From Generation to Generation: Plotting the Future of Your Family Businesses
Presented By: Gridiron Capital / Quest
Transitioning from one generation to the next is never easy. It requires strategy, planning, and getting everyone aligned. Hear from a group of family business leaders and M&A experts about what’s required to grow a family business and preserve its legacy.
Moderator:
Operating Partner
Gridiron Capital LLC
At Gridiron, Dave focuses on driving best practices within supply chain management and operational processes across Gridiron’s portfolio companies. Dave leads Gridiron’s Operational Excellence Center of Excellence.
Prior to joining Gridiron Capital, Dave served as Vice President, Business Manager of Ametek Electronic Systems Protection – Powervar business unit. Previously, Dave was CEO of Electronic Systems Protection, a Gridiron portfolio company, prior to its acquisition by Ametek. Earlier in his career, Dave worked at General Electric and MTS Systems in operations and engineering leadership roles. Dave is also a graduate of GE’s Manufacturing Management Program. Dave currently serves on the board of M&D Distributors.
Dave received a B.S. in Electrical Engineering from Worcester Polytechnic Institute. He holds an M.B.A. from Baker College. Dave and his family reside in North Carolina.
Panelists:
Founder/CEO
Quest
Dale Gillmore is the Founder & CEO of Quest. He brings over 25 years of M&A and family office experience, working closely with privately held business owners. He is a licensed CPA in NC and Michigan, passed the Series SIE, Series 3, 63, 79 & 82 exams and is a FINRA member. Dale has a passion for helping children and in 2010 he founded the Make an Impact Foundation.
CEO
Vertical Supply Group (VSG)
Jeff Morris is the CEO of Vertical Supply Group (“VSG”), a trusted supplier of safety, fall protection equipment, and tools to various work-at-height professionals and outdoor recreation. He has over 30 years of experience in various industries, including P&L leadership, sales, marketing, business strategy, M&A, operations, and new product development.
Managing Partner
Willow Hill Capital
Grace was immersed in the world of entrepreneurship through her family's 4th-generation business, Weisiger Group, from a very young age. Founded in 1926 by her great-grandfather as a Caterpillar dealership, the company has evolved into a diverse holding company with interests in construction and material handling equipment, real estate, and technology. These early experiences, from exploring the equipment yard to interacting with employees and customers, laid the foundation for her future career.
She began forging her own entrepreneurial path with technology company, Bumble Inc., months before the launch in 2014. Throughout her tenure, the company became one of the fastest-growing tech companies in the US, culminating in a successful IPO in 2021 with a $7.6B market cap.
Grace then pursued her MBA at The Wharton School which ultimately led to the creation of Willow Hill, a private investment vehicle. At Willow Hill, Grace brings a unique blend of entrepreneurial heritage and tech industry experience to her role as a dealmaker and business leader.