Kelly Richardson
Kelly co-leads BraceWood’s deal-sourcing and evaluation as well as serves in an advisory capacity to businesses. He grew up in Indianapolis, Indiana, where he learned the importance of small business success and the positive impact thriving businesses have on their respective communities. Kelly believes staying deeply connected to customers, providing high-quality goods and services, and being consistent will lead businesses to sustained and profitable revenue.
After years leading teams at Fortune 100 companies and supporting the growth of non-profits working against inequalities in education, Kelly is using his experience and expertise to support the long-term growth of small businesses. His career has focused on leading teams to excellence in financial management and analysis, operational effectiveness, and talent management and development. Kelly has served in various leadership roles across Procter & Gamble, GE Capital, and non-profit education organizations.
Kelly is a graduate of Purdue University and received an MBA from The University of Chicago’s Booth School Business. He currently lives in Brooklyn where he enjoys bike riding, visiting parks, and supporting youth development through mentoring and other community development initiatives.
kelly@bracewoodcapital.com
800-648-1620 ex 107
Carlos Banks II
Carlos co-leads BraceWood’s deal-sourcing and evaluation as well as the firm’s operational activities. Carlos was born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana. Carlos has a strong belief in pairing one’s strengths and passions with his/her professional life and strives to do that in his day to day endeavors, including helping others do the same.
Carlos has spent his career building business expertise across a range of Fortune 500 companies. He began his career as a financial analyst before moving into the business consulting and managed services space, where he now focuses on enterprise transformation in Operations. He has led client relationships and business development across a range of industries including Consumer Packaged Goods, Retail, Manufacturing, Life Sciences and Healthcare. Carlos has worked in revenue-driving and leadership roles at Accenture, Goldman Sachs, Genpact and other fortune 500 companies.
Carlos is a graduate of Purdue University, received an MBA from Northwestern University’s Kellogg School of Management and received a MEM in Human-Centered Design from Northwestern University’s McCormick School of Engineering. He currently lives in Dallas where he was recently married. He serves on the board of directors for the Purdue Black Alumni Organization and in other philanthropic roles for Management Leadership for Tomorrow (MLT) and Sponsors for Educational Opportunity (SEO).
carlos@bracewoodcapital.com
800-648-1620 ex 102
Steven James
Steve co-leads BraceWood’s deal-sourcing and marketing strategies. Born and raised in Indianapolis, Indiana Steve learned quickly that leaving the corporate world and learning how to survive as a small business owner would be one of his greatest strengths. Coming from a family of entrepreneurs Steve prides himself on leadership and finding opportunities to support the growth of others and their business.
Steve currently is the owner and operator of a luxury transportation services company, music and entertainment production company, and recently opened an on-demand printing company to support small businesses investing in their outreach and exposure. He is a firm believer in creating jobs and resources for those in the communities in which he operates.
Steve is a graduate of Purdue University, where he received a B.A. in Communication and minor in Leadership Supervision. Currently residing in Los Angeles, California with his wife and new-born son, Steve enjoys spending time with his family, writing music, and using fashion to build community.
steve@bracewoodcapital.com
800-648-1620 ex 105
Walter Starghill III
Walter co-leads BraceWood’s strategic partnerships and acquisitions. Walter is a third-generation business owner and operator from Detroit, Michigan. Being raised in a family of entrepreneurs has engrained in Walter a deep-rooted respect and appreciation for small businesses. He understands these businesses serve as an economic base for many families within their respective communities, and how important it is that these businesses are able to grow and thrive.
Walter’s experience spans across sales, operations, finance, compliance, and regulatory affairs. His predominant focus has been in business development within the financial, healthcare, transportation, and energy industries. Walter has worked in the public and private sectors with, J.P. Morgan Chase, the Ohio Sixth District Court of Appeals, and other small to medium-size businesses as the primary operator. He employs his experiences to support small businesses with strategy from a legal and business perspective.
Walter is a graduate of Purdue University, received a Doctor of Jurisprudence from the University of Toledo College of Law, and received an MBA from Wayne State University’s Ilitch School of Business. Walter shares his time between Metro Detroit - where he enjoys volunteering with the Urban League, Big Brother Big Sister, and his church, and Washington D.C. - where his fiancé resides.
walter@bracewoodcapital.com
800-648-1620 ex 101
Stephen Mitchell
Stephen co-leads the operations of Bracewood Capital and specializes in business formation and long-term strategy development. Stephen was born in Muncie, Indiana. His father’s spiritual leadership and philanthropic work in that city created the backdrop for Stephen’s values and desire to support businesses participation in community development. He constantly seeks to create environments where the contributors at all levels, CEO to junior staff, feel their voices are valued.
Stephen has participated in a number of entrepreneurial activities across private, religious and non-profit sectors. He has also held roles in small businesses, global conglomerates and Fortune 50 companies owning P&Ls and managing sales. While managing several hundred million dollars in revenue, as both the buyer and seller, he has developed a particular knack for data analysis & interpretation.
Stephen holds a Bachelor of Science in Management with a minor in Marketing from Purdue University and received his MBA, with a focus in Entrepreneurship, from Ball State University. He currently resides in Charlotte, NC where he and his fiancé recently welcomed their first child, a baby girl, into the family. He enjoys creating music, painting, and spending time with family.
stephen@bracewoodcapital.com
800-648-1620 ex 103