By: Ethan Rogers

NorthStrive Companies, led by CEO Braeden Lichti, his management team, has developed and launched the G.A.G.E.™ Framework, an operational improvement model for managing and scaling portfolio companies. This four-pillar operating framework will serve as the cornerstone of operations within NorthStrive’s management and investment ecosystem. Conceived from years of experience in investing and restructuring companies, navigating leadership transitions, and taking companies public, the framework emphasizes accountability, focus, growth, and goal alignment in achieving long-term success.

The G.A.G.E.™ Framework is designed to support the operational needs of growing businesses, while giving managers the autonomy Braeden Lichti views as essential for durable value creation. By focusing on its four core pillars—Growth, Autonomy, Governance, and Execution—the framework ensures that companies can operate independently while adhering to clear metrics of accountability. NorthStrive’s approach empowers its operating companies through transparency, autonomy, and a commitment to long-term success

The Origin of the G.A.G.E.™ Framework

The G.A.G.E.™ Framework was born out of over a decade of collective insights and lessons learned by NorthStrive’s leadership team, particularly Braeden Lichti, who has an extensive track record investing and leading businesses through critical phases of growth, restructuring, and public market transitions. Throughout his career, Lichti has encountered a wide variety of scenarios, from distressed assets requiring complete realignment to high-performing businesses in need of sustainable scaling strategies. These experiences highlighted key patterns in what drives performance and what hinders growth.

One of the fundamental realizations that shaped the framework was the inefficiency of rigid, one-size-fits-all models. Companies, by their nature, are unique entities shaped by their employees, industries, cultures, and leadership teams. Micromanagement and standardized playbooks often stifle creativity and innovation, limiting a company’s ability to adapt and scale. There was a need for an operating model that could be both structured and flexible—one that could empower leadership teams while maintaining alignment with long-term strategic goals.

The G.A.G.E.™ Framework was created to solve this problem. It incorporates a values-driven approach that prioritizes trust, accountability, and growth-oriented execution. This allows NorthStrive to manage its portfolio companies with precision, supporting leadership teams to achieve their potential without overstepping their autonomy.

The G.A.G.E.™ Framework: Four Pillars for Success

The G.A.G.E.™ Framework is built upon four core principles: Growth, Autonomy, Governance, and Execution. Each pillar plays a critical role in ensuring that portfolio companies can thrive in both private and public market environments.

Growth

The Growth pillar emphasizes the importance of long term investing in people, systems, and leadership, rather than focusing solely on short term financial metrics. Growth, in this context, to include the following:

• Developing leadership teams with the skills and vision to drive innovation and accountability.
• Building systems and processes that align with scalable, sustainable expansion.
• Creating opportunities for employees, stakeholders, and customers to benefit from the company’s success.

This focus on growth ensures that companies are equipped to handle future challenges while maintaining a strong foundation for long-term success.

Autonomy

The Autonomy pillar reflects NorthStrive’s belief in empowering leadership teams to operate their businesses independently. Companies perform best when their leaders are trusted, incentivized, and supported to make informed decisions. Autonomy is fostered through:

• Trusting operators to execute their vision without unnecessary interference.
• Providing resources and tools that enable leaders to innovate and succeed.
• Avoiding micromanagement while maintaining accountability through clear metrics.

By focusing on autonomy, the G.A.G.E.™ Framework encourages innovation and ownership across all levels of the organization.

Governance

Governance is the backbone of accountability within the G.A.G.E.™ Framework. Transparency, regulatory compliance, and clear reporting structures are essential for creating a culture of trust and alignment. Key aspects of governance include:

• Establishing robust reporting systems that provide visibility into a company’s performance.
• Engaging boards of directors to drive strategic focus and accountability.
• Applying SEC-level governance standards to prepare portfolio companies for public market success.

This pillar ensures that companies operate with integrity and discipline, meeting the expectations of investors, employees, and customers alike.

Execution

Execution focuses on delivering measurable results through disciplined strategies. This pillar ensures that strategies are not only well-planned but also effectively implemented. Execution is driven by:

• Setting clear Key Performance Indicators (KPIs) to align efforts with organizational goals.
• Leveraging shared services to streamline operations and reduce inefficiencies.
• Rewarding performance through equity compensation plans and other incentive structures.

Through this focus on execution, the G.A.G.E.™ Framework ensures that every portfolio company remains on track to achieve its objectives.

Application of the G.A.G.E.™ Framework

Going forward, The G.A.G.E.™ Framework will be applied across all companies managed under Northstrive Companies, the framework will be effective in post-acquisition scenarios, where it is used to align newly acquired companies with NorthStrive’s operational philosophy.

Core Values Driving the G.A.G.E.™ Framework

The success of the G.A.G.E.™ Framework is underpinned by a set of core values that guide NorthStrive’s operations and partnerships. These values include:

• Decisions are made with a focus on sustainable growth, prioritizing long-term value over immediate gains.
• The framework emphasizes the importance of investing in people and fostering environments where innovation and loyalty are rewarded. 
• Trust is a cornerstone of the framework, enabling leaders to operate with autonomy and confidence.
• Success is viewed as a collective achievement, with aligned incentives ensuring that all stakeholders benefit from the company’s growth.
• Transparency and accountability are maintained across all levels, ensuring that employees, customers, and investors are consistently prioritized.

The G.A.G.E.™ Framework is more than an operating model—it is a philosophy that prioritizes transparency, trust, accountability, and sustainable growth. Under Braeden Lichti’s leadership, NorthStrive is setting a new standard for scaling portfolio companies and creating lasting value in the private and public markets. For more information, visit NorthStrive Companies online at www.northstrive.com

Disclaimer: The content presented in this article is for general informational purposes only and does not constitute financial, investment, legal, or professional advice. Readers should conduct their own research or consult with a licensed professional before making any business or investment decisions. The views expressed herein reflect general business insights and do not guarantee any outcomes or results.

Published by Joseph T.