Business-oriented.
People-centered.
Here to help you elevate your value
Your values determine your legacy. They guide you, like a well-worn map, across the terrain of life and business. At West Elk Partners, we are committed to helping you optimize your value without compromising your legacy.
Chris Hammond
Managing Partner
Private equity sponsor and seasoned M&A advisor, Chris has the nearly 30 years of investment banking and acquisition advisory expertise it takes to build impactful partnerships. He brings more than capital to the table. He brings a passion for people and an eye for business potential.
Chris is also actively engaged in his community. He has served in leadership roles for Economic Literacy Colorado (ELC), the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG), Colorado Mountain Bike Association (COMBA) and Ducks Unlimited, the world’s largest wetlands conservation organization. You can find Chris spending his free time in the outdoors with his family and friends.
Russ Williams, CFA
Partner
Russ is an experienced CFO consultant with a strong background in business and complex securities valuation. He is passionate about supporting owners’ financial infrastructure, reporting, and planning to achieve long-term business growth.
Russ maintains an active presence in the Denver non-profit community, helping charitable organizations lead from the front while optimizing fundraising and operations. He is an active partner with Social Venture Partners Denver, and legacy member of Denver Children’s Foundation. Outside of the office, Russ enjoys the outdoors, fly fishing and backcountry snowboarding.
Ken Schrader
Strategic Advisor
From Fortune 500 companies like HP to entrepreneurial organizations, Ken has over 35+ years experience leading organizations and driving strategic, operational and people breakthroughs. He is a Certified EOS Implementer® and business coach. His mission: guiding courageous, principled leaders on the trail to greatness.
Ken is committed to giving back to his local community. He co-founded CHAMP, a non-profit dedicated to bringing character to youth athletics, and has served in leadership positions in the Boy Scouts of America and on other non-profit boards. He enjoys teaching graduate business courses, photography and hiking with his family and friends.
Wade Groetsch
Strategic Advisor
A food industry operating executive whose expertise spans Fortune 500 to early stage entrepreneurial companies, Wade has been instrumental in the growth and exit of well-known brands such as Noosa Yoghurt. His steadfast commitment to operational excellence and straightforward approach to business make him an invaluable member of the team.
We don’t buy you out.
We buy a stake in your vision.
We deliver values-inspired equity that takes you from dreams to destination. Because your values are the difference between getting lost and leaving a legacy that makes a difference for others along the trail.
Transparency
We’re committed to doing what’s right, even when it’s not popular. Full transparency, total honesty.
People
People before profit. It’s the people in any organization that matter most.
Performance
We are committed to leveraging our expertise and resources to help transform good companies into next-level organizations.
Collaboration
We believe that synergistic collaboration with all stakeholders results in the best outcome for all.
Patience
Our investment horizon is not pre-determined. Our investment decisions are driven by what’s in the best interest of all stakeholders.
Leadership
We are committed to developing fun, effective, and exceptional leadership teams.