We work to build scalable, durable companies
We look for established companies interested in growing and improving their operation, which can require massive investments in research and development and intellectual capital. The Rise Companies works to build scalable, durable companies for the long haul. Our portfolio is comprised of solid performers in stable industries with great managers. The Rise Companies helps empower them to execute strategy better and outperform the competition.

Mission Statement
Our mission is to drive sustainable growth and operational excellence in manufacturing companies by leveraging strategic investments, industry expertise, and value-creating partnerships. We are committed to enhancing long-term shareholder value while fostering innovation, optimizing efficiency, and supporting the development of our portfolio companies and their employees. Through disciplined stewardship, we aim to transform businesses, strengthen communities, and deliver measurable results.
Vision Statement
Our vision is to be the leading private equity firm in the manufacturing sector, recognized for transforming businesses into industry leaders through innovation, operational efficiency, and a relentless focus on value creation. We strive to shape the future of manufacturing by empowering our portfolio companies to thrive in an evolving global marketplace, driving economic growth, and setting new standards of excellence for both performance and sustainability.
Our Board of Directors

Harry Smith
Harry Smith is the founder and CEO of Rise. When he became CEO of Flanders Corporation, the company was in bankruptcy. Eight years later, Flanders was the largest air filter manufacturer in the United State.
Harry Smith
Partner
When Harry Smith became CEO of Flanders Corporation, the company was in bankruptcy. Eight years later, Flanders was the largest air filter manufacturer in the United States. With double-digit EBITDA, Harry led Flanders for four more years as a NASDAQ-traded company, then as a privately-held entity, and, ultimately, he spearheaded the successful private sale of the company.
This is just one example in Harry’s long and thriving career. Before launching Rise Capital, Harry also founded or co-founded the National Wholesale Leasing Company, Pronamics, and Pitt Electric.
Harry actively mentors business owners and entrepreneurs and advises mergers and acquisition analysis and deal structuring.
Harry earned a Bachelor of Science in Business Administration from East Carolina University. He is the former chair of the University of North Carolina Board of Governors.

Dale Jenkins
After serving 26 years as the chief executive officer of Curi, Dale Jenkins joined Rise Capital as a board member in 2021.
Dale Jenkins
Board Member
Dale Jenkins is a native of Forest City, North Carolina. After graduating in 1978 with a degree in accounting from Wake Forest University, he moved to Raleigh where he began a successful 43-year career in public accounting and the insurance industry.
After finishing his college degree, Dale was recruited to join the accounting firm of Ernst & Ernst. He was named a partner in the firm in 1987. In 1994, he was asked to become the Chief Executive Officer of one of his long-time clients, Medical Mutual Insurance of North Carolina, today know as Curi. Curi specializes in writing professional liability insurance for health care professionals and facilities. During his 27-year career with the Company, Medical Mutual converted to a mutual insurance holding company, created MMIC Investment Holdings which owns various real estate and private investments and also formed Curi Capital, a firm focused on wealth management for health care and other professionals. The company is consistently recognized as a Wards Top 50 performing property and casualty insurance company in the United States.
Dale currently serves on the boards of Investors Management Corporation, Rise Capital, Orlando Health and OnCall Solutions. Additionally, he is a trustee of Wake Forest University and a member of the Atrium Wake Forest Baptist Medical Center.
During his career, Dale has shown a commitment to public service, particularly in the areas of health care and education. He is the past chair of the NC Chamber, UNC Health, MyFutureNC and Capital Associated Industries. In 2014, Dale was conferred the Order of the Long Leaf Pine and the Triangle Business Journals Health Care Heroes Lifetime Achievement Award. He also received the Wake Education Partnership Vernon Malone Friend of Education Award in 2019 for his exceptional commitment to public education.
Dale currently resides in Raleigh with his wife Jennie. Together they have 4 children and 1O grandchildren.

Ben Remke
Ben Remke is the Chief Financial Officer of Curi, responsible for Curi’s financial strategy, execution, and performance.
Ben Remke
Board Member
Ben Remke is the Chief Financial Officer of Curi, responsible for Curi’s financial strategy, execution, and performance. He joined the company in 2014 as the Director of Finance and has served the company at increasing levels of responsibility since then. Before joining Curi, Ben worked as a Finance Director at the North Carolina Mutual Life Insurance Company. Ben is a Certified Public Accountant with a BS in Business Management and a BS in Accounting from North Carolina State University. He is a past board member and former president of the Carolinas Chapter of the Insurance Accounting and Systems Association. Ben, his wife Alana, and their two children live in Raleigh, NC where they are active with various sports and school activities.

Robert Moore
Robert Moore has been an entrepreneur in the outdoor advertising industry for almost 30 years. He has a passion for business and the skill set to build successful companies from the ground up.
Robert Moore
Board Member
Robert Moore has been an entrepreneur in the outdoor advertising industry for almost 30 years. He has a passion for business and the skill set to build successful companies from the ground up. Armed with a deep understanding of the advertising landscape and a desire to make a significant impact on the industry, Robert established his own billboard companies, Riley Outdoor and Patriot Outdoor. The combined assets of these two companies position them as one of the 80 largest outdoor advertising companies in the United States. For more than a decade, Robert made invaluable contributions as a member of the board for the Outdoor Advertising Association, playing a significant role in shaping the industry.
Robert earned his B.S. in Business Administration from East Carolina University and was also appointed to serve on the ECU Board of Trustees. His passion for business and unwavering dedication to client success makes him an inspirational figure for aspiring entrepreneurs and professionals alike. Robert, his wife Laura, and their daughter Riley reside in Greenville, North Carolina and love spending time at the coast. Riley attends the University of Tennessee Knoxville.

Scott Lampe
Scott Lampe is the president of advanced manufacturing company Hendrick Motorsports Technical Solutions. It is ISO-9001 certified and supports a variety of commercial and government programs with expert manufacturing services.
Scott Lampe
Board Member
Scott Lampe is the president of advanced manufacturing company Hendrick Motorsports Technical Solutions. It is ISO-9001 certified and supports a variety of commercial and government programs with expert manufacturing services.
Established in 2019 as a division of 14-time NASCAR Cup Series champions Hendrick Motorsports, Hendrick Motorsports Technical Solutions today is a stand-alone entity owned by business leader Rick Hendrick and overseen by Lampe. Its offerings include fabricated metal structures, prototyping, and assembly, complemented by CNC machining, composites, and electrical operations. The company’s Concord, North Carolina, facility also houses engineering, quality control, business development, purchasing, program management and other functions.
Lampe is a graduate of Appalachian State University and began his career in 1995 with accounting firm Dixon Hughes PLLC in Raleigh, North Carolina. From there he joined Hendrick Motorsports in 1999 as controller and later CFO from 2005 through 2019.
After working in private equity, Lampe returned to Hendrick Motorsports as CFO in 2022 with responsibility for accounting, human resources, information technology, facilities, operational excellence and aviation. He was then elevated to senior vice president and CFO in December 2023, which included oversight of the company’s emerging advanced manufacturing operation.
Since February 2023, Lampe has served as vice chairman of the North Carolina Motorsports Association board. In the role, he assists with issues before legislative and regulatory agencies to address matters impacting North Carolina’s auto racing industry. The NCMA works to foster collaborative efforts to keep the business of motor sports strong across the state.
Lampe’s service includes chair of the Appalachian State University board of trustees; the Cabarrus Economic Development Corporation board of directors; the business advisory council for the Appalachian State University School of Business; the University of North Carolina board of governors; and the Motorsports Advisory Council.
Born in Roanoke, Virginia, and raised in Durham, North Carolina, Lampe is a member of the American Institute of Certified Public Accountants. He has been recognized as a top CFO by Business Leader magazine and a CFO of the Year by the Charlotte Business Journal.
Our Leadership Team
The Rise Leadership Team has an unwavering commitment to excellence that makes them a driving force in the manufacturing sector.
Brooke Smith
President of Rise Companies
Brooke Smith is a President at The Rise Companies (“Rise”), where she evaluates potential acquisitions and organic growth opportunities. She also works closely with existing Rise portfolio companies, providing strategic support to help them grow and thrive.
Brooke Smith
President
Brooke Smith is a President at The Rise Companies (“Rise”), where she evaluates potential acquisitions and organic growth opportunities. She also works closely with existing Rise portfolio companies, providing strategic support to help them grow and thrive.
Prior to joining Rise, Brooke began her career at Octagon Credit Investors in New York City as a research analyst, underwriting leveraged loans and high-yield bonds. Over the years, she covered companies across a range of industries, including building products, food & beverage, healthcare, healthcare technology, real estate, and technology hardware. As an analyst and associate, she helped manage approximately $3 billion in assets before earning her own coverage of ~$1 billion as a vice president.
Outside of work, Brooke enjoys spending time with family and friends at the beach, fishing, snowboarding, and playing squash, soccer, and pickleball.
Brooke holds a B.S. in Finance, cum laude, from Wake Forest University. She was a four-year member of the WFU Varsity Women’s Soccer team, competing in the Atlantic Coast Conference.
Jon Anderson
President M&A
Jon Anderson’s journey in the financial industry has been characterized by a diverse and enriching experience that has honed his skills and knowledge in Mergers and Acquisitions.
Jon Anderson
President M&A
Jon Anderson’s journey in the financial industry has been characterized by a diverse and enriching experience that has honed his skills and knowledge in Mergers and Acquisitions. With a unique blend of financial acumen, analytical skills, and a deep understanding of the M&A landscape, Jon is dedicated to facilitating successful mergers and acquisitions that drive growth and create value for The Rise Companies. Jon has a strong ability to communicate complex financial information to various stakeholders, board members, and senior management.
Sharon Albrecht
Vice President of Human Resources
Sharon Albrecht is an accomplished and dynamic professional with a wealth of experience in Human Resources.
Sharon Albrecht
Vice President, Human Resources
Sharon Albrecht is an accomplished and dynamic professional with a wealth of experience in Human Resources including recruitment, employee development, performance management, benefits administration, and payroll. As the Vice President of HR, Sharon plays a pivotal role in driving the HR strategy of the organization and its partner companies.
Kevin Boyd
CEO of Oak Ridge
Kevin Boyd brings over 30 years of experience in manufacturing operations to his role as COO of The Rise Companies.
Kevin Boyd
COO
Kevin Boyd brings over 30 years of experience in manufacturing operations to his role as COO of The Rise Companies. He works closely with cross functional teams to develop and implement strategies that drive workplace improvements. With a deep understanding of The Rise Companies mission and an unwavering dedication to operational improvements, Kevin is a driving force in the company’s continued success.
Greg Philligin
CEO of Rise Electrical
With over 20 years of hands-on experience, Greg gives the Rise team a valuable perspective into the construction space. Greg is a 3rd generation unlimited licensed electrician with a proven track record of honesty, accuracy, and dependability.
With over 20 years of hands-on experience Greg gives the Rise team a valuable perspective into the construction space. Greg is a 3rd generation unlimited licensed electrician with a proven track record of honesty, accuracy, and dependability. He makes it a priority to create and maintain a culture that draws the best and brightest into the company. With a diverse skillset he is always willing to jump in and help any of the team members when the need arises. Greg holds unlimited licenses in NC, SC and is working towards FL. He also has a Bachelor’s Degree in Computer Science from UNCW. Apprenticeship is one of his biggest passions. He loves to help foster growth and excitement in the younger generations for jobs in the Electrical Trade.
Blaine Fuller
Corporate IT Director
Blaine Fuller brings a wealth of experience and expertise to steer IT initiatives towards the attainment of business objectives.
Blaine Fuller
Corporate IT Director Blaine Fuller brings a wealth of experience and expertise to steer IT initiatives towards the attainment of business objectives. He has consistently demonstrated an ability to lead cross-functional teams, develop and execute IT strategies, and align technology investments with corporate goals by enhancing security measures, and optimizing operations to ensure a seamless digital experience for the entire organization.
Kyle Massengale
CFO
Kyle brings a wealth of expertise in corporate finance and a proven track record of supporting companies through key financial milestones, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving strategic initiatives.
Kyle Massengale
Kyle Massengale leads the financial strategy for the firm’s portfolio companies. With a strong focus on optimizing financial performance, his team manages budgets, forecasting, and financial reporting to ensure sustained growth and profitability. He brings a wealth of expertise in corporate finance and a proven track record of supporting companies through key financial milestones, enhancing operational efficiency, and driving strategic initiatives.
John Bell
CEO of Asterra Lab
In 2020, John joined The Rise Companies as a Board Member. The Rise Companies work to build scalable, durable companies for the long haul. Our portfolio is comprised of solid performers in stable industries with great managers. In November 2023, John stepped off The Rise Companies Board to serve as President of Asterra Labs.
An Eagle Scout, John R. Bell, IV started his professional career as a District Executive with the Boy Scouts of America, in Clinton, NC then to Panama City, FL. In 2006, he returned to Eastern North Carolina where he spent the next fourteen years supporting business development efforts in the world of banking and commercial insurance. John assisted small and middle market enterprises navigate their risk portfolio to capitalize on smart, strategic insurance and investment opportunities.
In 2020, John joined The Rise Companies as a Board Member. The Rise Companies work to build scalable, durable companies for the long haul. Our portfolio is comprised of solid performers in stable industries with great managers. In November 2023, John stepped off The Rise Companies Board to serve as President of Asterra Labs. Asterra Labs is the manufacturer of choice for high-quality, over-the-counter CBD/Hemp products. Asterra Labs applies decades’ worth of pharmaceutical experience into developing new and innovative CBD/Hemp products that meet the high quality, purity, and safety needs of customers.
With the desire to serve, John successfully ran for the North Carolina House of Representatives in 2012. In his second term, John was elected the House Majority Whip. In 2016 he was elected by his colleagues as the House Majority Leader, where he served for 8 years. At the start of the 2025 Session, John was named Chairman of the House Rules Committee.
John graduated from North Duplin High School, earned a Bachelor of Arts with a double major in Criminal Justice and Sociology from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington. He serves on the board of directors for the Tuscarora Council, BSA, an Ex Officio member of North Carolina Military Affairs Committee, an advisory member of State Employees Credit Union, Wayne Memorial Branch, active in Wayne County Chamber of Commerce, Goldsboro Rotary Club and attends Princeton Church of GOD.
John married Kelli Gurley Bell in 2010, they have a daughter Averi and a dog named Maxx
Our Portfolio
A portfolio built on executing for success. Our current investments are four operating companies based in North Carolina; Asterra Labs, Oak Ridge Industries, Pitt Electric, and Sheet Metal Technologies. Each is focused on delivering dividends for owners and opportunities for employees.

Asterra Labs is the manufacturer of choice for high-quality, over-the-counter CBD products. Led by pharmaceutical industry veterans, Asterra Labs applies decades’ worth of pharmaceutical experience into developing new and innovative CBD products that meet the high quality, purity, and safety needs of customers.

Located in Washington, North Carolina, Oak Ridge Industries provides innovative solutions to a diverse industrial customer base. From electrical and mechanical maintenance services and automation solutions to our UL-listed panel shop, state-of-the-art custom fabrication facility, and full-service machine shop.

Founded in 1981 and headquartered in Greenville, NC, Pitt Electric provides commercial electrical services throughout the eastern half of North Carolina. In addition to locations in the Raleigh area (Garner) and Wilmington, Pitt Electric will expand into the Triad and Charlotte metro areas.

Fortune Electrical Construction, located in Fort Myers, Florida, is a large commercial electrical contractor established in 2005. Fortune is one of the areas premier electrical contractors.

R&D Specialties, Inc. is a UL recognized panel shop that has been providing control systems for the Permian Basin and beyond since 1983. Their expertise includes Programmable Logic Controllers “PLC’s” RTU panels, battery boxes, modification of pump panels and other custom configurations.

SMT began in 1969 as a machine shop in a small building in Raleigh. The business eventually grew into a 200,000-square-foot manufacturing facility in North Raleigh specializing in sheet metal fabrication, powder coating, and assembly.
