TEAM
Operators first,
investors second.
Every partner at Lakewind is engaged in all facets of our investments. We have encountered the challenges your customers face every day and stand ready to assist in helping them achieve their goals.
George Van Vliet
MANAGING PARTNER
Nashville, TN
George co-founded Lakewind following his tenure at AlpInvest Partners (a Carlyle Group affiliate) and Forvis Mazars (formerly known as BKD). He has evaluated hundreds of lower middle market businesses and brings a disciplined, analytical approach to each investments.
Aaron Berg
PARTNER
Indianapolis, IN
Aaron joined Lakewind following a successful run as Vice President of Sales at Veran Medical Technologies. He brings a growth-oriented, commercial perspective with a particular expertise in sales team development, go-to-market strategy, and revenue acceleration. At Lakewind, Aaron oversees portfolio operations and value creation planning post-close
Sam Snemis
PARTNER
Indianapolis, IN
Sam joined Lakewind from Oracle, where he served as a Sales Manager overseeing enterprise accounts. His background in enterprise sales and business development gives him a strong lens on customer relationships, contract structures, and growth strategies in B2B businesses. Sam supports portfolio management and growth planning across the firm's investments.
Rob Van Vliet
CHAIRMAN EMERITUS
Indianapolis, IN
Rob co-founded Lakewind after a distinguished career as CEO and founder of a scrap metal recycling company that successfully navigated multiple rounds of private equity ownership and exits. His firsthand experience as a founder, operator, and seller gives Lakewind a credibility with business owners that purely financial buyers cannot replicate.