ABOUT A5

A5 PARTNERS

A5 Partners is a holding company that seeks to acquire and run high-quality businesses with durable competitive advantages. We pursue a single, long-term investment approach that helps companies accelerate their growth and scale, all while diversifying their leadership and community impact. Our unique, data-driven, approach to leadership helps the companies we acquire generate higher returns and meaningful business outperformance. We leverage our deep expertise from the global technology, financial services, industrial, and consumer sectors and apply it locally to small, unique, companies. We are typically attracted to companies with defensible competitive advantages, resulting in durable unit economics and attractive free cash flow. Our efforts will culminate in a concentrated portfolio of 10 businesses that will compound capital over a multi-year investment horizon. We aspire to be a leading force in shaping a future where economic prosperity benefits all.

A5 Partners invests in businesses with proven long-term success that can rapidly scale with our guidance and support. Ideally, we aim to acquire B2B, distribution, or services-based businesses generating between $350K to $650K in discretionary earnings on the West Coast (Ideally CA, but open to OR or WA). The sectors of particular interest are those ripe for disruption and technological enhancements, including Consumer Services, Distribution, Industrials, and Transportation. We are particularly interested in sustaining the community by taking over businesses from operators (e.g. Baby Boomers) who are looking to exit. Instead of winding down the business, we provide an opportunity to revitalize and grow the business. Within the aforementioned industries, we are seeking companies that meet the following criteria:

  • Minimum of $1.25M in annual revenue, ideally between $1.5-3M

  • Must hold physical assets (e.g. real estate, equipment, vehicles, etc.) or high-turn inventory, which can be converted to cash

  • Sellers willing to train buyers for no less than 60 days

  • Consistent YoY sales growth of ~2-5% for the preceding three years

Specifically, we are seeking businesses who meet the above criteria and have owners who are interested in transitioning and growing an existing business with a meaningful equity stake in exchange for our expertise. We are primarily interested in the metro areas throughout the US, including in and around Atlanta, GA, Chicago, IL, Los Angeles, CA, and Philadelphia, PA.

OUR TEAM

Jourdan Sutton

Managing Partner

Jourdan Sutton is a trusted strategic advisor with 15+ years of experience helping C-suite executives and organizations understand and address their most pressing strategic and operational challenges, translating business insights and stakeholder vision into realized growth. Prior to starting A5 Partners, Jourdan worked as a Vice President in EY-Parthenon’s education and social impact practice, leading over 60 engagements with education, economic development, social impact, private equity, and tech companies.

Throughout his career, Jourdan has championed growth and profit improvement strategies, transformation initiatives, operational restructuring, and strategic planning projects that helped his clients enter new markets, launch new products, and navigate economic and political uncertainty. He completed 60+ client projects in the education/non-profit, consumer, and technology sectors, selling $5-$7M+ in revenue annually and managing $2M+ in project and internal budgets annually.

Jourdan held senior leadership roles for global financial services and strategy consultancy firms such as Citigroup and Deloitte LLP. Jourdan was instrumental in incubating and executing company-sponsored, cross-functional initiatives and new product offerings in order to expand small business lending and develop community investment ecosystems both domestically and abroad. In addition to his corporate experience, Jourdan has leveraged his financial services and strategy experience as an avid Minority Business Enterprise consultant and angel investor, partnering exclusively with minority, women, and veteran entrepreneurs that serve vulnerable and minority communities located throughout the US. Jourdan earned his Bachelor of Arts in Sociology and Anthropology at DePauw University and holds an MBA and M.Ed. from the University of Michigan.

Sherley Lopez Estrada

Deal Associate

Sherley is a graduate of Middlebury College class of 2024. Currently Deal Associate of A5 Partners, she has navigated a dynamic upbringing marked by frequent relocations, diverse educational experiences, and the cultivation of enduring connections. Throughout her journey, the unwavering support of family has been a constant source of strength, instilling in her the importance of authenticity and the courage to champion her beliefs.

In tandem with Sherley’s commitment to community building, she has dedicated the past four years to the Middlebury Consulting Group, contributing to five distinct projects that encapsulate her prowess in the business domain. Notable endeavors include collaborations with a local wax bar, Vermont Adaptive Ski & Sports, and two projects with A5. Through these initiatives, she has honed her skills in market research, competitor analysis, and operational sales strategies, affording her a comprehensive understanding of the intricacies of the business landscape.

In summary, her multifaceted background, coupled with a deep-seated dedication to family and community, has laid the foundation for a promising career in the business arena. As Sherley navigates the intersection of her personal values and professional aspirations, she is eager to contribute her skills and insights to a service-oriented business that prioritizes the holistic development and satisfaction of its employees.

HOW WE WORK

We work closely with clients to embrace a transformational approach aimed at benefiting all stakeholders—empowering organizations to grow, build sustainable competitive advantage, and drive positive societal impact. We excel in the business of potential and help shape strategic, organizational, economic, and societal change. Our experts bring deep industry and functional expertise and a range of perspectives that question the status quo and spark change. We partner with clients from the private, public, and not-for-profit sectors in all regions to identify their highest-value opportunities, address their most critical challenges, and transform their enterprises. We bring extensive experience and professionalism to every case and customize our support to your individual needs and concerns. partners with leaders in business and society to tackle their most important challenges and capture their greatest opportunities.