023
Private Equity International Roundtable: Facing a Stalemate
The region's mid-market private equity firms are being even more selective at a time when...
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November 6, 2023
Podcast: executive sessions – equity abroad
John Stewart, Alex Van Der Have, and Anthony Denaix discuss European expansion, the importance of...
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October 26, 2023
Meet our Mobility Thesis
An overview of our mobility thesis and the trends that define it.
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October 10, 2023
2023 Sustainability Report
A summary of our 2023 Sustainability Report including our values, culture, philanthropic activity, awards, and...
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September 20, 2023
Podcast: executive sessions – operational bootcamp 101
John Stewart and David Stewart discuss building bootcamps, creating cooperative change, lean manufacturing standardization, and...
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August 15, 2023
Podcast: executive sessions – the ABCs of ESG
Madelyn Tutewiler and Mike Bridge discuss the importance of ESG in businesses and implementing ESG...
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July 18, 2023
So, You Want to Get Into Private Equity Business Development…
Our Head of North American Business Development, Dyana Baurley, shares her top tips for breaking...
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June 13, 2023
MiddleGround Made: Dura/Shiloh
On this episode of MiddleGround Made, we visit DURA/Shiloh, a leading manufacturer of lightweight automotive...
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June 6, 2023
Podcast: executive sessions – automotive today
John Stewart and Tyler May discuss factors driving electrification and autonomous vehicles, the shift from...
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May 3, 2023
Podcast: executive sessions – on the shop floor
Alicia Motomura and Jordan Gabbert discuss respecting shop floor employees and adding value for employee...
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April 27, 2023
John Stewart, MiddleGround Capital, Donates $10M to UK’s Gatton College
MiddleGround Capital founder John Stewart donates $10 million to the University of Kentucky’s Gatton College...
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April 18, 2023
MiddleGround Made: SixAxis
On this episode of MiddleGround Made, we visit SixAxis, LLC, a leading manufacturer of OSHA,...
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April 6, 2023
Podcast: executive sessions – between two founders
John Stewart and Scot Duncan discuss their backgrounds, changing labor markets, and the human element...
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February 28, 2023
MiddleGround Made: Banner Medical/Edge International
On this episode of MiddleGround Made, we visit Banner Industries, a leading manufacturer of metal...
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February 6, 2023
Hiring At MiddleGround
Amplifying Returns Through Talent with Kristen Baily of MiddleGround Capital
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January 23, 2023
MiddleGround Capital Announces Opening of European Office
MiddleGround Capital announces the launch of its European office, alongside hires to lead the new...
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January 20, 2023
MiddleGround Capital Announces Promotions and New Partners
MiddleGround has promoted several of its team members to Partner and C-Level positions.
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December 7, 2022
MiddleGround Made: Plasman
On this episode of MiddleGround Made, we visit Plasman, a leading global manufacturer of bumpers/fascia,...
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December 1, 2022
Private Equity International: Ready For Action
The ability to scale up and down the deal size spectrum through co-investment allows for...
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November 8, 2022
MiddleGround Made: Attala Steel
On this episode of MiddleGround Made, we visit Attala Steel, a leading provider of high-quality,...
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October 6, 2022
MiddleGround Made: Race Winning Brands
On this episode of MiddleGround Made, we visit Race Winning Brands, a leading manufacturer and...
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October 4, 2022
Private Equity International: Chain Reaction
Scot Duncan discusses the primary challenges facing mid-market industrial companies, including supply chain disruption, labor...
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September 29, 2022
Manufacturing Today: The Industry Insider
MiddleGround Capital combines industry expertise with a commitment to ESG. The firm’s operationally focused approach...
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August 31, 2022
MiddleGround Made: ALCO
On this episode of MiddleGround Made, we visit ALCO, a leading manufacturer of hydraulic connectors...
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July 28, 2022
MiddleGround Made: Arrow TruLine
On this episode of MiddleGround Made, we visit Arrow Tru-Line, Inc (ATL), a leading manufacturer...
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June 29, 2022
MiddleGround Made: NKS
On this episode of MiddleGround Made, we visit National Kwikmetal Service (NKS), a leading specialty...
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June 2, 2022
PRI: Special Report: Private Equity In Motorsports
The motorsports industry is experiencing financial growth, with private equity firms investing in performance brands...
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May 11, 2022
MiddleGround Made: Lindsay Precast
On this episode of MiddleGround Made, we visit Lindsay Precast, a leading designer and manufacturer...
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April 5, 2022
Buyouts: Deal Activity Booms Despite Challenges
Last year saw record levels of manufacturing and industrial sector dealmaking and 2022 has started...
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March 24, 2022
MiddleGround Named Top Innovator by BluWave
MiddleGround Capital has been recognized as "Top Innovator of the Year" by BluWave, earning a...
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March 15, 2022
MiddleGround Named 2022 Best Places to Work
The Kentucky Chamber of Commerce, KYSHRM, and ClearPath Mutual Insurance Company have announced the 100...
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February 10, 2022
2021: Year in Review
MiddleGround reflects on our biggest accomplishments of the past year and talk about where we're...
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December 9, 2021
MiddleGround Portfolio Company Bus Tour
Earlier this year, the entire team at Middleground hopped on a bus to experience our...
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November 4, 2021
PE Hub: MiddleGround Accelerates Auto-Industry Investments
MiddleGround Capital is capitalizing on rapid changes in the auto industry with strategic investments.
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October 7, 2021
Buyouts: Putting data, branding and creativity at the heart of sourcing
Prioritizing data and process in sourcing has played out well through the past 18 months,...
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August 12, 2021
Investors & Operators: Lauren Mulholland
In this episode of 51 Labs' podcast, Investors & Operators, Lauren Mulholland, Founding Partner, sits...
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September 7, 2020
Buyouts: Value Creation via ESG
The focus on ESG is growing, yet few lower middle-market private equity fund managers have...
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April 21, 2020
How Can Private Equity Help Manufacturers?
John Stewart and Scot Duncan discuss MiddleGround’s strategies for navigating COVID-19, including workforce safety, supply...
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March 20, 2020
Private Equity Fast Pitch: Lauren Mulholland
In this episode of Northstar’s Private Equity Fast Pitch podcast, Lauren sits down with Jeff...
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March 19, 2020
SPS Source Talks: Christen Paras
In this episode of Sutton Place Strategies' Source Talks, MiddleGround's Head of Business Development, Christen...
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March 13, 2020
Who Is John Stewart?
John Stewart, co-founder of MiddleGround Capital, shares lessons from his career at Toyota, his transition...
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October 5, 2019
Now the real work starts
Lauren Mulholland talks about co-founding MiddleGround Capital 18 months ago without an income and with...
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October 3, 2019
Office to Shop Floor
At MiddleGround, we strive for continuous improvement. Hear about our first Boot Camp at Steel...
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September 19, 2019
Small Wins
Like life, business is full of small wins. John Poff discusses the importance of teaching...
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September 1, 2019
Why We’re Different
At MiddleGround Capital, we set our sights on creating something different, leveraging unique backgrounds to...
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August 23, 2019
Take Initiative
Brittany transformed Alco's training process within 6 months by identifying gaps and presenting solutions, leading...
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August 15, 2019
Team Golf Outing in Kentucky
At MiddleGround Capital, we use technology to stay connected, but nothing beats quality face time.
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August 1, 2019
Welcome to Steel Craft
MiddleGround Capital is advancing the future of manufacturing, proudly carrying forward Steel Craft's vision and...
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July 1, 2019
Town Hall
Post-acquisition, we build trust through town halls with every employee, addressing concerns and explaining our...
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July 1, 2019
Kaizen Manufacturing in Action
At MiddleGround Capital, simple standards and basic processes lead to significant improvements.
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June 24, 2019
Our Portfolio Companies Inspire Us
The Founder of Steel Craft emphasizes the importance of family culture. MiddleGround aims to uphold...
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June 21, 2019
Empowering Workers
MiddleGround Capital values hands-on experience and continuous improvement, empowering employees to boost confidence and efficiency.
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June 12, 2019
New American Manufacturing Worker
The manufacturing worker seeks involvement in process improvements, making their input essential for success.
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June 1, 2019
Team Celebration
From a playroom office in 2018 to closing three deals and moving to Soho, MiddleGround...
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May 23, 2019
ALCO’s Mama Wolf Leads the Pack
Meet Britany Dittmer, a creative production manager overseeing 100 people and driving innovation in American...
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May 1, 2019
Women in Private Equity
To attract more women to private equity, we need to focus on mentorship, peer support,...
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May 1, 2019
Welcome to Alco
At MiddleGround Capital, employees and Operating Professionals create value on the shop floor.
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