1905
YEAR
FOUNDED
Who We Are
$100M+
UNLEVERED
ASSETS
5th
GENERATION
SHAREHOLDERS
3
GROWTH
PILLARS
∞
POSSIBILITIES1905
YEAR
FOUNDED
$100M+
UNLEVERED
ASSETS
5th
GENERATION
SHAREHOLDERS
3
GROWTH
PILLARS
∞
POSSIBILITIESMission
It is simple. St. Martin exists to provide generational returns while preserving the legacy of its founders and contributors. The company generates shareholder value through dividend growth and legacy enhancement. Growth is achieved through diligent portfolio management and investment strategies across the risk continuum. And our legacy is enhanced through integrity, vision, execution, and resource stewardship.
About
St. Martin is a multi-business, generational company with Midwest (Iowa) and Bayou (Louisiana) roots. The company acquired thousands of timber acres in 1905—its growth fueled by energy discoveries. In the 2000s, the company began diversifying into alternative investments. Today, St. Martin is committed to creating a sustainable and resilient operating portfolio for generational growth and legacy enhancement.
Our Companies
Investment Focus
St. Martin is a unique acquisition platform. We look for companies like us—honest in our dealings, proud of our legacy and impact, and always innovating for the future. We are seeking small-to-middle market companies that enhance our generational portfolio, are passionate about business growth, and value stewardship.
Asset Pillars
Why St. Martin?
- Buy-and-build, generational stewardship
- Honest dealing, interest alignment
- Flexible capital and equity structure
- Cash to invest in growth and innovation
- Rural and main street values
We are straightforward and genuine in our courtship, fair in our negotiation, efficient in our diligence, and expeditious in our closing. We respect company heritage and let leaders lead because we buy-and-build for the long-term. Our capital structure is flexible. We are not looking for a quick flip and do not rationalize people or operations. Instead, we encourage owner and management equity rolls as well as align processes and resources to achieve growth and emergent opportunities.
Why St. Martin?
- Buy-and-build, generational stewardship
- Honest dealing, interest alignment
- Flexible capital and equity structure
- Cash to invest in growth and innovation
- Rural and main street values
We are straightforward and genuine in our courtship, fair in our negotiation, efficient in our diligence, and expeditious in our closing. We respect company heritage and let leaders lead because we buy-and-build for the long-term. Our capital structure is flexible. We are not looking for a quick flip and do not rationalize people or operations. Instead, we encourage owner and management equity rolls as well as align processes and resources to achieve growth and emergent opportunities.
Guiding Values
We do it the right way: integrity, passion, trust, honesty, and Midwest values.
Enterprise Strength
We are a multi-business enterprise, with revenue diversity and capital strength.
Employee and Community
We serve communities and employees, and we do not rationalize locations or employees.
Accelerate Growth
We are focused on growth through process and resource alignment.
Business Autonomy
We enable and empower management teams.
Ability to Close
From due diligence to closing, we have the experience and capital to get it done.
Investment Characteristics
- Founder/limited owner
- Legacy and heritage emphasis
- Solid management
- Recurring revenue base
- Flexible cost structure
- Leading market/brand positions
- Growth and scaling opportunities
- $1-$10M in EBITDA
History
2024
2022
2021
2018
2015
2004
1984
1970
1961
Meet Our Team
St. Martin Leadership:
Nick Taiber
President, St. Martin Holdings
Nick joined St. Martin in 2020 as president. Prior to St. Martin, Nick led CPM Holdings’ corporate development for 16 years, focused on strategy, project management, and acquisitions. During those years, CPM revenues grew 5x, a result of organic growth and 18 operating company and asset acquisitions. Nick started his career with John Deere in factory and production systems, working in the United States and abroad. A University of Iowa industrial engineer, Nick’s interests include travel, civic engagement (including eight years on city council), entrepreneurship, architecture, and active living (he bikes, a lot). He resides with his family in Cedar Falls, Iowa.
Becky Taylor
Accounting and Project Manager, St. Martin Holdings
Becky joined St. Martin in 2022 as Accounting Manager and quickly ascended into Controller for all St. Martin operating companies. Becky is also leading business systems integration across the enterprise. Prior to St. Martin, Becky worked at Muscatine Power and Water as an Accountant and Republic Services as Divisional Accountant. She has committed herself to life-long learning with degrees in accounting, management and soon, an MBA . Becky resides in Illinois and serves family and equestrian passions outside of work.
Kristie Webster
Administration Director, St. Martin Holdings
Kristie joined St. Martin Holdings in 2014. Kristie is the ‘glue’ of the company, managing all corporate office activities, shareholder relations, and St. Martin’s real estate portfolio. Prior to St. Martin, Kristie served as legal assistant for over a decade. She loves dogs and getting things done.
Jeff Schmidt
General Manager, Total Maintenance Solutions
Jeff joined TMS in 2013 as national sales manager before assuming general manager duties. Jeff honed his career in logistics leadership before joining and leading TMS to record revenue growth. Jeff is also passionate about historical home improvement and hobby farming. For 20 years, Jeff has been building Schmidt farms, including full equine training and boarding programs with adjacent production of hay, corn, and soybeans.
Phil Jones
President, Rada Mfg. Co.
Phil joined Rada in 2015 as Vice President and General Manager, and was promoted to President in 2020. Before Rada, Phil served as the City Administrator for the City of Waverly, and the Utility Operations Manager for Westminster, Colorado. Phil earned his BA in Public Administration at the University of Northern Iowa and his MPA at the University of Kansas. Outside of Rada, Phil and his family enjoy being active in their community and spending time with family and friends, usually around a campfire or some other outside activity. Phil also serves as the Chair of the Waverly Health Center Board of Trustees, a board member of the Iowa Association of Business and Industry, and at Redeemer Lutheran Church.
Tony Ranson
President, Mehta Tech
Tony joined Automation Systems / Mehta Tech in 1984 as a design engineer and progressed through various technical and managerial roles. Before accepting the position of President in 2021, Tony served as Mehta Tech's Vice President and General Manager. Prior to joining Mehta Tech, Tony earned his B.S. in Electrical Engineering at Northern Illinois University specializing in Computer Systems Architecture. After graduating from NIU, Tony worked as a systems engineer for IBM. Along with running Mehta Tech, Tony is co-secretary for TRUC and has participated in some IEEE standards developments. Tony is a sports enthusiast, an avid baseball fan, family man and wood splitter.
St. Martin Board:
James Trewin
Mr. Trewin is both chairman of the company and past president (1995-2012). He is a retired licensed professional mechanical engineer. Mr. Trewin was a principal in Practical Building Solutions 2000, Inc., a mechanical, electrical, and plumbing engineering design firm. He was a founder of Trewin & Smith, Inc., an air pollution control systems design and manufacturing firm, and was a major subcontract manager with Texas Instruments Incorporated. Mr. Trewin holds a B.S. in mechanical engineering from Iowa State University. Mr. Trewin has served the board since 1996 with focus on Louisiana operations and energy.
Cammie Greif
Ms. Greif co-founded TaxACT, Inc., an online tax software company in 1998, and acted as chief marketing officer until 2012 when the company was sold to Blucora. Ms. Greif currently manages the family’s enterprise, including 3,000-acre farming operation, investments, real estate, and alternative investments. She also dedicates her time to the entrepreneurial community. Ms. Greif serves on the boards of Mount Mercy University and Timberline Manufacturing. She holds a B.B.A. in accounting and business administration from Mount Mercy College in 1988, and is an inactive status certified public accountant (CPA). Ms. Greif has served the board since 2015 with focus on M&A and real estate.
Charles Kreiner, Jr.
Mr. Kreiner is a senior vice president, investments, at The Kreiner Financial Group associated with UBS Financial Services, Inc. in Buffalo, N.Y. He has been involved in brokerage and investment security management since June 1972. Mr. Kreiner served in the United States Navy with combat experience aboard a destroyer in southeast Asia. Following active duty, Mr. Kreiner served in the United States Naval Reserve, retiring with the rank of Captain. Mr. Kreiner graduated with a B.A. in economics from Hamilton College in 1967 and with an M.B.A. in finance from the University of Southern California in 1972. Mr. Kreiner has served the board since 1989 with focus on investments.
Roy Poché
Mr. Poché is majority owner of Superior Derrick Services, LLC, a leading design and fabricator of derricks, substructures, and drilling rigs. Mr. Poché is also 50% owner of Champion Resources, LLC, a significant office/warehouse facility. Mr. Poché has been self-employed since 1980. He graduated from St. Martinville High School in 1961 and attended the University of Southwestern Louisiana in Lafayette, Louisiana. Mr. Poché has served the board since 2007 with focus on energy and Louisiana holdings.
Arlo Sorensen
Mr. Sorensen retired from the M.H. Whittier Corporation, where he last served as president and a director. Since his retirement, Mr. Sorensen continues to serve as chairman of the board of directors of the Whittier Trust Company and as a board member of various Whittier corporations and charitable foundations. Mr. Sorensen is a 1964 graduate of Brigham Young University with a B.A. in accounting. Mr. Sorenson has served the board since 1998 with focus on energy and investments.
David Barker
David Barker leads Barker Companies, a diversified real estate management and development company located in Iowa. In addition, Mr. Barker is an accomplished economist, academic and politician. His academic papers and books have challenged convention through a classical liberal lens. Mr. Barker received a bachelor of arts from University of California at Berkely and a Ph.D. in economics from University of Chicago. Mr. Barker joined the board in 2021 bringing special focus to investment committee activities in real estate and acquisitions.