Investment Approach

We perceive the lower market not as a uniform entity but as a mosaic of unique businesses, each with its own nuances. Our approach is finely tuned to resonate with the distinct values and culture of every opportunity. This adaptability is rooted in collaboration and flexibility, allowing us to tailor our strategy to the individuality of each business.

Our Strategy

We are a growth-oriented, lower-market private investment firm dedicated to scaling and building operationally excellent companies. We partner with top-tier, passionate founders to invest in strategically well-positioned yet under-resourced businesses and unlock their potential through sustainable long-term growth and operational value creation.

Our investment strategy is rooted in a profound understanding and respect for the evolving challenges faced by small businesses. Our people-centric approach directly addresses these challenges and the scarcity of strategic resources, with a primary focus on the most valuable resource – people.

Central to our approach is a deep sense of responsibility and accountability for every partnership we cultivate. We reject the notion of remote, detached management, preferring instead to build trust through direct, face-to-face collaboration. Our hands-on involvement in the field is the driving force behind success in small businesses, embodying the spirit of “we,” working and succeeding together.

We place trust in leadership and strive for long-term alignment, fostering growth from within and empowering management and employees to reach their goals.

Active Thesis Efforts

AEP is industry agnostic, but primarily focuses on essential services and manufacturing. We target diverse sectors with highly scalable business models, strong market dynamics, consistent growth, structural barriers to entry, and fragmented landscapes undergoing early-stage consolidation, offering significant value creation opportunities aligned with our expertise, resources, and capabilities.

Aerospace & Defense Manufacturing

Environmental and Compliance Services

High-Value Property Services

Health and Fitness Consumer Services

Investment Criteria

Proven Track Record of Growth and Profitability

Enduring Market Demand with Recurring Revenue Drivers

Exceptional Leadership and Strong Company Culture

Strategic Value Creation Opportunities

Investment Parameters

Geography:

US, with a specific focus on the East Coast


Size:

EBITDA between $500k – $4m

Structure:

Control Investments or Minority Ownership with Strong Governance Rights

Contact Form
Name

Luke Prendergast

Co-Founder

Luke Prendergast, a co-founder of AEP, is integral to every facet of our operations—from sourcing and underwriting to active involvement in post-close partnerships and value creation.

With a diverse background, Luke initially led and managed a substantial portfolio for his family office within the realm of commercial real estate. As a Partner in a firm handling an extensive range of real estate transactions, Luke’s expertise in this arena is unparalleled.
 
Yet, at his core, Luke is an entrepreneur and operator, having built and scaled multiple businesses nationwide. His entrepreneurial spirit shines through in the founding of a highly successful, innovative fire service franchise.
 
Luke brings a proven track record of not just founding but successfully developing and scaling small businesses. His deep appreciation for the intricacies involved, coupled with the unique perspective gained from running a second-generation family business, enriches our approach at AEP.

Jackson Rimpas

Co-Founder

Jackson Rimpas, co-founder of AEP, plays a pivotal role in shaping our strategies—from structuring and underwriting to active involvement in post-close partnerships and value creation.

With nearly a decade of experience in M&A, private equity, and small business investment, Jackson is a seasoned professional, having led and advised on numerous successful transactions across various industries and ownership structures. His impressive track record boasts over 30 completed transactions, spanning M&A, debt, and equity.

Jackson’s expertise extends to successfully developing, positioning, and advising lower-middle market companies on strategic growth, operational initiatives, and M&A. Well-versed in all aspects of strategic value creation, M&A, investment execution, and underwriting, he spent the last two years leading and supporting two private equity sector initiatives.

His strategic acumen and wealth of experience make Jackson an invaluable architect of AEP’s vision and success.