Sleeping Giant Capital and Pathfinder Announce
New Chapter of Ownership
Holland, Michigan | August 31, 2026
Pathfinder Systems and Pathfinder Manufacturing announce a transition to the next generation of leadership, with Travis Hilldore becoming President and CEO and acquiring the businesses with the backing of Sleeping Giant Capital, a long-term, place-based investment firm.
After more than 25 years of building Pathfinder Systems and Pathfinder Manufacturing, Larry Hilldore and Bill Notier have completed the transition of the businesses to the next generation of leadership. The transaction continues the Hilldore family’s ownership and leadership of Pathfinder while bringing the two businesses together under one unified ownership structure.
Sleeping Giant Capital’s investment provides long-term capital and support for the continued growth of Pathfinder while allowing the company to maintain its independence, culture and people.
And while ownership is changing, one thing isn’t:
Pathfinder is still Pathfinder.
The people, partnerships and relationships that have shaped the company for more than 25 years remain at the heart of what Pathfinder does.
Travis has been part of Pathfinder since 2005, most recently serving as Vice President of Marketing and Sales. He will now lead the company as President & CEO while continuing as a significant shareholder.
“I’m incredibly proud of what has been built at Pathfinder over the past 25 years,” said Travis Hilldore, President & CEO of Pathfinder Systems & Manufacturing. “Pathfinder has always been about more than the equipment we sell. It’s about knowing our customers, understanding their operations, solving difficult problems and being there long after a machine is installed. This partnership with Sleeping Giant Capital gives us the opportunity to build on that foundation, invest in our people and capabilities, and continue growing the business for the long term.”
Larry Hilldore, who founded Pathfinder in 1998, will remain actively involved with the company, focusing on key customer relationships, sales and training.
“When I started Pathfinder, the goal was simple: deliver the right solutions, stand behind our customers and earn their trust one project at a time,” said Larry Hilldore. “I’m proud of what Pathfinder has become and especially proud to see Travis take on this next chapter. Finding the right path forward was important to me, and I’m confident that Travis and the Pathfinder team are in a great position to continue building on what we’ve created.”
Justin Notier will continue leading Pathfinder Manufacturing.
Building on a Strong Foundation
Bringing Pathfinder Systems and Pathfinder Manufacturing together under unified ownership creates an opportunity to better connect equipment sales, manufacturing, spare parts, technical service and long-term customer support.
Pathfinder will continue investing in its people, systems and technical capabilities while strengthening the equipment, automation and service solutions it provides to concrete products manufacturers throughout North America.
The goal is not to change what has made Pathfinder successful, but to build on it.
That means continuing to strengthen technical and service capabilities, making it easier to do business with Pathfinder, supporting customers throughout the life of their equipment, and continuing to bring innovative equipment and automation solutions to the concrete products industry.
“Pathfinder has built its reputation by being a trusted partner to its customers,” said Doug Lepisto, Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Sleeping Giant Capital. “We’re excited to partner with Travis and the Pathfinder team to build on that reputation while preserving the company’s independence, culture and people. This is exactly the type of generational transition our long-term ownership model was built to support.”
About Sleeping Giant Capital
Sleeping Giant Capital is pioneering a place-based alternative to private equity – a model designed to preserve and grow the next generation of businesses in American communities. Focused on the generational transition of closely held businesses, the firm utilizes permanent capital, prepared leaders, and place-based ownership to drive long term growth while strengthening regional economies.
Pathfinder Media Contact
Belicia Nykamp
(616) 395-8447