Michael Southard
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Hey Michael — similar-ish path (IB → PE), been thinking a lot about proprietary origination in sportfishing & landscape products lately. would be good to connect.
Hey Michael, similar background — IB into investing, though I was in London at CS & Greenhill not in Ohio building a portfolio of sportfishing and hardscape businesses. origination was always the same story for me — clear thesis, decent relationships, but no proprietary system of record tying anything together. every deal virtually sourced from scratch, nothing compounding over time. curious if that's still how most funds operate or if I'm behind the times? — Russ
Hey Michael, looks like we share a similar background — banking into the investing side, though I was in London doing growth equity deals at Treis not in Ohio acquiring sportfishing and landscape brands like you. the pattern I keep seeing with most funds is weirdly consistent — strong thesis, solid network, but no proprietary system of record. the people, tools and ideas are never really connected, so every deal is virtually sourced from scratch. nothing compounds on itself. curious if that resonates or if you've built something different at Elvisridge? — Russ
hey Michael — no worries if the timing's off. most funds I talk to have tried some version of building origination in-house — analyst pulling from Pitchbook or Grata, maybe ChatGPT to help qualify, dumping it into a spreadsheet. each piece kind of works, but there's no system of record tying it together. the people, tools and ideas stay disconnected so there's tonnes of wasted energy. been helping a fund like Mentmore work through that in niche industrial verticals. curious if you've hit the same wall at Elvisridge? — Russ
totally get it if origination infrastructure isn't top of mind right now — most funds have 10 things ahead of it on the priority list. the funds I've seen crack it early just tend to compound deal flow in a way that's hard to replicate later. if it ever moves up the list, I'm easy to find. — Russ
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Michael - Saw you're building a portfolio around sportfishing brands from Ohio — I'm based here too. Luna Sea, Blackfin Rods, FINS — solid thesis. Started at Credit Suisse doing tech M&A, then growth equity. Now I build deal sourcing systems for funds like yours. Custom origination engine around your thesis — connects your CRM, LinkedIn, and email, layers on AI screening and battle-tested outreach logic, books meetings. Intelligent automation, not another AI agency. Working with Axiom Equity in the UK and a few US search funds. Worth a quick call? searchloop.ai linkedin.com/in/russellt23
Michael - Most cold outreach to business owners lands in spam — especially in niche verticals like sportfishing where you're competing with every broker and aggregator. Proper infrastructure and sequencing changes that. Happy to share what's working for similar funds sourcing in specialized sectors. Russ
Michael - Been helping a few lower middle-market funds target founder-owned businesses in niche manufacturing — similar profile to your landscape and fishing portfolio companies. Seeing 3-4x more conversations than typical broker-driven sourcing. Open to a quick call this week? Russ
Michael - Know you're busy building the portfolio. If sourcing owner-operated businesses becomes a priority, happy to share what's working. Door's open. Russ
Prospect Research
## PROSPECT INFORMATION: Name: Michael Southard Title: Founder/CEO Fund: Elvisridge Capital, LLC Background: Michael Southard is the Founder and CEO of Elvisridge Capital, LLC, a private investment firm based in Beachwood, Ohio. His current focus is on acquiring and growing privately held U.S. companies with EBITDA between $200,000 and $3 million, specifically within the sportfishing and landscape products sectors. He also leads Elvisridge Partners, LLC, which invests in alternative assets like multi-family residential properties and various private equity and debt funds. Michael has an extensive background in the lighting and consumer goods industries. He spent over 23 years at Kichler Lighting, rising to VP of International Sales and National Sales Manager for Landscape Lighting. His early career include roles at Huntington National Bank, GE Capital, and as a Vice President/Owner of Gorman Plastics. He holds a BS in Accounting and Business from the University of Tampa and an MBA from Mercer University. His core skills include sales management, strategic planning, landscape lighting, and business development. He is highly active in philanthropy and University governance, serving as a Board of Trustees member for the University of Tampa and founding the non-profit Crofton Cares. Recent Posts and Activity: - March 11, 2025: Shared an announcement regarding a new acquisition: "Elvisridge Capital, LLC is pleased to announce the acquisition of Luna Sea, LLC, a leader in high-performance fishing accessories like the Cush-it™, Leader-Mate™, and Ultra Float™. This acquisition strengthens our portfolio alongside our established brands like Blackfin Rods, FINS Fishing, and Glacier Outdoor." - October 5, 2024: Celebrated his alma mater’s success: "The University of Tampa is again ranked by U.S. News & World Report in the top tier Regional Universities (South) category in the U.S. News & World Report 2025 Best Colleges rankings." - March 27, 2024: Was honored by his fraternity, Delta Sigma Pi: "Following the initiation ceremony, we held a recognition dinner for Dr. Vaughn and Michael Southard... Mr. Southard [received the] Entrepreneur Award, Benefactor Award, and Silver Helmet Award, awarded for 25 years of service to DSP." - October 1, 2023: Welcomed new talent to his firm: "We are thrilled to welcome Kasey Southard to the Elvisridge Capital team as an Associate! ... Her strong analytical skills, excellent communication and negotiation skills, and knowledge of investment strategies and market trends make her an invaluable addition." - June 29, 2023: Shared a leadership philosophy post: "Leadership is a fundamental aspect of human society... It is essential to discern whether a leader is truly worthy of our trust, loyalty, and admiration. So, before you blindly follow someone, take a step back and evaluate whether they possess the qualities that make them deserving of your commitment." - October 20, 2020: Shared an article regarding a previous acquisition: "Elvisridge Capital acquires SurfaceLogix." Fund details: - Description: Elvisridge Capital is a private investment firm seeking to acquire businesses where our experience and resources can improve profitability and revenue growth. We offer personal attention, operational expertise, and strategic resources to the companies that we partner with to ensure companies continue to thrive after an ownership transition. Our target market is privately held companies based in the United States, with EBITDA of $200,000 to $3 million and sales of $1 to $10 million. Our preferred investment sectors include, but are not limited to, sportfishing and landscape products. We realize that selling a company you have worked hard to build is an emotional decision that weighs heavy on a business owner. Additionally, we understand that this decision isn't just a financial one. Most owners want their legacy to carry on and for their management teams and employees to remain employed. That is our end-goal as well. We make investments for the long term — not simply to satisfy short-term goals. We invest our own capital and make investment decisions locally and rapidly. In addition, we offer the opportunity for management teams or owners to continue employment and participate in future acquisitions. - Website: https://elvisridgecapital.com - Location: Beachwood, Ohio, United States - Lead qualification: Research: - Query: =Elvisridge Capital, LLC Michael Southard recent investments fund thesis - Answer: Elvisridge Capital, led by Michael Southard, focuses on acquiring established middle- to late-stage businesses in sportfishing and landscape products. Recent investments include SurfaceLogix and Innovative Concrete Technology Corporation (ICT). The firm aims for profitability and revenue growth through operational expertise.