Longevity & Sustainability Start Here
Strategy for Success
The Experience to Make it Happen
Cedar Ridge Holding Company is comprised of experienced investors who have executed dozens of transactions over the past decade. With the committed capital available to acquire companies, paired with the sophistication to execute successful M&A transactions, Cedar Ridge is different than standard private equity firms and corporate acquisition entities. Cedar Ridge is successful because we leverage our collective experience executing and managing deals as well as utilizing significant resources and networks.
Further, Cedar Ridge has the committed capital to invest in the longevity and sustainability of companies. The ability to strategically invest in people, equipment and processes with an indefinite time horizon, is what sets Cedar Ridge apart.
Your Business,
Your Legacy
When it comes time to sell your company, the last thing you, the business owner, wants to see is the company that you’ve dedicated your life to, sold again for a quick profit. This company is the culmination of your blood, sweat and tears. Unfortunately, a traditional private equity firm will look to flip the company within 3-5 years.
​
On the other hand, a larger corporate investor will take your business and dissolve it into the large corporation, where it becomes extinct. And often, trying to find an entity on a local level with the knowledge and capability to manage/operate your business long term is challenging.
​
Cedar Ridge Holding company is the answer. The care you have for your employees, your customers and the reputation you’ve built means something. Whether you’re the founder of the company or it’s a family business passed down through generations, Cedar Ridge knows that seeing the business continue to grow and succeed is of the utmost importance. And with Cedar Ridge, that’s the goal moving forward.
Blake Hermel
Managing Partner
Blake Hermel is the owner and operator of several businesses including his 4th generation family operation, A.H. Hermel Company. For the past decade Blake has managed the day to day operations of over 200 employees in 3 states and started a variety of new businesses.
Locally, Blake is involved with several boards and is a member of YPO. Prior to co-founding Cedar Ridge and owning A.H. Hermel Company, Blake worked in the airline industry.
Darren Brathol
Managing Partner
Darren Brathol has extensive experience in private equity, family-office investing, investment banking and commercial banking. Over the past decade, Darren has executed several-dozen mergers & acquisitions both on the buy-side and sell-side.
Prior to co-founding Cedar Ridge Holding Company, Darren was a Managing Director at Spell Capital Partners (an established private equity firm), as well as an investment banker at Lazard Middle Market, both based in Minneapolis, MN. He has also been an active Board of Director for a handful of different companies.
