The Dahlonega Group

The Dahlonega Group is an experienced team of operational experts and experienced investors focused on driving value for shareholders. The team brings a deep knowledge and strong track record of successful transactions.

The Dahlonega Group:

Has over 20+ years of C-Level operations & M&A
Owns a consistent track record of substantial returns to shareholders
Holds a history of complex international transactions
Delivers rapid transition capabilities with divestitures

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JUSTIN RIRIE

Managing Director
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BEN NICHOLSON

Managing Partner
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CHARLES WELLS

Operating Partner
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LANCE MARSHALL

Vice President, Commercial Operations
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DUSTY ALVES

Director, Client Relations & Sales Operations
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ROBERT JOHNSON

Director of Construction & Industrial Business Development

JUSTIN RIRIE

Managing Director

Education
Mr. Ririe received an MBA from the J Mack Robinson School at Georgia State University and a BA from Utah State University.

Experience

Mr. Ririe has been operating and investing in a wide range of companies at all levels including logistics, information management, software and technologies, precision industrial fabrication and residential/commercial plumbing installation services. He has been responsible for sourcing, executing, and growing investments and serving on boards of operational and portfolio companies.

Prior to founding The Dahlonega Group, Mr. Ririe was President and CEO of EcoDigital, a global software platform focused on the media and entertainment industry, where he led the divestiture from Oracle and successfully guided the company to financial and operational success as a stand-alone entity. Mr. Ririe oversaw the gainful exit to Genstar Capital.

Before his time with EcoDigital, Mr. Ririe was President and CEO of Arkive and led the complex international divestiture from Iron Mountain. He led Arkive across all functional areas to financial and operational success as an independent company. Arkive completed multiple add-on acquisitions and developed proprietary products that doubled the value of the company. Mr. Ririe sourced and oversaw the successful exit to Berkshire Partner’s Access Information Management.

Mr. Ririe has served in the United States Army’s active and reserve components for 21 years. His service included Escort Duties to the President of the United States, operational tours to Iraq and Afghanistan, and rescue/recovery operations at the 9/11 sites.

CHARLES WELLS

Operating Partner

Education
Mr. Wells received an MBA from the J Mack Robinson School at Georgia State University and a two BAs from Kennesaw State University.

Experience

Mr. Wells joined The Dahlonega Group during its founding in 2021. Prior to joining The Dahlonega Group, Mr. Wells held several leadership roles in technology and information management industries, most recently as Chief Revenue Officer of THH. During his tenure in sales and marketing operations, Mr. Wells provided leadership for sales domestically and internationally, multi-market business strategy, and brand development. At THH, an IT services and software development company, he successfully provided business development and strategic partnership growth, brand development, and transition oversight and executive management over a recently acquired business through a partnership between THH and The Dahlonega Group.

Before his time at THH, he was Vice President of Sales at EcoDigital, a global software platform focused on the media & entertainment industry, where he was an integral role on creating a standalone entity during the divestiture from Oracle and driving revenue and growth across North and South America. He launched multiple sales management processes and CRM tools for the company, oversaw and grew the Americas sales division, expanded strategic partnership relationships, and drove revenue results surpassing goals.

BEN NICHOLSON

Managing Director

Education
Mr. Nicholson received his Masters of Accounting and BA from the Terry College at University of Georgia. Mr. Nicholson is a licensed CPA

Experience

Mr. Nicholson has been leading accounting/finance and investing in a wide range of companies at all levels including logistics, information management, software and technologies, precision industrial fabrication and residential/commercial plumbing installation services. He has been responsible for sourcing, executing, and growing investments and serving on boards of operational and portfolio companies.

Prior to founding The Dahlonega Group Mr. Nicholson was CFO of EcoDigital, an international software platform focused on the Entertainment and Media industry, where he led the divestiture from Oracle and led the transition to a stand-alone entity. Mr. Nicholson led all back-office services including accounting, finance, HR and legal and led the financial success of the company. Mr. Nicholson oversaw the gainful exit to Genstar Capital.

Prior to his role at EcoDigital, Mr. Nicholson was CFO of Arkive and led the complex international divestiture from Iron Mountain. He led Arkive across all functional areas starting with the transition and development of all back-office functions moving to an independent company. Arkive completed multiple add on acquisitions and developed proprietary products that doubled the value of the company. Mr. Nicholson oversaw the successful exit to Berkshire Partner’s Access Information Management.

Lance Marshall

Vice President, Commercial Operations

Education
Mr. Marshall graduated with honors from the University of Georgia in 2008 and earned a Master of Business Administration degree from Emory University’s Goizueta Business School in 2015.

Experience

Mr. Marshall joined The Dahlonega Group in March 2022 as VP of Commercial Operations. Mr. Marshall brings over a decade of leadership experience across multiple industries, including healthcare administration, management consulting, and International Intelligence Operations as a Marine Corps Officer.

Prior to joining The Dahlonega Group, Mr. Marshall was an executive for Emory Healthcare Surgical Centers, where he led all personnel, operations, and finances for The Emory Clinic’s most prolific business units. He successfully led multiple complex acquisitions of ambulatory surgery centers throughout the Southeast United States.

Before his time with Emory Healthcare, Mr. Marshall was a Senior Management Consultant for Booz Allen Hamilton. In this role, he provided expertise in supply chain management supporting the network of mass product delivery and services across the entire global supply chain, from raw materials to endpoint customers.

Mr. Marshall served in the United States Marine Corps’ active and reserve components for 14 years. His service included operational tours to Afghanistan and humanitarian assistance / disaster relief in the Pacific.

DUSTY ALVES

Director of Client Relations & Sales Operations

Education
Mr. Alves received a BA in Telecommunications and General Studies from the University of Nebraska - Kearney.

Experience

Mr. Alves joined the Dahlonega Group in June of 2022 as the Director of Client Relations & Sales Operations. In this role, Mr. Alves directs acquisition opportunities, organic and inorganic growth of our portfolio companies, client relations, and business development.

Prior to joining the Dahlonega Group, Mr. Alves was the Director of Client Relations of EcoDigital, an industry leader in digital signage services and solutions. Before his time with EcoDigital, Mr. Alves was the Manager of Inside Sales at Oracle and Front Porch Digital. During his tenure at Front Porch Digital, Oracle, and EcoDigital, he generated millions of dollars in revenue from the support renewal stream.

Prior to his time at Front Porch Digital, Oracle, and EcoDigital, Mr. Alves was a Video Director for multiple teams within the NFL and NCAA. Additionally, Mr. Alves served as the NFL Video Director for Super Bowl XXXII in San Diego and has served on different NFL and NCAA Video Directors boards and programs. He is currently a high school football official in the state of Colorado, a role he has enjoyed for 20 years.

ROBERT JOHNSON

Director of Construction & Industrial Business Development

Education
Mr. Johnson holds a degree in Building Technology from New Castle School of Trade.

Experience

Mr. Johnson joined The Dahlonega Group in February of 2024 as the Director of Construction Business Development. His responsibilities include securing and developing new construction business for our portfolio companies and overseeing all construction business development operations. He will also facilitate the bidding process for all our construction business.

Prior to joining The Dahlonega Group, Mr. Johnson was the Project Superintendent for Venture Construction Company and Parkway Construction Company. He has managed projects that include restaurants, multiplex cinemas, storage facilities, and recreation centers. Mr. Johnson has also spent time as a construction company owner where he successfully grew his business handling all phases of business ownership.

Mr. Johnson holds a degree in Building Technology from New Castle School of Trade. He brings over a decade of knowledge in the construction industry to The Dahlonega Group. Known for his unwavering commitment to project timelines and quality, Mr. Johnson continues to contribute to the industry's advancement, leveraging his extensive experience and dynamic leadership skills. He focuses his off time with family and youth counseling.

JUSTIN RIRIE

BEN NICHOLSON

CHARLES WELLS

LANCE MARSHALL

DUSTY ALVES

ROBERT JOHNSON

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Our Team

JUSTIN RIRIE

BEN NICHOLSON

CHARLES WELLS

LANCE MARSHALL

DUSTY ALVES

ROBERT JOHNSON

ABOUT US

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