Henk Hartong III is the Chairman and CEO of Brynwood Partners, a middle-market private equity firm that invests in U.S. consumer-oriented businesses, primarily in the food, beverage, and personal care sectors. Henk’s father established Brynwood in 1984, and the firm boasts an impressive forty-year track record of driving results through its hands-on operating expertise.

Hometown Food Company is a manufacturer and marketer of an iconic portfolio of American baking brands that includes Pillsbury, Funfetti, Hungry Jack, Martha White, White Lily, Jim Dandy, Arrowhead Mills, Sunspire, De Wafelbakkers, and Birch Benders.

Our conversation covers the creation of Hometown in 2018 through a carve-out from Smuckers, buildout of a new management team, systems, and supply chain, management of the business through the COVID pandemic, tuck-in acquisitions, and the resulting performance of the company.