Part of the ZoomUp team presented to Junior Achievement students in December of 2018.
ZoomUp focuses on "zooming" reputable, well tenured businesses with young, ambitious 'Zoomers'.
ZoomUp Businesses
A ZoomUp business is primarily a business that has an excellent reputation, with superior customer service that is focused on blue collar industries.
ZoomUp is a reverse search fund. There isn’t a business that’s too ugly, too sweaty, or too unique for ZoomUp. ZoomUp businesses don’t focus on new construction, we look for companies that are ‘recession proof’. These companies can come in any shape or size. No deal is too big or too small. The higher the ‘revenue per employee’ the better! ZoomUp business aren’t franchises. ZoomUp businesses have huge potential for growth or what we call ‘zooming’.
Zoomers
Zoomer (n): a young, ambitious entrepreneur who yearns to own his/her own company, and isn’t scared of getting their “hands dirty” in a blue-collar business.
Typically, a Zoomer is between the age of 25-35, and has some kind of management experience, but a Zoomer can be of any age or experience! A college degree is not a requirement, but a ‘chip on your shoulder’ is! Low burn rates are preferred; Mike calls this his ‘Ford Focus’ model. You might want to trade in your BMW if you want to be a Zoomer. Zoomers that join us will have the opportunity to own the majority of the company over a seven-year timeline.
For over 30 years, the ZoomUp team has mentored, coached, and identified potential Zoomers. Mike Griffin, partner of Griffin Brothers Companies, understands the traits and characteristics of successful young professionals, and is looking to place those individuals into these ZoomUp-like businesses. Mike believes that if these high potential Zoomers/Entrepreneurs have the ambition to own their own business, then there is no better place than a blue-collar business that treats it’s customers with the upmost respect and integrity.
Our Investments
Sebastian Williams
Restoration Services
Est. 2018
Age: 31
Hometown: Robbinsville, NC
Fun fact:
He has backpacked around the world.
Sebastian wants to scale a high-growth, customer-first business by hiring the best people, implementing seamless processes, and utilizing the latest and greatest technology. The responsibility of maintaining and restoring homes in our community is an exciting and impactful mission for him and his team.
Houston Summers
Restoration Services
Est. 2018
Age: 31
Hometown: Greensboro, NC
Fun fact:
He played seven seasons of professional baseball with the Arizona Diamondbacks and St. Louis Cardinals Organizations.
At The Restoration Company, we not only want to WOW our customers, but also our partners and team members. We believe that healthier, happier homes and people make the world a better place. It is a part of our long-term vision to bring a bit of RESTORATION wherever it is needed!
Jerome Trehy
Roland Black Heating and Cooling
Est. 1973
Age: 33
Hometown: Durham, NC
Fun fact:
Former welder, sculptor, and furniture designer.
His goal for the business is to update and steadily grow an existing company through hard work, applied mentorship, and by empowering a close-knit team of professionals who share our ZoomUp vision. On a more personal level, by being closely involved in all daily operations and inherent challenges thereof, he’s growing as a leader and future active investor in the ZoomUp model. If he’s not Zooming, he’s bouldering.
Jonathan Keating
Roof King
Est. 2014
Age: 26
Hometown: Charlotte, NC
Fun fact:
He’s played guitar since he was nine years old and was captain of the debate team in high school.
He wants to be the best in the business – a master of our craft. He wants to turn Roof King into one of the biggest roofing companies in the Carolinas. Through all this he hopes to become a way better business man and leader. He wants to ultimately be in a position where he can change people’s lives with roofing. If he’s not Zooming, he’s watching the NBA (he’s a diehard NBA fan) or out for a run.
Reese Blackwell
Greenway Waste Solutions
Est. 2018
Age: 31
Hometown: Kershaw, SC
Fun fact:
His favorite ice cream is Toffee Coffee — bring him some and you’ll be BFFs.
He wants to be the best grease trap pumping business in the world!
Scott Simmons
Greenway Waste Solutions
Est. 2018
Age: 42
Hometown: Stanley, NC
Fun fact:
He enjoys riding motorcycles and could do it every day for the rest of his life.
His goal for Greenway Waste Solutions (Environmental Division) is to grow a quality service business throughout the Carolinas.
Mike Griffin
A native of Charlotte, NC, Mike is a managing partner of Griffin Brothers Companies (GBC). Mike leads the “buy-side” of ZoomUp and has enjoyed mentoring young entrepreneurs for 30 years. He’s a Tar Heel (class of 1987), and if you don’t see him ‘zooming’ a business, he’s most likely hanging out in Chapel Hill with his family (Andi, Alex, and Carrie), or hanging out on Lake Norman ‘zooming’ on his fly board.
Austin Helms
A native of Valdese, NC, he is an entrepreneur for GBC. Austin leads the “recruitment and search sides” of ZoomUp, and has been working with Mike since 2016, when ZoomUp was founded. He’s also a Tar Heel (class of 2016), and if you don’t find him recruiting ‘Zoomers,’ he’s most likely traveling or playing basketball.
Mike Griffin
A native of Charlotte, NC, Mike is a managing partner of Griffin Brothers Companies (GBC). Mike leads the “buy-side” of ZoomUp and has enjoyed mentoring young entrepreneurs for 30 years. He’s a Tar Heel (class of 1987), and if you don’t see him ‘zooming’ a business, he’s most likely hanging out in Chapel Hill with his family (Andi, Alex, and Carrie), or hanging out on Lake Norman ‘zooming’ on his fly board.
Austin Helms
A native of Valdese, NC, he is an entrepreneur for GBC. Austin leads the “recruitment and search sides” of ZoomUp, and has been working with Mike since 2016, when ZoomUp was founded. He’s also a Tar Heel (class of 2016), and if you don’t find him recruiting ‘Zoomers,’ he’s most likely traveling or playing basketball.
Are you ready to zoom?
If you have interest in becoming a Zoomer or learning more about how we identify these individuals, please contact Austin Helms.