PROFESSIONALS
GENUINE. TRANSPARENT. HARD WORKING. FAIR MINDED. CURIOUS. TEAM ORIENTED. HUMBLE. FUN.
"We’ve been the beneficiaries of much success in our collective private equity careers. These words describe both how we believe we approach business at Bel Air and what we think enables such success." - Steve & Steve
VALUES
Perseverance is something Steve Peterson understands. A native Minnesotan, he has twice completed the Twin Cities Marathon. He likens the challenge of a marathon to the success of business – preparation and persistence wins the race. This tenant serves as the foundation of Steve's work ethic and talent in helping businesses reach their potential.
Steve co-founded Bel Air Growth Partners and serves as Managing Director. Prior to founding Bel Air, he was a co-founder and principal at another private equity firm. He has also worked in investment banking and money management.
He is a past board member of the Association for Corporate Growth (ACG) as well as a current board member and past president of the ACG Wisconsin Chapter. Steve earned a CFA Charter, an MBA from the Kellogg School of Management at Northwestern, and a BS from the Carlson School at the University of Minnesota.
Steve splits his time between Milwaukee and the West Coast - where his two kids reside. He loves muscle cars (owns 1969 Camaro Z/28 and 1970 Road Runner), tinkering with his 1929 house, travel, reading, and starring in his son’s action movies.
Soccer is a team sport. It requires leadership, preparation and proper execution. Being an avid soccer player, Steve Laczniak was taught these virtues as a lad growing up in Milwaukee. He understands the importance of a dynamic team with a solid vision. He's passionate about the opportunity to partner with small businesses at Bel Air Growth Partners.
Prior to co-founding Bel Air, Steve was an investment professional at both private equity and venture capital firms, assisting with deal sourcing, portfolio company management and fund management. Steve earned MBA and JD degrees from Marquette University. He also studied nuclear engineering and medical physics at the University of Wisconsin–Madison.
Steve lives in Milwaukee, and he enjoys hiking and playing/watching soccer. He is still mourning the loss of his Honda Pilot (244k; RIP).
Steven D. Peterson
Managing Director