Celebrating Excellence: Montage Partners Honors Equity Methods with Inaugural Values Award
In an inspiring move that underscores its commitment to fostering a people-first culture, Montage Partners, a leading private equity firm, has introduced its first annual Values Award. The prestigious accolade recognizes portfolio companies and their leaders who exemplify the firm’s core values. This year, the honor goes to Equity Methods, a company renowned for its steadfast dedication to upholding the principles of people, transparency, accountability, integrity, mutual respect, and excellence.
The Values Award was conceived to celebrate high-performing portfolio companies that not only achieve remarkable business success but also align seamlessly with Montage Partners’ ethos. The selection process is meticulous, carried out by the firm’s culture committee, which evaluates how deeply a company embodies these six core values. For Montage Partners, this award is more than just recognition—it’s a testament to the shared vision and collaborative spirit that drive meaningful impact in the business world.
“As a values-based investor, it’s essential that our portfolio companies live up to the same standards we hold ourselves to,” said Jordan Tate, co-Managing Partner of Montage Partners. “Our mission has always been to cultivate a people-first culture, both within our firm and among the companies we partner with. We’re thrilled to recognize Equity Methods for embodying this philosophy so profoundly.” Tate further expressed his admiration for Takis Makridis, President and CEO of Equity Methods, highlighting the rewarding journey of working alongside him over the past 12 years. “Takis has been instrumental in guiding Equity Methods through tremendous growth while staying true to our shared values. Beyond being a valued colleague, I’m honored to call him a friend.”
Equity Methods, acquired by Montage Partners in 2012, specializes in providing valuation, financial reporting, and human resources advisory services to publicly traded companies navigating complex employee stock compensation plans and other intricate securities. Over the years, the company has distinguished itself not only through its expertise but also through its unwavering commitment to creating a workplace culture rooted in collaboration, fun, and relationship building.
A Culture of Collaboration and Growth
At the heart of Equity Methods’ success lies its vibrant organizational culture, which prioritizes flexibility, teamwork, and employee well-being. The company consistently earns spots on multiple “Top Places to Work in Arizona” lists, a testament to its dedication to fostering an environment where employees thrive both personally and professionally. Flexible work hours and styles are standard practice at Equity Methods, allowing team members to balance their personal lives with their professional responsibilities effectively.
To further strengthen bonds among employees, the company organizes regular team-building activities and events. One standout tradition is the annual retreat, where staff members gather in picturesque locations such as Sedona, Flagstaff, or San Diego. These retreats serve as opportunities for relaxation, reflection, and strategic planning, reinforcing the sense of camaraderie that defines the organization.
Beyond fostering strong internal relationships, Equity Methods places immense value on celebrating individual milestones. Whether it’s a significant career achievement or a personal milestone like a wedding or the birth of a child, the company ensures that every moment is acknowledged and celebrated. This emphasis on recognizing the whole person extends to supporting continued education and professional development. Employees are encouraged to pursue learning opportunities that align with their long-term goals, ensuring they remain engaged and motivated contributors to the company’s vision.
Moreover, Equity Methods empowers its workforce by inviting them to participate actively in shaping the company’s future. By involving employees in discussions about long-term strategy and decision-making processes, the company reinforces a culture of ownership and accountability. This inclusive approach not only enhances job satisfaction but also drives innovation and sustained growth.
Giving Back to the Community
Equity Methods’ commitment to excellence extends beyond its internal operations to encompass meaningful contributions to the broader community. The company provides regular volunteer opportunities for employees, enabling them to give back to causes they care about while strengthening team cohesion. Among the many organizations supported by Equity Methods is The Foster Alliance, a charity dedicated to improving outcomes for foster children and families in the Phoenix area.
In recognition of Equity Methods’ exemplary efforts, Montage Partners has made a generous donation to The Foster Alliance on behalf of Takis Makridis and the entire Equity Methods team. This gesture highlights the shared belief that financial success should go hand-in-hand with social responsibility—a principle that resonates deeply with both organizations.
“We have immense respect and admiration for our partners and the incredible companies they’ve built,” said Rob Wolfman, co-Managing Partner of Montage Partners. “Equity Methods stands out as a shining example of how financial success can be achieved without compromising core values. The culture that Takis and his team have cultivated demonstrates that it’s possible to excel in business while making a positive difference in the lives of employees and the community.”
A Legacy of Shared Values
The partnership between Montage Partners and Equity Methods is a powerful illustration of what can be achieved when two organizations share a common set of values. Since acquiring Equity Methods in 2012, Montage Partners has witnessed firsthand the transformative impact of aligning business strategies with a people-centric philosophy. Under Makridis’ leadership, Equity Methods has experienced exponential growth, expanding its service offerings and client base while maintaining its focus on delivering exceptional results.
This alignment of purpose has yielded impressive outcomes, from increased market share to enhanced employee retention rates. However, the true measure of success lies in the intangible benefits—the sense of fulfillment that comes from knowing you’re part of an organization that genuinely cares about its people and the communities it serves.
As Montage Partners looks ahead to future iterations of the Values Award, the firm remains committed to championing businesses that prioritize ethical practices, inclusivity, and sustainable growth. By shining a spotlight on companies like Equity Methods, Montage Partners hopes to inspire others in the industry to adopt similar approaches, thereby creating a ripple effect of positive change.
The inaugural Values Award presented to Equity Methods marks a pivotal moment in Montage Partners’ journey as a values-driven private equity firm. It serves as a reminder that success isn’t solely defined by financial metrics but also by the lasting impact a company has on its employees, clients, and communities. Through its unwavering dedication to fostering a people-first culture, Equity Methods has proven that it’s possible to achieve extraordinary results while staying true to one’s core values.
As Jordan Tate aptly put it, “Working with Takis and the Equity Methods team has been nothing short of rewarding. Their ability to grow and innovate while remaining grounded in our shared principles is truly commendable.” With this award, Montage Partners not only celebrates Equity Methods’ achievements but also reaffirms its own commitment to building a better, more equitable future—one partnership at a time.
For businesses aspiring to make a difference, the story of Montage Partners and Equity Methods offers a blueprint for success: prioritize your people, uphold your values, and never underestimate the power of collaboration.
