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.
Our Board of Directors
Harry Smith
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…
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.
Our Leadership Team
The Rise Leadership Team has an unwavering commitment to excellence that makes them a driving force in the manufacturing sector.
Susan Rothecker
CEO
Susan Rothecker is a seasoned industry leader with a remarkable track record of over three decades in the manufacturing sector.
Susan Rothecker
CEO
Susan Rothecker is a seasoned industry leader with a remarkable track record of over three decades in the manufacturing sector. As the Chief Executive Officer of The Rise Companies, Susan brings a deep understanding of the manufacturing landscape, combined with a keen insight into market dynamics, which is shaping the strategic direction of The Rise Companies to market prominence. This commitment has not only solidified the company’s reputation for delivering world-class products but has also established a culture of continuous improvement and innovation.
Sharon Albrecht
Vice President, 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
COO
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.
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.
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.
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.
President – John Bell
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.
President – Thomas Burbage
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.
President – Greg Philligin
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.
President – Forrest McIntee
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.
President – Brad Howell
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.
President – Mary Ardovino