RF = Relationship First

The trusted partner of lower-middle-market management teams
 

About Us

RF Investment Partners (“RF”) is a private investment firm managing $683 million of capital (including private capital and projected SBA leverage) across various investment vehicles, including Small Business Investment Company (“SBIC”) funds. RF is dedicated to using flexible debt and equity financing solutions to support exceptional management teams in lower-middle-market companies.

We use an opportunistic approach to investing, customizing debt and equity investments that best meet the needs of owners and managers. We provide investment capital ranging in size from $5 million to $30 million that arise from the following situations:

Management Buyouts
Management Buyouts
Recapitalizations
Recapitalizations
Acquisition or Growth Financing
Acquisition or Growth Financing
Shareholder Liquidity Events
Shareholder Liquidity Events
ESOPs
ESOPs
Family Ownership/Generational Transition
Family Ownership/Generational Transition
Partnering

We believe that teamwork begins by building trust with all of our partners.  We empower management to challenge and inspire their teams, because people are at the core of what makes businesses successful.  We don't run businesses, we provide management with the support, guidance, advice, and perspective to lead.

"The strength of the team is each individual member. The strength of each member is the team." - Phil Jackson
"Someone is sitting in the shade today because someone planted a tree a long time ago." - Warren Buffett
"Success is not the key to happiness. Happiness is the key to success. If you love what you are doing, you will be successful." - Albert Schweitzer
"Humility, like the darkness, reveals the heavenly lights.” - Henry David Thoreau

Core Values

  • 1Be honest and act with integrity in everything you do. We build relationships, not simply a portfolio of transactions.
  • 2Do what you say you are going to do and be transparent. Communicate and act in a straightforward manner in all aspects of life.
  • 3Empower people and treat them with respect. People are an invaluable asset, treat them as such and help them reach their full potential.
  • 4Strive for excellence. Reputations are built over a lifetime, but can be lost in a moment.
  • 5Be appreciative of everything you have. Success has many mothers, approach business with an equal dose of hunger, heart, humor, and humility.