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OUR INSIGHTS

At RAF, we take a deliberate approach to thought leadership–grounded in experience and shaped by the real challenges our partners face. Our Insights reflect the patterns we’ve seen across industries, business models, and growth stages, with a focus on long-term value creation.

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Jeffery Hoeflich: Director of Tax Compliance

A Q&A with Jeff Hoeflich, Director of Tax Compliance

A Q&A with Jeff Hoeflich, RAF’s Director of Tax Compliance, on private equity tax strategy, transaction structuring, and minimizing tax exposure.

A cargo shop port with several cargo ships docked at it. Huge cranes lift containers off of the ships.

How Sourcing Decisions Shape Mid-Market Growth Strategies

One of the most consequential operational decisions businesses face is sourcing. Cost volatility, transportation constraints, and evolving trade dynamics have reshaped how companies evaluate their supply chains.

Blue banner of Benjamin Chou

Authenticity at Every Turn

Benjamin Chou, VP of Operations at Priority Bicycles, shares how the brand’s customer-first mindset has fueled growth from the start.

A man in a suit taps the screen of a smartphone. There is a holograph of a line graph above it

Smartwool: Investing in Brand Integrity and Business Growth

Discover data-backed Black Friday strategies that boost performance, improve promotion efficiency, and drive long-term value.

Business finance investment, In the realm of private equity, fund managers explore opportunities for leveraged buyouts and strategic investments

A Scientific Approach to a Successful Black Friday

Discover data-backed Black Friday strategies that boost performance, improve promotion efficiency, and drive long-term value.

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Navigating What’s Next with Trust and Patience

Tim Roberts, Chairman & Chief Creative Officer of MATERIAL Bespoke Stone + Tile, discusses how he’s navigating transition with intention and RAF’s support.

Blue banner of Kyle Hohmann

Growth Starts with the Right Conversations

Kyle Hohmann, CEO of Ligchine, shares how he has partnered with RAF to build a clear roadmap for the future.

Blue banner of Peter Cilio

Rooted in Family, Growing with Purpose

Peter Cilio, VP & Creative Director of Campania, highlights family roots and explains how partnering with RAF helped build trust and long-term growth.

Blue banner of Kevin Kiziah

Building People, Driving Outcomes

Kevin Kiziah, CEO of Automated Systems Design, shares how strong values are the foundation of lasting success.

Professional headshot of Cheryl McCullough, Chief Financial Officer, with her name and title displayed in bold text on a blue background.

A Q&A With RAF Chief Financial Officer Cheryl McCullough

Get to know RAF’s Chief Financial Officer, Cheryl McCullough and how she drives operational excellence across the portfolio.

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The Power of Intentional Leadership

Cheryl McCullough, CFO at RAF, shares how respect and intentional communication shape her leadership style at RAF.

Blue banner of Scott Hagen

Leading Through Uncertainty: Staying Grounded and Forward-Looking

Scott Hagen, CEO of Victrola, emphasizes staying calm, communicating clearly, and keeping a long-term mindset.

A banner, featuring headshot of RAF Vice President of Acquisitions and Chief Digital Officer Jeff Panarey in blue font on a blue tone background.

A Q&A with Jeff Panarey: Vice President of Acquisitions

Get to know Vice President of Acquisitions and Chief Digital Officer Jeff Panarey, his role at RAF, and how he supports portfolio growth across the firm’s companies.

Blue banner of Nicole Westervelt

Empowerment in Action: Leading with Trust and Ownership

Nicole Westervelt, VP of Sales Marketing & Product Development at Spellbinders Paper Arts, shares how empowerment has shaped her journey.

Close-up of two business professionals shaking hands, symbolizing a new private equity partnership, with a third person in the background.

Considerations for Choosing the Right Private Equity Partner

Learn how to evaluate and choose the right private equity partner–one that aligns with your values, growth goals, and long-term vision.

Crowded bike racks with unsold cycles, reflecting oversupply and overstock in the bicycle industry.

Beyond the Bullwhip: Taking Stock of the Bicycle Industry in 2025

Explore how the bicycle industry is navigating oversupply, shifting models, and recovery with insights from RAF’s latest market analysis.

A headshot of RAF Digital Marketing Director, Richard Deede in blue font on a blue tone background.

A Q&A with Richard Deede, Director of Digital Marketing

Get to know Richard Deede, Director of Digital Marketing, as he shares what led him to RAF and how he helps portfolio companies scale.

Two business professionals shaking hands, with a blurred city skyline illuminated by lights in the background, symbolizing partnership.

Steamist: The Benefits of a Long-Term View & Approach

Discover how RAF’s long-term view & approach helped Steamist grow through economic shifts, innovation, and strategic partnerships.

Aerial view of a busy shipping port with colorful stacked cargo containers, cranes loading ships, and a river bordered by forest and cityscape in the background.

Mitigating Tariff Exposure: Strategies for Mid-Market Companies

Explore practical strategies for mid‑market companies to reduce tariff exposure—from supply‑chain diversification and sourcing.

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50 Monument Road, Suite 303
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
215.572.0738
acquisitions@rafequity.com

RAF

50 Monument Road, Suite 303
Bala Cynwyd, PA 19004
215.572.0738
acquisitions@rafequity.com

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