Chad Strader is a prominent figure in the world of private equity, particularly known for his focus on supply chain and logistics businesses. He is the co-founder, co-CEO, and Managing Partner of Red Arts Capital, a Chicago-based PE firm.
Red Arts Capital: A Focus on Strategic Investments
Red Arts Capital was formed in 2015 by Chad Strader and Nick Antoine. Alongside Nick Antoine, who is also co-Founder, co-CEO and Managing Partner, Chad leads the management and development of the firm’s strategic investments in family-owned supply chain and trucking companies. Red Arts’ collaborative approach goes beyond capital and brings hands-on operational excellence, deep sector expertise, and a commitment to long-term value creation for partners and shareholders.
The firm seeks to partner with established, high-performing companies that lead their markets with strong fundamentals, visionary leadership, and high potential to scale. Red Arts Capital seeks to partner with and invest in privately-owned, primarily family-owned, and multi-generational businesses with solid business fundamentals and a strong track record and reputation. With sector expertise and a commitment to stewardship and excellence, Red Arts Capital’s approach earns the firm a trusted seat at the table with portfolio companies, investors and partners.
Logistics and Supply Chain Investing and Acquisition Strategy
Red Arts Capital, which invests in the logistics sector, was formed in 2015 by Strader and Nick Antoine.
Portfolio and Investment Strategy
Chad oversees Red Arts’ investment team in sourcing deals with major North American-based companies with revenues from $50M - $300M. Red Arts’ portfolio includes: Sunset Pacific Transportation, Radius Logistics, two exited deals in Midnight Express, and Midwest Motors Express, which was sold to leading national truckload carrier, Knight-Swift in late 2021 for $150M.
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Rooted in a commitment to responsible stewardship and excellence, Red Arts Capital supports its portfolio companies through a proven operational playbook, a world-class network of operating partners, and strategic advisory councils, all tailored to unlock growth and create lasting value.
Chad Strader's Background and Experience
Prior to founding Red Arts Capital in 2015, Chad led private equity transactions at Woodlawn Partners, a top Chicago-based private equity firm which specializes in logistics, manufacturing and transportation businesses. He has held senior finance and accounting roles on PepsiCo’s supply chain and logistics team.
Leadership and Recognition
Nicholas Antoine, Chad Strader and Red Arts Capital have been recognized as part of the Power100 Asset Managers List by Power100 Presented By Blueprint Capital Advisors LLC. This recognition is a testament to the dedication of Nick, Chad, and the entire Red Arts team in driving growth, positioning the firm as an industry leader and cultivating investment talent in the next generation.
Power100 Presented By Blueprint Capital Advisors LLC is excited to announce the second cohort of the 2025 Power100 Asset Managers list. This list recognizes distinguished individuals and firms in private markets strategies and a few standouts executing in the public markets. It is a reflection of progress across the alternatives landscape as women and diverse professionals have established themselves and firms in niche strategies within the space.
They are represented within private equity, venture, private credit, structured equity, GP stakes where competition is always intense and the inputs are endless. They are generating strong performance by driving portfolio company outcomes and navigating rapidly changing and more volatile markets. These individuals and organizations are inspiring and impacting the industry and their beloved communities thereby helping to narrow societal gaps in areas such as gender, ethnicity, wealth, health, and education.
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The Power100 will be honored at The 2nd Annual Honoree Dinner on May 4, 2025 at The Sofitel Los Angeles at Beverly Hills, California.
Commitment to Community and Education
Outside of his work at Red Arts Capital, he is a Board Director of De La Salle Institute, a coeducational, secondary school located in Chicago and on the Chairmen's Advisory Council for the Big Shoulders Fund, a civic organization that creates opportunities for inner-city children to attend Catholic schools. He also is a member of the Young Leaders Circle at The Milken Institute, The Chicago Club and The Economic Club of Chicago.
Recent Developments at Red Arts Capital
Red Arts Institute serves as a hub for insight, connection, and opportunity. To kick off its work, The Institute published a new white paper highlighting where leaders can find advantage amid economic change: “Seizing Opportunities for Growth and Resiliency,” co-authored by Red Arts Capital Co-CEO and Managing Partner Nicholas Antoine and Dr. Deputy National Security Advisor for Strategy.
Juan Bahena has joined Red Arts Capital as a new accountant. Juan brings valuable experience from his previous roles at BDO USA and Standish Management, where he supported alternative investments, private equity funds, and fund accounting. His extensive background in accounting and finance strengthens our financial operations and supports our continued growth as a firm.
Sherina Maye Edwards has joined Red Arts Capital's executive advisory council as a CEO-in-Residence. Sherina brings deep industry expertise and a strong track record, having most recently served as Chief Strategy Officer at MasTec, and previously as President and CEO of INTREN, LLC. Her expertise will be instrumental as we continue to develop our investment strategy in utility supply chains.
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