Private Equity Associate

Garden City Equity is a people-first holding company that invests in exceptional founder- and family-owned businesses. We live by our core values of serving others, pursuing excellence, and relentless passion.

Our family of companies includes 7+ businesses across the country, both control and non-control investments. Our model is best described as a “Berkshire Hathaway” approach for small to mid-sized businesses.

Our vision is simple and clear:
To honor God by building the best holding company in the world where all workers can thrive.

• Buy and hold businesses for the long term
• Retain management teams and preserve founder culture
• Move quickly and partner closely with leaders
• Operate with a “do well, do good, and delight in the work” mindset

We have no institutional investors. Our capital comes from 200+ mission-aligned, value-added partners who are committed to long-term growth and stewardship.

We are seeking a highly motivated Investment Associate to support the full investment lifecycle, from research and deal execution to ongoing portfolio company support.

This role is ideal for someone with strong financial and analytical skills who wants broad exposure across sourcing, diligence, execution, and value creation. You will work closely with senior investment professionals and portfolio company leaders and will take on meaningful responsibility early.

• Support investment thesis development through market and industry research
• Build and maintain acquisition, LBO, and returns models
• Perform financial analysis, including QofE, scenario, and sensitivity work
• Support transactions from IOI through closing
• Manage diligence processes and coordinate third-party advisors
• Prepare investment memos, IC materials, and supporting analyses
• Present insights to senior investment team members
• Support assigned portfolio companies alongside the deal lead
• Monitor KPIs, operating performance, and financial results
• Prepare board and management materials and track follow-ups
• Support value creation initiatives and strategic planning
• Assist with add-on acquisition strategy and execution

• Maintain deal pipeline, portfolio reporting, and internal analytics
• Help improve internal processes and reporting tools

• 2–4 years of experience in investment banking, private equity, or a related role
• Strong financial modeling and accounting skills
• Experience with M&A transactions and diligence
• Strong analytical, communication, and presentation skills
• Highly organized, detail-oriented, and self-motivated
• Mission-driven and values-aligned
• Bachelor’s degree in finance, economics, accounting, or a related field

• Competitive compensation
• Highly generous health benefits
• 401(k) with employer match
• HSA contribution
• Charitable giving match
• Cell phone reimbursement
• Faith- and values-aligned culture
• Flexible time off
• Team offsites
• Shareholder summits and community events
• This role is based in Charlotte, NC and is in-office. We believe proximity and collaboration are essential to building a strong culture and delivering long‑term results.