ABOUT US
We’re more than an incubator and private equity firm. We’ve built a portfolio of successful companies from the ground up that not only share core functions such as IT, Legal, Marketing, and Finance - but also leverage our talented design leaders, international production facilities, e-commerce distribution and global supply chain to power scalability, growth, and innovation.
With our four facilities spread between Chicago, Illinois and Shenzhen, China, we accelerate businesses through the startup phase by uniting our proven product design approach with high-performance sourcing and manufacturing. Our turnkey front end distribution enables us to enter underserved markets quickly and effectively.
The list of brands within the 511 Capital Portfolio is ever-expanding as we continuously innovate, leverage our robust and agile infrastructure and execute on new market opportunities.
Our Story
Learn a bit more about 511 Capital in this short video.
RUSSELL POTTERFIELD
FOUNDER AND CHAIRMAN
Russell founded 511 Capital in 2012, where he has concepted, financed, and developed a portfolio of consumer product companies (including PrintNinja, Pirate Lab, GSI). Russell is also the Founder & Chairman of SBIDE (Shenzhen, China), which established a scalable manufacturing and supply chain infrastructure to drive efficiency and profitability for companies under the 511 Capital umbrella.
Prior to founding 511 Capital, Russell served as CEO of Battenfeld Technologies from 2003-2012, where the company saw over an 8X increase in revenue while nearly double product margin. As CEO, Russell launched successful sub-brands for Battenfeld including Caldwell and Wheeler, and later negotiated and executed a high-value private equity acquisition of the company.
Russell is a founder of 8 profitable startups, creator of over 40 issued and pending patents, proven team leader and perpetual innovator.
Russell received his BA, English Language and Literature from the University of Michigan and MBA, Corporate Strategy and Operations from the University of Michigan Stephen M. Ross School of Business.
LEADERSHIP
Jeff Zwirek
Director of U.S. Operations
Jeff leads the PrintNinja Operations team. He and his team focus on creating the smoothest, most pleasant customer experience possible. Jeff uses his 12+ years in the printing industry to shepherd projects from dreams to reality.
Miguel A. Manzanarez
Plant Manager
Miguel A. Manzanarez is a professional in the implementation of continuous improvement, quality and productivity. He's helped launch new start up manufacturing plants in Detroit, Kentucky and Mexico. He's worked with several companies launching new products based on Toyota Production Systems (TPS) and lean manufacturing (continuous improvement).