Jeff Balagna

Jeff joined Gryphon as an Operating Partner in 2021 and is Co-Head of the Business Services Group. Jeff works closely with the management teams of the group’s portfolio companies to maximize short and long-term operating and financial performance. He also assists Gryphon deal teams in identifying, evaluating and executing investments. Current Gryphon portfolio company board appointments include 3Cloud, Caylent, NewRocket and North America Essential Home Services. He is also a board observer for Repipe Specialists.  

Jeff is a five-time CEO with over 35 years of experience delivering profitable growth across numerous service industry companies in the technology, healthcare, automotive and home service sectors.

RELEVANT EXPERIENCE

• Team Car Care (dba Jiffy Lube), CEO – Led successful turnaround, reversing 10 years of sales and profitability declines.  
• Sears Home Services, CEO – Led turnaround of this $3.5 billion national services group, restored market share and doubled profitability.
• Eli Lilly, SVP, Technology Services – Led the technology services transformation of this large pharmaceutical manufacturer.
• Carlson Marketing, CEO – Led turnaround of this $1 billion global marketing services company. Restored market share and profitability, culminating in a successful auction process and sale.
• TGI Fridays, CEO – Led turnaround and expansion of this international restaurant chain. Restored confidence of franchisee base, product offering and profitability, leading to a successful sale.
• Medtronic, President, Medtronic Services – Established a highly successful services business for world’s largest medical device company.
• GE Medical Systems, COO, Americas
• Ford Motor Company, Technology Services Leader

EDUCATION & PROFESSIONAL AFFILIATIONS

B.S., Computer Science, Oakland University
Graduate, GE Crotonville Management Institute
Directors Consortium, Stanford Law

COMMUNITY OUTREACH

Served for 15 years as a volunteer firefighter, hazmat and special response unit team member and Assistant Chief of the Troy, Michigan Fire Department.

Founded ELIMU, a non-profit organization that has developed a rescue and restoration orphanage, school and community in Kenya for the past 20 years.

FIRST JOB

An aviation line technician at a small airport, leading to a lifelong passion as a pilot.