Acquiring & Operating
Great Businesses
"I acquire established businesses to personally run and grow over the long term. With 25+ years building and scaling business and manufacturing operations, I bring operational expertise, not just capital. If you've built something worth preserving, let's talk."
About Craig Zoberis
An engineer and entrepreneur with over 25 years of experience building, scaling, and operating manufacturing and services businesses in the Chicagoland area.
Proven Track Record
I've spent my career building businesses from the ground up. My first venture, Fusion Systems (d/b/a Fusion OEM), grew into a Forbes Top 25 Small Business in America through a relentless focus on operational excellence, employee development, and exceptional customer service.
Most recently, I pioneered the US market for RoboJob NV, a Belgian robotics automation company, building the distribution and integration operations from scratch and establishing their presence across the United States.
Now I'm seeking to acquire and personally operate my next company, bringing the same hands-on leadership and operational discipline that drove success in my previous ventures.
BS in Mechanical Engineering, Marquette University
MBA, St. Xavier University
30+ years in manufacturing and engineering
Forbes Top 25 Small Business recognition
Marquette University’s 2019 Opus College of Engineering Entrepreneurial Award
Built two successful companies as owner-operator
Located in Chicago western suburbs
Credentials & Background
Seeking established businesses generating $500K-$1M in EBITDA within two hours of Chicago. While my background is in manufacturing, I'm interested in businesses across various industries that match my thesis.
What I Am
Looking For
Recurring
Revenue
Businesses with predictable cash flow through service contracts, maintenance agreements, subscriptions, or other recurring revenue models.
Growth
Potential
Established customer bases with untapped opportunities for expansion through operational improvements and strategic initiatives.
Professional
Staff
Companies with professional staff structures that can be developed, trained, and scaled. I believe in building strong teams and company culture.
Businesses with predictable cash flow through service contracts, maintenance agreements, subscriptions, or other recurring revenue models.
Strong Fundamentals
B2B professional services, commercial services with contracted revenue, manufacturing, and other businesses where operational excellence drives growth. Open to various industries that fit the criteria above.
Industries of Interest:
My Experience
Over 25+ years, I've built and scaled two successful businesses from the ground up, learning what it takes to create sustainable value through operational excellence and team development.
Fusion Systems Inc. (d/b/a Fusion OEM)
Built a vertically integrated operation serving OEMs with CNC machining, control panel building, electro-mechanical assembly, and engineering services.
Scaled the company to $15M in annual revenue with over 50 employees, operating from a 20,000 sq ft facility in the Chicago western suburbs.
Earned Forbes Top 25 Small Business recognition by prioritizing employee development and creating a culture where people took pride in delivering operational excellence and exceptional customer service.
CONTRACT MANUFACTURING
RoboJob-USA
Pioneered the US market for Belgian robotics automation, targeting high-mix/low-volume CNC machine shops nationwide.
Built a cohesive team that handled everything from importation and installation/integration to ongoing customer support and relationship management across the country.
Successfully established market presence for a European manufacturer in the competitive US automation market through strategic partnerships and exceptional world-class customer service.
ROBOTICS AUTOMATION
My Approach
I'm not a passive investor. I acquire businesses to operate them personally, driving growth through operational improvements, team development, and disciplined execution.
I will be the day-to-day operator of whatever business I acquire. I bring a combination of strategic vision and operational expertise, working directly with the team to drive improvements and growth.
Hands-On Operator
I have several million dollars in equity capital ready to deploy and am experienced with both SBA and conventional bank financing structures. I can move quickly on the right opportunity.
Well-Capitalized
I'm looking for a 10+ year hold to build sustainable value through operational improvements and strategic growth. This is about building a legacy business, not a quick flip.
Long-Term Commitment
My track record shows success in building cohesive teams and cultures where people take pride in delivering excellence. I believe the right culture is foundational to sustainable growth.
Cultural Fit
Let's Connect
I'm a serious buyer who moves quickly on the right opportunity. If you're a business owner considering an exit or a broker with a high-quality listing, I'd welcome the conversation.
