In a private equity landscape dominated by billion-dollar funds and institutional investors, Jeremy Tomes is forging a distinctive path—one built on community, access, and legacy. At the center of his strategy is something still uncommon in traditional finance: a serious, sustained commitment to inclusive ownership. Through his ventures, Tomes is demonstrating that minority-owned doesn’t mean small-scale, and that impact-oriented private equity can show competitive promise when grounded in purpose.
Building Equity in More Ways Than One
Jeremy Tomes isn’t just acquiring businesses; he’s focusing on expanding opportunity. His acquisition model prioritizes working with founders and operators from underrepresented backgrounds, including people of color, women, and first-generation entrepreneurs. But he goes further: in many cases, his firms actively promote minority leadership within acquired companies, giving these individuals a pathway to not just management, but equity ownership. “Control matters,” Tomes has said in private meetings. “But who gets to benefit from that control that matters even more?”
It’s not just moral; it has been shown to be strategic. Teams that reflect the customers and communities they serve often perform better on retention, culture, and brand loyalty. Tomes has built a model where that inclusion isn’t incidental; it’s thoughtfully integrated from day one.
The MBE Advantage—and the Responsibility That Comes With It
Many of Jeremy Tomes’ ventures, including Prime Contractor Supply, are pursuing or have obtained Minority Business Enterprise (MBE) certification. This isn’t just a marketing tactic; it’s a competitive strategy rooted in public and private procurement dynamics.
Certified MBEs have access to:
- Government contracts with supplier diversity requirements
- Corporate vendor programs that prioritize underrepresented businesses
- Set-aside bidding opportunities at the city, county, and state levels
But Tomes doesn’t just leverage the benefits; he actively embraces the responsibility. His companies not only comply with the letter of MBE eligibility, but they also commit to the spirit: hiring diverse, sourcing local, and mentoring emerging minority-owned subcontractors. This broader commitment has contributed to making his firms go-to partners for general contractors, municipalities, and infrastructure projects that value inclusion as part of execution.
Closing the Capital Gap
The traditional private equity model often excludes operators without generational wealth or elite networks. Jeremy Tomes is working to change that. He frequently structures his deals to allow former employees, rising managers, and local professionals to buy into ownership over time.
This might include:
- Phantom equity tied to EBITDA benchmarks
- Direct profit-sharing agreements
- Options to acquire a stake in the company at pre-negotiated terms
- Advisory roles that evolve into partnership pathways
These structures allow people who have the work ethic but not the capital to become part of the ownership equation. In doing so, Tomes is addressing one of the most persistent racial wealth gaps in America: access to business equity.
A Cultural Shift in Deal-Making
Traditional private equity culture often prioritizes efficiency over empathy. Jeremy Tomes, by contrast, centers cultural sensitivity and trust in every deal. When working with minority-owned businesses, he avoids transactional behavior. He listens. He asks about legacy. He understands community context. This approach tends to result in deals that are smoother, transitions that are stronger, and outcomes that are longer-lasting. In fact, many of his acquisitions are referral-based, coming from other sellers who had a positive experience and told their peers. In an industry built on cold calls and auctions, this type of word-of-mouth deal flow remains uncommon—and impactful.
Operational Excellence with Community ROI
Tomes’ commitment to minority ownership is matched by his operational rigor. After each acquisition, his team deploys modern systems:
- Financial reporting with real-time dashboards
- Automated inventory management
- Predictive procurement tools
- Centralized compliance and licensing infrastructure
These systems allow minority-owned firms, many of which previously operated with lean infrastructure, to compete at enterprise levels. The result is not just stronger businesses, but stronger communities. Jobs stay local. Profits stay in historically underserved zip codes. And professional development pathways are opened for future generations.
Mentorship as Strategy
Beyond the balance sheet, Jeremy Tomes invests in mentorship. He personally advises aspiring minority entrepreneurs looking to buy their first business. He offers insight into deal structure, operations, vendor negotiations, and financing. For Tomes, mentorship is not charity; it serves as pipeline development. By supporting the next generation of diverse business owners, he’s creating future sellers, future partners, and future peers. His long-term strategy includes building an ecosystem of owners who share his inclusive mindset and values.
Setting a New Standard for Private Equity
Jeremy Tomes’ work is quietly shaping a new precedent in private equity—one where diversity, equity, and inclusion aren’t HR slogans, but investment criteria. One where impact and ROI can be part of the same sentence. One where legacy matters as much as leverage. His success suggests a growing interest in inclusive private equity—not as a niche, but as a viable and increasingly relevant direction. And that future isn’t decades away. Jeremy Tomes is building it now.
Summary
At a time when America is grappling with economic inequality and racial wealth gaps, Jeremy Tomes is doing something rare: offering a working model that seeks both financial returns and expanded access. Through MBE certifications, shared equity strategies, and operational excellence, he’s building minority-owned businesses that don’t just survive—they continue to lead with purpose.
To learn more about Jeremy Tomes and his pioneering model of inclusive private equity, visit https://biglawcapitalist.com/jeremy-tomes/
Disclaimer: The information in this article is for general informational purposes only. It does not constitute financial, investment, or legal advice. Readers are encouraged to consult with appropriate professionals before making any financial or business decisions.
