

James Elbaor (Marlton LLC): Investing In Investors
May 16, 2025
James Elbaor, founder of Marlton LLC and former BlackRock investment strategist, dives deep into the world of investing. He discusses the psychology behind great investors and the importance of networking for emerging fund managers. Elbaor emphasizes value investing strategies, shares insights on navigating single stocks, and highlights the role of interpersonal qualities in evaluating management teams. With a candid look at thematic investing and market dynamics, this conversation is a goldmine for anyone looking to refine their investment approach.
AI Snips
Chapters
Books
Transcript
Episode notes
Marlton's Personal Origin Story
- James Elbaor named his fund Marlton after a hotel where he had his first date with his wife.
- This personal story highlights the intimate connections behind his investment firm identity.
Early Career in Distressed Debt
- James started his career working at a small bank turned distressed debt hedge fund.
- He gained real-world experience sitting on an asset-liability committee before moving to Columbia Business School.
Tough Activism Lessons at Parks America
- James bought a 6% stake in Parks America but faced corporate resistance and lack of board representation.
- This tough activist experience taught him there are no friends in investing and shaped his approach.