Charlotte PE Firm Strengthens Leadership for Economic Growth

Charlotte, NC, January 31, 2026

Falfurrias Management Partners has made key leadership appointments to enhance its commitment to economic growth and innovation in Charlotte and beyond. Rob Heidel has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer, alongside the elevation of three new Principals, reflecting the firm’s focus on developing internal talent. The firm’s sustained success and strategic investments underscore its prominent role in the local and national economic landscape, particularly in the lower-middle-market business sector.

Charlotte PE Firm Strengthens Leadership for Economic Growth

Falfurrias Management Partners announces key appointments, reinforcing its commitment to fostering innovation and investment in local and national enterprises.

Charlotte, NC, continues to be a vibrant hub for business and investment, a testament to the dynamic spirit of its entrepreneurs and the strategic vision of its financial institutions. In a significant development reflecting sustained growth and a dedication to nurturing talent, Falfurrias Management Partners, a prominent private equity firm headquartered in Charlotte, recently unveiled a series of leadership appointments. These strategic changes are designed to further bolster the firm’s capabilities and reinforce its influential role in propelling economic expansion, both within the Carolinas and across a broader national landscape. The continuity and evolution of leadership within such firms are crucial for maintaining momentum in a competitive market, enabling them to effectively identify and support promising ventures that contribute to overall economic prosperity.

The firm’s ongoing success highlights a robust model that prioritizes operational excellence and an “Industry First” approach to investment. This methodology, rooted in deep sector expertise and collaborative partnerships, empowers lower-middle-market businesses to scale, innovate, and thrive. Such focused private equity investment plays a vital role in Charlotte NC business by providing capital and strategic guidance to enterprises that are often the backbone of job creation and local economic growth, underscoring the importance of strong financial stewardship and forward-thinking leadership in today’s economy.

Strategic Leadership Appointments Drive Future Growth

Falfurrias Management Partners has announced the promotion of Rob Heidel to the crucial position of Chief Financial Officer (CFO). Heidel, who joined the firm in 2021, has a proven track record, having previously served as interim CFO and chief compliance officer. In his expanded capacity, he will now oversee key financial functions including finance, fund administration, investor relations, financial reporting, and compliance, while also supporting the firm’s tax strategy.

This leadership transition also marks a new chapter for JJ Schonberg, who held the CFO role since the firm’s inception 20 years ago and is now embarking on a new entrepreneurial endeavor. This move reflects a broader trend of experienced professionals transitioning into new ventures, further enriching the entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Cultivating Talent: New Principals and Vice President

In addition to the CFO appointment, Falfurrias Management Partners has elevated three distinguished individuals to the role of Principal: Katie-Rose Austin, Grant Hundley, and Hugh McColl IV. These promotions underscore the firm’s long-term commitment to developing internal talent and recognizing the significant contributions of its team members.

• Katie-Rose Austin, who joined Falfurrias in 2016, has been instrumental in the business services sector, focusing on investments and actively serving on portfolio company boards.
• Grant Hundley, a former special operations and infantry officer in the U.S. Marine Corps, brought his extensive experience to Falfurrias in 2020. His focus lies in government services investments, and he also contributes to several portfolio company boards.
• Hugh McColl IV, grandson of firm co-founder Hugh McColl Jr., joined in 2022 and specializes in software and business services investments, providing strategic insights to portfolio companies.

Further strengthening its leadership team, the firm also promoted Jubal Early to Vice President. Early joined Falfurrias in 2021 and has demonstrated significant contributions to the firm’s operations and investment strategies.

Falfurrias’s Investment Philosophy and Impact

Falfurrias Management Partners, co-founded in 2006 by prominent figures Hugh McColl Jr., Marc Oken, and Ed McMahan, has consistently pursued an “Industry First” investment strategy. This approach emphasizes deep sector expertise and collaboration with management teams and experienced advisors to build durable and sustainable companies. The firm targets lower-middle-market businesses with earnings before interest, taxes, depreciation, and amortization (EBITDA) generally ranging between $5 million and $60 million. Their primary investment focus includes the Software & Business Services and Light Manufacturing sectors.

Since its inception, Falfurrias has successfully raised $3.6 billion across seven funds, solidifying its position as a significant player in private equity. This substantial capital base allows the firm to make meaningful growth investments, which are vital for stimulating the growth of North Carolina entrepreneurs and businesses alike.

A Year of Growth and Strategic Investments

The recent leadership changes come on the heels of a highly successful period for Falfurrias. The firm reported a record year in 2024, characterized by substantial capital deployments and successful exits from investments. During this period, Falfurrias invested $557 million in nine new companies and made two add-on investments, showcasing its active role in fostering economic growth.

Notable investments made by Falfurrias Management Partners include:

• Oddball: A government digital services company that received a growth investment in January 2025.
• Jumo Health: A clinical trial solutions provider.
• MOXFIVE: A cybersecurity company.
• Snak King: A leading snack manufacturer.

These investments highlight Falfurrias’s commitment to diverse sectors and its ability to identify and support companies with strong growth potential, contributing to job creation and innovation across various industries. A 2023 report ranked the firm’s track record among the top five small-cap buyout firms worldwide, further validating its strategic approach.

Falfurrias’s Enduring Contribution to Charlotte’s Economic Landscape

As a prominent Charlotte small business success story in the private equity realm, Falfurrias Management Partners plays a crucial role in the city’s economic vitality. By strategically investing in and guiding businesses, the firm contributes directly to job creation, fosters entrepreneurial innovation, and attracts further capital to the region. Its focus on building strong, sustainable companies resonates with the values of resilience and personal achievement often celebrated in the local business community. The firm’s ability to raise significant capital, including a $1.35 billion fund in its latest round and a separate $1 billion fund three years prior, demonstrates investor confidence in its model and its positive impact on the overall economic growth of Charlotte and the broader North Carolina region.

The recent leadership appointments at Falfurrias Management Partners underscore a strategic commitment to continued growth, talent development, and a focused investment philosophy. These moves strengthen the firm’s capacity to identify and nurture promising businesses, contributing significantly to entrepreneurial innovation and sustainable economic expansion in Charlotte and beyond. We encourage our readers to continue supporting local businesses and remain engaged in the ongoing economic development of our thriving city.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Falfurrias Management Partners?

Falfurrias Management Partners is a Charlotte-based private equity firm founded in 2006 by Hugh McColl Jr., Marc Oken, and Ed McMahan.

Who is the new Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Falfurrias Management Partners?

Rob Heidel has been promoted to Chief Financial Officer (CFO) at Falfurrias Management Partners.

What are Rob Heidel’s responsibilities as CFO?

As CFO, Rob Heidel will oversee finance, fund administration, investor relations, financial reporting, and compliance, and will continue to support tax strategy.

Who are the new Principals at Falfurrias Management Partners?

Katie-Rose Austin, Grant Hundley, and Hugh McColl IV have been promoted to Principal at Falfurrias Management Partners.

What is Falfurrias Management Partners’ investment focus?

Falfurrias Management Partners invests in lower-middle-market businesses with EBITDA generally ranging between $5 million and $60 million, primarily targeting Software & Business Services and Light Manufacturing sectors.

How much capital has Falfurrias Management Partners raised?

Falfurrias Management Partners has raised $3.6 billion across seven funds since its inception.

What was Falfurrias Management Partners’ investment activity in 2024?

In 2024, Falfurrias Management Partners invested $557 million in nine new companies and made two add-on investments.

Key Features of Falfurrias Management Partners’ Recent Announcements

Deeper Dive: News & Info About This Topic

HERE Resources

Author: HERE Charlotte

The CHARLOTTE STAFF WRITER represents the experienced team at HERECharlotte.com, your go-to source for actionable local news and information in Charlotte, Mecklenburg County, and beyond. Specializing in "news you can use," we cover essential topics like product reviews for personal and business needs, local business directories, politics, real estate trends, neighborhood insights, and state news affecting the area—with deep expertise drawn from years of dedicated reporting and strong community input, including local press releases and business updates. We deliver top reporting on high-value events such as Lovin' Life Music Festival, Charlotte Pride festival, and major sporting tournaments at Bank of America Stadium. Our coverage extends to key organizations like the Charlotte Regional Business Alliance and Foundation for the Carolinas, plus leading businesses in finance and entertainment that power the local economy such as Bank of America and NASCAR. As part of the broader HERE network, including HEREAsheville.com, HEREGreensboro.com, HERERaleigh.com, and HEREOBX.com, we provide comprehensive, credible insights into North Carolina's dynamic landscape.