Garden City Equity

Garden City Equity is a distinctive people-first holding company dedicated to acquiring and fostering the growth of founder and family-owned businesses for the long term. Unlike traditional private equity firms, Garden City Equity emphasizes a commitment to preserving the existing culture and team within its portfolio companies, aiming to provide a permanent home for these businesses rather than pursuing short-term exits. The firm focuses on creating lasting impact by prioritizing the well-being and dignity of every team member, a philosophy that underpins its investment strategy.

The firm was founded in 2020 by CEO Michael Arrieta, whose vision for Garden City Equity was inspired by the concept of the "Garden of Eden" – a place where all people are created to thrive. Arrieta, a former Global Vice President and Chief of Staff at DocuSign, established the firm with the goal of building workplaces rooted in purpose, people, and profit. Garden City Equity differentiates itself by utilizing minimal debt and partnering closely with existing leadership teams, rather than replacing them, to ensure continuity and sustained growth.

Garden City Equity targets lower middle-market businesses primarily in the South and Southwest United States. Their investment criteria include companies with strong profits, typically seeking $5-25 million+ of annual net income or up to $25 million of EBITDA, healthy net margins of 10% or more, and a proven operational history of at least 10 years. The firm looks for businesses with a competitive edge, a solid non-owner management team, and a reputation for high integrity. Their portfolio spans a diverse range of sectors, including business services, industrials, consumer services, healthcare, real estate, energy, and agriculture.

The firm's portfolio includes companies such as Essig Pools, Westbrook Service Corporation, American Lightscapes, Craluminum, Pathway Healthcare, RevPartners, Trextel, Wathco, and WeBuild. Garden City Equity is led by a team including Michael Arrieta as Founding & Managing Partner and CEO, Megan Walker as CFO & CCO, and Nick Illuminati as Principal, supported by a network of strategic advisors and an extensive group of prominent investors and advisors.