The case follows Josh Greenberg and John Fowler, two recent graduates from the Stanford GSB, as they complete the entire search fund process. It covers the formation of their search fund vehicle, Montebello Capital, their 16-month search phase, the acquisition of Aero Logistics, the operation and growth of the company, and the eventual exit. The case discusses many of the personal and professional elements of the search fund model.

The protagonist,David Dunwood, is a second-time search fund entrepreneur who in mid-2004 purchased Mountain Auto, a leading auto parts retailer in the Rocky Mountain United States. The venture started off strong, and Dunwood grew the organization along with revenues in his first two and a half years as CEO. However, by the end of 2006, the company finds itself in a downward spiral due to a combination of forces, including unfavorable weather and intense competition, especially among the top retailers who could afford to ride out leaner years and undercut smaller chains like Mountain Auto. Dunwood is faced with layoffs, budget cuts and having to put up the company for sale.