To our valued partners, investors & friends:
As Maxim Partners approaches a decade of focused investing in the education and wellness sectors, we wanted to take a moment to reflect on the past year—a year of unprecedented growth for us—and to share our excitement about what lies ahead. We have been building more than ever on what sets us apart:
Our passion for wellness & education
We are driven to enrich lives by investing and innovating in the wellness and education fields. Both of these dynamic sectors continue to make big news and offer intriguing opportunities.
- We’re keeping a close eye on the emergence of new and growing wellness categories, including CBD (effectively legalized in 2018), and oat milk as the latest dairy alternative. And the recent $1.9 billion MindBody transaction demonstrates the enthusiasm surrounding fitness technology.
- In the education realm, Purdue University’s acquisition of for-profit Kaplan University may prove a game changer. We’re also monitoring the continuing saga of the federal Gainful Employment regulations and its impact on higher education.
Our partnerships
Our newest partner is Zenwise Health, which has tripled sales since Maxim acquired it early last year. The brands Zenwise and Zesty Paws are emerging as powerhouses in the ecommerce marketplace for nutritional supplements. Our team is busily collaborating with Zenwise management to instill best practices, build the company’s brands and invest in growth.
Our people
We have strengthened and broadened our team with three key executive additions:
- Chris Jordan, Vice President, brings to Maxim a decade of operational and investing experience with Apollo Education Group and Bear Stearns, and is rapidly building his expertise in both the education and wellness industries.
- Chris Clawson, Fitness Operating Partner, is a recognized leader in the fitness industry. After beginning his career as a centerfielder for the Astros and Braves, Chris built on his passion for fitness and ascended to President at Life Fitness and Johnson Health Tech. Today he chairs the Sports Fitness Industry Association.
- Jerrad Tausz, Education Operating Partner, held numerous roles at Apollo Education Group, most recently as Chief Operating Officer. Jerrad also shares Maxim’s passion for wellness, having owned franchises in health coaching and adventure parks.
In addition, as part of Maxim’s relationship with the Investment Banking Workshop at Indiana University’s Kelley School of Business, Angelina Guo, Michael Samila and James Woodman have joined our research and development team.
Our commitment to innovation
The Entrepreneurial Operating System is a straightforward, pragmatic set of tools designed to help smaller businesses evolve into large enterprises. Having witnessed the transformational impact of EOS on our companies and those of our investors, Maxim decided to walk the walk and employ the EOS approach ourselves. We are deeply committed to continual improvement in everything we do.
Our connections
Find out more about Maxim and our distinctive approach to investing. Check out our recently launched website, which we’re proud to share. And in the coming months, visit us at our Chicago headquarters, or connect with us at one of the many events we’ll be attending: Chicago Healthy & Natural, Natural Products Expo West, SXSW EDU, Prosper Show, Global Pet Expo, GSV/ASU, Supply Side East, IFT, SuperZoo, NBJ Summit, BMO Education Conference, Expo East, and Supply Side West.
Finally, thanks to the many friends and colleagues within our investment, wellness and education circles. Your inspiration fuels our own passions; your support and advice have made our success possible. Best wishes for a terrific 2019!
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