Wren is a values-driven, human-centered company committed to making an outsized positive impact on employees, customers, and communities.
Our vision is to be a beacon of capitalism gone right by building resilient, market-leading businesses that tangibly meet customer and societal needs through compounding value over the long term.
Meet the founder
Meet the founder
In many ways, I represent the classic immigrant story in the United States. I was born in India into a family that had modest means but prioritized investing in education and access for me and my brother. That led my parents to move to the U.S. in their late 30s with few monetary resources but invaluable underlying traits—a strong work ethic, natural curiosity, and quiet determination to succeed. It’s their values-led orientation to life and work that I bring to my role as founder and CEO of Wren. Now, I have the opportunity at a similar stage in my life to build on the incredible chance my parents took in starting anew.
After 15 years in management consulting and special situations investing, I’ve observed a corporate landscape plagued by short-term thinking. This lack of commitment to people and long-term value creation means we seldom experience capitalism’s highest potential. With Wren, my vision is to offer a counter narrative. To give small business owners a succession solution that ensures their mission thrives and their legacy lives on. To build a family of companies that stands for principled and operational excellence. And to contribute to resilient communities equipped to flourish in a changing world.
On a personal front, when I’m not working, I enjoy running, reading, traveling, hiking, and all manner of sports. I live in Dallas, TX with my wife and daughter and our golden retriever.
Advisory board
Varun Babbili, White Deer
Varun is a Managing Director of White Deer, an investment firm focused on the energy, industrials, and infrastructure sectors. He has spent most of his career identifying interesting investment themes, leading investments in businesses, and helping them scale over time. He serves on the board of directors of 10 companies, providing advice to management teams to help create value within their businesses.
When he’s not working, Varun enjoys traveling, skiing, hiking, and playing pickleball. Varun lives in Houston, TX with his wife and daughter.
Rafael Fernandez-MacGregor, MX Family Office
Rafael oversees manufacturing investments, acquisitions, and operations for a large family office in Mexico. His career has been characterized by the ability to understand specific pain points in different industries and business models and develop tactical solutions accordingly. He has been a management consultant, entrepreneur, investor, and business executive.
When he’s not working, Rafael enjoys outdoor sports like mountain biking, skiing, and windsurfing. Rafael lives in Mexico City, Mexico with his wife and two children.
Doug Grills, Convenience Retailing
Doug is a co-founder and owner of Convenience Retailing, which he and his business partner have built over the past 24 years into an award-winning, multi-location automotive service organization. He has honed foundational skills in the areas of sales, organizational development, marketing, and HR. He began his career at Mobil Oil but followed an entrepreneurial calling in due course.
When he’s not working, Doug enjoys playing tennis and golf and spending time with his family, particularly his grandkids. Doug and his wife live in Clifton, VA.
Molly Long, Crunch Fitness
Molly is the Chief Experience Officer at Crunch Fitness, where she is responsible for enhancing the holistic membership experience and journey. She has a longstanding track record of driving transformational change inside organizations. Prior to Crunch, she was a VP of Store Innovation at 7-Eleven, where she led the most significant update to the store experience in 30 years.
When she’s not working, Molly enjoys running, traveling, being a foodie, and unplugging at the family ranch. Molly lives in Dallas, TX with her husband and three children.
Anne Morris, Truss Creative
Anne is the founder and principal of Truss Creative, where she and her team deploy top-flight marketing campaigns. As an advertising executive, she has more than 30 years of experience creating brands and marketing programs that challenge the conventions of legacy industries. Her love of creativity and entrepreneurship started early, and she has launched three leading independent creative agencies in her career.
When she’s not working, Anne enjoys hiking, skiing, fly fishing, and hanging out with her kids. Anne and her family live in Newport Beach, CA.
Ryan Sandahl, Houlihan Lokey
Ryan is a Managing Director in HL’s Financial Restructuring Group, with notable expertise in the business services, consumer products, digital media, and industrials sectors. He is well-versed in finding and structuring creative solutions to complex deal situations. He has over 20 years of experience in leveraged finance spanning capital structure negotiations, debt and equity financing, and sell-side and buy-side M&A.
When he’s not working, Ryan plays soccer and paddle tennis and tends to his farm. Ryan lives in Chicago, IL with his wife and three children.
