Benefits of Working with Us
We at Fulham & Co. are proud of our record as investors. Our first principle is to only do business with people that we trust, and as such we strive to be honest, straightforward, and collaborative partners, in all aspects of our business.
We understand that each company has its own unique set of opportunities and challenges. Some of our businesses relied on our team to help them build and execute a strategic plan; others were looking for technical assistance expanding and improving manufacturing operations; and others requested advice on how to manage new product development and marketing strategies. While we do not try to replace management teams, the guidance, experience, and expertise of our Operating Partners are an invaluable resource for the leaders of our businesses. Our overarching goal is to take obstacles out of your way so you can achieve your vision for your business.
When making a new investment, we carefully structure each deal to meet the objectives of each business owner and management team and ensure that they will have the resources they need to succeed. As long-term investors, we are eager to invest in production equipment and facilities, R&D initiatives, personnel, systems, and other operational resources that create opportunities for growth. In addition, we lead acquisition strategy efforts on behalf of many of our companies, providing considerable transaction experience and financing capabilities.
We have a long history of partnering with operators of exceptional manufacturing companies, and know that it is the people at those companies that make them exceptional. We always implement two incentive plans for the management teams at each portfolio company: an equity ownership plan, and an annual bonus plan (on top of and in addition to any incentive compensation plans that exist at the time we invest). We have used these two plans in tandem at dozens of investments with considerable success, and we are eager to ensure that those most responsible for a company’s success are well rewarded for their efforts. We encourage at each company an environment that allows for professional growth and development of all the company’s employees, and always seek first to promote from within during management successions.
Strategic Focus & Collaborative Partnership
- Fulham & Co. works closely with each management team to develop a long-term strategy and navigate challenges along the way. We engage with difficult or frustrating problems, so that you do not have to. We implement highly competitive management incentive programs to share the rewards with those most responsible for each company’s growth.
Operating Expertise
- Our Operating Partners are former presidents of our portfolio companies; they have spent their careers overcoming similar challenges to those our management teams face. We work with our management teams to develop efficient manufacturing operations. Operating Partners are available to provide advice and suggestions with the goal of continuous improvement.
Growth through Acquisition
- Many of our companies find that acquisitions are a critical element to accelerating their growth trajectory. We work with our management teams to develop a strategy for acquisitions, manage acquisition processes so management teams can focus on their businesses, and provide the financial and operational support needed to make these deals a reality.
Build on a Strong Foundation
- We maintain the integrity of the company today and help develop the organization for the future. We sustain current locations; expand workforces; and honor the legacy and history of our companies. As long-term investors, we work with our management teams to build depth in their organizations so that our collective success will sustain itself long into the future.
International Business Development
- Increasingly, our companies sell to a global customer base. In order to serve these customers, our companies have found the need to develop a worldwide presence. From opening foreign sales offices to initiating foreign joint ventures and even building overseas manufacturing facilities, we have proven experience to help our management teams grow their businesses around the world.
Sales & Marketing Initiatives
- We have a wealth of experience in building effective sales & marketing organizations. We assist our teams in developing distribution networks, enhancing and fine-tuning incentive compensation structures, managing channel conflict, creating and implementing digital marketing strategies, and overcoming other challenges commonly encountered when growing a world-class sales group.