Chicago-based Winona Capital Management Develops Talent Within

CHICAGO - March 19, 2014 - PRLog -- Winona Capital Management, a Chicago-based private equity firm specializing in growth investments in consumer brands, today announced the promotions of Jason Starr and Jason Sowers to principals of the company. As principals, they will now spearhead sourcing, closing and overseeing companies in the Winona portfolio.

“We take pride in developing talent from within and promoting those who understand our business model and culture,” said Laird Koldyke, Founder and Managing Director of Winona Capital Management. “With over two decades of collective industry experience and in-depth knowledge of their fields, promoting Starr and Sowers was an easy choice.”

Starr has been with Winona Capital Management since 2007 and has over 10 years in operational, entrepreneurial, and private equity industries. “Starr played a key role in developing e-commerce for Peter Millar, one of our significant investments,” said Luke Reese, Founder and Managing Director. “He has great entrepreneurial instincts and strategic business discipline.”

Sowers has been with Winona Capital Management since 2008 and is an expert in entrepreneurial investment strategy. “We are incredibly impressed with Sowers’ ongoing stewardship of our Fusion Education Group and Petsense investments,” said Koldyke. “He has true domain expertise in the pet sector.”

Background on Jason Starr: Within the Winona Capital portfolio, Starr serves on Boloco and CIRCA boards and has portfolio company responsibilities for KJUS. He also had responsibility for Peter Millar, which was realized through a sale to Richemont in 2012. Prior to joining Winona, Starr held positions at Crossroads Capital Partners, where he was responsible for sourcing and evaluating investments. Previously, Starr spent five years in executive and leadership roles at technology ventures, including BoldTech Systems – a “Deloitte Fast 50” and “Inc. 500” business. Earlier in his career, Starr spent time at Accenture, leading high-profile strategy and operational improvement projects for Fortune 500 companies. Starr earned a BSBA in Operations and MAS in Technology Management from University of Denver and an MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.

Background on Jason Sowers: Currently sitting on the Winona Capital portfolio boards of Petsense and Fusion Education Group, Sowers also shares  portfolio company responsibilities for Johnny’s Fine Foods. Sowers served on the board of Dragon Alliance prior to its successful 2012 sale to The Marchon Group. Before joining Winona, Jason was part of KPMG’s Global Strategic and Commercial Intelligence group (SCI) where he worked with and advised corporate and private equity clients on over 15 M&A transactions ranging in value from $50 million to $13 billion. Previously, Jason held various roles at Portage Venture Partners, Momentum Capital, and two private equity backed startups. Sowers graduated with a BS and BA in computer science and economics from Amherst College and earned his MBA from the University of Chicago Booth School of Business.


About Winona Capital Management: Winona Capital Management provides acquisition and growth capital to consumer goods and services businesses in the lower middle market. Winona partners with high energy, passionate executives who have a shared focus on building great brands with sustained growth over long-term investment horizons. Winona Capital manages more than $300 million on behalf of its Family Office and Institutional investors. For more information, please visit www.winonacapital.com.