A trusted succession partner, from your family to mine
You built a legacy. I am prepared to continue it. I’m an individual investor looking to support your transition — so you can retire with confidence
Diverse Background
I studied Industrial and Systems Engineering and also pursued my MBA while working full time. I’m an instinctive and experienced problem solver. I’ve built strong teams through empowerment and accountability. I’ve leveraged the team’s expertise to improve processes and product quality. I’ve facilitated the creation of succession plans. Finally, I’ve responded to increased customer demand and developed scalable processes that exceed customer expectations. With my wide range of experience, I’m able to draw on best practices from multiple industries within them.
People First Approach
My goal is to partner to understand the long-term vision for the business, get to know the key team members, and listen closely to the owner’s insights. I want to learn what customers value, where there may be friction, and how I can help address it.
Most importantly, I believe the transition should be right for everyone involved. That includes the seller, the team, and the customers. Every business is different, which is why I work closely with owners to create a transition plan that is thoughtful, respectful, and tailored to the business’s unique needs.
Transparent Intention
I’m Chad, an individual buyer looking to leverage my twenty years of professional experience to help you transition into retirement or the next chapter of your career. With my wide range of experience, I’m able to draw on best practices from multiple industries. I have the unique capability to solve complex problems, drive customer satisfaction, and empower the business employees to achieve strategic objectives.
What I’m Not
It's also important to understand what I’m not: I’m not a venture capital firm; I do not work in private equity; I am not a career consultant. This is an important differentiator for a number of reasons:
Richard Edwin |
Private Equity |
Strategic Buyer |
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|---|---|---|---|
Legacy & Culture |
Protects legacy, values, & vision | Profit-driven, culture changes |
Identity lost through integration |
Deal & Funding |
Fully funded, win/win terms | Rigid terms, many investors |
Terms favor parent company |
Leader Focus |
Dedicated operator, single focus | One of many in a portfolio |
One unit in a large corporate structure |
Employee Future |
Retention & growth are priorities | Possible cuts & consolidation |
High risk of layoffs, duplicative roles |
Time Horizon |
Sustainable growth, no exit plan | Short-term hold, exit 3–5 years |
Synergy-driven, timing set by parent |
Not ready to sell?
Even if you're not looking to sell today, you might be thinking about what comes next. I work with owners who want to protect what they've built, prepare for future transitions, and make the business more resilient and valuable over time.
That means asking the right questions:
What’s the long-term vision?
Which processes are holding you back?
How can your team grow into leadership?
What would a smooth transition look like, years from now?
Whether you plan to sell in two years or ten, I can help you build a roadmap — one that honors your legacy and gives you options.
What keeps you up at night?
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Quality non-conformances?
On-time delivery delays?
Slow and inconsistent customer responses?
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Does the quality or outcome change depending on who’s working?
Is there a hidden factory with critical tribal knowledge?
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Are metrics and goals not aligned to the business needs?
Are problems not being escalated and solved real time?
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Are there issues with cascading messages into the organization?
Are expectations being misunderstood or changed?
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Supply chain issues or delays?
Inefficient and wasteful processes?
Excess or obsolete inventory?
Rework, turn-backs or scrap rates?
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Struggles with performance management?
“The tail is waging the dog"?
Toxic behaviors that seem to perpetuate?
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Who will take over when you retire?
Who understands the vision of the business?
What’s in the 5 year plan?
Strategic direction?
My Values
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Do what’s right even when no one is looking
Leave things better than you found them
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Transparency + Empowerment = Trust
Invest in the team, provide real time feedback
Allow them to learn and grow
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Ask questions, challenge the status quo
Take calculated risks
One’s ability to teach others is the best representation of their understanding
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Comfort is the enemy of greatness
Be comfortable being uncomfortable
Lean into the discomfort
Get out of your comfort zone
About Me
I live in Phoenix, Arizona with my wife Bianca and our two pets Scarlett (the cat) and Felix (the dog). I am a first generation American. My father was born in Buenos Aires, Argentina and immigrated to the US when he was 9 years old. He married my mother who was from a small rural town in central Ohio, this makes me acutely aware of culture and both the strength and hardships that accompany it.
Over the years, I have solved a wide range of operational and leadership challenges. I have built strong, accountable teams by empowering people and creating space for their expertise to shine. I have improved product quality and business processes, helped define succession plans, and developed scalable systems to meet rising customer demand. My experience spans several industries, which allows me to apply best practices with flexibility and perspective.
Who is Richard Edwin?
Credit: Johnstown Independent April 14, 1954. Richard “Dick” is pictured on the right in the image above, age 27.
Richard “Dick” Edwin is my maternal grandfather. Born in March 1927, he was raised in a small farming community in Central Ohio. He enlisted in the US Army at age 17 to serve his country in WWII. He returned and married the love of his life, Charlene. The young couple went on to have five children, my mother being the youngest.
Why does any of this matter?
Dick was a serial entrepreneur. He bought and sold many businesses throughout his life - he owned the town gas station (pictured right), a blacktop paving business, and a bulk oil distributor. He had a chauffeur license and drove the local school bus. He was also a savvy real estate investor, flipping and renting homes throughout the community. He retired at age 50 and enjoyed many decades until his passing in 2012. He always spared a minute to crack walnuts with me in the garage or let me ride on the tractor while he mowed. (pictured below - COMING SOON)
He is my inspiration.
The hustle, grit, resilience, resourcefulness, and determination that I feel today originated in him. My business is named for him because my own entrepreneurial efforts are the result of his influence. My values and years of professional experience reinforce my preparedness to not only carry on my own family legacy but yours as well.
Contact
Now that I’ve shared some about my background and experience, I’d love to learn about you, your business and life experiences. As referenced above, trust is the cornerstone of a strong partnership. Let’s start building trust now.
Email
chad@richardedwin.co
Phone
(614) 669-2345