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Top M&A Entrepreneurs

Battle-Tested Leadership: Special Forces Veterans & Business Acquisitions

August 05, 2024 • Jon Stoddard

Meet Robert Kirila and Mark Whaling, the duo behind Black Powder Partners—a game-changing venture that's turning the dream of entrepreneurship into a reality for special forces veterans. Born out of their passion for aiding these heroes as they transition to civilian life, their journey began with Your Grateful Nation, a nonprofit dedicated to helping special forces veterans find success in the corporate world. But they quickly discovered that while many veterans excelled in traditional roles, their true calling lay in the bold, entrepreneurial landscape.

Black Powder Partners is not your typical private equity firm. They specialize in acquiring and growing asset-light service-based micro-cap companies in the Southeast, placing highly skilled veterans in leadership roles. This unique approach combines financial acumen with the indomitable spirit and leadership skills of veterans—making their businesses unstoppable forces in their niches.

With three successful acquisitions under their belt, Black Powder Partners has proven that their model works. They're not just about the bottom line; they're about instilling a culture of leadership and growth. Their focus is on businesses with long-term potential, leveraging the talents of veterans to drive success.

Investors are taking notice, excited by the chance to support a veteran-owned firm that doesn't just hire veterans but celebrates them. With a patient, flexible investment approach, Black Powder Partners is in it for the long haul, aiming for a five to seven-year window for returns. This isn't just business; it's a mission to empower those who have served and to foster a new generation of veteran entrepreneurs ready to conquer the world of business.