Capital and care for your family business.
Inspired by our family falls.
Cannon Falls Capital is a private capital fund dedicated to acquiring and expanding profitable, family-owned businesses in Georgia. Our goal is to preserve the legacy built by hardworking owners through acquisition and a sustainable growth mindset.
We’ve all seen local businesses acquired by faceless firms that increase prices, cut costs, and ultimately fail to deliver the special experience that made their customers love them in the first place. We have no cookie cutter operating model; we believe each business is unique and requires a unique growth plan. Since we operate locally in Georgia, we are able to provide a hands on approach to your succession plan and your business’s future.
Our name is inspired by a 60-foot waterfall on my wife’s family property in North Georgia. This special place holds deep meaning for our family —it’s where I proposed to my wife and is a constant reminder of our shared values of commitment and community. Cannon Falls also stands as a symbol of renewal and financial freedom, as it was originally formed during the 19th century to pan for gold.
Looking forward to meeting you and learning more about your business.
-Brian
We acquire profitable, family-owned businesses in Georgia.
Meet the founder
Brian Murphy lives in Atlanta, Georgia with his wife Hayley, baby girl Maeve and two slobbery dogs. He holds a University of Texas MBA and has a history of both starting and acquiring profitable businesses. His healthy food truck and catering business Ranch Hand operates three mobile units and a kitchen in Texas and his beverage manufacturing business Ranch Rider Spirits, which sells more per store than any other tequila cocktail in the country, sells in Whole Foods and is distributed in 34 states across the US.
Brian and his family acquired a golf course, Maxwelton Braes, in 2023 from its previous owner operator to save it from condominium development, and they are in the process of installing a new irrigation system which will improve playing conditions. Prior to owning businesses Brian has held operational roles at brands such as adidas, TaylorMade Golf & Barstool Sports.
Brian is a proud member of Transitions Pet Care, an Atlanta-based charity that cares for pets of the elderly and disabled. He enjoys playing golf and tennis and struggles mightily with both.
What we look for
Growing top line
You survived the disruption of COVID, you’ve navigated the waters as larger competitors entered your category, and you’ve sustained growth throughout. We look for slow, consistent revenue growth without significant fluctuation month-to-month.
A loyal customer base
Ideally your customer base is large, diverse and in love with your product. The more recurring revenue you earn, the better. Ideally no single customer accounts for more than 20% of your business.
Profitable
We are seeking profitable businesses earning $250k-$1M EBITDA yearly as this will allow us to operate the brand with flexibility for growth investment. We realize each category has its own nuances, but we prefer Gross Margin at a minimum is 25% while achieving 15% EBITDA Margins.
Management Systems
A well-trained team, with internal processes documented and a business capable of surviving without your day-to-day oversight. Post-acquisition we like to spend our time on growth initiatives, so want to ensure the base business is stable without significant “key person” risk.
Relevant Small Business Ownership Experience
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Relevant Small Business Ownership Experience -
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Ranch Hand is a healthy, protein-forward food concept Brian started while living in Austin, TX. His original investors achieved a 30% IRR on their revenue-based debt investment. Ranch Hand currently operates food trucks, trailers and a catering kitchen while earning $2MM/year in revenue.
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Ranch Rider Spirits is a beverage business that imports tequila and infuses it with fresh juices to create canned cocktails and bottled tequilas. Ranch Rider, sold in over 30 states, has generated $25M in revenue since its founding, hired 45 employees who rated the culture a 4.6 out of 5, and sold more per store than any other tequila cocktail in the country (Nielsen Scan data).
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In 2023, Brian and his family acquired the 1929-built Maxwelton Braes golf course from its owner operator, who was entering retirement and wanted to build a succession plan that maintained his legacy and kept the course thriving. They have since invested in a new irrigation system, which will improve playing conditions, and updated data infrastructure.
