As the summer of 2026 gets underway, I find myself reflecting on the tremendous privilege it is to lead and work alongside the Blue Rose Capital Advisors team. In mid-June, our entire team gathered in Minnesota for our annual meeting – a tradition that has long served as both a strategic touchpoint and an opportunity to live out our core values. This year’s gathering was no exception, and I could not be more grateful for my colleagues who make our team an extraordinary group.
Loyalty is not a word taken lightly at Blue Rose. I am proud to say that our team includes colleagues who have dedicated many years – some having reached 5- and 10-year milestones in 2026 – to the mission of this firm. That kind of commitment is rare in any industry, and it speaks volumes about the Blue Rose remote culture that we have built together. At this year’s meeting, we took time to celebrate those milestones and to appreciate the continuity and depth of experience our team brings to every engagement. Thank you to my colleagues who have been with us for so many years. Your dedication is a gift to our firm and our clients.
Service has always been a cornerstone of who we are – not just in the technical work we do for our clients, but in how we engage with the communities around us. Like during each annual meeting, our team has had the privilege of serving alongside a non-profit organization, this year at Habitat for Humanity in Red Wing, Minnesota. Our team rolled up their sleeves and got to work painting exterior siding on a home project that is currently underway. It was an energizing and shared experience, one that reminds us that our ability to serve organizations can extend well beyond the walls of the office or from behind a virtual meeting screen.
The advisory services our team provides in the public finance market continues to grow in both breadth and depth. Blue Rose serves higher education institutions, non-profit organizations, and other public entities across the country, providing expert guidance across a comprehensive suite of advisory services. These include:
- Capital Planning & Debt Advisory – Strategic, multi-year planning for debt issuance, capital needs, and/or long-term financial sustainability.
- Derivatives Advisory – Expert guidance and transparency for the evaluation, execution, and monitoring of interest rate swap transactions.
- Reinvestment Advisory – Guidance on investment of bond proceeds to optimize returns within appropriate risk parameters, thereby enhancing a plan of finance.
- Public-Private Partnership (P3) Consulting – Advisory services for institutions exploring alternative delivery models, including P3 structures for campus infrastructure, housing, and other capital projects.
- Higher Education and Non-Profit Consulting – Comprehensive financial consulting services tailored specifically to the unique needs and strategic priorities of colleges, universities, and non-profit institutions.
The institutions we serve are navigating a dynamic and challenging environment. Whether the pressures are demographic, financial, political, or operational in nature – or like in many cases, all of the above – our advisors are committed to being a steady, knowledgeable, and trusted partner. We believe that access to thoughtful, independent advice – the kind that is grounded in data, experience, and an unwavering commitment to your organization’s best interests – makes a meaningful difference. We have seen it time and again, and we remain resolute in delivering advice and services that exceed our clients’ expectations.
For those who are not yet working with Blue Rose but may have been following our work, I want to extend a sincere and open invitation. Whether your institution is considering a new capital project, refinancing existing debt, exploring a P3 opportunity, or simply looking for a second opinion on your financial strategy, we would welcome an introductory conversation. Our advisors bring a combination of market expertise, sector knowledge, and genuine passion for this work that is hard to find. You can learn more about our team and full range of services at www.blueroseadvisors.com.
To those of you are working with us, on behalf of the entire Blue Rose team, thank you for your continued trust and partnership. We are grateful for the clients, partners, and friends of the firm who make this work both possible and rewarding. We look forward to connecting with many of you soon.
Erik Kelly
President, Blue Rose Capital Advisors
Meet the Author:
Erik Kelly | [email protected] | 952-746-6055
Erik Kelly serves as President of Blue Rose, providing leadership, coordination, and oversight of the firm’s advisory services since 2011. Mr. Kelly contributes to the strategic direction for the firm, oversees compliance with the changing regulatory environment, and ensures the quality of professional advice provided to the firm’s clients.
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