CHR Southeast
Experienced operators building on strong foundations
About CHR
CHR is a team of operators and investors focused on acquiring established businesses to own and grow for the long term. Our belief is that great businesses are built by great people on service, reputation, and relationships.
We aim to be thoughtful stewards of the companies we acquire — protecting the people, customers, and legacy while unlocking latent growth potential.
CHR is backed by a world-class team of experienced investors, entrepreneurs, and business executives who have committed to helping us acquire and grow leading businesses across the southeast.
Focused and decisive
We know what we’re looking for and move efficiently when it’s a fit
Solving for you
Whether you want to continue running your business or step back entirely, we’ll work with you to create a personal transition plan
Our Story
CHR Southeast was founded by three longtime friends and colleagues — Hunter Robertson, Matt Hutchinson, and Austin Charles. Though our professional paths began in different places, we realized that our combined experience across finance, operations, and law created a foundation uniquely suited to acquiring and scaling businesses.
Through past acquisitions and professional experiences, we’ve each had a front-row seat to the challenges and rewards of running and advising growing companies — from family-owned operations and community mainstays to rapidly scaling, venture-backed businesses.
Together, we bring a blend of transaction experience and hands-on operational leadership that allows us to approach acquisition and ownership from every angle.
Our goal is simple
To build upon what works and use our collective experience to help businesses reach their next stage of growth
CHR Advantage
Why owners choose to work with us instead of traditional private equity, strategics, or search fund buyers
Proven Operating Experience
Our team is comprised of > 30 years of real-world experience building companies, innovating for customers, nurturing teams, managing integrations, raising capital, and navigating shifts in markets.
Southern Roots
We stay close to the businesses we buy, focusing on the Southeast where proximity, trust, and reputation still drive performance.
Long-Term Oriented Partnership
We hold for the long run and keep things simple — transparent structures, clear communication, and deal terms that create lasting, mutual value.
Our Deal Process
We aim for a quick deal process with initial conversation to close in around 8 weeks
Understanding Fit
We start with a conversation. Our goal is to understand your business, your people, and what matters most to you. We’ll share how we operate and explore whether your goals align with our strategy.
Letter of Intent
We issue an LOI outlining structure, timeline, and expectations. We value simplicity, fairness, and long-term alignment so everyone benefits from ongoing success.
Confirmatory Due Diligence
Our diligence process is efficient and respectful. We’re focused on confirming key information and finalizing details — not disrupting your business. We move quickly, communicate openly, and keep distractions to a minimum.
Closing and Continuity
By closing, there are no surprises — we’ve already aligned on roles, transition plans, and next steps. Whether you’re ready to step back or stay involved for a period of time, we tailor the transition to your goals to ensure a smooth handoff and a strong future for your team and business.
Operating
Principles
People at the Core
We build around people — the employees who make the business run and the customers who keep it thriving. When we support our teams and serve customers well, everything else follows.
Trust and Transparency
We lead with honesty, communicate openly, and follow through on our word. Trust is earned over time. It shapes every relationship we build with employees, partners, and sellers alike.
Continuous Improvement
Small, steady progress compounds. We focus on practical, day-to-day improvements that make the business stronger, more efficient, and more rewarding for everyone involved.
Local Roots, Long View
We live and work in the communities we serve. Our decisions prioritize long-term relationships and local impact over short-term gains.
Acquisition Criteria
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Essential, recurring services businesses
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$500k+ EBITDA | Stable margins | History of profitability | Strong customer retention
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Trusted business with loyal customers
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Southeast U.S. — focus on Carolinas, Georgia, and nearby regions
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Austin Charles
Originally from Myrtle Beach, SC and now based in Atlanta, GA, I began my career as a corporate attorney at Alston & Bird before founding Charles Strategic Counsel, where I advise founders and small business owners. I’m a co-owner and operator, alongside Hunter, at Forest Lake Greenhouses, a 30+ year old retail and wholesale garden center in South Carolina.
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Matt Hutchinson
Born in Nashville, TN and based in Charlotte, NC, I started my career in supply chain consulting before moving into product management at Amazon and Walmart. I’ve since held executive leadership roles across product, strategy, and operations at two venture-backed procurement software companies.
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Hunter Robertson
A Myrtle Beach, SC native now based in New York, I began my career in investment banking before joining Nosara Capital, a London-based venture capital firm, as the first hire. I later served as VP of Finance at a venture-backed procurement software company, where I worked with Matt. I’m a co-owner and operator, alongside Austin, at Forest Lake Greenhouses, a 30+ year old retail and wholesale garden center in SC.