Full Guard Capital

We’re pleased to share an engaging new chapter with the release of our fourth podcast episode. In this episode, we take a deep dive into Full Guard Capital's inaugural Executive Leadership Summit, held in Hilton Head Island. Executives from management teams across our portfolio companies gathered for a mix of business and leisure. We'll explore the inspiration behind organizing the event and discuss how the guest speaker sessions on insurance, navigating the labor market, financial professionalization, and preparing for an exit unfolded. Join us as Josh and Rich reflect on the audience's engagement, unexpected insights, and the meaningful conversations during networking events, such as the opening happy hour and custom food tour. Finally, we'll look ahead to next year’s summit and the new ideas we're excited to explore. https://lnkd.in/egTw68Yx https://lnkd.in/ejgc8Jb8

Full Guard Capital Portfolio Company Library Furniture International Partners with Library Interiors of Texas Full Guard Capital is pleased to announce our portfolio company, Library Furniture International (“LFI”), has partnered with Library Interiors of Texas (“Library Interiors”). Based in Lakeway, Texas, Library Interiors is a specialty dealer and service provider for public libraries, K-12 schools, and universities as it pertains to furniture, space design, and install logistics, serving Texas and its surrounding states since 2007. With decades of experience in the library industry, the team at Library Interiors understands the unique challenges libraries face and provides interior solutions built with high performance furniture and materials that offer exceptional durability, while keeping maintenance costs low. Headquartered in Wheeling, IL, LFI is a provider of library space design services and a dealer and installation services provider of shelving and furniture to public libraries, K-12 schools, and universities. LFI’s brand recognition over its 20+ year operating history and its unique space and merchandising design solutions position the combined companies for significant geographic expansion with the goal of becoming the preeminent provider of library design services across the country. “From our initial introduction to the teams at FGC and LFI, we immediately recognized their shared business ethos and professionalism. It was essential to us that FGC and LFI appreciated the values of the exceptional team we’ve built at Library Interiors of Texas, and they have proven to do so. Everyone at FGC and LFI has been a genuine pleasure to work with, and we are confident that the combined strengths of Library Interiors and LFI will lead to a bright future ahead,” said Trevor Taylor, President of Library Interiors of Texas. “We are excited to continue growing our business by partnering with Library Interiors’ talented and dedicated team. We will continue to offer innovative library products and services to Texas and surrounding states while maintaining the values that both LFI and Library Interiors are known for – innovative products, impeccable service, and dedication to making library spaces that inspire the communities around them,” said Jen Sinha, CEO of Library Furniture International. To read more, click the link below to view the full announcement on our website. https://lnkd.in/e2ShZDhp

Rich Barakat Named Partner at Full Guard Capital Richard Barakat has been an integral part of FGC’s growth and success, and we are thrilled to welcome him into this new leadership role. Since joining FGC, Rich has made outstanding contributions to the firm’s growth and strategic vision. His dedication and leadership have helped drive key initiatives across our portfolio and elevated our team to where it is today. Rich’s expertise has not only strengthened our portfolio but also enhanced relationships with our management teams, lender partners, and investor base. As FGC continues to grow, we are excited to see how Rich’s leadership will further shape the company’s path forward. “We are proud to welcome Richard Barakat as a Partner at Full Guard Capital,” said Josh Welk, FGC’s Founder and Managing Partner. “Rich has been an asset to the firm, consistently demonstrating leadership and dedication. His contributions have been key in driving growth, and we are excited to see the impact he will continue to make in this new role. Congratulations to Rich on this well-deserved promotion.” “I am truly grateful for the opportunity to step into the role of Partner at Full Guard Capital,” said, Richard Barakat. “It has been an incredible journey working alongside such a talented team, and I am thankful for the trust and support I’ve received throughout my time here. I look forward to contributing even more to the firm’s continued growth and success in this new role.” https://lnkd.in/exK5HVey

We are proud to announce the successful conclusion of its first annual Executive Leadership Summit held in Hilton Head Island, South Carolina. The event brought together leaders from each of FGC’s portfolio companies to discuss key trends, opportunities, and challenges shaping today’s business landscape.   The summit featured insightful presentations from a lineup of speakers. John Hadden Jr, Senior Associate at WTW, provided an in-depth exploration of insurance and risk management, offering strategies to help businesses mitigate risk in a rapidly changing market. Margaret Covell, Partner at Pinnacle Search Partners, addressed the current labor market, sharing expertise on recruitment and employee retention in an increasingly competitive landscape. Timothy Binney, Director at Capstone Partners, and our very own Josh Welk concluded the lineup with a presentation on the benefits of financial professionalization, preparing for future exits or liquidity events, and guidance on how companies can strategically position themselves for future success.    "We are pleased with the outcome of our first Executive Leadership Summit," said Josh Welk, Founder and Managing Partner at Full Guard Capital. "Bringing together the leadership from our portfolio companies alongside industry experts allowed for a dynamic exchange of ideas that will undoubtedly shape our future growth initiatives."    Full Guard Capital extends its sincere gratitude to all the presenters and attendees who contributed to the event’s success. Your engagement and collaboration have set a solid foundation for future summits. As we reflect on this year's success, FGC is excited to announce that planning has already begun for next year’s summit. We look forward to continuing this new tradition and fostering even stronger connections and discussions at the 2025 FGC Executive Leadership Summit.

We have an exciting chapter for our third podcast episode. In this episode, we shine a spotlight on Julia Mrochko, our Summer Analyst Intern. Julia seamlessly integrated into our culture, making a significant impact during her time with us. We delve into her journey, exploring the experiences, challenges, and key lessons she has gained along the way. Joining Julia’s story, FGC Associates Jackson Bennett and Julianna Clark share valuable insights on navigating the early career years post college, landing that crucial first job, and what life in private equity looks like for junior employees. Whether you are just starting out or looking to refine your career path, this episode provides some practical advice and inspiration! https://lnkd.in/d5YMU2Kj https://lnkd.in/dCqGjkzQ

Wishing everyone a safe and happy Fourth of July! Let's take a moment to celebrate the values of freedom, independence, and unity that make our country great. Enjoy the festivities!

Great two day team meeting where we focused on business continuity planning, not just for our firm but also in how we support our portfolio companies! We focused heavily on key man risk, knowledge risks and gaps, ways to close the risk gap and how we can maintain support and operations in key man or major disruption scenarios to continue building our portfolio companies. We also spent time with our team and several significant others with a team strength training session and a team tubing event at Sickman’s Mill in Lancaster, PA. We are very thankful for our team, our family culture, and all of our investors and capital providers that support what we do!

We’re thrilled to announce the release of our second podcast episode!   Join us for an engaging discussion with FGC's Rich Barakat, Jackson Bennett, Julianna Clark, and Jesse Smit as they recount their experiences from our recent business development events. In this episode, we highlight our participation in key conferences, such as ACG DealMAX in Las Vegas, the Independent Sponsor Forum (ISF) in Philadelphia and Nashville, and M&A Source in Louisville. Tune in as we explore their key takeaways and insights from these impactful networking events. https://lnkd.in/ev4Pvwcb https://lnkd.in/eg3xz3_f

We’re thrilled to announce the release of our second podcast episode!   Join us for an engaging discussion with FGC's Rich Barakat, Jackson Bennett, Julianna Clark, and Jesse Smit as they recount their experiences from our recent business development events. In this episode, we highlight our participation in key conferences, such as ACG DealMAX in Las Vegas, the Independent Sponsor Forum (ISF) in Philadelphia and Nashville, and M&A Source in Louisville. Tune in as we explore their key takeaways and insights from these impactful networking events. https://lnkd.in/ev4Pvwcb https://lnkd.in/eg3xz3_f

In honor of Memorial Day, we remember and express our gratitude to the brave men and women who have made the ultimate sacrifice for our country. Their courage and dedication inspire us every day. Wishing everyone a safe and reflective Memorial Day.