CEO-in-Residence
A foundation built on operating experience
SIG Partners acquires great American businesses and places experienced leaders at the helm to run them. We believe the right CEO is the single most important factor in a successful ownership transition.
We are selective about who we partner with. Every leader in our program brings deep operational experience, a proven track record, and a personal investment in the outcome. Our approach is built on the conviction that great businesses deserve great operators, and that long-term ownership creates the environment for both to thrive.
CEOs of SIG portfolio companies receive significant ownership and autonomy in the company that they're leading. This isn't a search fund or a typical PE executive position, it's real ownership. You're truly the captain of the ship.
CEO-in-Residence
1. Selection
We identify experienced operators with leadership experience across operations, sales or marketing. Every candidate goes through a rigorous vetting process including behavioral assessments, background and credit checks and a requirement to invest personal capital alongside SIG's founding partners.
2. Match & acquire
Once a business is identified and acquired, the CEO steps in from day one. They relocate to where the business operates and take ownership of leading it forward. The outgoing owner transitions out over 60 to 90 days on agreed terms, ensuring continuity.
3. Integrate & lead
In the first weeks, the CEO meets with each employee to build trust and understand operations from the inside out. The focus is on continuity, alignment, and establishing a clear path forward without disrupting what already works across the business.
4. Support & scale
Each CEO is supported by an Operating Partner and a dedicated, three-person board including the CEO, a founding partner, and an experienced operator. This is a long term role, with CEOs committed to building enduring businesses.
Why now?
Over the next decade, an estimated six million American businesses will require an ownership transition as their founders retire. Today, 92% of those exits result in closure rather than sale. The businesses close, employees lose their livelihoods, and communities lose businesses they have relied on for decades.
SIG Partners was built to address this challenge directly. We are actively acquiring great businesses and placing experienced leaders at the helm to operate and grow them. If you have spent your career building, leading, and scaling businesses, this is an opportunity to take true ownership of a company, build meaningful equity alongside our founding partners, and ensure a valuable business continues to serve the community that depends on it.
The team behind your success
Robert E. Graham
Robert E. Graham
Robert Graham is a Founding Partner at SIG Partners (SIG) where he leads deal sourcing, due diligence, deal structuring, and capital raises for various acquisitions.
He is also an investor in multiple companies in the lower-middle market and is the CEO of Pillar Health Group, a healthcare company he founded. During Robert’s tenure as CEO, Pillar Health Group grew annual revenue from $6M to $130M in a little over six years and today employs over 1,500 team members.
As an acquisition entrepreneur, Robert has been honored to be invited to speak at Harvard, MIT, The University of Chicago, Northwestern University, and Indiana University, among others.
Previously, Robert was Vice President at The Sterling Group. At Sterling, Robert worked on multiple acquisitions and helped lead the roll-up of Construction Supply Group, the second-largest distributor of specialty construction supplies in the US.
He also served on the board of Specified Air Solutions, a $150M diversified manufacturer of HVAC equipment. Prior to Sterling, Robert was a Product Line Manager for two product lines at Eaton Corporation, a role in which he had P&L responsibility for a $50M business unit. He is currently a member of the Dallas chapter of YPO.
Robert received an MBA from Harvard Business School, a BS in Industrial Distribution from Texas A&M University, and was an Eagle Scout.
Aaron N. Blick
Aaron N. Blick
Aaron Blick is a Founding Partner at SIG Partners (SIG) where he leads deal sourcing, due diligence, deal structuring, and capital raises for various acquisitions.
Aaron Blick is also the President of Pillar Health Group, a healthcare company he founded. He has over 15 years of professional management experience and a business development background in multiple healthcare industry spaces.
As a partner, principal, developer and entrepreneur, Aaron has successfully started, acquired, expanded and sold over 12 companies in the healthcare industry. Aaron currently owns and operates a chain of physical therapy clinics spread across major metropolitan areas in Texas and Louisiana.
Aaron received an MA from Fuller and a BA from Texas A&M University.
Jonathan Bounds
Jonathan Bounds
Jonathan Bounds is an Operating Partner at SIG Partners (SIG) where he focuses on operational excellence and value creation, supporting the various companies within SIG’s portfolio.
Most recently, Jonathan spearheaded business development and crafted a regional strategy for a newly acquired business unit at ABB Ltd.
Before that, he dedicated 12 years to Eaton Corporation, where he led strategic sales and marketing initiatives across a multi-state territory, driving growth in a $187 million portfolio.
Jonathan received an MBA from the Jones School of Business at Rice University and a BS in Industrial Distribution from Texas A&M University.
With a commitment to mentorship, Jonathan actively serves as a member of the Undergraduate Advisory Council of Texas A&M University’s Industrial Distribution program.
Andrew Baughn
Andrew Baughn
Andrew Baughn is an Associate on the Investment Team at SIG Partners (SIG) where he supports entrepreneurs with due diligence and deal execution.
Previously, Andrew worked as a Project Manager for clients at Third Bridge, assisting them with market research. He directly worked with a Boston-based firm with approximately $5B AUM on their research into potential investments. He also worked as an Investment Banking Intern at CEA Group, where he assisted with deals across various industries. Prior to this internship, he worked as a search fund intern for MODE Growth Partners.
Andrew graduated from Washington State University with a BA in Finance, where he also played for the Washington State Cougars baseball team. He pitched in over 50 games during his final two years with the team.
Shelby Johnston
Shelby Johnston
Shelby Johnston is Chief of Staff at SIG Partners (SIG) where she focuses on operational efficiency, event coordination, and recruiting.
Previously, she held roles at Adelanto HealthCare Ventures (AHCV), 8VC, and Disruptive Technology Advisers providing strategic administrative support to CEOs, founders, and UHNWI.
Shelby earned a BA in Art History from the University of Texas at Austin.
Camryn Rogers
Camryn Rogers
Camryn Rogers is the Executive Assistant at SIG Partners (SIG) where she provides high-level administrative and operational support to the firm’s executive team.
Previously, Camryn spent four years in education, teaching 2nd-grade and 5th-grade math and science. During this time, she led logistics for multi-attendee events and optimized communication workflows, helping ensure seamless daily operations in a dynamic environment.
Camryn earned her BS in Education from Texas A&M University.
