In this episode of the InsuranceAUM.com podcast, Stewart Foley welcomes Brett Hickey, Founder and CEO of Star Mountain Capital, for an engaging look at investment in the U.S. lower middle market. Brett shares his unique journey from a small-town upbringing in Canada to founding a prominent private credit firm. Drawing from his early experiences, Brett discusses how Star Mountain Capital builds on core values of community and collaboration, focusing on lending to smaller, often family-owned businesses with strong fundamentals. He explains the firm’s strategic emphasis on these investments, citing the sector's limited competition and inherent value as an uncorrelated asset class. Brett also highlights the opportunity to add alpha to portfolios through Star Mountain's private credit and secondary offerings.   Brett explains why lower middle market companies offer significant upside potential, especially given demographic trends and limited access to traditional financing sources. He describes how Star Mountain’s data-driven risk management processes and community-focused investment approach help mitigate risk while positioning companies for growth and long-term success.