Our approach to investing and operating flows from these bedrock principles. Favoring the long road has helped us develop unmatched value-added services to assist our portfolio companies – providing access to expertise not typically available to middle-market companies.

Naturally, that long road can be windy, bumpy and sometimes obscured by obstacles. Recognizing the importance of staying power and of having ready capital across all parts of the economic cycle, we’ve developed a unique financing model. Powered by a multi-bank group that doesn’t require principal payments, we can use leverage prudently without the risk that usually accompanies it.

Focused on the high road, we emphasize building great partnerships with our management teams, our employees and all other stakeholders. And we’re committed to donating a set percentage of our pretax profits to charity.

We’re defined as much by what we are not, as by what we are.

We’re neither a private equity fund nor a family office. Unlike a private equity fund, we’re an operating business funded by capital with no expiration date. Unlike a family office, we have a governance structure that isn’t wholly dependent on any one individual and that’s designed to look beyond the horizon.

We remain inspired by these words:

“Our bottom line is people – people of the highest caliber. From our corporate staff to the former company owners, we build honest relationships with a shared commitment to success. At RAF, the most valuable deal is not a one-way commitment of capital. It is a mutual investment of confidence, respect and the desire for success over many years to come.”
– Robert A. Fox, our late founder