About 16 South

Our Story

16 South is a founder-focused private investment firm offering an alternative to traditional private equity. We partner with lower middle market entrepreneurs looking to scale their business through new services, geographic expansion or acquisition. Our approach goes beyond providing capital. We also provide guidance, mentorship and execution support for growth initiatives.

By aligning your goals and objectives with our expertise and network, we create a personalized partnership plan. We are laser focused on removing growth constraints and building sustainable, repeatable processes. For us, business is personal, we want to win the right way and strong relationships are foundational to our success.

Our Values

  • Trust / Integrity

    We prioritize honesty and transparency in all our partnerships, ensuring that our actions always align with our words.

  • Grit

    We approach challenges with determination and perseverance, committed to seeing every project through to success.

  • Humility

    We believe in the power of servant leadership, valuing collaboration over individual accolades and always putting the team’s success first.

  • Passion for Excellence

    We are relentless in our pursuit of quality, striving to exceed expectations and deliver exceptional results in everything we do.

  • Unwavering Character

    We maintain a steadfast commitment to our principles, standing firm in our values no matter the circumstances.

Our Founder

Johnny Conklin is the founder and managing partner of 16 South Capital Partners. He has built a reputation of dependability, integrity and winning over his 20+ years of experience in the lower middle market. Raised in the Southeast in a family that values hard work, Johnny’s love for sports evolved into a business career defined by teamwork, preparation, and hustle.

Before launching 16 South, Johnny sat on both sides of the private investment sector – principal investing and strategic M&A advisory. He was previously a Partner at Atlantic Street Capital where he was integral in all investment aspects from thesis development, business development, value creation initiatives, add-on M&A and exit planning. He was also a Managing Director and member of the Executive Committee at BlackArch Partners, where he built and led the Business and Consumer Services practice, advising on over $10 billion in lower middle market sell-side M&A transactions. Known for his personal touch and empathy for the challenges business owners face, Johnny is a trusted partner to founders, helping them achieve their goals while enjoying the journey. Connect on LinkedIn
“Johnny listens attentively and focuses on our needs, consistently delivering results as a true partner and friend who genuinely cares about our success. For him, business is personal, just as it is for me.”

Brett Overman, Founder of Zips Car Wash

Strategic Advisory Network

Our strategic advisory network is an extension of 16 South – they are not just “thinkers”, they are “doers” which amplifies the speed and success rates of our value creation initiatives

  • Who They Are

    • Founders
    • CEOs, CFOs, and COOs
    • Controllers and Accountants
    • Consultants
    • Sales Executives
    • HR, Insurance, and Benefits Managers
    • Supply Chain Experts

  • How They Help

    • Develop shared services and scalable back-office functions
    • Implement data capture and IT/ERP systems for strategic decision-making
    • Enhance lead generation, conversion, and pricing strategies for growth
    • Optimize labor training, recruitment, and vendor effectiveness
    • Integrate add-on acquisitions

  • What They Do

    • Aligning expertise with business goals for sustainable growth
    • Creating value through operational and strategic improvements
    • Offering a personalized, hands-on approach to business challenges
    • Mentor and coach our management team partners