Jim Balkcom

Mr Balkcom has spent most of his business career serving as Chairman, President or CEO of numerous private and public companies. He started his career as CEO of a small outdoor technology company and grew it to a multi hundred-million-dollar leader and recognized brand (Humminbird) in marine electronics. Then, in 1996 Jim led the turnaround refinance/re-capitalization and IPO of Pameco Corp, a $650 million distributor with over 300 locations.

Throughout his operating career he served as director and Chairman of over 15 Boards including Commerce South Bank, a $350 million holding company, Bank Trust Financial Group, a $1.6 billion multi-bank holding company and Century South Bank, a $1.6 billion holding company which sold to BB&T. Many of these companies experienced high growth and expansive value creation while Jim was involved.

Jim has spent much of his time in the private equity markets as Chairman, CEO and Director leading Pameco Corp which was backed by NY PE firm Three Cities Research and serving as Founding/Operating Partner, CEO Council and Investment committee for Council Ventures, LP who recently closed their fourth fund of $200 million. His involvement with portfolio companies as director and operating partner often produced high growth and value creation.

Jim is a servant leader and has spent his entire life serving others while teaching, mentoring and leading. After graduating from the United States Military Academy at West Point, Jim served in several active military theatres receiving Meritorious Service Medal, Bronze Star with Oak Leaf Cluster and Distinguished Service Medal, Ranger Airborne. After his service in the US Army Jim attended Harvard Business School receiving his Master’s in Finance and received the Hay Associates Management Fellowship. He has served the international board of YPO, Civilian Aide Emeritus to Secretary of Army, Executive Committee USO council of Atlanta, is a Paul Harris Fellow, Elder Peachtree Presbyterian, and participates in other various state and local service organizations.