Strategic Operator.

Capital Partner.

Entrepreneur.

I’m Bob Manley. I’m an entrepreneur, investor, and strategic operator with a track record of building businesses, reviving legacy companies, and partnering with founders to unlock sustainable growth.

Over the past two decades, I’ve led companies across financial services, logistics, food distribution, and pet care. I’ve acquired and modernized family-owned businesses, scaled startups to strategic exits, and launched new concepts from scratch. Along this journey, I’ve developed a deep appreciation for what it really takes to grow and sustain a successful business.

MY Background

My background blends hands-on leadership with high-level financial strategy. I’ve built companies from zero, acquired and reinvented others, and advised growing startups on everything from financial modeling to operational systems.

  • Co-founded Turning Point Capital, growing a financial services firm to strategic acquisition in just three years.

  • Acquired and restructured Will Foods, a legacy food distribution company with over $75M in revenue, modernizing its logistics, systems, and workforce.

  • Partnered with Amazon Logistics to launch a regional last mile delivery operation.

  • Co-founder of Hounds & Hops, a creative venture at the intersection of pet care, community, and experiential retail.

  • Co-founder of Packard Road Development Corp.

  • Seed investor in 43N Finalist Guidesly.

  • Consulted with and served as a strategic and financial advisor for companies in real estate, blockchain, and consumer services, including Paula Deen Foods and a blockchain startup called Preflogic..

  • I began my career in corporate finance with M&T Bank and Ally Bank, later leveraging that foundation to guide capital strategy and acquisition negotiations in my own ventures.

  • Launched R.P. Manley & Co., a boutique advisory and investment firm.

What I Bring to the Table

Founder’s Mindset

A founder’s mindset with real-world experience building and operating companies in multiple industries

Expertise

Financial and operational expertise, from capital strategy to logistics systems and workforce development

Collaboration

A collaborative style, working closely with teams through coaching and delegating rather than micromanaging

Strategy

A strategic approach for scaling teams, improving margins, and preparing for exit or transition

Who I Work With

Rather than providing hourly consulting, my goal is to create real, meaningful outcomes for the companies I partner with as an advisor, investor, or active strategic partner. That means helping businesses unlock growth, attract capital, improve operations, and build long-term value. 

I’m especially interested in partnering with:

  • Founder-led or family-owned small businesses at a growth or transition point

  • Companies seeking capital investment + strategic advisory

  • Legacy businesses without a clear succession plan

  • High-potential startups needing financial strategy and operational systems to scale

My Approach

I work with a small number of companies at a time, ensuring I can provide focused attention and real impact. I don’t believe in one-size-fits-all engagements. Every partnership is tailored, but always built on:

  • Transparency and trust

  • Clear goals and metrics

  • Long-term alignment over short-term billing

Education & Affiliations

  • MBA, Investment Finance – University of Notre Dame

  • BA, Accounting – Stetson University

  • Buffalo Renaissance Foundation - Active Director

  • Member of LaunchNY Investor Network

  • Member of Probus (Pro-Business)

  • 2020 Startups Accelerator (NYC) - Cohort Member

Let’s Talk

Looking for more than a consultant?

If you're looking for a strategic capital partner who brings both operational expertise and a founder’s mindset, let’s have a conversation.