Nebraska Executives Build Presence as Great Range Capital’s Market Ambassadors
Semi-retired industry leaders help build Kansas City area-based private equity firm’s presence across the state
Lincoln and Omaha, NE. Great Range Capital (GRC) announces that Jim Bishop, John A. (Jack) McKinney, Dennis Stara, Greg Vasek and Phillip G. Webb have joined its Market Ambassador Program (MAP). These executive partners play an active role in building GRC’s presence throughout Lincoln and Omaha and help identify acquisition opportunities for the Kansas City private equity firm.
GRC developed its unique Market Ambassador Program (MAP) to increase its visibility in Lincoln and Omaha, ramp up acquisition activity and expand its growing portfolio. Semi-retired, distinguished, Midwest-region executives are invited to join the MAP and represent GRC in their communities and networks. MAP executives have planted their roots and built their careers in cities throughout the Midwest. They are highly-esteemed for their expertise and career accomplishments.
Meet our Nebraska Market Ambassadors:
Jim Bishop, retired president/business banking manager, Wells Fargo
Mr. Bishop retired as market president/business banking manager of Wells Fargo Bank Lincoln, NE. Mr. Bishop is a career banker and served in various business and management positions over his 25 years with Norwest Bank and Wells Fargo. He has broad experience working with many companies and industries on their growth, profitability, merger and acquisition plans.
John A. (Jack) McKinney, retired president of McKinney Enterprises, Inc.
Mr. McKinney is the retired president of McKinney Enterprises, Inc. a general contracting firm in the commercial building business. He was previously the COO for another commercial contractor. Prior to that he worked in the audit department of a worldwide public accounting firm.
Dennis Stara, retired partner of BKD, LLP
Mr. Stara is a retired partner of BKD, LLP a national CPA and advisory firm that combines the insight and ideas of multiple disciplines to provide solutions in a wide range of industries, including health care, manufacturing, distribution, financial services, construction and real estate. With 35 offices located in 16 Midwest states, the firm serves clients in 50 states and internationally. Mr. Stara was a partner for over 25 years, serving as the Nebraska offices’ managing partner and tax director, with an emphasis in tax planning, acquisitions & mergers and strategic planning in the financial services and distribution industries.
Greg Vasek, retired president and COO of Linweld Inc.
Mr. Vasek is the former president and chief operating officer of Linweld Inc., a Nebraska-based manufacturing and distribution company of welding equipment & supplies, medical, specialty, & industrial gases. Mr. Vasek has a long history with Linweld, serving as chief financial officer for nine years before becoming president, and as controller for 19 years prior to his position as CFO.
Phillip G. Webb, president of Kernen Capital, LLC
Mr. Webb serves as president of Kernen Capital, LLC and oversees the activities of Wellspring Capital Fund, the purpose of which is to distribute the of earnings from the fund to underwrite charitable activities. They invest primarily in private equity with a target exit of five to seven years and with an emphasis on Midwest based-firms. Prior to his role at Kernen Capital, he served as chairman of Redstone Communications, Inc., an Omaha marketing firm.
“Our MAP members have an innate ability to recognize acquisition and partnership opportunities when they see them because they share our Midwestern values and have deep roots in the Heartland,” says Ryan Sprott, managing partner, Great Range Capital. “We’re thrilled to have these experienced leaders representing GRC as ambassadors.”
Read more about our team of Nebraska-based executive partners and GRC’s Market Ambassador Program.
About Great Range Capital
Great Range Capital is a private equity firm based in greater Kansas City. It primarily targets controlling equity investments in companies with revenues ranging from $10 to $150 million that are based in Colorado, Iowa, Kansas, Missouri, Nebraska, Arkansas and Oklahoma. Learn more at www.greatrangecapital.com.