Jon Schemmel is a dynamic and growth-focused executive with nearly two decades of proven leadership across private equity ventures, global manufacturing, supply chain operations, and strategic M&A. A passionate entrepreneur and results-driven operator, Jon currently serves as the CEO and Co-Founder of SBL Ventures, a fast-scaling investment firm specializing in semi-passive businesses, including a growing portfolio of laundromats and commercial real estate across the Midwest. Under his leadership, SBL Ventures is projected to reach $5 million in revenue by FY2025.

Jon’s entrepreneurial spirit is deeply rooted—dating back to his childhood helping in his father’s laundromat business—and has since evolved into a robust career marked by consistent operational excellence and scalable growth. After launching SBL Ventures in 2018, Jon rapidly acquired 17 laundromat locations, two commercial properties, and has an additional seven properties under contract. His formula combines disciplined pricing, systemized operations, and a people-first leadership style.

Before becoming a full-time entrepreneur, Jon spent over 15 years in leadership roles within the global manufacturing and industrial sectors, including at Prysmian Group ($PRY.MI), where he held P&L responsibility for multiple business units ranging from startups to $1.2 billion in annual revenue. As a trusted executive operator, he led North America’s largest business unit at Prysmian and was handpicked to oversee the $4.2 billion acquisition and integration of Encore Wire—an industry-shaping transaction that underscored his strategic and cross-functional capabilities.

Beyond his role at SBL Ventures, Jon is a founding partner of Family Acres, a firm that acquires and optimizes undervalued raw land. The company currently manages 663 acres across Mississippi and the Missouri/Arkansas border. He is also the founder of Tidewater Consulting, LLC, through which he has advised multiple businesses—both public and private—on mergers, operational turnarounds, and strategic growth initiatives.

Jon is highly regarded for his expertise in P&L optimization, FP&A, business model transformation, pricing strategy, supply chain management, and M&A integration. He brings a unique blend of executive-level strategic thinking and roll-up-your-sleeves operational execution. He has also served as an advisory board member to startups, including one recently acquired SaaS company and another focused on artificial intelligence in the legal sector.

Internationally, Jon has lived and worked in Brazil, overseeing regional operations and the successful implementation of global product strategies across Latin America. He maintains working proficiency in both Portuguese and Spanish and has conducted client and operations work across Europe and South America.

Jon holds a Bachelor of Science in Industrial and Systems Engineering with a concentration in Mathematics from Mississippi State University. He describes Excel as his “second wife”—a nod to his deep fluency in analytics and process efficiency. Residing in Sioux Falls, South Dakota, with his wife Angela and their three children, Jon balances his professional drive with a deep commitment to family, investing, and sports.

Jon is actively seeking board and advisory roles where he can contribute his strategic insight, global experience, and operational expertise to help companies unlock growth, navigate transitions, and scale sustainably. His personal mission is clear: to lead, optimize, and grow great businesses—while having some fun along the way.

Character: Jon demonstrates integrity, resilience, and a strong work ethic, shaped by his entrepreneurial upbringing and dedication to leading with purpose and balance.

Knowledge: With 18 years of experience across manufacturing, M&A, operations, and finance, Jon brings deep industry knowledge and technical expertise in P&L, supply chain, and business growth.

Strategic: He has successfully led large-scale business integrations and growth initiatives, including a $4.2B acquisition, showcasing his ability to execute long-term strategic vision.

Communication: Jon is a clear and persuasive communicator, experienced in executive leadership, public speaking, and cross-cultural collaboration, with fluency in English, conversational Portuguese, and Spanish.