Clearwater Equity Group is a Minneapolis-based holding company that invests in profitable, lower middle-market businesses in partnership with management.
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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.
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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.
Devoted to Long-Term Success
Current Portfolio
Historical Portfolio
CEG Team
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.
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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.
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Education: Bachelor’s of Business Administration – Finance, University of Notre Dame
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Steve Sefton
Chairman
Brian Sefton
President
Brian joined Clearwater Equity Group in 2015 after eight years in the mezzanine finance and consulting fields.
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Brian’s deep experience in underwriting and structuring private investments is supplemented by his passionate focus on strategy, operational efficiency, and financial performance.
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Previously, Brian was a Vice President at Yukon Partners and an Analyst at Huron Consulting Group.
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Education: Bachelor’s of Business Administration – Finance, University of Notre Dame
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Maureen Moran
Senior Portfolio Analyst
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.
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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.
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Education: Bachelor's of Business Administration - Finance, University of Notre Dame
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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.
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Education: Bachelor’s of Business Administration – Accounting, University of St. Thomas
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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.
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Previously, Kate worked in the sales and retail management field.
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Education: Bachelor of Arts – Management, The Art Institutes International Minnesota
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