Why Founder- and Family-Owned Businesses Are Our Preferred Partners

Finding the Right Business Partner

As a business owner, finding the right partner to take the next step with can be tricky—how do you find someone who honestly shares the same passion for your business, love for your people and vision for the future?

Not all private equity firms are created equal, but if you find the right partner, they can help you:

• Ensure satisfaction and security for your valued employees


• Preserve the hard work you put into building your legacy


• Maximize your positive impact as a business


• Set up a sustainable and successful future for your business

In all our years of work with founders, we’ve found a few key shared values that have propelled our experiences to valuable, rewarding partnerships. Below are some of the key ways in which we feel we align well with founder and family-owned business.

People First

Each of our partners' companies rests on a delicate system of trusted friends, supportive family, and years of hard work. This structure provides the needed support and fuel for each business to thrive, and each individual plays a key role in bringing that success to fruition.

Rather than wiping it clean, we aim to enhance that system. Through countless hours of discussing, meeting, and getting to know the people that bring your business to life, only then are we able to reach our goal of supporting your legacy.

Legacy Matters

A legacy is more than your business’s age. It’s your story, brimming with lively characters, thrilling tales and countless good memories. These legacies are what bring your business to life. Georgia Oak understands the value of long standing traditions passed through generations - hence, our slogan: Grow Your Legacy. We’re southern locals - we share the desire to preserve and uphold the legacies founders worked so hard to build. As the storytellers, our team works to preserve the liveliness and impact of your company's legacy and pave the way for a promising future.

Local Impact

Your business plays a key role in your community’s delicate ecosystem. With proper guidance, the impact of these companies can greatly benefit their hometown. In our years of work with founders, we have found methods of maximizing this impact to be of service to all aspects of their communities. From job creation to local volunteering, our team strives to give back through our work.

The Big One: Passion

Founders and family business owners share a fervent passion for what they do, which is what makes the partnership process so inspiring. We put our hearts and souls into everything we do for your legacy, from the first introduction to well past close date. To put it simply, we love our business because we love supporting other businesses, and we know we’ve struck gold when we find a partner that shares that level of passion.

Selling even a part of the legacy founders worked tirelessly for can be scary for many and emotional for most. Finding a partner aligned with your company's motivations, culture, and values can make this process easier – exciting, even.

Watch how these values came to life with our investment in Sailfish Boats.

At Georgia Oak, we’re committed to enhancing your business and helping founders grow their legacies to their fullest potential. If you find we’re a good fit for your next step, please reach out to Spencer at spencer@georgiaoakpartners.com.