Summer Craig on ROI’s Into the Corner Office with Brant Handley

In her podcast appearance, Summer shared her insights on leadership, entrepreneurship, and the strategic vision that has propelled Craig Group to success. Since founding Craig Group in 2019, Summer has built a firm dedicated to driving measurable growth for middle-market private equity-backed companies. Here are some highlights of her conversation with Brandt Handley on ROI’s Into the Corner Office Podcast.

Leadership with Clarity and Compassion

When asked about her leadership style, Summer emphasized the importance of direct, clear communication balanced with kindness and compassion. “I don’t like ambiguity,” she explained. “I believe in telling the truth, but always with kindness.” Her approach has created an environment where expectations are clear, and employees are empowered to perform at their best while feeling supported.

The Entrepreneurial Leap

Summer’s decision to establish Craig Group came at a pivotal moment—shortly after the birth of her third child. “I had an epiphany,” she shared. “If I’m going to work hard, I want to build something of my own, something that benefits my family.” Leaving a stable corporate job was not without its risks, but her strategic mindset and industry expertise quickly proved valuable. Within months, she had a business plan, secured her first client, and set the foundation for what would become a thriving consultancy.

A Niche Market with Big Impact

Craig Group specializes in serving portfolio companies backed by private equity, a niche identified early on. These firms operate on tight timelines and aggressive growth targets, yet often lack the in-house expertise to drive strategic revenue growth. Recognizing this gap, Craig Group positioned itself as a trusted partner, providing advisory services and go-to-market implementation strategies tailored to accelerate growth. “We saw white space in the marketplace,” Summer explained. “And we’ve built our business around delivering real, measurable results.”

A Culture Built for Excellence

From the start, Summer envisioned a company that attracted top talent, regardless of location. Long before remote work became the norm, Craig Group embraced a flexible work model, allowing employees to deliver their best work while balancing personal commitments. “We believe in high autonomy and high expectations,” Summer noted. “We don’t have middle management—we hire smart problem-solvers who thrive in an environment of accountability and excellence.”

Growth and Looking Ahead

Since its founding, Craig Group has grown to a team of 32 professionals across five states, headquartered in Houston, Texas. Despite challenges in the broader M&A market, the company has continued to expand, cementing its reputation as a leader in growth consulting for the middle market. With an unwavering focus on results-driven strategies, the Craig Group team remains committed to helping clients scale effectively and efficiently.

As Craig Group continues to grow, it’s clear that its mission—helping businesses unlock their full potential—is stronger than ever. Check out the full conversation here.