Operating Partner

Steve Richards


After spending fifteen or so years away from the former executive team at Harcourt General, Neiman Marcus, and General Cinema, I had the opportunity to rejoin them at Castanea as an Operating Partner in 2012.

My prior experiences has included managing the finances and operations of portfolio companies of other private equity firms. These experiences have been with a variety of businesses in many sectors such as consumer brands, publishing and information services.  These business also had a mix of manufacturing, sourced production and internal and third party distribution of products and services.

My career started in the public accounting world, ultimately becoming a partner with Deloitte with significant experience providing attest function client service and management consulting engagements to a variety of businesses of all sizes and industries. Subsequent to the public accounting days, my roles and responsibilities in private equity owned entities has included all aspects of finance and operational oversight. At Castanea, I work closely with all our portfolio companies and have also been engaged in due diligence process for new investment opportunities.

I enjoy supporting management teams as they strive to achieve their strategic goals and objectives. In this regard, my experiences include supply chain support, process and workflow enhancement, acquisitions and integration, and all aspects of finance. When a business has a problem, jumping in to help address the issues and provide independent support to the management teams is a piece of what I can bring to the table.

After graduating from Boston University with a BS in accounting in 1977, I began my career as a CPA, and today, after 40 years, I feel even more engaged. My wife Chris and I live in the greater Boston area and really enjoy spending our weekends on Cape Cod. I also playing golf and peddling a bike when time permits. I am still actively supporting the Castanea portfolio and will work with the Stride team on Castanea and their portfolio as the need arises.

Investments

Drybar is a leading haircare brand with its own retail outlets and a branded line of products and styling accessories sold through its own and third-party retail stores.

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First Aid Beauty produces and markets skin care products and makeup targeting specific skin issues such as eczema, anti-aging, dry skin, and acne while being safe for sensitive skin.

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Tatcha’s luxury skincare products are inspired by Japanese beauty rituals.

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MacKenzie-Childs is a designer and marketer of luxury home furnishings and personal accessories sold direct-to-consumer through the company’s catalog, website, and company-owned stores, as well as leading home retailers.

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Jeni’s is a modern American ice cream company with over 30 scoop shops, growing distribution in top grocery stores across the country, and an online store.

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The Bruery is a producer of premium specialty craft beers. The company specializes in barrel-aged and sour beers, and creates complex flavors from simple ingredients.

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