Episode 35 features Ralph Manning, the Co-founder and Chief Executive Officer of Coltala Holdings. As a private investor, and more recently a founding partner of Progress Equity Partners, Ltd, he has been active in acquiring majority control of operating companies since 2003 - typically from founder entrepreneurs and owner operators. He has over 20 years of direct investment experience, has served in executive and board roles in numerous companies, and for over 15 years has been an active investor in the private equity market. Previously, he was an associate at RSTW Partners, a private equity firm providing mezzanine and equity capital to lower-middle-market and middle-market companies throughout the United States.

Mr. Manning's current focus is on manufacturing and business services. Within these industry sectors Coltala is interested in investment opportunities in the medical device manufacturing, aerospace, test & measurement equipment, material handling equipment and home services segments. Coltala is currently executing a buy and build strategy in the HVAC industry via its platform company Trudela. Information on Trudela can be found at www.trudela.com

Ralph earned an OPM from Harvard Business School, a BBA from Texas Christian University and holds the CFA designation. He is active in YPO and is the current Chapter Chair of the Fort Worth Chapter.

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