Calder, whose revenue is based on closed transactions (not recurring revenue), continues to defy macroeconomic headwinds, growing at a blistering 44%+ CAGR between 2019 and 2022.
GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., – August 15, 2023 – Midwest-based M&A firm, Calder Capital, today announced it had been named to Inc. Magazine’s top 5000 fastest-growing private companies in the country for a second time ranking #1498.
Every year, Inc. generates a list of the top 5000 most successful private companies in the country based on their impressive growth over the course of a 3-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, 2019
- Have generated at least $100,000 in revenue in 2019
- Have generated at least $2 million in revenue in 2022
- 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.
“While all positive recognitions are a gift,” commented Calder Founder Max Friar, “getting on the Inc. 5000 list 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 is accelerating in 2023.”
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 2022. In 2022, global M&A struggled to keep pace with a record-setting 2021 and saw aggregate deal values down a whopping 37% year-over-year.
Throughout 2022, the Calder team boasted an impressive year. With the final closing of the year on December 30th, the team completed 46 transactions in 2022 obliterating previous annual transaction and revenue records. Calder reported 57% revenue growth year-over-year and three-year revenue growth of 383%.
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.
“In 2022, we embraced new strategies to fuel our growth. Amidst the whirlwind of economic uncertainty in recent years, we have learned the market dynamics are ever-changing, emphasizing the need for agility and adaptability,” commented Matt Baas, Mergers and Acquisitions Advisor at Calder Capital and Partner at Small Business Deal Advisors, the firm’s sister company. “Calder fosters a culture of ethical and hardworking staff, innovation, and creativity. Our ability to embrace change and overcome challenges is deeply ingrained in our company’s DNA.”
“When reflecting on the M&A business model, revenue typically grows as a firm consummates more and more transactions – makes sense, right? However, we cannot rely on repeat business or customers (not many business sellers sell more than one business in their lifetime); we time and time again have to go out and find the next transaction to fuel growth. The following year or deal or opportunity is never guaranteed, so it is important to not only grow transaction volume but also ignite and achieve infrastructure growth, supporting the sales/transaction increase and capacity,” shared Calder Capital Advisor Garrett Monroe.
“2022 into early 2023 was a period of infrastructure growth for Calder – we invested in expanding our team geographically by entering into new states with seasoned M&A professionals and peers; we invested in our direct outreach and business development systems and efforts to sustain our prospect pipeline; we invested in a new website to catalyze further web presence and brand recognition; and we invested in a new/added office space to aid our buy-side team. Along with the aforementioned investments, we invested in many other tools and assets to assist our advisors when representing clients,” Garrett continued. “While I am thrilled that we were recognized on the Inc. 5000 list again in 2022 – we are poised to support continued, steady growth due to the investments in infrastructure and culture for the foreseeable future.”
The rewards of Calder’s dedication were many: the team closed a record 46 transactions and received many notable recognitions including, American Business Awards – Company of the Year, West Michigan’s Most Powerful Business Leaders – Max Friar, and the Inc 5000 Regionals Midwest.
Interest rates, inflation, and other negative headlines were not in the M&A industry’s favor throughout 2022. Many other companies in the industry took significant hits throughout the economic uncertainty.
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!”
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.