Leadership Team
Partnering With Us Investing for Life
Experienced Leadership.
Long-Term Perspective. Meet the experienced professionals guiding the vision and strategic direction of Dobbs Equity Partners. At Dobbs Equity Partners, our leadership team brings together decades of experience in private equity, business operations, finance, mergers and acquisitions, and organizational growth. Each member contributes a unique perspective shaped by years of leading companies, building strong management teams, and creating long-term value across multiple industries.

United by a shared commitment to integrity, disciplined decision-making, and operational excellence, our team works closely with portfolio companies to identify opportunities, navigate challenges, and support sustainable growth. We believe successful partnerships are built on trust, transparency, and a long-term investment philosophy.

Our experience extends beyond capital investment. We are operators, advisors, and strategic partners who understand the complexities of growing businesses and are committed to helping exceptional companies reach their full potential.
John Hull Dobbs, Jr.

John Hull Dobbs, Jr.

Prior to founding Dobbs Equity Partners, John Hull Dobbs, Jr. developed extensive operating experience across the Dobbs family's businesses. He began working in the family's automobile dealerships at age 12 and was selling vehicles by age 17. Over the course of his career, he has served in a variety of capacities across multiple industries, giving him broad experience in business operations, management, and investment.

For 12 years, John led the Dobbs family's private equity activities, overseeing its portfolio of businesses and helping launch or acquire companies in sectors including health maintenance organizations, investment management, hospitals, dental clinics, and automotive parts distribution.

John holds a bachelor's degree from Duke University and an MBA from the University of North Carolina.

Rick Greene

Rick Greene

Prior to joining Dobbs Equity Partners, Rick Greene was an executive with Delta and Pine Land Company, an NYSE-traded agricultural biotechnology company that was acquired by Monsanto Company in 2007. During his tenure with Delta and Pine Land Company, Rick served in several senior leadership roles, including Chief Financial Officer, SVP of International Business, and SVP of Corporate Development.

In corporate development, he oversaw the company's business development and strategic planning activities, including mergers and acquisitions, licensing, and business expansion. He has participated in dozens of acquisitions, divestitures, joint ventures, business combinations, and related transactions.

Rick graduated summa cum laude from Christian Brothers University with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.

Phillip DeBardeleben

Phillip DeBardeleben

Prior to joining Dobbs Equity Partners, Phillip DeBardeleben spent 10 years with DHG, LLP, where he served as a Senior Manager. His areas of focus included taxation, consulting, mergers and acquisitions for the firm's Dealership Service Group, as well as business aircraft taxation. Phillip earned both his Bachelor of Accountancy and Master of Accountancy degrees from the University of Mississippi. He is also a Certified Public Accountant.

David Norton

David Norton

Prior to joining Dobbs Equity Partners, David Norton served as Chief Operating Officer of a large retail and automotive finance organization, where he led retail operations, store development, and strategic growth initiatives. For more than 20 years, he has built a career in the automotive industry focused on identifying market opportunities, streamlining operations, and developing high-performing teams.

David is the former Chairman of the Tennessee Independent Auto Dealers Association and the former Chairman of the National Independent Automobile Dealers Association Presidents' Council. He continues to serve on the NIADA Government Affairs and Policy Committee. A 1997 graduate of Rhodes College, David serves on the college's Executive Alumni Advisory Board and Athletic Hall of Fame Committee. He has also served on the boards of Financial Executives International, The Institute of Management Accountants, Fellowship of Christian Athletes, and Junior Achievement.

Our Approach to Partnership Building enduring businesses through collaborative, long-term relationships. At Dobbs Equity Partners, we believe successful investments begin with strong relationships. We seek opportunities to partner with business owners and management teams who have built exceptional companies and are looking for an experienced, long-term capital partner to help support their next stage of growth.

Because we invest family capital rather than institutional fund capital, we are not driven by predetermined investment horizons or exit requirements. This flexibility allows us to make decisions based on what is best for the business, its employees, its customers, and its long-term success.

Every opportunity is evaluated individually, but we are generally attracted to businesses that share several common characteristics:

  • Established operating history with a proven business model
  • Experienced leadership teams committed to long-term success
  • Strong competitive positioning within their markets
  • Consistent cash flow and disciplined financial performance
  • Opportunities for operational improvement and strategic growth
  • Alignment between ownership, management, and investment objectives
  • A culture built on integrity, accountability, and customer service

While our investment experience spans a broad range of industries, we are especially interested in businesses with strong operating fundamentals, recurring customer relationships, and opportunities to create lasting value through strategic partnership. We believe every successful investment begins with shared values, mutual trust, and a commitment to long-term growth.
Let's Connect
Looking For A Long-Term Partner? Whether you're considering a family transition, growth capital, acquisition opportunity, or strategic partnership, we'd welcome the opportunity to learn more about your business. Contact Dobbs Equity Partners