We feel that is what separates us from being private equity. When evaluating a potential transaction, we are looking at what the business can be a decade from now instead of just a few years from now. Also, if the opportunity does come to sell the business, we leave the decision up to the leadership team to decide what’s best for the business and the employees.
Our CriteriaIt all started back in 1993 when the founder sold his first business, and since then, Dakota Holdings has completed transactions in several industries. Currently, Dakota Holdings has 12 holding/real estate companies and 17 operating companies under its umbrella.
Gary started Dakota Holdings back in 1995 with the first sale of one of his businesses. Since this initial sale, he has made multiple investments, and has completed the sale of several businesses, in various industries. He is currently the lead investor in and board member of more than 25 companies, some of which he has held an interest in for more than 15 years. These investments range from start-ups to small/mid-size businesses. Gary has earned his CMA & CPA designations and has also earned his MBA from SMU.
Kellee joined Dakota Holdings in September 2016. She has been involved in the acquisition of all portfolio companies since that time and serves in various officer capacities for those companies. She has earned her CPA and has been a manager in the accounting department of several companies before joining Dakota Holdings.
Archer joined Dakota Holdings in November 2022 and is involved in several capacities with the portfolio companies. Archer has earned his CMA and previously worked at Goldman Sachs where he managed the dividend reinvestment process for mutual funds and coordinated the integration of an internationally acquired company’s equity program.
Jeff has a BBA-Finance from Baylor University & a Juris Doctor from the University of Texas Law School. Jeff worked for a large Dallas law firm for ten years, in-house for a prominent Dallas family for ten years and then in private practice for the last 18 years at the law firm of Apple & Fink, LLP in Coppell, Texas. He primarily helped clients with real estate and business transactions
Tricia joined Dakota Holdings in March of 2024. Tricia is a seasoned professional with over three decades of experience in legal administration, office management, and financial operations. Tricia worked much of her career at a boutique estate planning and commercial real estate law firm where she gained her experience in all aspects of administration, management and accounting. She has spent the last 5 years working for an oil & gas law firm as firm administrator.