Despite a challenging environment in 2025, Frontenac remained steadfast in its core principles – prudent capital deployment and realization, systematic value creation, and continuous operational improvement. This disciplined approach enabled the firm to deliver strong results and position itself for continued success in the new year.
Over the last year, Frontenac closed two new platform investments with a third signed and soon to close, executed 23 add-on acquisitions, and completed the exit of two portfolio companies. The firm, which has grown headcount by 32% over the past two years, welcomed five new team members in 2025, and opened a new Chicago office to support a larger staff.
Looking ahead to 2026, with a robust pipeline of CEO1ST® Partners, deeply researched investment theses, dedicated capital, and a strong, growing team, Frontenac is energized and well-positioned to continue its momentum into the new year.
In 2025, Frontenac welcomed several new members to the team. Sean Callahan joined as Partner within the Portfolio Resources Group where he focuses on portfolio value creation and talent initiatives firmwide. Since 2021, Sean has worked with Frontenac as a CEO1ST Partner and Board member.
Frontenac also welcomed the return of Brian Bai who took on a new role as Director of Corporate Development. Brian first joined Frontenac in 2016 as an Investment Associate and most recently led corporate development and strategy for a private equity-backed bakery platform culminating in a successful liquidity event. Brian’s new role is focused on supporting Frontenac portfolio companies in developing and executing acquisition and integration activities.
Finally, Frontenac welcomed three new Associates to the team. Michael Gerszonovicz focuses on investments in the consumer sector and previously served as an Investment Banking Analyst at Stout, AJ McDevitt focuses on investments in the industrials sector and previously served as an Investment Banking Analyst at Piper Sandler, and Jack Xiao focuses on investment in the services sector and previously served as an Investment Banking Analyst at Capital Advisory Group.
Frontenac is also pleased to announce the promotion of five valued team members. Neal Sahney has been promoted to Managing Director. Neal leads the firm’s Portfolio Resources Group and supports various investments across the portfolio. Kenny Kluckman has been promoted to Principal. Kenny is a member of the investment team, focused on the consumer sector. Teri Tadros has been promoted to Senior Director of Strategic Growth. Teri focuses on furthering relationships with key stakeholders including investors, executives and advisors. Ray Farabaugh has been promoted to Senior Director of Portfolio Value Creation. As a member of the Portfolio Resources Group, Ray leads value creation initiatives across the portfolio. Finally, Lynn Cortino has been promoted to Senior Executive Assistant. Lynn leads administrative efforts across the firm.
Frontenac hosted more than 100 portfolio company leaders, CEO1ST Partners, and team members at the 2025 Executive Forum in Chicago. This two-day event created opportunities for networking and the exchanging of best practices across key operational themes. The Forum hosted speakers with expertise in highly relevant topics including talent, growth and exit readiness, while the event format incorporated breakout discussions, working sessions and networking opportunities to enable attendees to engage and share perspectives cross functionally.
The sessions and interactive discussions at this year’s Executive Forum provided attendees with new tactics, tools and actionable takeaways to help drive value in their organizations. We look forward to more events in 2026 that support our leaders and help further our companies.
Frontenac is a Chicago-based private equity firm. The firm focuses on investing in lower middle market buyout transactions in the consumer, industrial, and services industries. Frontenac works in partnership with established operating leaders, through an executive-centric approach called CEO1ST®, which seeks to identify, acquire, and build market-leading companies through transformational acquisitions and operational excellence. Over the last 55 years, Frontenac has built a franchise working with over 350 owners of mid-sized businesses as they address complex transition issues of liquidity, management enhancement, and growth planning. For more information, please visit www.frontenac.com.