Calder Capital, a nationwide M&A firm headquartered in Grand Rapids, Michigan has climbed the ranks to No. 30 on Inc.’s fifth annual Inc. Regionals: Midwest list. This prestigious ranking by Inc. recognizes the fastest-growing private companies in the Midwest, including Illinois, Indiana, Iowa, Kansas, Michigan, Minnesota, Missouri, Nebraska, North Dakota, Ohio, South Dakota, and Wisconsin. Calder Capital was listed as #2 in Michigan and #1 in West Michigan, due to our rapid growth and strong presence in Michigan.
Founded in 2013, Calder Capital, LLC is a lower middle market M&A Advisory Firm focused on representing sellers of manufacturing, construction, distribution, and business services companies with enterprise value from $1-100MM; and strategic buyers seeking platform and bolt-on acquisitions in the same market segments. This is Calder Capital’s fourth consecutive year of recognition, having experienced sustained growth while proving themselves as a leader in the lower middle market M&A advisory market. Past recognitions in many past Inc. 5000 lists include:
- Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies Nationwide List in 2021
- Inc. 5000 Regionals Midwest Region’s Fastest-Growing Companies in 2022
- Inc. 5000 Fastest Growing Companies Nationwide List in 2023
- Inc. 5000 Regionals Midwest Region’s Fastest-Growing Companies in 2023
- Inc 5000 Regionals Midwast Region's Fastest-Growing Companies is 2024
An extension of the national Inc. 5000 list, the Regionals offer a data-driven look at the most successful independent businesses driving economic growth across their respective regions. Between 2021 and 2023, the 139 companies on this year’s list achieved a median growth rate of 86%, collectively added 7,977 jobs and contributed $13.2 billion to the regional economy.
“The honorees on this year’s Inc. Regionals list are true trailblazers driving economic growth in their respective regions, industries, and beyond. This list celebrates their achievements and tells the stories of remarkable companies that are fueling growth and adding jobs in local economies throughout the country,” said Bonny Ghosh, editorial director at Inc.
“This recognition, and our growth as a firm, may be fully attributed to the drive, innovation, and integrity of our team,” said Max Friar, Founder and Managing Partner of Calder Capital. “In the first two months of 2024, we had achieved 12 closings; by the start of March 2025, we’ve already closed 16 deals. New client acquisition is surging, with 21 new clients so far in 2025, compared to just 6 at this point last year. Our growth trajectory remains strong.”
Max continued, “it’s a privilege to help buyers and business owners achieve life-changing results in their acquisitions or exits. We are grateful for the trust of our clients, the continued opportunity to serve them, and the ability we are provided to continue growing nationwide, while being centered in the Midwest economy.”
Complete results of the 2025 Inc. Regionals: Midwest can be found at https://www.inc.com/regionals/midwest.
Methodology
The 2025 Inc. Regionals are ranked according to percentage revenue growth from 2021 to 2023. To qualify, companies must have been founded and generating revenue by March 31, 2021. They must be U.S.-based, privately held, for-profit, and independent as of December 31, 2023. The minimum revenue required for 2021 is $100,000; for 2023, it is $1 million.
About Calder Capital
Founded in 2013, Calder Capital, LLC is a lower middle market investment bank providing mergers and acquisitions advisory services to business owners, entrepreneurs, family offices, and investors across the United States. Calder’s services include mergers and acquisitions advisory, private funds and capital markets advisory, and business valuations. To learn more, please visit www.caldergr.com
About Inc.
Inc. is the leading media brand and playbook for the entrepreneurs and business leaders shaping our future. Through its journalism, Inc. aims to inform, educate, and elevate the profile of its community: the risk-takers, the innovators, and the ultra-driven go-getters who are creating the future of business. Inc. is published by Mansueto Ventures LLC, along with fellow leading business publication Fast Company. For more information, visit www.inc.com.