ACG Akron: Growth and M&A in the Food Industry

As a CEO for over 25 years and one of the original founding management members, oversaw the growth of Country Pure Foods (CPF) and its predecessor from approximately $12 million in gross sales and 50 employees to over $400 million and over 600 employees with 5 plant locations. Retired from CPF on December 31, 2022. Currently serving as senior advisor and investor/sponsor of Haymaker IV, a NYSE traded SPAC (Special Purpose Acquisition Corporation).

Harvey founded and grew Main Street Gourmet (MSG), along with his long-time friend, Steve Marks. Starting in downtown Akron in 1986, with a building purchased at a sheriff sale, they renovated the entire building, as well as, creating and opening a retail muffin shop. Eventually, MSG matured into a custom bakery manufacture, residing in a 75,000 sq. ft. facility, shipping product throughout the United States. Throughout the journey the business was sold to venture capital, bought back, sold to PE, then sold a last time to PE in 2019. It was a fun ride!

Brian James Seitz is an accomplished executive with over 20 years of robust experience in operations, law, and finance. As the President of Acquisitions and In-House Counsel at Hillcrest Foodservice, Brian spearheads strategic company acquisitions and fosters corporate growth, utilizing his extensive background in mergers and acquisitions, regulatory compliance, contract negotiation, and risk management.

A licensed attorney in Ohio, Brian earned his Juris Doctor from Cleveland State University College of Law and his undergraduate degree from Bowling Green State University. His legal acumen and entrepreneurial spirit have been instrumental across various industries, especially in navigating complex business landscapes.

Under Brian’s leadership, Hillcrest Foodservice, a privately-held food distribution company, is actively seeking to expand its portfolio by investing in growth-oriented food-related companies. The company is particularly interested in acquiring food manufacturers and distributors, aiming to enhance operational efficiencies and management capabilities, thus facilitating both vertical and horizontal integration.

Brian's expertise and leadership at Hillcrest Foodservice have directly led to the successful completion of over 30 deals, enhancing the company's portfolio and strategic position within the industry. His proactive approach in mergers and acquisitions has been pivotal in driving the company's expansion and operational integration.

Brian co-hosts the Restauranttopia podcast, where he shares invaluable insights into restaurant management and operations. The podcast addresses crucial aspects such as staffing, menu development, marketing, and financial management, offering a wealth of knowledge to independent restaurant owners and operators.

On a personal note, Brian lives in Brecksville, Ohio with his beautiful wife, Melissa, and their teenage son. When he's not spearheading new business initiatives or engaging with the community, he enjoys mentoring independent restaurant owners, helping them succeed and foster stronger community ties.

Currently leading the sales team at Whoa Dough, a gluten free cookie dough manufacturer in Cleveland. Prior to Whoa Dough, Billy has worked in various sales and leadership roles within various small businesses and private equity. In his free time he enjoys spending time with his family/friends, exercising and bird hunting over his dogs.  

Tom is the former Managing Partner of Grant Thornton’s Cleveland office and also served as a Tax Partner in the Firm’s national M&A Tax practice. Upon his retirement in July of 2022, Tom has been engaged as Senior Advisor with MelCap Partners, which is a middle-market investment banking Firm in the Northeast Ohio marketplace. MelCap focuses on deals in the lower end of the middle market, which includes deals in the $2.5 to $10 million of EBITDA.

With nearly 40 years of experience in public accounting, Tom has extensive M&A transaction experience, including tax due diligence and structuring matters for both PEIs and Strategic Buyers, expertise in set up and formation issues with respect to private equity investor funds, and significant experience with tax issues related to cross-border transactions.

In the community, Tom is a board member of the Village of St. Edward and its Foundation Board. He recently assumed the Board president role for the Akron Zips Football Booster Club.

He previously served as a board member for the First Tee of Cleveland, Chairman of the Board for St. Vincent – St. Mary High School, Treasurer of Cleveland Baseball Federation, President of the local chapter of the Association for Corporate Growth, President of the Varsity “A” Club for the University of Akron, an Adjunct Professor of Taxation at the University of Akron, and a Board member for the Greater Cleveland Sports Commission.

Tom is an avid networker and developer of people. He would welcome the opportunity to meet with you and discuss how he might help you expand your business objectives in the local marketplace.