2025 marked a clear step forward in aligning our people, our partners, and our purpose across West Michigan. It is rare for a bus, a film, and a gathering of CEOs to take shape within weeks of each other and reinforce a shared purpose. Together, these moments reflect the continued build-out of the Sleeping Giant Capital infrastructure, a place-based investment model we are pioneering nationally.

Last fall’s milestones deepened support for our CEOs, expanded opportunity for local entrepreneurs, and increased access to life-changing, practice-based education that differentiates our university partners.

In this issue:

• Welcoming our new CFO, Marshall Bakker

• Our first annual CEO Day

• An update from Mitch Brownell, CEO-in-Residence

• Latest Due Diligence Podcast interview with one of our sellers and CEOs

• Launch of The Juice Bus - a sweet ride and great partnership with Western Michigan University

• Premiere of The Chase documentary featuring our first CEO, Justin Murray

Thank you for being part of this journey and we look forward to an exciting 2026!

Co-Founders, Sleeping Giant Capital

Inaugural CEO Day

In October, we hosted our inaugural CEO Day. For the first time in our history, we brought together our CEOs to share updates on their companies, reflect on challenges and wins, and set bold goals for the year ahead.

Our CEOs also heard from exceptional leaders including National Champion WMU Hockey Coach Pat Ferschweiler and CEO of Graphic Packaging Mike Doss. We are all eager to continue this annual tradition as our family of companies grows.

Pictured (from left), our first five CEOs:  Rick Slater, Ben Greve, Michael Abdella Jr., Kelly Conway, Justin Murray and founder Doug Lepisto

CEO-in-Residence Spotlight: Phil Bowman

Mitch has spent the past year as a CEO-in-Residence, making incredible progress in his search for a successful manufacturing business to acquire and lead. His journey reflects what it takes to step into ownership with confidence and purpose. To celebrate his progress, we sat down with

Mitch for a rapid-fire Q&A; quickly covering some fun facts and updates on his search.

Episode 19: Buyer vs. Seller: Inside a Small Business Deal with Kelly Conway and Rob Elliott

In this episode of The Do Diligence Podcast, host Derrick McIver brings listeners a rare conversation — a buyer and seller sitting down together to unpack what really happens when a leadership-driven small business changes hands. Joining him are Kelly Conway, former CEO-in-Residence at Sleeping Giant Capital and now CEO of Pondera Advisors, and Rob Elliot, co-founder of Pondera and one of West Michigan’s most respected leadership coaches.

Watch here, or listen on Apple Podcast or Spotify

Juice Bus Hits the Road

Western Michigan University’s Leadership and Business Strategy (LBS) Program has launched the "Juice Bus” – a shuttle that expands student access to our practicum at Sleeping Giant Capital, as well as to downtown Kalamazoo businesses and culture.

The LBS Program is known across WMU for “Bringing the Juice” – a belief in showing up with energy and excitement in both work and learning. The shuttle’s name and design were inspired by this signature mantra, symbolizing the idea that education should feel alive, fun and in motion.

The Juice Bus is supported by the Monroe-Brown Foundation and the Hall Foundation Downtown Initiative Fund, in partnership with the United Way of South Central Michigan.

Watch the Juice Bus in action here!

The Chase Documentary World Premiere

In December, with many of our closest supporters, family and friends, we premiered The Chase Documentary at our headquarters in downtown Kalamazoo.

The documentary follows Justin Murray, our first CEO-in-Residence, on his search and successful acquisition of Grand Rapids-based SignComp. It also marks the debut of local filmmaker Justice Bomer, owner of Prod J. Entertainment. We were proud to share both stories and excited to see what these talented entrepreneurs will accomplish next.

Click here to watch the trailer and be on the lookout for the full digital premier in early 2026.

Acquire Program Accepting Applications for Spring Session

Our Acquire Executive Coaching Program continues to grow, helping professionals take the first step toward becoming owner-operators. Over 10 weeks, participants gain practical tools, coaching and confidence to begin their search for a business to acquire.

Program Highlights
✔ Weekly 1:1 personalized coaching with our co- founder, Derrick McIver, Ph.D.
✔ On-demand video modules and hands-on assignments 
✔ Creation and adaptation of your thesis 
✔ Financial modeling training from our finance team 
✔ Initial deals to review

Consider sharing this opportunity with a friend or colleague who’s looking for a career and life change.

 Apply here →