Blackford Capital’s portfolio company Artificial Turf Supply is included in the Inc. 5000 for the first time
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Aug. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Inc. Magazine today announced that Blackford Capital (Blackford), a leading lower middle market private equity firm that acquires, manages and creates value in lower middle market manufacturing, industrial and value-added distribution companies, has been named to the “2024 Inc. 5000,” an annual list recognizing the fastest-growing private companies in America.
The Inc. 5000 reflects a data-driven look at the most successful companies in the most dynamic segment of the economy – independent, entrepreneurial companies. This is the third time Blackford has been on this prestigious list since its founding in 2010. With nearly 30% headcount growth and three-year revenue growth, the company landed at No. 101 in Michigan, No. 28 in Grand Rapids-Kentwood and No. 143 in the manufacturing industry in recognition of our portfolio.
Blackford Capital’s portfolio company Aritificial Turf Supply (ATS), a manufacturer, distributor and internet-based supplier of high-quality synthetic and artificial turf products with residential, commercial playground, pet and sports applications in the B2B and B2C segments across the United States, is also named to the 2024 list. ATS, which was included in the Inc. 5000 for the first time, was acquired by Blackford in November 2022 and joined the company’s Patio Consolidation Platform.
“We are thrilled to once again be recognized as one of the fastest-growing private companies in America,” said Martin Stein, founder and managing director of Blackford Capital. “Blackford’s team works tirelessly to deliver world-class results, not only for our company, but for each of our portfolio companies. This recognition and that of the team at ATS are a testament to our proven methods and ongoing commitment to continued growth and supporting the global markets our companies call home.”
Since its inception, Blackford Capital has acquired, grown and successfully exited small to mid-sized companies with revenues between $15 million and $200 million. The firm has developed 17 platforms and completed a total of approximately 35 add-ons and ten exits. Blackford focuses exclusively on majority-controlled leveraged buyouts of industrial, manufacturing and value-added distribution companies. Under Blackford Capital’s ownership and management, these portfolio companies have grown into industry leaders and are thriving in each of their industries across 10 U.S. states, the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, as well as Ireland, Germany and China.
The Inc. 5000 class of 2024 represents companies that have achieved rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressures, rising capital costs and dynamic talent acquisition challenges. Among this year’s top 500 companies, the average three-year median revenue growth rate is 1,637 percent. In total, this year’s Inc. 5000 companies added 874,458 jobs to the economy over the past three years.
The complete 2024 Inc. 5000 list, with company profiles and an interactive database that can be sorted by industry, location and other criteria, can be found at www.inc.com/inc5000.
About Blackford Capital
Founded in 2010, Blackford Capital is a private equity investment firm and registered investment advisor headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Blackford acquires, manages and builds founder-owned and family-owned lower middle market businesses, with a focus on the manufacturing, industrial and distribution industries. Blackford has a track record of exceptional returns, a disciplined and relentless approach to value creation, and a focus on operational excellence and a compelling culture. In 2023, Blackford Capital was named to Inc.’s list of Founder-Friendly Investors, was awarded the 2023 M&A Dealmaker of the Year Award by ACG Detroit, and won the 2023 Small Markets Deal of the Year Award from both Buyouts Magazine and the Global M&A Network Atlas Awards. For more information, visit www.blackfordcapital.com.
About Artificial Turf Supply (ATS)
David Barbera founded Artificial Turf Supply in 2005 in Carlsbad, California, and has grown it into a leading manufacturer direct sales, wholesale, Artificial turf & artificial grass Supplier of residential, commercial, playground and sports turf. For more information visit artificialturfsupply.com.
To Incl.
Inc. Business Media is the leading multimedia brand for entrepreneurs. Through its journalism, Incl. aims to inform, educate and raise the profile of our community: the risk-takers, the innovators and the extremely motivated doers who are shaping our future. Incl.‘s award-winning work reaches a monthly brand exposure of more than 40 million people through a variety of channels, including events, print, digital, video, podcasts, newsletters and social media. The company’s proprietary Inc. 5000 list, compiled every year since its inception as the Inc. 100 in 1982, analyzes corporate data to rank the fastest-growing private companies in the United States. The recognition that comes with inclusion on this and other prestigious lists, Incl. Lists like Female Founders and Power Partners give founders of top companies the opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers and gain credibility that helps them increase revenue and recruit talent. For more information, visit www.inc.com.
Media contact:
MichaelJackson
Lambert for Blackford Capital
616.233.0500
[email protected]
