Fighting for the future of America’s small businesses
Mainshares backs the next generation of American owner-operators with the community, capital, and tools they need to succeed.
Keeping small businesses locally owned and operated
The Manifesto

America’s small business economy is at a turning point. There are over 6,000,000 SMBs in the U.S., and a majority have aging owners. As those owners retire, what happens to those businesses?


Apart from closing up shop, there are two potential outcomes:


  1. Large private equity-backed companies slowly buy them up, while cutting staff and increasing prices. The days of independent businesses come to an end.
  2. The next generation of hardworking, talented Americans takes these businesses forward. Like their predecessors, they take pride in employing their neighbors, delivering value to their customers, and investing in their communities.


Mainshares exists to fight for independent ownership, prosperous communities, and the future of America’s small business economy.

Meet some of our allies
We’re lucky to have the support of passionate Americans looking to keep ownership local.
Patrick Flood
CEO, Owners in Honor
Heather Endresen
Owner, Viso Business Capital
Jon Stoddard
Host, Top M&A Entrepreneurs Podcast
Samuel Meister
Owner, First Choice Business Brokers of Pittsburgh
A mission that matters
We believe locally owned small businesses are critical to the future of our nation.
Employ nearly half of the workforce
Over 61M Americans work for small businesses.
Bring communities together
Americans rank SMBs as the top trusted institution, above the US military, church, etc.
Generate local wealth
Generates over $11.9T of our country’s GDP, providing wealth to owners, employees and their communities,
Meet the team
From a former exec at one of our country’s largest banks to a decorated combat veteran, our team is made up of folks who bring the experience and grit needed to achieve our mission.
William Fry
Founder & CEO
I grew up in a small town in eastern North Carolina. My mom owned a small business, my grandfather had a small law practice, and most of my childhood friends were the sons of local business owners (septic, auto, painting, etc). These Americans were the ones sponsoring Little League, lending a truck to a disaster relief trip, and leaving their corner of the world better than they found it. It's these Americans who make our country great. They represent the freedom to build a better life, the independence to do things your way, and local involvement needed to keep our world turning. I founded Mainshares along with a killer team to ensure these businesses pass to the next generation of hardworking Americans. I spend my time working with our various teams and partners to ensure we're doing everything we can to keep small businesses locally owned and operated. I believe in America, hard work, and merit. Leave your spot in this universe better than you found it!
Alex Carp
Head of Engineering
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Jackie Sheely
Head of Legal & Operations
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James Von der Lieth
Product Lead
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Joseph Cabrera
Head of Operator Network
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Judd Goodrich
Head of Capital Markets
I lead the Capital Markets team at Mainshares, where I’m responsible for selecting and supporting the deals we raise capital for. I also oversee investor growth and relations, creating feedback loops to increase the likelihood of successful funding for each new deal. I’m driven by the difference that business ownership can make in people’s lives, seeing this firsthand during my time at Carta to friends who built successful small businesses from nothing. Supporting the next generation of business owners in their journey is incredibly meaningful to me and keeps me engaged each day. Outside of work, I’m always up for an adventure, from snowboarding and hiking to climbing and golfing. I enjoy embracing every chance to be outdoors.
Zachary Smith
Head of Transactions
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Alex Chavez
Acquisition Specialist
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What you can expect from us
We look for teammates, clients and partners that are mission-aligned and share our values.
Act like an owner
We are all in and will do whatever it takes. We have people counting on us, whether that’s our customers, our employees, or our investors.
Industry pros
We take our profession seriously. We value time spent in the trenches, over beating a drum.
High integrity
It takes years to build a good reputation but only a second to lose it. We treat our customers, employees, and partners fairly.
Honor the past, build for the future
We believe you can recognize the value of experience while being excited to build the future.
Play the long game
We’re building a generational business. We invest in relationships and technology today knowing that they may take years to pay dividends.
Hungry dogs run faster
We’re in a fight for the future of America’s small business economy, and are hungry to win.
Want to join the fight for the future of small business?
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© 2025 Mainshares, LLC. All rights reserved.
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Disclosure: 

This website (the “Website”) is owned and operated by Mainshares, LLC (“Mainshares”). By accessing the Website and any pages thereof, you agree to be bound by Mainshares’ Terms of Service and Privacy Policy, as well as the Terms of Service and Privacy Policy for Main Street Securities, LLC (“Main Street”). The information contained herein is provided for informational purposes only and is not intended to influence any investment decision or be a recommendation for any investment, service, product, or other advice of any kind, and shall not constitute or imply an offer of any kind. The products and services offered by Mainshares are not offered by a certified public accountant (“CPA”) and should not be considered as a substitute for services provided by a CPA.



Broker-dealer services provided in connection with some of the investment opportunities on the Mainshares platform are offered through Main Street, a registered broker-dealer, affiliate of Mainshares, and member of FINRA/SIPC. For additional information, please contact your licensed securities representative of Main Street Securities LLC or visit FINRA’s BrokerCheck. If the investment opportunity does not include the "Brokered by Main Street Securities" designation, broker-dealer services were not provided in connection with the offering through Main Street Securities LLC.


Neither Mainshares nor Main Street Securities LLC make investment recommendations and no communication, through this Website or in any other medium should be construed as a recommendation for any security offered.


Should you be presented with an investment opportunity, such investment opportunities involve private, unregistered securities that are speculative and involve substantial risk. These investment opportunities are conducted in accordance with an exemption from registration, specifically relying on the private offering provision outlined in Section 4(a)(2) of the Securities Act of 1933, along with compliance with Rule 506 of Regulation D. All investments involve risk and the past performance of a security, or financial product does not guarantee future results or returns. There is always potential to lose money when you invest in securities or other financial products. Private placements lack liquidity and distributions are not guaranteed. You are strongly encouraged to seek professional advice prior to entering into any transaction for any securities and to consider your investment objectives and risks carefully before investing.


Neither the SEC nor any federal or state securities commission or regulatory authority has recommended or approved any investment or the accuracy or completeness of any of the information or materials provided herein or through any references/links herein. There can be no assurance that any valuations provided by issuers are accurate or in agreement with market or industry valuations. Neither Mainshares nor Main Street Securities LLC make any representations or warranties as to the accuracy of such information.