“In order to make a difference, you have to dare to be different than others.”

“I like to use this saying because too many people are focused on accepting the pattern and doing the same thing again and again. (Sometimes good and sometimes bad)

When we launched MiddleGround Capital, we set our sights on creating something different.

I have not met another GP of a PE firm that started his career as an hourly worker. That doesn’t mean that I am the only one, or that fact itself doesn’t make me special, however that fact does define who I am and is a differentiation.

It turns out that having experience running and managing a business at every level of the organization is helpful, especially when you are investing in lower middle market industrial businesses.

Being different is valuable, being different should be celebrated, being different is a conscious decision that requires constant focus and execution.

We are striving to be different.

And we recognize that our ability to be different depends on having the right people.

That means everyone from the shop floor to senior management and the Board of Directors. We want everyone to know we’re investing in more than just a business – we’re investing in them too. 

We want people to feel like they’re part of our vision of change and that their work is meaningful. Collaboration and trust are critical in this endeavor.”

–John Stewart

“We are striving to be different. And we recognize that our ability to be different depends on having the right people.

That means everyone from the shop floor to senior management and the Board of Directors. We want everyone to know we’re investing in more than just a business – we’re investing in them too.

We want people to feel like they’re part of our vision of change and that their work is meaningful. Collaboration and trust are critical in this endeavor.”

–Lauren Mulholland

“We’re striving to be different. We WANT to be different.

And we think we are. 

We’re present – every day. We’re on the shop floor listening, learning and coaching. We’re not observing from above. 

We’ve created an environment that people want to be a part of. And we will continue to nurture it.“

–Scot Duncan