Norwest Mezzanine Partners

Founded in 2000, Norwest Mezzanine Partners is a Minnesota-based investment firm that provides junior capital solutions to middle market companies across various industries. It partners with private equity firms to drive value for portfolio companies and create successful outcomes for stakeholders.

Carter Balfour

Partner

Shani Graber

Managing Director

Laura Hacker Dorsch

Principal

John Hogan

Partner

Parker Montgomery

Senior Associate

Michael Orke

Associate

Sean Stevens

Partner

Austin Wilson

Vice President

Past deals in Minnesota

Bix Produce Company

Private Equity Round in 2015
Bix Produce Company, LLC, founded in 1930 by Max Bix, is a prominent distributor of bulk and pre-cut fruits and vegetables, dairy products, cheese, and nuts. Headquartered in Saint Paul, Minnesota, the company serves a diverse clientele that includes restaurants, hotels, educational institutions, country clubs, and food service distributors across Minnesota, Western Wisconsin, and Fargo, North Dakota. Bix Produce has evolved from its humble beginnings with a single truck into a regional leader in the foodservice industry, emphasizing high-quality products and exceptional customer service. The company's state-of-the-art processing facility operates six days a week, employing over 260 professionals who are dedicated to meeting the needs of their customers. In response to growing demand, Bix Produce has expanded its operations, including additional refrigerated warehouse space to accommodate organic and specialty produce offerings. Under the ownership of Randy Wilcox since 1980, Bix Produce continues to uphold its founding philosophy of delivering premium products on customers' schedules.

Woodcraft Industries

Debt Financing in 2011
Woodcraft Industries is a prominent manufacturer specializing in hardwood and engineered wood components for the kitchen and bathroom cabinet industry. Founded in 1945 by German furniture builder Theodore Ritsche in St. Cloud, Minnesota, the company has evolved from a small cabinet and fixture shop into one of the nation's leading producers of volume hardwood and laminated components. Woodcraft Industries is dedicated to delivering high-quality products, including assembled doors, cabinet fronts, trays, and frames, while ensuring on-time service and a commitment to customer satisfaction. With a focus on superior craftsmanship and integrity, the company aims to meet its customers' precise specifications consistently.

Norwesco

Venture Round in 2008
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.

Teraco

Debt Financing in 2005
Teraco is a custom print product provider, specializing in the manufacture of a diverse range of items including plastic and gift cards, identification cards, hotel key cards, luggage tags, and employee name badges. Founded in 1962 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the company relocated to Midland, Texas in 1970, where it has consolidated its operations to enhance production capacity. In 2008, Teraco acquired the assets of Innovative Plastic Card Printing Corporation, enabling a synergistic collaboration that has strengthened its market position. The company is committed to adapting to changing consumer trends while maintaining a focus on customer partnership, emphasizing speed, service, and tailored solutions. Teraco also offers additional services such as card personalization, online proofing, design, printing, mailing, and reporting, ensuring a comprehensive approach to meet the specific needs of its clients.

Teraco

Venture Round in 2005
Teraco is a custom print product provider, specializing in the manufacture of a diverse range of items including plastic and gift cards, identification cards, hotel key cards, luggage tags, and employee name badges. Founded in 1962 in Minneapolis, Minnesota, the company relocated to Midland, Texas in 1970, where it has consolidated its operations to enhance production capacity. In 2008, Teraco acquired the assets of Innovative Plastic Card Printing Corporation, enabling a synergistic collaboration that has strengthened its market position. The company is committed to adapting to changing consumer trends while maintaining a focus on customer partnership, emphasizing speed, service, and tailored solutions. Teraco also offers additional services such as card personalization, online proofing, design, printing, mailing, and reporting, ensuring a comprehensive approach to meet the specific needs of its clients.

Michaels of Oregon

Debt Financing in 2001
Michaels of Oregon is a prominent manufacturer and distributor specializing in hunting, shooting, and law enforcement accessories. Originally established as a producer of sling swivels for the gunsmith trade, the company has expanded its product line to include a variety of items such as holsters, slings, gun cases, belts, and cleaning products under well-known brands like Uncle Mike's, Hoppe's, and Butler Creek. With its headquarters and manufacturing facility located in Oregon City, Oregon, Michaels of Oregon operates additional sites in Meridian, Idaho, and New Ulm, Minnesota. The company employs approximately 270 individuals and is committed to enhancing customer service through advanced computer and telecommunications systems. Its diverse offerings cater to the needs of law enforcement, shooting enthusiasts, and hunters.
Spot something off? Help us improve by flagging any incorrect or outdated information. Just email us at support@teaserclub.com. Your feedback is most welcome.