Our History
The founders and principals of Dixon Midland, Paul Furlow and Aaron Mobarak, have a proven partnership that dates back to 1997. Uniquely, we began as private equity managers and hands-on operators of a select group of middle-market growth companies. As we grew, we partnered with like-minded investors and managers to acquire and oversee additional growth-oriented businesses.
In 2020, we launched Dixon Midland Long-Short Equity as the next step of our investment careers. This strategy translates our core principles of value, quality, momentum, and low risk directly into public equity investing. Two decades of owning and operating private businesses now informs our approach to public markets.
Our story brings an uncommon perspective to public equity investing. We are not from the investment manager or analyst bubble of Wall Street banks or hedge funds. We have acquired and run real businesses, and we understand value creation at its core.
Our Team
The principals of Dixon Midland have a proven partnership with over 25 years of investing experience. Importantly, we stand shoulder to shoulder with our investors and have substantial personal assets invested in our strategy.
Co-Founder, Co-President
Paul Furlow
Paul Furlow co-founded and is Co-President of Dixon Midland Company. Since 1997, Paul has co-led all of Dixon Midland’s investments and activities. He also led the development of Dixon Midland Long-Short Equity with Aaron Mobarak. His prior work experience includes McKinsey & Company and Wasserstein Perella & Co. Paul has an MBA from Stanford and an undergraduate degree from the University of Michigan. Paul serves as a Director on the Board of Hamilton Beach Brands and co-chairs the Chicago chapter of the Positive Coaching Alliance. Paul grew up in Midland, Michigan.
Co-Founder, Co-President
Aaron Mobarak
Aaron Mobarak co-founded and is Co-President of Dixon Midland Company. He has also co-led investment activities since 1997. With Paul, Aaron developed the Dixon Midland Long-Short Equity strategy. Prior experience includes working at McKinsey & Company and Arthur Andersen & Co. Aaron has an MBA from Harvard and an undergraduate degree from the University of Illinois. At the University of Illinois, Aaron was an NCAA All-American and two-time individual Big Ten Champion in the triple jump. Aaron grew up in Dixon, Illinois.
Chief Financial Officer
Heather Payne
Heather Payne is the Chief Financial Officer of Dixon Midland Company. Heather has led the financial oversight of all Dixon Midland investments and activities since 2000. Her prior work experience includes accounting and tax consulting at Laventhol & Horwath, and Mann Weitz & Associates. Heather is a Certified Public Accountant with a Bachelor of Science degree in Accounting from Illinois State University.