Featured
Addressing the Skilled Trades Workforce Gap
Manufacturing and construction face critical workforce shortages. Here's how specialized staffing can help bridge the gap.
July 20265 min read
$5M–$30M+
EBITDA Range
60-Day
Due Diligence
All U.S.
Markets
All
Staffing Verticals
About Us
Operators, Investors & Industry Veterans
With over 75+ years of combined executive level industry experience creating value for shareholders and stakeholders, we founded ProtoWork with a singular focus: to build a best-in-class staffing platform through strategic acquisitions, disciplined operations, and a genuine commitment to the people and companies we partner with.
75+
Years Combined Experience
Our Vision
To be the most trusted acquirer and operator in the staffing industry — known for integrity, results, and lasting value.
Our Mission
Partner with exceptional staffing companies, provide owners meaningful liquidity, and accelerate growth through capital and shared infrastructure.
People First
Our business is built on relationships — with owners, employees, and clients. We preserve culture and leadership that made companies successful.
Long-Term Thinking
We build lasting platforms, not quick exits. We're creating a significant player in the staffing industry for decades to come.
Why ProtoWork
Your Life's Work Deserves The Right Partner
We're not a private equity firm looking to strip costs and flip assets. We're operators who understand the staffing business from the inside.
"We don't just acquire companies — we partner with exceptional teams to build something greater together."
Meaningful Liquidity
Receive fair value for the business you've built, with deal structures designed to meet your specific goals.
Continued Upside
Equity participation options that allow you to share in the growth of the broader ProtoWork platform.
Operational Support
Immediate access to back-office infrastructure, technology, and shared resources to reduce burden and improve margins.
Leadership Continuity
We respect and retain the teams, managers, and client relationships that made your company successful.
Cultural Fit
We don't impose a one-size-fits-all model. We work with you to preserve what makes your company unique.
Senior Access
From first call to post-close integration, you'll work directly with senior leadership — not a junior deal team.
Acquisition Criteria
What We Look For
We are actively seeking acquisition opportunities across the staffing industry. Whether you're ready to exit entirely or looking for a growth partner — we'd like to have a conversation.
Revenue
Staffing companies with annual revenues between $30M and $300M+
Profitability
Businesses with demonstrated revenue growth and strong, consistent cash flow. EBITDA targets $5M - $30M
Track Record
Established client base, tenured staff, and consistent performance history
Geography
Opportunities across the United States, with focus on high-growth markets
Verticals
All major segments — light industrial, skilled trades, professional, IT & healthcare
Cultural Fit
Leaders who care about their people and clients, and want to be part of something bigger
Acquisition Process
A Straightforward Path to Close
We've designed our process to be transparent and respectful of your time. We move quickly, communicate clearly, and treat every owner with the respect they've earned.
60-Day
Due Diligence
1
Initial Call
Confidential, no-obligation conversation
2
NDA
Mutual agreement to protect both parties
3
LOI
Clear offer with key terms outlined
4
Due Diligence
60-day structured review process
5
Close
Smooth close with transition support
Fast, predictable 60-day due diligence — no surprises.
Leadership Team
Experienced executives with deep expertise in workforce solutions, technology integration, and strategic growth.
Ralph Peterson
Chief Executive Officer
30 years leading staffing companies from start-ups to $1B in revenue. Former Senior Advisor at Staffing Venture Capital; CEO of Employment Staffing Group and Snelling; President, North America of Advantage Resourcing.
Mark Anderson
Chief Operating Officer
30+ years in staffing and talent acquisition across the Americas, Europe, and Asia. Focused on M&A integration and growth execution; leadership at multiple NASDAQ companies; co-founder and Managing Partner of Nextwave Growth Partners.
Allan Hartley
Advisory Board Chair
Five decades of staffing roll-ups taken to public markets. Began at Robert Half; CEO of Bay Talent Group and Staffing 360; co-founder of Nextwave Growth Partners; work with Norrell and Deloitte's Resource Global.