Norwest Equity Partners (NEP)

Bix Produce Company, LLC, founded in 1930, is a leading distributor of bulk and pre-cut fruits and vegetables, dairy products, cheese, and nuts. Based in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the company serves a diverse clientele, including restaurants, hotels, educational institutions, country clubs, and food service distributors across Minnesota, Western Wisconsin, and Eastern North Dakota. Bix Produce emphasizes quality and customer service, with a commitment to delivering fresh food products sourced directly from growers. The company operates a modern processing facility that runs six days a week, employing over 260 people, and has expanded its capabilities to meet growing demand for organic and specialty produce. Since its inception, Bix Produce has evolved from a single truck operation into a regional industry leader, reflecting its enduring philosophy of quality and service excellence.

Eyebobs, LLC is an eyewear company founded in 2001 and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, with a brick-and-mortar location in Orlando, Florida. The company specializes in manufacturing and selling a variety of eyewear and accessories for both men and women, including reading glasses, sunglasses, bifocals, and various frame styles. Eyebobs aims to bridge the gap between inexpensive readers and high-end designer frames, offering stylish and affordable options that cater to the fashion-conscious. The product range also features a selection of accessories such as cleaning kits, cases, and display trays. Eyebobs sells its products through its online platform, as well as retail stores and wholesalers in the United States and internationally. The brand is known for its distinctive style and humor, appealing to individuals who embrace their uniqueness and seek fashionable solutions for their eyewear needs.

DCM Services, LLC specializes in deceased account recovery services across various sectors, including credit card, healthcare, auto leasing, retail, telecommunications, and utilities in the United States. Founded in 1999 and based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the company focuses exclusively on deceased and probate solutions, establishing itself as a leader in this niche. DCM Services offers a range of services, such as Survivor Recovery Services, which provide deceased collection solutions, and the DOD Finder, which cross-references date of death information from the Social Security Administration. Additionally, it provides insurance claim processing and disputed estate claim resolution services, along with a Probate Finder Solution that organizes probate-filing information. By concentrating on estate recoveries, DCM Services aims to protect client brands, enhance recovery rates, and minimize unnecessary contact with survivors, ensuring a respectful and efficient approach to account collections.

Lindstrom Metric, LLC is a master distributor and importer specializing in metric fasteners. Founded in 1972 and based in Blaine, Minnesota, the company manufactures and distributes a comprehensive range of fasteners, including screws, bolts, nuts, washers, and pins. It caters to diverse industries by providing hard-to-find sizes and finishes, enabling custom solutions for its clients. Lindstrom Metric serves customers across several states, including Minnesota, Illinois, South Carolina, Texas, New York, and extends its reach to Toronto. The company's products are marketed primarily through distributors, emphasizing its commitment to efficient service and timely delivery. With additional locations in Greer, South Carolina; Beacon, New York; and Elgin, Illinois, Lindstrom Metric positions itself as a reliable source for both standard and specialized fasteners.

Norwesco, Inc. is a prominent manufacturer of rotationally molded polyethylene tanks, primarily serving agricultural and industrial sectors in North America. Established in 1939 in St. Paul, Minnesota, the company originally operated as Northwest Plastics, Inc. before rebranding in 1973. It has grown to become the largest supplier of rotationally molded tanks globally, operating 14 manufacturing facilities across the United States and Canada. Norwesco's product offerings include liquid storage tanks, water and waste management tanks, valves, couplers, and fittings. The company has significantly expanded its geographic footprint and is recognized as one of the largest rotational molders in North America. Over the years, Norwesco has undergone several ownership changes, with its most recent acquisition by Olympus Partners in 2008, which positioned it as part of Tank Holding Company alongside Snyder Industries.

Sleep Number Corporation is a wellness technology company based in Minneapolis, Minnesota, that specializes in sleep solutions and services in the United States. Founded in 1987, the company designs, manufactures, markets, and retails a range of products under the Sleep Number brand, including beds, pillows, sheets, and adjustable bases. Its innovative offerings include temperature-balancing products and smart beds under the Sleep Number 360 brand, as well as specialized beds for children. Sleep Number sells its products directly to consumers through various channels, including retail stores, online platforms, and phone services, ensuring a comprehensive shopping experience. As of early 2020, the company operated approximately 610 stores across 50 states. Sleep Number Corporation, previously known as Select Comfort Corporation, changed its name in November 2017 to better reflect its focus on sleep wellness.

Michaels of Oregon is a prominent manufacturer and distributor of hunting, shooting, and law enforcement accessories, operating under well-known brands such as Uncle Mike’s, Hoppe's, and Butler Creek. The company produces a diverse range of products, including holsters, slings, swivels, gun cases, belts, and gun cleaning supplies, serving the needs of law enforcement, military, and civilian shooting and hunting markets. With its headquarters located in a 43,000 square foot facility in Oregon City, Oregon, the company employs approximately 270 people and has expanded its operations to other locations, including Meridian, Idaho, and New Ulm, Minnesota. Michaels of Oregon combines its rich historical backdrop with modern technology to enhance customer service and streamline operations.

MSP Communications is a Minneapolis-based content marketing agency with over 43 years of experience in delivering persuasive content across various channels, including owned, earned, and paid media. The agency serves a diverse range of clients, including market leaders in business, technology, healthcare, and consumer brands, providing expertise in developing sustainable content marketing programs that complement traditional marketing efforts. MSP Communications has produced nearly 200 publication titles for Fortune 100 companies, associations, and small to mid-sized corporations. The firm specializes in content marketing and digital strategy services, offering a variety of formats such as advertising, blogs, infographics, and thought leadership pieces to meet the needs of its clients.