Calder, whose revenue is based on closed transactions (not recurring revenue), continues to massively defy headwinds, growing at a blistering 346% since 2020.
NEW YORK, August 13, 2024 – Inc. revealed today that Calder Capital ranks No. 1409 on the 2024 Inc. 5000, its annual list of the fastest-growing private companies in America. This is the firm’s third time ranking on the list.
“Getting on the Inc. 5000 list three times is something less than 10% of recipients achieve,” noted Calder Founder Max Friar. “This is my kind of award because it’s based on the facts. It looks at hard sales data and recognizes companies that have shown exceptional growth. Many of our competitors boast about how successful they are but have little hard data to show for it. Calder is exceptionally differentiated by our entrepreneurial culture and significant technological and infrastructural investments in marketing and communication automation. Being built-to-scale is how we continue to grow, and that growth accelerated in 2023 as evidenced by our movement up the list!”
The prestigious ranking provides a data-driven look at the most successful companies within the economy’s most dynamic segment—its independent, entrepreneurial businesses. Every year, Inc. generates a list of the top 5000 most successful private companies in the country based on their impressive growth throughout a three year period.
Unlike other lists that are based on judges’ rankings, which often consider factors other than growth, Inc.’s list requires that a company meet the following eligibility requirements:
- Have generated revenue by March 31, 2020
- Have generated at least $100,000 in revenue in 2020
- Have generated at least $2 million in revenue in 2023
- Be privately held, for-profit; based in the U.S., and independent (not a subsidiary or division of another company).
All revenue figures are verified by tax return submissions and independent CPA verification.
Calder Capital’s ascent to the fastest-growing M&A firm in the US is even more impressive when contrasted against a general M&A industry decline in 2023. In 2023, global M&A deal volume declined by 7% and 27% year-over-year dollar volume decline, rounding off the lowest three-quarter total since 2013. (Source: Skadden)
Throughout 2023, the Calder team boasted an impressive year. With the final two closings of the year on December 30th, the team completed 48 transactions in 2023 obliterating previous annual transaction and revenue records. Calder reported 79.1% revenue growth year-over-year, up from 57% during the previous year.
Despite gloomy headlines, Calder’s vibrant culture propelled the team to achieve an outstanding year. The firm’s growth can be attributed to unwavering dedication, relentless diligence, and a commitment to continuous improvement from all team members.
“I have to give credit to Calder’s founder and managing partner, Max Friar, for creating an environment where the tools, resources, and runway are provided so each team member can be successful, and where quality service matters just as much as quantity,” remarked Buy-Side Director, Sam Scharich. “M&A and similar commission-based services are not easy, but when a team member is placed in an ecosystem like the one we have here at Calder, it makes them want to dig their heels in and push the envelope, and they become addicted to the challenge. Kudos to Max for not only building but maintaining a tight-knit team that strives to be on the Inc. 5000 list again and again.”
“The M&A landscape is a complex and ever-evolving environment that presents both opportunities and challenges for firms seeking to grow. It is not easy, given its non-recurring business model. In today’s economic climate, M&A firms face several hurdles that make expansion and growth difficult, requiring innovative strategies and resilience to succeed. Growing an M&A firm in today’s economy is undoubtedly challenging, but firms that can navigate economic uncertainty, regulatory hurdles, and competitive pressures while investing in talent, infrastructure, and relationships are well-positioned to thrive. By embracing innovation and adaptability, M&A firms can overcome these challenges and capitalize on new opportunities for growth,” Sell-Side Director, Garrett Monroe commented. “I am proud to be a part of Calder Capital, and it is always exciting to be recognized by Inc. 5000 as one of the country’s fastest-growing companies. Calder is not slowing down, and we are excited to successfully represent and sell/buy more and more businesses on behalf of our clients to continue our growth trajectory into 2024 and 2025.”
The rewards of Calder’s dedication were many: the team closed a record 48 transactions and received many notable recognitions including, the American Business Awards – Fastest Growing Company of the Year (Silver), the Better Business Bureau Torch Award for Ethics, and the Inc. Regionals Midwest Award.
Interest rates, inflation, and other negative headlines were not in the M&A industry’s favor throughout 2023. Many other companies in the industry took significant hits throughout the economic uncertainty.
The dedication of the Calder team had a chance to shine throughout the uncertainty of 2023.
When asked what he hopes the Inc. 5000 award will bring, Friar had the following to say, “The future of Calder will be built on the recruitment and retention of driven, ambitious, and creative people. Calder offers a very fast-paced and entrepreneurial environment where the learning and growth of our staff and associates are prioritized, and the truth is expected. Staff is expected to critically think, solve problems, think on their feet, and be truthful even when it’s uncomfortable. I believe that the Inc. 5000 recognition is excellent for recruiting and for morale. The types of people we want are attracted to growth, marketing, and innovation, and that is validated by Inc. 5000.”
“Also, I really like the credibility that Inc. 5000 confers, and it’s great for media exposure and sales momentum. My goal is to make this list for as many years as we can, and I am committed to the long-term, thoughtful, creative, and sustainable growth that it will take. Let’s go!”
Calder’s History on Inc. 5000 Fastest-Growing Companies Lists
| Year | Geography | Rank Overall | Rank in State | Rank in City |
| 2021 | Nationwide | No. 2,896 | No. 42 | No. 12 |
| 2023 | Nationwide | No. 1,498 | No.24 | No. 8 |
| 2024 | Nationwide | No. 1,409 | No. 22 | No. 6 |
| 2022 | Midwest Region | No. 61 | No. 5 | No. 1 |
| 2023 | Midwest Region | No. 80 | No. 4 | No. 2 |
| 2024 | Midwest Region | No. 73 | No. 7 | No. 3 |
About Inc. Media
The world’s most trusted business-media brand, Inc. offers entrepreneurs the knowledge, tools, connections, and community to build great companies. Its award-winning multiplatform content reaches more than 50 million people each month across a variety of channels including websites, newsletters, social media, podcasts, and print. Its prestigious Inc. 5000 list, produced every year since 1982, analyzes company data to recognize the fastest-growing privately held businesses in the United States. The global recognition that comes with inclusion in the 5000 gives the founders of the best businesses an opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers and the credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent.
The associated Inc. 5000 Conference is part of a highly acclaimed portfolio of bespoke events produced by Inc. For more information, visit www.inc.com.
About Calder Capital, LLC
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. Our dedicated team of professionals combines extensive industry experience, technological innovation, negotiation savvy, and key relationships to exhibit exceptional execution. Calder’s services include mergers and acquisitions advisory, private funds and capital markets advisory, and business valuations. Please see our website at www.caldergr.com for further information concerning Calder and its current opportunities.