Molly Simmons Leaving Gemini for Tonka Bay

Molly Simmons has stepped down as a managing director with Gemini Investors, in order to join Tonka Bay Equity Partners. An official announcement is expected shortly.

In an email to friends and colleagues, Simmons wrote:

Tonka Bay Equity Partners is a veteran private equity firm focused on recapitalizations, buyouts and growth capital transactions in middle market companies specializing in manufacturing, value-added distribution and business services. This is a tremendous opportunity for me to work with a highly-regarded firm on transactions and relationships that are directly in my experience wheelhouse. The position will also allow me to work with a Minnesota-based team that I have known for many years and be a little closer to home, which is important not only to my family, but critical as I train for a spot with the U.S. ice fishing team in the next Winter Olympics.

While I am very excited about my new role with the Tonka Bay team, I am sure you can understand that this was an extremely difficult and bittersweet decision since, after being at Gemini Investors for nearly nine years, I very much view the firm and team like family. I remain an investor and friend of the firm.

SImmons’ portfolio companies with Gemini included restaurant chain Buffalo Wild Wings and side dump trailer manufacturer Sidump’r.