Jim Frings

Jim Frings has built a business ecosystem that spans four continents in the areas of manufacturing, real estate investment and development, software, and now, through the founding of three private equity firms located in Wausau, Wisconsin. He has led rust belt manufacturing companies and a multi-state real estate portfolio through the best and worst of times.

Jim started out managing International Marketing and Sales Channel Development for Intel’s Systems Division, where he arranged technology transfers on six continents, achieved multiple sales records, and negotiated and started up international joint ventures. After turning around a small manufacturer for a wealthy individual, Jim decided to build his own company.

In 1993, Jim acquired Wire Maid Manufacturing in Wausau, Wisconsin, and over the course of thirty years multiplied its revenues tenfold, and most recently in 2023, integrated the acquisition of Formrite in Two Rivers, Wisconsin. Effectively doubling the size of his platform company known as G3 Industries. During that same period, he grew a single investment of a 50% stake in a California four-plex into a large real estate portfolio of multi-family and industrial properties. His investments in other private companies broadened his exposure to many markets and industries.  Jim sits on several corporate and not-for-profit Boards.

In 2018, Jim co-founded Wisconsin River Partners, a middle-market private equity firm specializing in the acquisition of Wisconsin based manufacturing, distribution, and business services. In the past five years, Wisconsin River Partners has completed five business acquisitions. In 2019, Jim went on to found Geared Equity, a real estate private equity firm, that has purchased or developed approximately $100M in real estate with numerous projects in the pipeline. Further recognizing the diversity of business capital needs, in 2023, he went on to co-found Geared Capital, a company providing junior capital and bridge funding for private equity firms, independent sponsors, and management teams.

 Jim earned a Bachelor of the Science of Foreign Service degree from the Georgetown University School of Foreign Service and an MBA from the Columbia University School of Business. He resides in Wisconsin and enjoys skiing, horseback riding, basketball, and travel.