Opportunity Window for Younger Operators

Value-driven investor and turnaround specialist Reggie Prior Jr. (Founder, Prior LLC) breaks down his simple but relentless playbook: buy what others overlook and rebuild it into a durable cash flow machine. We go from his first mentor (textile legend Jimmy Gibbs) to reading Graham & Dodd, using collateral to get started, and why he rarely sells, preferring to borrow against assets instead.

Sponsors:
This episode is sponsored by CapitalPad, the marketplace that connects acquisition entrepreneurs with investors who want exposure to small-business deals. Operators list live deals in one place; investors get standardized terms, governance, and distributions. If you are raising for a deal, or you want to back great operators, visit https://capitalpad.com/

Our sponsor Spacebar Studios builds and runs your newsletter end to end, so you stay top of mind with founders, brokers, LPs, talent and your customers without adding to your workload. Strategy, writing, design, sending, and list growth are handled. HoldCo Builders listeners also get a two-week free trial. Start with a free intro call at https://www.spacebarstudios.co/inquire

Timestamps
0:00 Reggie Prior Jr. and his “buy overlooked, rebuild cash flow” playbook
0:50 Wofford College and mentor Jimmy Gibbs
3:57 The lesson: just ask (how Reggie earned the mentorship)
5:16 Running his father’s company; learning by doing
9:43 Sponsor: CapitalPad (operator-investor marketplace)
11:05 Reframing the strategy: rebuild rather than break apart
12:42 Prior LLC’s four pillars (Diversified, Global, CRE, Capital)
13:30 Why he rarely sells
15:02 Portfolio overview; value lens across categories
16:48 Case study: Highway 9 real-estate deal
19:59 Adding 265k of value by acquiring a state-owned strip for $12,000
22:41 Sponsor: Spacebar Studios
27:05 Where private deal flow comes from
27:57 Moretex origins (founded 1908) and how he stumbled onto the opportunity
31:10 Hidden kicker: next door 70 million dollar stadium
32:12 Taking over Moretex
33:50 Lessons from doing the deal and showing up personally
34:13 First 90 days: key hires (maintenance, SOPs); no salesperson for 31 years
35:52 Vertical integration: buying the pulverizer supplier
38:00 Tariff tailwinds plus all USA inputs boost demand
38:21 Oldest chemical plant in the Southeast
41:37 Brand and formula value
42:56 Why no auction? Family context, timing, and trust
44:13 Mission: fix and own Moretex long term
45:44 Building a mentor bench: the names and why it matters
47:02 Three “secrets”
48:09 How networks actually compound (and how to start)
51:04 Reggie works seven days a week, 365 days a year
52:59 On happiness, overwhelm, and tradeoffs
55:49 Why saving American manufacturing is personal
58:33 How picky is he? On saying yes, triaging inbound, new bets
1:00:39 Why do the podcast? On signal, diligence, and reciprocity
1:02:08 Wrap up: key lessons and gratitude

Support our Sponsors:
CapitalPad: https://capitalpad.com/
SpaceBar Studios: https://www.spacebarstudios.co/inquire

Subscribe on Spotify:
https://open.spotify.com/show/6lr5bE3SNZF2uEE7Nb0DHh?si=cP_nAarhRmep1lvnR6uk5g

Subscribe on Apple Podcasts:
https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/holdco-builders/id1695713724

Follow Mikk/PrivatEquityGuy on Twitter: ⁠⁠https://x.com/PrivatEquityGuy

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be relied upon as a basis for