Seizing Today’s Opportunities, Navigating Tomorrow’s Uncertainties

At Bluegrass Alpha Partners, we forge long-term partnerships with lower middle-market businesses, providing both short-term consulting solutions and strategic investments.

Who We Are

Bluegrass Alpha Partners (BGA Partners) is a Louisville, KY-based private equity firm dedicated to empowering lower middle-market businesses to thrive in an ever-evolving landscape. Founded by seasoned operators and investors, we bring a wealth of experience and a deep understanding of the unique challenges and opportunities faced by privately held and multi-generational family businesses.

Our focus lies within the Transportation, Manufacturing, and Commercial Services sectors, where we partner with high-net-worth individuals, family offices, and institutional capital sources to create lasting value. At BGA Partners, we believe in more than just transactions; we believe in building enduring relationships rooted in trust, collaboration, and shared success. Whether through our consulting services or long-term investments, we are committed to helping businesses unlock their full potential, preserve their legacy, and secure their future.

Our Values

We believe a company’s values, when harnessed effectively, foster the power of a limitless mindset. By challenging traditional limitations and embracing innovative thinking, we push beyond the expected to accelerate the potential of every business we partner with. Our approach is rooted in the belief that the people behind the business are its most valuable asset, and our commitment to our values proves it. At BGA Partners, we don’t just invest in companies—we invest in the future of the communities and industries they support.

Integrity

We hold ourselves to the highest ethical standards, ensuring that honesty and transparency are at the heart of every decision.

Authentic Partnerships

We build genuine relationships through open communication, trust, and mutual respect.  We are committed to being world-class partners.

Excellence

We strive for excellence in every aspect of our work, continuously pushing ourselves and our partners to achieve the best possible outcomes.

Courage with Humility

We embrace the courage to take risks and the humility to learn from our experiences, believing that growth comes from both success and failure.

Why We Are Different

Value-Add Before the Deal
We don’t just talk about adding value; we prove it. By offering our value-add services before a transaction, we demonstrate the kind of partners we are—committed, resourceful, and deeply invested in the success of the business. This approach builds trust and establishes a strong foundation for a long-term partnership.
Long-Term Partnership with Legacy Preservation
Unlike traditional private equity firms that focus on rapid exits, we are committed to building enduring partnerships that respect and preserve the legacy of the business owners. We collaborate closely with leadership teams, ensuring a smooth transition that aligns with their long-term vision and values.
People-First Approach
We recognize that the true drivers of business success are the people behind the operations. Human capital is our top priority, and we invest heavily in developing leadership, culture, and talent. Our approach ensures that businesses not only survive but thrive in a competitive marketplace.
Operational Expertise and Industry Networks
Our team comprises former operators and industry leaders who bring hands-on experience and deep sector knowledge to the table. We leverage our robust network of industry experts, suppliers, and customers to unlock new growth opportunities and drive operational excellence.
Limitless Mindset
We challenge the conventional limitations often placed on lower middle-market businesses. Our tailored, innovative strategies are designed to push boundaries, enabling companies to achieve growth beyond what was previously thought possible. This mindset ensures that we continuously seek out and create new pathways to success.
Commitment to Responsible Investing
We are not solely focused on financial returns; we are committed to making a positive impact on the communities and industries we invest in. Our approach to responsible investing prioritizes sustainable growth, ethical practices, and long-term value creation for all stakeholders.
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At Bluegrass Alpha Partners, we believe that creating lasting value goes beyond capital investment—it’s about fostering deep, strategic partnerships that honor the legacy of the businesses we serve. That’s what sets us apart.

Our Team

Christian Miller

Co-founder & Managing Partner
John Trimble

Co-founder & Partner

Value-Add Services

Whether we are providing advisory services ahead of a potential investment or partnering with leadership post-investment, our goal is to drive growth, optimize operations, and ensure long-term success. Here’s how we do it:

Operational and Process Support

Implementing industry best practices to streamline operations.

Strategic Planning

Providing long-term strategic guidance to ensure sustainable growth.

Financial Reporting and Visibility

Enhancing financial systems for better decision-making.

Industry Expertise and Networking

Leveraging deep industry relationships to foster business opportunities.

Customer and Supplier Support

Strengthening relationships to enhance business stability and growth.

Market Expansion

Aiding in organic growth through new products or markets.

Capital Relationship Management

Facilitating relationships with equity and debt capital sources for CapEx or M&A opportunities.

Supply Chain Optimization

Improving procurement and logistics to boost efficiency and reduce costs.

Data and KPI Management

Enhancing visibility into key performance indicators for better management oversight.

Human Capital Strategy

Crafting strategies to attract, develop, and retain top talent.

CAPEX Growth

Growing organic capabilities through investment in fleet, equipment, or new brick and mortar locations.

Leadership Coaching

Developing leadership skills within the company’s management.

IT Enhancements

Upgrading IT infrastructure to support business operations and data analytics.

Working Capital Optimization

Streamlining assets to enhance financial health.

Exit Planning

Supporting effective exit strategies and due diligence for future transitions.

Investment
Criteria

At Bluegrass Alpha Partners, we focus on acquiring businesses affected by the ‘Silver Tsunami’—boomer-owned businesses facing succession challenges and lacking the liquidity to support their owners’ retirement plans. While the spotlight often shines on tech and AI-driven companies, many of these established businesses are the backbone of the U.S. economy, playing a vital role in powering the digital-first era. We recognize their enduring value and are committed to providing the resources and guidance necessary to ensure their continued success.

Company Characteristics

$5-$50M

in Revenue

Committed leadership team focused on adding value after closing

Majority investments

Strong company history with sustainable operating margins

>$1m

EBITDA

Located in the Midwest or Southeast US

Differentiated and resilient product or service

Limited concentration risk

Industry Focus

Transportation

  • Specialty distribution
  • Warehousing and Logistics solutions
  • Transportation Service Providers
  • Automotive aftermarket solutions
  • Commercial and consumer dealership products and services
  • Vehicle repair and maintenance

Manufacturing

  • Industrial machinery and supplies manufacturing
  • Automotive component and aftermarket manufacturing
  • Custom, outsourced manufacturing
  • Niche manufacturing

Commercial Services

  • Value-added services to transportation and manufacturing
  • Home and roofing services
  • Restoration services
  • Education and training
  • Facilities management

Contact

Bluegrass Alpha Partners

© 2024 BlueGrass Alpha Partners All Rights Reserved

E: [email protected]

M: 502-232-1334

Christian Miller

Christian is the Co-founder & Managing Partner of Bluegrass Alpha Partners.  Prior to launching BGA Partners he was the CFO and later CEO of Dealer Trade Network, an automotive dealership inventory management business.  Throughout his investing and operating career, he has always brought a partner first mentality leveraging strategic relationships and resources to provide unique value-add opportunities.  To-date he has closed on over $200M of transaction value spanning across private equity, venture capital, and alternative debt.  He has served across multiple Boards, including CarLotz, Inc. who ultimately went public in 2021 at an $800M+ valuation.  Christian started his career in private equity at TRP Capital Partners, a leading middle-market transportation focused private equity firm.

 

Christian received his B.A. in Economics and Business from Bellarmine University and his MBA from Purdue University.  He frequently visits both his alma-maters to speak with aspiring finance students and serves on Bellarmine’s Board of Overseers.  Christian and his wife live in Louisville, KY with their two sons and bernedoodle.

E:[email protected]

John Trimble

John Trimble is the Co-founder and a Partner at Bluegrass Alpha Partners. Before founding the firm, John served as the COO for Dealer Trade Network, an automotive dealership inventory management business. Prior to this, John worked as a private equity operator and Market President in Arizona for an Alpine Investors-backed Holdco, Apex Service Partners, where he was responsible for all operations and growth in the Southwest US, simultaneously serving as President of the Phoenix-based Ace Home Services along with three other local AZ businesses. Previously working as a syndicated and leveraged finance banker at Truist Securities, John has deep experience across a range of debt financed, sponsor-backed transactions, primarily in the industrials, building materials, waste and industrial services, defense, and entertainment sectors.

John is a retired US Army Green Beret and former infantry officer with multiple deployments in support of counter terror and counter narcotics missions in Afghanistan and multiple countries across South America.  He received his B.S. in Information Technology and Electrical Engineering from the United States Military Academy at West Point and an M.A. in Strategic Studies and International Economics from Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies.