Edward Mcdonnell

Principal @ Monroe Hill

About

Sponsor, operator, and advisor passionate about growing middle market businesses and advancing the next generation of Virginia businesses. My career blends hands-on executive operating experience, deep investing knowledge, and a strong commitment to advancing Virginia business legacies and employees. Over the past decade: --Founded and operated a traditional search fund, scaling an organization from 80 employees in one branch location to 200 employees across 8 branches through 5 acquisitions -- delivering exceptional IRR and MOIC for investors. --Served as a national contributor in the ETA community, completing 500+ mentorship conversations, investing as an LP in search fund backed companies, and speaking at 15+ ETA events. --Proud UVA Darden alum supporting Darden community members ranging from prospective students all the way through 20 year alumni through mentorship, board service, guest speaking, and hosting BVIP interns (Batten Venture Internship Program).

Country

United States

City

Greater Richmond Region

Industry

Facilities Services

Skill

Project Management, Financial Analysis, Strategic Planning, Mechanical Engineering, R, Catia, Solidworks, Leadership, Data Analytics

Experience

Principal

Monroe Hill

2016-7 - Present · 10 yrs 3 mos

Virginia, United States

Monroe Hill & Co. offers expert-led acquisitions and operations with a strong Virginia focus, a proven track record of fundraising and operating, and the ability to close deals efficiently. We are a Virginia-based platform, committed to maintaining the legacy of Virginia-based businesses and their employees, for the long term.

Founder & Managing Partner

Monroe Hill

2016-7 - 2018-4 · 1 yr 10 mos

Raleigh-Durham-Chapel Hill Area

Raised a private investment fund to find, acquire, and operate a single, high-quality B2B service company. Successfully acquired Botanical Designs in Seattle in 2018 and stepped into the CEO role. Backed by Trilogy Search Partners, WSC and Company, Anacapa Partners, Pacific Lake Partners, Endurance Search Partners, Aspect Investors, Housatonic Principals, and others.

Board Member

Reviera Enterprises (REI)

2025-2 - Present · 1 yr 8 mos

Reviera Enterprises is a trusted provider of water and sewer utility services, including inspection, assessment, and routine maintenance of underground water and sewer infrastructure for municipalities, utilities, industrial and commercial organizations with services across the Mid-Atlantic and Southeast regions.

Principal

MCD Fractional

2024-9 - Present · 2 yrs 1 mo

CEO

Botanical Designs

2018-4 - 2024-8 · 6 yrs 5 mos

Greater Seattle Area

Scaled the company from 80 employees in one branch location, to 200 employees across 8 branches coast-to-coast while acquiring 5 founder-led businesses and integrating them into the platform company. Botanical Designs' family of brands focuses on urban biophilic design, installation, and maintenance of live plant walls, moss walls, interior tropical plants, exterior landscaping, and holiday décor for Class A commercial buildings and high-end hotels. Backed by Trilogy Search Partners, WSC and Company, Endurance Search Partners, Anacapa Partners, and others. Successfully recapitalized to Beach Point Capital Management in 2022.

Board Member

Botanical Designs

2018-4 - 2024-7 · 6 yrs 4 mos

CEO

McCaren Designs

2021-4 - 2024-7 · 3 yrs 4 mos

Greater Minneapolis-St. Paul Area

Creating memorable places and unique experiences with biophilic design, plant care, urbanscaping and holiday décor.

Design Engineer

Aerojet Rocketdyne

2011-9 - 2014-7 · 2 yrs 11 mos

Gainesville, VA

Mechanical Design Engineer for Solid-Fueled Rocket Propulsion Systems

Body Structure Design Engineer

American Honda Motor Company, Inc.

2009-7 - 2011-9 · 2 yrs 3 mos

Designed an innovative front crash and body rigidity structure as part of the Acura MDX & Honda Pilot development teams.

Mercedes-Benz R&D

Mercedes-Benz AG

2008-5 - 2008-8 · 4 mos

Developed thermal analysis simulation tools for the 7-speed automatic transmission in the Mercedes-Benz C, E, and S Class automobiles while working in Stuttgart, Germany.