# Verde Peak Partners

> Verde Peak Partners is a small business acquisition and holding firm based in Arizona. We partner with founders, families, and owners to buy and build enduring companies for the long run, with a focus on Arizona businesses.

Verde Peak Partners was founded in 2024 by Chris Cottrell and Joel Malkin, two military veterans and Arizona natives. The firm acquires and operates small businesses rather than flipping them, with a long-term hold philosophy. Verde Peak believes small business is the engine of prosperity and is committed to building companies, community, and families in Arizona.

Key facts:
- Founded: 2024
- Founders: Chris Cottrell (Army intelligence officer veteran; Harvard MPA, Georgetown MBA) and Joel Malkin (Marine infantry officer veteran; JD/MBA)
- Headquarters: Arizona (Phoenix metro area)
- Model: Buy, operate, and hold small businesses for the long run
- Focus: Arizona-based, owner-operated businesses with strong reputations and durable customer bases

## Company

- [Our Story](https://www.verdepeak.com/our-story): The founders' Arizona roots, military service, and why they launched Verde Peak Partners to build companies at home in Arizona
- [Team](https://www.verdepeak.com/team): The Verde Peak Partners team, led by co-founders Chris Cottrell and Joel Malkin
- [Chris Cottrell](https://www.verdepeak.com/people/chris-cottrell): Cofounder and Managing Partner — Arizona native, Army intelligence officer veteran, and former startup operator
- [Joel Malkin](https://www.verdepeak.com/people/joel-malkin): Cofounder and Managing Partner — fifth-generation Arizonan, Marine infantry officer veteran, JD/MBA
- [From the Founders](https://www.verdepeak.com/people/verde-peak): A joint message from the founders on the firm's purpose and approach
- [Capital Partners](https://www.verdepeak.com/capital-partners): Information for investors and capital partners interested in backing enduring companies alongside Verde Peak
- [Start a Conversation](https://www.verdepeak.com/contact): Contact page for business owners considering a sale, potential partners, and investors

## Portfolio

- [Portfolio Overview](https://www.verdepeak.com/portfolio): Companies owned and operated by Verde Peak Partners
- [Rite-A-Way Garage Doors](https://www.verdepeak.com/portfolio/rite-a-way-garage-doors): Garage door and gate repair, service, and installation company serving the Phoenix metro area, based in Tempe, Arizona
- [Shepherd's Menswear](https://www.verdepeak.com/portfolio/shepherds-menswear): Made-to-measure menswear company offering custom suits and clothing, founded in Arizona and expanding with a new shop in Washington, DC
- [Watson's Hat Shop](https://www.verdepeak.com/portfolio/watsons-hat-shop): Custom hat maker in Cave Creek, Arizona, handcrafting bespoke Western and dress hats using traditional methods and vintage equipment

## Essays

- [Our Vision for Verde Peak](https://www.verdepeak.com/essays/our-vision-for-verde-peak): Why the founders started Verde Peak Partners — their mission, values, veteran-influenced culture, and long-term intent beyond profit
- [2025 Annual Letter](https://www.verdepeak.com/essays/2025-annual-letter): The firm's annual letter reviewing progress across the portfolio and lessons from the year
- [What to Expect](https://www.verdepeak.com/essays/what-to-expect): What business owners can expect when selling to or partnering with Verde Peak Partners
- [Why Arizona?](https://www.verdepeak.com/essays/why-arizona): The case for acquiring and building small businesses in Arizona — economy, business climate, and opportunity

## Optional

- [Legal Disclosures](https://www.verdepeak.com/legal-disclosures)
- [LinkedIn](https://www.linkedin.com/company/verdepeakpartners/)