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. Prior to launching Rise Capital, Harry also founded or cofounded the National Wholesale Leasing Company, Pronamics and Pitt Electric.
In addition to founding Rise Capital with Scott Lampe and Travis Stephenson, Harry actively mentors business owners and entrepreneurs, and advises mergers and acquisition analysis and deal structuring.
Harry earned a Bachelors of Science in Business Administration from East Carolina University. He is the former chair of the University of North Carolina Board of Governors.
Travis Stephenson
Travis Stephenson is an eastern North Carolina native who, after years of leadership roles in various organizations, joined Harry Smith and Scott Lampe in founding Rise Capital in 2019…
Travis Stephenson
Travis Stephenson is an eastern North Carolina native who, after years of leadership roles in various organizations, joined Harry Smith and Scott Lampe in founding Rise Capital in 2019.
Travis spent ten years with Brunswick Corporation’s Marine Division before relocating to Washington, NC, to serve as executive vice president of Flanders Corporation. In 2014, he was named CEO of Greenville, NC-based Pitt Electric, where he and his team tripled revenue and opened multiple new locations over four years. In addition to his partnership in Rise Capital, Travis also served as CEO of Washington, NC-based Pamlico Air.
Travis earned a Bachelor of Arts in Political Science from the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill. An avid fisherman, Travis landed a 652.8-pound blue marlin to earn the coveted Big Rock title at the 2011 Big Rock Blue Marlin Tournament.
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
After serving 26 years as the chief executive officer of Curi, Dale Jenkins joined Rise Capital as a board member in 2021.
Curi began in 1975 as Medical Mutual Insurance Company of North Carolina and earned the distinction of being recognized among Ward’s Top 50 property and casualty insurance companies in 2019, 2020, and 2021.
Prior to joining Curi, Dale spent 16 years with Ernst & Young, where he was a partner.
Dale has served as board chair for the University of North Carolina Health Care System, the N.C. Chamber, MyFutureNC and Capital Associated Industries.
In 2014, Dale received Triangle Business Journal’s Health Care Heroes Lifetime Achievement award and is a recipient of the Order of the Long Leaf Pine. In 2019, Mr. Jenkins was awarded Wake Education Partnership’s Vernon Malone Friend of Education Award for his exceptional commitment to public education.
Dale currently serves on Wake Forest University, Orlando Health IMC, OnCall Solutions, and Curi boards.
Dale graduated from Wake Forest University in 1978 with a degree in accounting. He is a native of Rutherford County and currently lives in Raleigh.
John Bell
An Eagle Scout, John R. Bell IV started his professional career as a district executive with the Boy Scouts of America, in Clinton, N.C…
John Bell
An Eagle Scout, John R. Bell IV started his professional career as a district executive with the Boy Scouts of America, in Clinton, N.C., and Panama City, Fla. In 2006, he returned to eastern North Carolina, where he spent the next 14 years supporting business development efforts within the banking and commercial insurance industries. John assisted small- and middle-market enterprises navigate their risk portfolio to capitalize on smart, strategic insurance and investment opportunities. John joined Rise Capital as a board member in 2020.
With a desire to serve, John successfully ran for the N.C. House of Representatives in 2012. During his second term, John was elected the House Majority Whip. In 2016, he was elected by his colleagues as the House Majority Leader, a position he continues to hold today.
John graduated from the University of North Carolina at Wilmington, double majoring in criminal justice and sociology. He serves on the board of directors for the Tuscarora Council of Boy Scouts of America; is an ex officio member of North Carolina Military Affairs Committee; and is a member of the Goldsboro Rotary Club.
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, the 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 a 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 be expanding into the Triad and Charlotte metro areas.
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.
