Erie Street’s Shane Kern Elevated to Expanded Managing Director Role
Chicago, Ill. August 26, 2024 –Erie Street Growth Partners, a private investment firm that unlocks next-level growth for businesses in highly disrupted markets, announced an expanded role for Shane Kern as Managing Director, Investments and Value Creation at Erie Street. In his new and broadened role, Kern oversees a team charged with Investment strategy, M&A transactions, and enterprise value creation across the end-to-end investment cycle.
“Shane’s expertise and leadership are integral to our continued success as we create transformational growth opportunities for organizations through strategic capital and operational guidance,” said Jerry Graunke, President, Erie Street. “His oversight of our investment strategy and target development are integral to our ability to unlock next level growth for our investors.”
In his new and broadened role, Kern is responsible for overseeing the Erie Street Investments and Value Creation & Strategy team and partnering with Erie Street portfolio companies on:
• M&A strategy & execution
• Organic growth initiatives
• Operational enhancement
• Advisory and executive support
Kern brings extensive operational, financial, and transactional experience to his role at Erie Street. With a career focused on building high-growth companies backed by private equity, he has led several successful transaction exits. He previously served as Chief Financial Officer at 3Q Digital, a high-growth digital marketing agency within the Erie Street portfolio. During his tenure, 3Q Digital grew significantly and was acquired by DEPT Agency in May 2022.
Kern is also a board member for Erie Street portfolio partners Trailer Park Group, 50,000feet, and Quantum Rise.
About Erie Street Growth Partners
Erie Street Growth Partners is a private investment firm that partners with founders, management teams, and investors to achieve next-level growth. The company brings strategic capital and transformational guidance to business services organizations representing $2B+ of enterprise value in disrupted environments to maximize potential and deliver exceptional outcomes. Erie Street Growth Partners consists of a team of business builders who are kind, curious and courageous. Their backgrounds span executive leadership, finance, consulting and marketing, as well as entrepreneurship. Current partnerships span high-growth business services segments, including entertainment marketing and content production (Trailer Park Group), strategic communications (APCO Worldwide) and digital marketing (DEPT, formerly 3Q/DEPT). Learn more about Erie Street Growth Partners here: https://eriestreet.com.