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Clearwater Equity Group is a Minneapolis-based holding company that invests in profitable, lower middle-market businesses in partnership with management.

We work closely with each of our companies to ensure that they have the capital and human resources necessary to realize long-term growth in revenue, earnings, and market share.

Clearwater does not manage any outside capital. This enables us to hold our investments for the very long term, which allows our companies to optimize their growth and success.

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Clearwater Equity Group, Inc CEG Minneapolis Private Equity

Devoted to Long-Term Success

Portfolio

Current Portfolio

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A&M Business Interior Services

Commercial furniture installation

and services

Headquarters: Minneapolis, MN

Invested: 2010

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Engineered
Specialty Products

Supplier of industrial gauges, 

instruments, and accessories

Headquarters: Kennesaw, GA

Invested: 2012

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Epicurean Butter

Chef-designed flavored butter products

Headquarters: Federal Heights, CO

Invested: 2019

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Foley Company

Designer and Manufacturer of sharpening equipment

Headquarters: River Falls, WI

Invested: 2017

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Lakeshirts

Wholesale supplier of

custom-designed apparel 

Headquarters: Detroit Lakes, MN

Invested: 2019

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Quick Cable

Manufactures and distributes products

for the energy storage industry

Headquarters: Franksville, WI

Invested: 2012

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Springboard
Manufacturing

Contract manufacturer of 

injection molded products

Headquarters: Bridgeman, MI

Invested: 2017

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United Skin Specialists

Dermatology practice management

Headquarters: Minneapolis, MN

Invested: 2015

Atmosphere Commercial Interiors
Atmosphere Commercial Interiors

Commercial furniture dealer

Headquarters: Minneapolis, MN

Invested: 2015

Historical Portfolio

CEG Team
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Steve founded Clearwater Equity Group in 1997 after twenty years of making private equity and debt investments. He founded Clearwater because of his desire to make long-term investments in profitable small businesses in partnership with management teams and other investors.

Steve has retired from serving on the Boards of all portfolio companies and has been succeeded by Brian Sefton. Steve remains involved in strategic planning for CEG and serves on the Investment Committee which reviews/approves prospective new investments.

Education: Bachelor’s of Business Administration – Finance, University of Notre Dame

Sefton@clearwaterequity.com 

Steve Sefton
Chairman
Brian Sefton
President

Brian joined Clearwater Equity Group in 2015 after eight years in the mezzanine finance and consulting fields.

Brian’s deep experience in underwriting and structuring private investments is supplemented by his passionate focus on strategy, operational efficiency, and financial performance.

Previously, Brian was a Vice President at Yukon Partners and an Analyst at Huron Consulting Group.

Education: Bachelor’s of Business Administration – Finance, University of Notre Dame

Brian@clearwaterequity.com | 

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Maureen Moran
Senior Portfolio Analyst
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Maureen joined Clearwater Equity Group in 2017 after nine years in the investment, consulting, and nonprofit fields. Maureen previously worked at Clearwater as an Associate from 2011-2014.

Before returning to Clearwater, Maureen spent two years as an Operations Associate at Windhorse Capital Management and Xofficio LLC in Charlottesville, Virginia, where she worked in investment operations, with a focus on data management and performance reporting.

Education: Bachelor's of Business Administration - Finance, University of Notre Dame

Maureen@clearwaterequity.com |

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Kris Pearson
Controller

Kris joined Clearwater Equity Group in April 2005. Her skills include controllership and tax compliance specifically focused in the private equity industry. 

 

Previously, Kris worked for Deloitte, Waycrosse, Inc., and Arthur Anderson.

Education: Bachelor’s of Business Administration – Accounting, University of St. Thomas

Kris@clearwaterequity.com |

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Kate LoCascio
Office Manager

Kate joined Clearwater Equity Group in September 2013. Her day-to-day responsibilities include general office management and human resources. 

Previously, Kate worked in the sales and retail management field. 

Education: Bachelor of Arts – Management, The Art Institutes International Minnesota

Kate@clearwaterequity.com

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Team

Contact Us

200 Southdale Center

Edina, MN 55435

info@clearwaterequity.com

(612) 504 - 9880

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Contact
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