Our Team

The people behind the firm.

150+ combined years of M&A, Investment Banking, Legal, and Operating experience, brought together around a single long-term approach to ownership.

Darin Phillips

Managing Partner, CEO
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Karen Phillips

Partner, Curator of Culture

Lyle Ganske

Senior Advisor

Jon Mitchell

Operating Partner

Lillian Ganske

Partner - Investment Team

J.D. Phillips

Partner - Operations Team

Liz Wakefield

Chief Financial Officer

Bryan Wooden

Watering Hole Management - Partner, CEO
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Let’s build something that lasts.

PGM Capital is committed to creating lasting value through disciplined investing and meaningful relationships.

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Partner - Curator of Culture

Karen Phillips

Karen serves as the Curator of Culture at Watering Hole Management, LLC. She leads the charge for training and managing all staff members, cultivating a welcoming and professional atmosphere, and marrying the meticulously crafted culture of each operational entity to the surrounding community. Prior to joining, Karen served as a Marketing Director for Chick-fil-A. Karen received a B.A. in Elementary Education from Faulkner University.

Watering Hole Management - Partner, CEO

Bryan Wooden

Bryan serves as the CEO and Partner of Watering Hole Management, LLC. With over two decades of experience in operational management and strategic leadership, as well a proven track record of transforming organizations into profitable ventures, Wooden specializes in fostering a culture of excellence and collaboration. Bryan received a B.A. in Political Science and Government from Indiana State University.

Operating Partner

Jon Mitchell

Prior to joining PGM Capital, Jon built River Region Sports Fields, one of the Southeast’s premier specialty construction companies, from the ground up. Following a successful PE acquisition in 2020, Jon served as Director of Operations at United Land Services, where he helped integrate and scale a rapidly growing platform by standardizing operating processes, implementing KPI-driven management systems, strengthening workforce planning, and improving execution across all business units.

Chief Financial Officer

Liz Wakefield

Liz serves as CFO of PGM Capital. Prior to joining the Firm, Liz served as Controller of RealTruck, LLC, a leading automotive aftermarket e-commerce company, where she played an integral role in the merger with AutoCustoms, LLC. Liz later served as CFO of Adventure Capital, LLC, a holding company with diversified investments across the manufacturing, distribution, real estate, and digital marketing sectors.

Partner - Operations Team

J.D. Phillips

J.D. oversees holistic operations for platforms and operating entities held by PGM Capital. Prior to joining the Firm, J.D. served as the Financial Controller for Watering Hole Management, LLC., where he oversaw financial operations, financial reporting, and bookkeeping. J.D. received a B.A. in Business from Auburn University.

Partner - Investment Team

Lillian Ganske

Lillian heads the Investment Team at the Firm, assisting with all M&A activity and Investor Relations. Prior to joining PGM Capital, Lillian was an Investment Banking Associate at Morgan Stanley in the Global Industrials and Transportation Groups, and at KeyBanc Capital Markets focusing on Industrial Technology and Specialty Chemicals. Lillian received a B.A. in Biology, Chemistry, and Geology from Colgate University and an MBA from UVA Darden School of Business.

Senior Advisor

Lyle Ganske

Lyle previously served as the head of Jones Day's Global M&A Practice and Chair of Boardroom Development and Strategic Transactions. Over his 40+ years of experience, Lyle has been involved in 50+ transactions that each had a value in excess of $1Bn and 50+ proxy contests and battles for corporate control, while serving as counsel to the boards of 100+ Companies. Lyle received his undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University and a JD from The Ohio State University Moritz College of Law.

Managing Partner, CEO

Darin Phillips

Darin founded PGM Capital in 2016 and currently serves as the Managing Partner and CEO. Prior to founding PGM, Darin had a seasoned Investment Banking career consisting of decades of M&A experience, completing over $1Bn in privately held M&A transactions. Darin received a B.S / B.A. in Business from Faulkner University and an MBA from Samford University.

Equity Stake

Imperial Designs

U.S. based manufacturer, specializing in high-quality residential and commercial mailbox systems, street signage, and decorative outdoor fixtures designed to enhance community curb appeal. With 20+ years of experience, the Company is known for its cast aluminum products, customizable designs, and durable, modular construction that allows for easy maintenance and replacement of parts.


Location

Millbrook, Alabama

Investment Year

2021

Category

Equity Stake, 20% Ownership


Operating Entity

Cannon & Associates

Full-service construction Company, specializing in home remodeling, renovations, and general contracting. The Company provides turnkey construction services, from planning and permitting through project completion, and is a preferred contractor for several insurance providers throughout Montgomery and Alabama's River Region.


Location

Montgomery, Alabama

Investment Year

2023

Category

Operating Entity