About
We’re an independent investor with a focus on the long-term and a simple approach: invest in good assets with good management and expect solid returns. Most investments are made with the expectation our holding period will be forever. We invest directly and not through funds. This direct approach allows us to hold our investments forever while eliminating the “middle man” – often resulting in better returns for us and better valuations for sellers.
We are entrepreneurs ourselves. Our founders, Gary and Mary West, started West Corporation in 1986 and built the company into one of the largest teleservices providers in the world.
We’re self-funded and the capital we invest is our own. This results in our investments receiving our undivided attention and focus. In addition, our self-funded approach means additional capital will be available to our investments when additional growth opportunities present themselves.
Our substantial size and self-funded structure allow us to make decisions efficiently. We appreciate every investment opportunity we receive and promise a prompt response as to our initial level of interest.
Our Team
Gary West
Prior to founding West Partners, Gary was Chairman of West Corporation, a company he and his wife, Mary, founded in 1986 and took public in 1996. They maintained majority ownership until the company was taken private in 2006. Previous to West Corporation, Gary and Mary founded WATS Marketing of America in 1978, which was acquired in 1985 by First Data Resources. Gary’s role at West Partners includes underwriting decisions as well as working with portfolio company CEO’s.
Ron Santoni
For the past four years, Ron managed the development and start-up of West Development, Inc.’s hospitality business, including an 86-room boutique hotel, a fine-dining steakhouse, and a casual dining chain. Prior to joining West Development in 2003, Ron was a Professor of Law at Creighton University from 1977 to 2003 and of- Counsel at Erickson & Sederstrom Law Firm from 1978 to 2003. Ron received his B.A, and Juris Doctorate degrees from the University of Pennsylvania. Ron serves as an advisor to the investment team at West Partners and serves on the boards of portfolio companies.
Dennis O’Brien
Dennis previously was a Partner at McCarthy Capital Corporation where he was responsible for evaluating acquisition opportunities, structuring and consummating transactions, and serving on boards of portfolio companies. Previous to that, Dennis held positions at First Data Corporation and Mutual of Omaha. Dennis received his B.S.B.A., M.B.A. and J.D. degrees from Creighton University. He serves as Managing Director of West Partners.
Chad Sandstedt
Prior to joining West Partners, Chad founded FetchXL, a provider of financial data and analytical solutions. Previous to that, Chad was an Associate at McCarthy Capital Corporation where he was involved in making investments in middle-market companies. He previously worked as an Analyst in the development group of MidAmerican Energy Holdings Company. Chad is a CFA charterholder and a graduate of the University of Nebraska – Omaha with a B.S.B.A. in Finance. He serves as a Director of West Partners.
Philanthropy
The Gary and Mary West Foundation is a private non-operating foundation that funds tax-exempt organizations in the regions of San Diego, California and Omaha, Nebraska. To learn more about the Gary and Mary West Foundation, please visit the foundation’s web site at www.gmwf.org.