Blackford Capital Named to Inc. 5000 2024 List as One of America’s Fastest Growing Companies

GRAND RAPIDS, Mich., Aug. 14, 2024 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) — Inc. Magazine today revealed that Blackford Capital (Blackford), a leading lower middle market private equity firm that acquires, manages and builds value in lower middle market manufacturing, industrial and value-added distribution companies, has been recognized on the 2024 Inc. 5000 list, an annual list recognizing the fastest-growing private companies in America.

The Inc. 5000 list reflects a data-driven view of the most successful companies within the most dynamic segment of the economy: independent and entrepreneurial businesses. This is the third time Blackford has appeared on the prestigious list since its founding in 2010. With nearly 30% headcount growth and three-year revenue growth, the company ranked #101 in Michigan, #28 in Grand Rapids-Kentwood and #143 in Manufacturing, recognizing our portfolio.

Blackford Capital portfolio company Aritificial Turf Supply (ATS), an internet-based manufacturer, distributor and provider of high-quality synthetic and artificial turf products with residential, commercial, pet and athletic playground applications in both the B2B and B2C segments across the United States, is also recognized on the 2024 list. A first-time honoree on the Inc. 5000 list, ATS was acquired by Blackford in November 2022 and joined the company’s Playground Consolidation Platform.

“We are thrilled to be recognized once again as one of the fastest-growing private companies in the United States,” said Martin Stein, Founder and CEO of Blackford Capital. “The Blackford team works tirelessly to deliver the best results, not only for our firm, but for each of our portfolio companies. This recognition, and that of the ATS team, is a testament to our proven methodologies and our ongoing commitment to achieving continued growth and supporting the global markets that our companies call home.”

Since its inception, Blackford Capital has successfully acquired, developed and sold founder- and family-owned lower middle market companies with revenues ranging from $15 million to $200 million. The firm has developed 17 platforms and completed approximately 35 scale-ups and ten divestitures in total. Blackford focuses exclusively on majority-controlled leveraged buyouts of value-added industrial, manufacturing and distribution companies. Under Blackford Capital’s ownership and operation, these portfolio companies have grown to become industry leaders, thriving in each of their industries across 10 U.S. states, the U.S. territory of Puerto Rico, as well as in Ireland, Germany and China.

The Inc. 5000 Class of 2024 represents companies that have driven rapid revenue growth while navigating inflationary pressure, rising capital costs and dynamic hiring challenges. Among this year’s Top 500 companies, the three-year average revenue growth rate is 1,637 percent. In total, this year’s Inc. 5000 companies have added 874,458 jobs to the economy over the past three years.

For the complete list of the Inc. 5000 for 2024, including company profiles and an interactive database sortable by industry, location and other criteria, visit www.inc.com/inc5000.

About Blackford Capital
Founded in 2010, Blackford Capital is a private equity investment firm and registered investment advisor based in Grand Rapids, Michigan. Blackford acquires, manages and builds family-owned and founder-owned 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 Founder-Friendly Investor List, was recognized by ACG Detroit with the 2023 M&A Dealmaker of the Year Award, and was awarded the 2023 Small Markets Deal of the Year by Buyouts Magazine and the Global M&A Network Atlas Awards. For more information, please visit www.blackfordcapital.com.

About Artificial Turf Supply (ATS)
Founded in 2005 in Carlsbad, California, David Barbera has grown Artificial Turf Supply into a leading wholesale direct manufacturer. Artificial grass and synthetic turf Turf supplier for residential, commercial, gaming and sports applications. For more information, visit artificialturfsupply.com.

About Inc.
Inc. Business Media is the leading multimedia brand for entrepreneurs. Through its journalism, Inc. It aims to inform, educate and raise the profile of our community: the risk-takers, innovators and ultra-motivated entrepreneurs who are creating our future. Inc.Inc.’s award-winning work achieves a monthly brand footprint of more than 40 million across a variety of channels including events, print, digital, video, podcasts, newsletters and social media. Its proprietary Inc. 5000 list, compiled every year since its launch as the Inc. 100 in 1982, analyzes company data to rank the fastest-growing private companies in the United States. The recognition that comes with inclusion on this and other prestigious lists Inc. Lists like Female Founders and Power Partners offer founders of top companies the opportunity to engage with an exclusive community of their peers and credibility that helps them drive sales and recruit talent. For more information, visit www.inc.com.

Press contact:
Jackson Lin
Lambert for Blackford Capital
616.233.0500
[email protected]