The Five Fundamentals: How Evolution Capital Partners LLC Is Transforming Small Businesses In 2025

As of December 2025, Evolution Capital Partners LLC (Evolution) continues to solidify its reputation as a premier small-business private equity firm, focusing on transforming founder-led companies into professionally run organizations. The firm’s unique, hands-on approach and proprietary "Evolution Pro" professionalization strategy have positioned it as a critical financial partner for businesses seeking profitable, sustainable growth. Their commitment is not just capital injection but a deep operational overhaul, making them a standout in the middle-market investment landscape. The most notable recent activity for the firm occurred in April 2024, when Evolution announced a strategic growth investment in Industrial Physical Capability Services, Inc. (IPCS), which was subsequently rebranded as DataFit. This move underscores Evolution Capital Partners LLC’s continued focus on the business services and healthcare services sectors, demonstrating a commitment to scalable, high-impact founder-led businesses. Understanding the firm requires a deep dive into its foundation, its key players, and the proven methodology it uses to drive success.

The Evolution Capital Partners LLC Profile: A Small Business Growth Engine

Founded in 2005, Evolution Capital Partners LLC was established with a clear mission: to support founders who are ready to transform their entrepreneurial ventures into professionally managed organizations. The firm operates as a control investor, meaning it takes a significant, active role in the management and strategic direction of its portfolio companies. Based in the Beachwood/Hudson, Ohio area, Evolution has intentionally structured itself as a committed fund, allowing its team to focus intensely on identifying and executing investment opportunities that align with its core philosophy. This dedication to operational excellence over quick flips is what truly differentiates their model.

Evolution Capital Partners Key Personnel & Leadership

The firm’s success is driven by a small, highly experienced team of partners and professionals who bring decades of operational and financial expertise. The leadership is instrumental in deploying the Evolution Pro strategy across all portfolio entities.

• Jeffrey Kadlic: A Founding Partner, Jeffrey Kadlic is a nationally recognized figure in private equity, known for his thought leadership on driving small business growth.
• Susan Williamson: A key member of the team, Susan Williamson helps guide portfolio companies through strategic and financial planning.
• Michael Gerbasi: A Partner, Michael Gerbasi is known for his expertise in executive recruitment and building high-performance leadership teams within portfolio companies.
• Kim Lapcewich: Contributes to the firm’s operational and strategic oversight.
• Jessica Bergrin: Plays a vital role in supporting the firm's investment and portfolio management activities.

The Five Fundamentals: Evolution's Unique Investment Strategy

Evolution Capital Partners LLC does not rely on passive capital deployment. Instead, they utilize a proprietary system known as "The Five Fundamentals" as the core of their "Evolution Pro" professionalization strategy. This methodology serves as a blueprint for building a strong, scalable foundation for profitable growth in small businesses. The strategy is focused on building enterprise value by professionalizing the business structure, systems, and processes. It is a rigorous, hands-on process that addresses everything from financial reporting to sales execution. This approach is particularly appealing to founders who have successfully built a business but lack the infrastructure to scale to the next level.

Core Investment Focus and Target Industries

Evolution’s investment thesis centers on finding small businesses with strong growth potential that operate within fragmented, high-growth markets. Their preferred sectors are diverse but share a common thread of high-value services and specialized operations.

• Business Services: Companies that offer specialized B2B services, often with recurring revenue models.
• Healthcare Services: Focus on specialized, non-clinical services that support the broader healthcare ecosystem.
• Information Services: Businesses providing data, analytics, or specialized software solutions.
• Niche Manufacturing: Highly specialized manufacturing operations with unique market positioning.
• Distribution: Specialized logistics and distribution companies.
• Financial Services: Targeted investments in specific, high-potential financial service niches.

Latest Strategic Investments and Portfolio Deep Dive (2024/2025 Update)

The firm's most recent activities provide the clearest insight into its current investment focus and the successful application of the Evolution Pro strategy. The 2024 investment in DataFit is a prime example of their targeted approach.

DataFit: The 2024 Flagship Investment

In April 2024, Evolution made a strategic growth investment in Industrial Physical Capability Services, Inc. (IPCS). IPCS specialized in physical demands analysis and post-offer employment testing, a critical function within the healthcare and human resources sectors. Following the investment, the company was strategically rebranded as DataFit. This rebranding and capital infusion are designed to accelerate the company’s expansion, enhance its service offerings, and professionalize its operations using The Five Fundamentals. This move highlights Evolution Capital Partners LLC’s commitment to the intersection of business services and specialized healthcare support.

• Swat Cancellation Status The Shocking Timeline Of Its Final Season And Spin Off Future 7nean

Lewellyn Technology LLC: Workplace Safety Leader

Another significant entity in the Evolution portfolio is Lewellyn Technology LLC, a national leader in workplace safety. Lewellyn provides specialized safety services, including combustible dust testing and fire safety consultation. Evolution’s partnership with Lewellyn demonstrates their ability to identify and scale companies that provide essential, compliance-driven services in the niche manufacturing and industrial sectors. The firm helps companies like Lewellyn build out the necessary infrastructure—from sales processes to financial reporting—to manage rapid national expansion.

Historical Portfolio Entities and Successful Exits

Evolution’s track record includes several successful transactions that validate their professionalization model. While the firm is focused on current growth, its history of successful acquisitions and exits provides strong evidence of its capability to create significant enterprise value.

• RTS Packaging: A former portfolio company that was part of a successful exit.
• Cascade Training Center: An entity in the healthcare services and training sector that benefited from Evolution’s professionalization.
• Heavy Equipment Colleges of America: Another example of a successful investment in the specialized education and training sector.

The Future of Evolution Capital Partners LLC and Small Business Private Equity

Evolution Capital Partners LLC is not merely a provider of private equity; it is a dedicated partner in small business transformation. By focusing on the "Evolution Pro" strategy and the proven framework of The Five Fundamentals, the firm has carved out a distinct and highly successful niche. As the market continues to favor specialized, operationally mature businesses, Evolution’s model is expected to remain highly relevant throughout 2025 and beyond. Their dedication to taking a control investor approach and actively professionalizing companies—rather than simply financing them—ensures that the businesses they partner with are built for long-term, profitable growth. For founders looking to scale their vision without losing the core values of their entrepreneurial spirit, Evolution Capital Partners LLC represents a compelling and sophisticated pathway to market leadership.

Detail Author:

• Name : Delphine Watsica
• Username : bednar.effie
• Email : stoltenberg.rosa@crona.biz
• Birthdate : 1989-12-05
• Address : 50520 Courtney Estate Apt. 729 Thompsonberg, SD 85434-1193
• Phone : +1-573-464-0812
• Company : DuBuque-Kassulke
• Job : Radiologic Technologist and Technician
• Bio : Id velit facilis eum. Velit perspiciatis iusto qui quisquam. Rerum officia nihil aspernatur reprehenderit aut.

Socials

tiktok:

• url : https://tiktok.com/@borer1998
• username : borer1998
• bio : Voluptatibus eligendi enim saepe rerum inventore est vero.
• followers : 4924
• following : 666

linkedin:

• url : https://linkedin.com/in/reta.borer
• username : reta.borer
• bio : Ad sunt voluptate velit quae officiis.
• followers : 4567
• following : 1135

twitter:

• url : https://twitter.com/retaborer
• username : retaborer
• bio : Modi impedit itaque eligendi possimus. Odio asperiores rerum quia numquam dolores at dolorum. Est amet est et quas.
• followers : 4477
• following : 576

instagram:

• url : https://instagram.com/rborer
• username : rborer
• bio : Quaerat voluptatum repellendus fugiat quo debitis eos. Provident laboriosam et voluptas enim.
• followers : 6183
• following : 1198

facebook:

• url : https://facebook.com/reta_borer
• username : reta_borer
• bio : Qui dignissimos voluptatem eos rerum aut.
• followers : 2441
• following : 2958