Guided by hard work. Grounded in integrity. Built for the long-term.
WHO WE ARE
We’re investors who show up, do the work, and stand behind the people running the business.
Ranch Creek was built on a straightforward belief: private equity succeeds when character comes first and the quality of the work speaks for itself.
From the beginning, we set out to build a different kind of firm. One that looks beyond the surface, sees potential where others merely see complexity, and partners with management teams to turn solid businesses into even stronger ones. This ethos guides every investment, every decision, and every relationship we build.
Our Core Beliefs
The Golden Rule, Always
Partnership Should be Win-Win
Look Deeper. Think Independently.
Show Up and Stay Involved
Patience Over Pressure
J.D. Kritser
Founder & Managing Partner
J.D. founded Ranch Creek Partners after more than two decades investing across private equity, public markets, and global special situations. His career spans roles at Steelhead Partners, Newbridge Capital (TPG/Blum), and Lazard, where he built a reputation for disciplined analysis, situational intelligence, and an ability to creatively unlock value in complex situation.
At Ranch Creek, J.D. leads firm strategy, underwriting, and portfolio development. He serves as Chairman of Apposite Technologies, OneCor Services, and InSite Telecom and sits on the board of Patriot Erectors, Dispatch Wrecker and Trillium Ag.
J.D. holds a B.S. from Washington & Lee University (magna cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa) and an M.B.A. from UC Berkeley’s Haas School of Business.
J.D. lives in Bend, Oregon with his wife and two children. He enjoys the advantages of living in a high-desert mountain town, including fly fishing, golfing, and skiing, and is an avid traveler and lifelong football fan.
Tom McHugh
Partner
Tom joined Ranch Creek in 2019 and has responsibility for all aspects of sourcing, diligence, transaction execution, and ongoing portfolio management. Prior to joining Ranch Creek, Tom was with Resilience Capital Partners, a special situations private equity firm based in Cleveland, OH. Before that, he held positions in the M&A Department at BNP Paribas, the Equity Research Department at Morgan Stanley and the M&A Department at HT Capital Advisors, all in New York.
He serves as a Director of InSite Telecom and Dispatch Wrecker. He holds a B.S. in Finance & Accounting Management from Northeastern University.
Tom lives in Summerlin, Nevada with his wife and son.