Maple Park Capital Partners, a private equity firm focused on the experience-driven services economy, has appointed Steve Wiborg as an Operating Advisor, further expanding its bench of senior operators as it works with founders and management teams across its portfolio.
The firm, based in Dallas and New York, said Wiborg brings more than three decades of operating, leadership, and board experience across multi-unit, franchise, and consumer services businesses. He currently serves as Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Ampler Holdings and as a director at Maple Park portfolio company Rita’s Italian Ice. His appointment follows the recent addition of Jason Kidd as an Operating Advisor.
In his new role, Wiborg will work closely with Maple Park’s investment team and portfolio company leaders to drive value-creation initiatives, strengthen leadership development, and build scalable operating infrastructure across the firm’s investments.
As Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Ampler Holdings, Wiborg has scaled the platform to more than 450 units across four brands. Previously, he served as Chairman, Executive Vice President, and President of North America for Burger King Corporation after its acquisition by 3G Capital, where he played a key role in shaping and executing the company’s turnaround strategy, including its public listing. Earlier in his career, he served as President and Chief Executive Officer of Heartland Food Corporation, after previously serving as its Chief Operating Officer, and was an owner-operator of 56 Hardee’s restaurants. He has also served as a director of Carrols Restaurant Group.
Maple Park Capital Partners invests in North American service businesses, with a focus on multi-unit operators, franchisors, and franchisees, youth enrichment, travel and hospitality, and business services. The firm partners with operators and investors to drive value creation through hands-on engagement and deep industry relationships.
KEY QUOTES
“Steve is one of the most accomplished multi-unit operators in the consumer and franchise landscape and embodies the type of operator with whom we seek to partner. Having scaled complex businesses and navigated periods of transformation, he knows what it takes to build enduring platforms.”
Alexander Blankfein, Co-Founder of Maple Park
“Steve has a rare combination of strategic leadership and hands-on operating experience, ranging from the boardroom to the unit level. He will be an active partner to our portfolio company leaders and we are thrilled to formally welcome him to Maple Park.”
Andrew Lauck, Co-Founder of Maple Park
“What drew me to Maple Park is the firm’s emphasis on working shoulder-to-shoulder with management, not just advising from the sidelines. I have known Alex and Andrew for many years, and their focus on founder partnership, operational rigor, and experiential services aligns closely with my background and passion for building great businesses.”
Steve Wiborg, Co-Founder and Executive Chairman of Ampler Holdings
