Our history begins with two financial industry veterans: Bruce Roberts (CEO of Carofin and Carolina Financial Securities—Carofin’s parent company), and Peter Milhaupt (Chairman of Carolina Financial Securities). Their paths had crossed many times, both in finance and as friends, when in 1995 they became business partners in the formation of the Carolina Financial Securities (CFS).
In the 20+ years that followed, CFS has placed over $1 billion of private debt and equity in more than 100 companies, driving sustainable economic development while creating 10,000+ new jobs. On this journey, we have established a nationwide network of deeply experienced investment banking professionals specializing in venture-stage through middle market companies with expertise spanning the diverse industries of our economy.
Carofin is the modern iteration of the practice which CFS has honed over decades. Its purpose is to leverage technology (via connectivity, data, and process) to empower our community of investors to deploy their capital far more efficiently than ever before. Through Carofin we connect our community of engaged investors with worthy companies, using technology to create vast efficiencies while further empowering the human element of our business.
As our business continues to expand, mature, and now cross generational boundaries, we are looking to the future with experience on our shoulders; and new ideas, skillsets and partners at our side.
Today, through Carofin, we enable our investor relationships to expand their investment alternatives in new ways, utilizing innovative and secure technology tools. We invite our clients, old and new to financially support worthy companies.
Carofin Team
Bruce Roberts
CHIEF EXECUTIVE OFFICER
Bruce has been an investment banker and entrepreneur for over 30 years. His professional activity centers around private finance and the broader support of entrepreneurs and private business owners.
Bruce Roberts
Bruce Roberts has over 35 years’ experience as an investment banker and entrepreneur. In 1995, Mr. Roberts founded Carolina Financial Group (CFG), which includes Carolina Financial Securities (1997, SMB-focused corporate finance) and Carofin, LLC (2018, technology-supported private securities distribution) – each is a registered broker/dealer with FINRA.
CFG specializes in private capital raising, having completed over $1.1 billion of equity and debt private placements for venture and growth companies across the US. Industries financed include traditional industries (manufacturing, distribution, consumer products agriculture, etc.) as well as technology (IT, life sciences, biometrics,). In additional to raising capital, CFG provides ongoing investment supervision and investor support throughout each investment’s life-cycle.
In early 2005 Mr. Roberts founded Rehabilitation Support Services, LLC (RSS) to distribute and support next generation behavioral health-related technology solutions for addiction treatment, criminal justice, and mental health providers. Over 4000 individuals’ recovery has been supported thus far by RSS. Investment supporting the delivery of more effective addition treatment is a specialty area for CFG.
1987 – 1994, Mr. Roberts was at The First Boston Corporation (now Credit Suisse) in New York as a Director in the Investment Banking Department, supporting both corporate and government clients throughout the pacific region and raising in excess of $30 billion for his clients. He started his investment banking career at Bank of America in San Francisco in 1983. Prior to his investment banking career, he served as an officer in the U.S. Navy (UDT / SEAL).
Mr. Roberts graduated in 1979 from Duke University with a B.S.E, completing a double major in Civil Engineering and Public Policy Studies. He and his wife have four children and live in Brevard, North Carolina.
828.393.0088 ext: 501
Peter Milhaupt
CHAIRMAN
As Chairman of Carolina Financial Securities, Peter’s primary focus is developing and expanding the firm’s primary distribution capabilities for originating investment capital for the Firm’s clients.
Peter Milhaupt
As Chairman of Carolina Financial Securities, Peter’s primary focus is developing and expanding the firm’s primary distribution capabilities for originating investment capital for the Firm’s clients. He also assists Bruce Roberts, as a partner, in overseeing the management of the firm as well as in overall development of new business. He is also an investor in and advisor to two companies owned and operated by affiliates of Carolina Financial Securities.
Prior to his affiliation with Carolina Financial Securities, Peter spent 34 years working in the investment banking industry, both in the US and abroad (primarily London, Europe and non-Japan Asia). He started his career at JP Morgan and subsequently joined Dillon, Read & Co. His other affiliation was Senior Managing Director at Bear Stearns.
His most recent tenure was 20 years at The First Boston Corporation and its successor organizations (primarily CSFB). He acted in various senior client and management roles within Fixed Income, Capital Markets and Investment Banking. As such he has spent most of his career developing relationships with and advising Fortune 500 or equivalent corporations in the US and abroad in the areas of capital raising in the global markets, merger and acquisitions and structured finance transactions. In Capital Markets, his last area of responsibility, he was Co-Head of Global Debt Capital Markets overseeing all investment grade debt new issue, syndicate, corporate derivatives and liability management businesses for CSFB worldwide. As such he co-managed a 300 person department with offices in 5 countries which originated, underwrote and distributed in excess of $250 billion in new issue debt annually. In this position Peter was a member of the firm’s Investment Banking Committee, Leveraged Loan Capital Committee, Fixed Income Management and Operating Committee, and Firm wide Managing Director Selection Committee.
Since his retirement from CSFB in January 2005, and until the end of 2011, Peter was a Partner and Head of Sales and Business Development for Samoset Capital Group LLC, a CT – based, registered investment advisory firm specializing in providing wealth management services and managing funds for high net worth and ultra high net worth individuals and their families directly and indirectly through other fund management institutions.
Peter has also engaged in consulting services, primarily fund raising, for a NY based hedge fund ($3 billion under management); invested in and acted as a manager of a real estate development company, MWG LLC; and participated as a limited partner investor in and a member of the Business Roundtable of Sage Capital (St. Louis, MO), a private equity firm.
Peter graduated from Princeton University with a degree in Economics. He has served on a number of charitable, public and private organizational boards, including the Red Cross- New Canaan Chapter and the Phillips Exeter capital campaign.
He is married and has three daughters. His wife and he live in Connecticut.
828.393.0088 ext: 506
Craig Gilmore
CHIEF OPERATING OFFICER
CFS brought Craig Gilmore aboard in June of 2006 to fill the joint roles of Compliance Officer and Controller.
Craig Gilmore
CFS brought Craig Gilmore aboard in June of 2006 to fill the joint roles of Compliance Officer and Controller. In 2002, Craig earned a degree in Finance from Bentley College in Waltham, MA, where he performed among the top of his class.
In the four years between college and joining CFS, Craig worked as Survey Center Manager and Database Specialist for REDA International, Inc. of Wheaton, MD. In the spring of 2005, Craig opened a new, remote survey center for REDA in Brevard, NC. After developing, staffing, and managing the office, Craig left REDA to join CFS. He brings to CFS a diverse background with established skill sets that meet the firm’s FINRA and SEC compliance, data management, office management, and accounting needs.
828.393.0088 ext: 520
cgilmore@carofin.com
Bruce Smith
VICE PRESIDENT – INVESTOR DEVELOPMENT
Bruce has spent the majority of his adult life working in financial services, both in marketing and credit-related activities.
Bruce Smith
Bruce has spent the majority of his adult life working in financial services, both in marketing and credit-related activities. The bulk of his professional life has been dedicated to providing wealthy individuals and their growing enterprises customized solutions for optimizing debt and maximizing net worth.
Bruce joined CFG as a Managing Director in 2012 and spends his days deepening his understanding of investors’ financial appetites, capacities, and understanding of alternative investments. The bulk of his relationships are in the Northeast, Mid-Atlantic, and South Florida regions.
Prior to joining CFG, Bruce was a private banker for 22 years with Morgan Stanley and Merrill Lynch working almost exclusively with accredited investors, family offices, small companies and their teams of financial, legal, trust and estate-planning advisors to find solutions to their financing needs. As Vice President, his purview extended across the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic regions. Bruce also helped launch the Merrill Lynch’s International Trust division (Cayman Islands), promoted the sales efforts of Merrill Lynch’s 22 global banking offices, and stimulated communication to high-net-worth clients of the Merrill Lynch International Banks (London) and Merrill Lynch Bank (Suisse) S.A. (Geneva). Before joining private banking, Bruce worked in advertising and politics.
Bruce graduated in 1976 from Princeton University with a B.A. in American History. He currently lives in Brevard, North Carolina.
828.393.0088 ext: 508
bsmith@carofin.com
Nash Roberts
VICE PRESIDENT – SALES AND SYNDICATION
Nash has been involved with enterprise creation since the beginning of his formal career.
Nash Roberts
Nash has been involved with enterprise creation since the beginning of his formal career. He graduated from UNC-Chapel Hill in 2008, double-majoring in Public Relations and American Studies. After graduation, Nash worked for Rehabilitation Support Services (RSS) and grew the company’s continuous alcohol monitoring operations in Eastern and Central North Carolina.
After college, Nash co-founded a full service dance band called The Shakedown. (www.theshakedownband.com) He spends his evenings and weekends performing for weddings and special events across the Eastern United States.
Nash manages Carofin’s Web presence, along with coordinating digital marketing and investor relations. He also uses video to tell the story of Carofin’s issuer clients.
828.393.0088 ext: 602
nroberts@carofin.com
Garrick Ruiz
VICE PRESIDENT – SALES AND SYNDICATION
Garrick is a tenured investment professional who has spent his entire career working in financial services, both within wealth management and third-party distribution for companies including Raymond James and USAA.
Garrick Ruiz
Garrick joined Carofin in September of 2019 as a Vice President of Sales & Syndication. He focuses his efforts at the firm on sell-side capital raising by actively cultivating relationships and developing networks both within the retail and institutional channels of Carofin. Garrick is a tenured investment professional who has spent his entire career working in financial services, both within wealth management and third-party distribution for companies including Raymond James and USAA.
Garrick is a two-time graduate of the University of the Incarnate Word with both his BBA and MBA in Finance & Economics from the HEB School of Business. Currently Garrick resides in San Antonio, TX with his wife Kim and their two young children. He is also an active alumni member in both Incarnate Word’s alumni association as well as an alumni board member of his collegiate fraternity, Chi Phi.
210-355-8041
gruiz@carofin.com
Joshua Greene
VICE PRESIDENT – SALES AND ANALYTICS
Josh concentrates his efforts building relationships with institutional and private investment partners and leveraging his Chartered Financial Analyst designation to enhance Carofin’s research and analysis efforts.
Joshua Greene
Josh concentrates his efforts building relationships with institutional and private investment partners and leveraging his Chartered Financial Analyst designation to enhance Carofin’s research and analysis efforts.
Prior to joining Carofin, Josh identified and evaluated investments across private equity, credit, and real assets for the South Carolina Pension fund. This was following his time at Morgan Stanley where he built an investor base of foundations, endowments, pension funds, and individuals while creating investment solutions for clients.
Josh resides in Columbia, South Carolina with his wife Jessica, where they enjoy spending time with friends and family, attending sporting events at their alma mater, the University of South Carolina, and exploring the outdoors with their two dogs.
803-646-8628
jgreene@carofin.com
Mathias Hoffrichter
COMPLIANCE SPECIALIST
Matt strengthens CFG’s compliance efforts with his legal education and FINRA background, often interfacing with outside counsel and providing guidance on FINRA rules.
Mathias Hoffrichter
Matt moved from Brazil to the United States in 2009 to pursue an undergraduate degree in Sports Management at The University of Tampa. After graduation, Matt worked with the Walt Disney Company before changing careers and returning to The University of Tampa, where he received a MS in Finance while working as a graduate assistant and attending Columbia University as a visiting graduate student. Matt then graduated from The University of Texas School of Law, where he attended on a Presidential Scholarship.
Prior to joining the CFG team, Matt interned with the Financial Industry Regulatory Authority’s Division of Enforcement in the Atlanta District Office. Matt is currently pursuing his license to practice law in North Carolina, and lives in Asheville with his rescued three-legged cat, Buddy.
Matt strengthens CFG’s compliance efforts with his legal education and FINRA background, often interfacing with outside counsel and providing guidance on FINRA rules.
Julia Gray
INVESTOR RELATIONS SPECIALIST
Over her 20 years of investment banking experience, Julia S. Gray has held positions of AVP of Operations, Director of Operations, UIT Trader and Senior Business Analyst. She is a graduate of St. Mary’s College, and attended the University of Georgia.
Julia Gray
Over her 20 years of investment banking experience, Julia S. Gray has held positions of AVP of Operations, Director of Operations, UIT Trader and Senior Business Analyst. She recently held the position of Executive Director in the healthcare industry. She was born and raised in Brevard and has been back in the area for 3 years. She is a graduate of St. Mary’s College, and attended the University of Georgia.
In her role as Investor Relations Specialist, she manages the distribution of communications with investors from the beginning of the account opening process through onboarding and ultimate investment closure. In this role, she manages communications with investors from the beginning of the account opening process through onboarding, investment closure, investor updates and generally supports the needs of investors and their outstanding securities.
828.393.0088 ext: 525
jgray@carofin.com
Jakub Jiracek
Chief Accounting Officer
Jakub brings extensive experience managing all aspects of financial and accounting with proven expertise in FP&A, M&A, and cost savings.
Jakub Jiracek
Jakub brings extensive experience managing all aspects of financial and accounting for enterprises ranging from Fortune 50 companies to start-ups and has proven expertise in FP&A, M&A, and cost savings. As an expert at identifying financial risks and opportunities, Jakub helps position clients to generate a competitive and financial advantage within their respective markets.
828.393.0088 ext: 521
jjiracek@carofin.com
Investment Banking Specialists
John Gramling
MANAGING DIRECTOR
John Gramling joined the Carolina Financial Group in 2017 as a Managing Director based in Gramling, South Carolina.
John Gramling
John Gramling joined the Carolina Financial Group in 2017 as a Managing Director based in Gramling, South Carolina.
Prior to joining Carolina Financial Group, John’s business career encompasses the founding and operating of numerous construction and heavy equipment companies, co-founding one of South Carolina’s premier real estate developments and the launching of an activist investment firm. John’s roots are firmly established in agriculture through his continued participation in a 100 plus year-old family agricultural business that has owned and managed large farm acreage, equipment dealerships and manufacturing facilities.
Through his parent company, Gramling, Inc., John founded and successfully exited both Gramling Brothers Contracting, and Gramling Equipment Company, whom together equated to a multi-million dollar heavy highway construction entity that specialized in building complex projects and managing difficult schedules. The companies were recognized five times for achieving the highest standard in safety, and was honored to be a member of two project teams that won the prestigious Pinnacle award for the most outstanding construction project in the Carolinas.
John is the Founder and Manager of Dragoon which through its numerous subsidiaries and partners, has open projects in excess of $130MM, both nationally and abroad.
John is also the Founder and Manager of New Canaan Impact Capital (New Canaan) which is a Kingdom-focused activist investment firm that focuses on high impact opportunities that not only seek to generate exceptional returns, but also to create lasting value in the lives of others. New Canaan’s current platform includes technology, real estate, medical tourism, green energy and healthcare.
John holds a B.S. in Business Administration from The Citadel and, upon graduation, was commissioned as an officer in the United States Army where he completed the US Army Infantry School and became Airborne qualified.
864.580.1127
jgramling@carofin.com
Jason Washington
BANKING ANALYST
Jason graduated from Vanderbilt University in May 2021 where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Human and Organizational Development along with a minor in Business.
Jason Washington
Jason graduated from Vanderbilt University in May 2021 where he earned a Bachelor of Science in Human and Organizational Development along with a minor in Business.
828.393.0088
jwashington@carofin.com
Mina Girgis
BANKING ANALYST
Mina graduated from the WP Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, where he majored in Finance, with a special focus on portfolio engineering, value investing, and public markets.
Mina Girgis
Mina Girgis graduated from the WP Carey School of Business at Arizona State University, where he majored in Finance, with a special focus on portfolio engineering, value investing, and public markets.
After graduation, Mina acquired valuable experience evaluating potential acquisition targets for a buy-side focused private equity firm, prior to joining Carofin.
Outside of finance and capital markets, Mina is interested in psychology, business strategy, and optimization of supply chains.
828.393.0088
mgirgis@carofin.com
