Suggestions
Michael Arrieta
CEO at Garden City - We buy & permanently hold small to mid-sized businesses
Michael Arrieta is the Founder and CEO of Garden City Companies, a purpose-driven holding company that acquires and permanently holds family-owned businesses.13 Here are some key details about Michael Arrieta:
Professional Background
Michael started his career selling Cutco knives at age 17 while in high school and continued through college.2 After graduating from the University of Alabama with a Bachelor's degree in Business Management, he went on to have a successful career in technology and entrepreneurship:
- He was an early employee at DocuSign, rising to become Global Vice President, General Manager, and Chief of Staff to the CEO.12
- In 2016, he founded MAV Ventures, a venture capital group that has invested in over 100 companies and funds.23
- He co-founded New Story, a non-profit that has built over 2,000 homes in developing countries.14
Garden City Companies
In 2020, Michael founded Garden City Companies, which has the following characteristics:
- It's a people-first holding company that buys, grows, and permanently holds exceptional family-owned businesses.23
- The company has raised nearly $250 million from mission-aligned investors.3
- Their approach focuses on three main areas: building a people-first culture, technology enablement, and strategic sales.5
Recognition and Other Roles
- Michael has been named to Forbes' "30 under 30" list for his social entrepreneurship work.13
- He serves on the board of Cambia Health Solutions, a company with over 5,000 employees and $12 billion in annual revenue.24
- He is also a board advisor for various companies including Rhone Apparel, Extend, and Embark.2
Personal
Michael is a follower of Jesus and seeks to honor God in his business endeavors.13 He lives in Atlanta and has a wife and two children.1
Highlights
Many prospective investors ask me why we seek to invest in service companies.
I give two answers...
From my HEAD: more than 75% of our GDP comes from service industries and growing.
From my HEART: no better industry to radically serve people and ensure they feel a sense of purpose and belonging. Radical hospitality.
I love excellence … and when companies go above + beyond for customers.
I was rushing to return my Hertz rental car at Boston Airport this morning. I arrived Hertz at 8:35am and my flight was already boarding.
One of the Hertz team members (Bobby) simply asked “are you running late”, I replied “yes”. Without any further questions, he called a colleague on the radio (Nourg) and said “Sir, leave your things in the car. We will drive you directly to the terminal so that you don’t have to take a shuttle and miss your flight. Instead of taking 15 minutes, it will only take 2 minutes.”
I was so confused. He was going to drive me to the gate?!? The car rental shuttle last time took 30 minutes so I knew I was likely miss my flight.
I went to tip him and he made a funny joke while very politely refusing. Instead, he handed me a Hertz business card and said “I’ve been working here for 41 years. We’d simply be grateful if you simply left our TEAM a review.”🥹
I can write a book about the number of leadership lessons applied here, but here’s my main takeaway —> Everyone working there took true pride in their work as they pursued excellence together. They radiated joy, dignity and respect. It felt as though this small team made a secret pact with each another that they’d create the very best car rental location in the country (possibly world).
Thank you, Bobby & Nourg … I made my flight and I’m now going home to my family!
👊👏 to Stephen Scherr … you’re taking your prior Goldman Sachs standards of luxury & excellence into the much needed rental car industry. Love it!
