Leadership
Lars Vaule
Experienced in both growth and turnaround situations, Lars Vaule is a seasoned leader able to bring clarity to complex situations. He has direct management and board experience in lower-middle market firms ranging from $5 to $200 million in revenue, in industries from footwear & apparel to plastics manufacturing, internet software, and retail.
As a highly quantitative MBA with 25+ years of management experience, Lars sets clear strategic objectives and tactical plans, while building trust with stakeholders. He is "hands-on" with a coaching leadership style aimed at building initiative and teamwork.
Lars is a pilot, former competitive rower, and avid skier. He graduated from Harvard College and received his MBA from The Stanford University Graduate School of Business.
CEO / CFO / COO Engagements
Serving the Lower Middle Market
Lars founded Pilotage Partners to guide lower middle market companies through turbulent situations. He defines clear strategic objectives, stabilizes finances, and empowers teams to improve operational execution.
Notable engagements include replacing toxic leadership, addressing financial malfeasance, and strengthening balance sheets to restore stability and drive growth.
Lars brings experience working with family ownership, individual investors, and both venture capital and private equity.
Turnarounds & Special Situations
Interim Leadership
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Operational turnarounds
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Financial / cash management
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Workout planning
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Governance
Transitions & Supplemental Expertise
Bridge Management
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Fractional CFO / COO roles
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Supporting teams through leadership transitions
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Deepen team "bench" with additional expertise
Investment
Pilotage Partners invests in businesses where we can add value.
We consider investment in a wide range of industries. These include specialized manufacturing, consumer products, and business services whether for business owner retirement or corporate carveouts of underperforming / non-strategic assets.
Early stage ventures or areas where highly technical insight is needed are not good fits.
We are open to turnaround situations.
Current Investments
Jones & Vining manufactures tooling and components for major global shoe brands. The company operates globally with offices in the USA, Switzerland, China, Vietnam, and Indonesia.
Mr. Vaule was the company's President from 2012 to 2016 and remains a major shareholder. Under his leadership the company doubled revenue.
Media
A Conversation with Paul Swaney of Swaney Capital
Books worth reading
