Minds Capital Podcast The 16-Year Path to a $175m Revenue Portfolio
Jan 14, 2026
Join Mike Healy, an independent sponsor and founder of Gardner Standard, as he shares his fascinating journey from attorney to deal-maker. He discusses his strategic shift towards legally complex transactions that others often avoid, outlining types of 'legally messy' deals. Mike delves into his hands-on approach to underwriting and managing legal risks, as well as sourcing unique opportunities through various channels. He also recounts his pivotal deals, including a consultancy that defined his early years, all while emphasizing the importance of flexibility and perseverance in a challenging market.
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Legal Complexity Is A Durable Edge
- Legal complexity creates persistent deal arbitrage that scares away many buyers.
- Mike Healy shifted Gardner Standard from geographic to legally messy deals for that reason.
Hunt Deals Through The Distressed Ecosystem
- Network with turnaround advisors, lawyers, accountants, brokers, and workout bankers to source legally complex deals.
- Target bank workout teams and special‑situations brokers who see distressed opportunities.
Use Own Capital To Win Fast Deals
- Close quickly by using your own capital so you can win court‑overseen or time‑sensitive processes.
- Then raise and backfill outside capital after closing.