Welcome to The Private Equity Podcast! In this episode, host Alex Rawlings talks with Chris Jamroz, CEO of Roadrunner and a former executive at Ascent Global Logistics. Chris shares his extensive experience in logistics and Private Equity, discussing the transition from investment banking to executive leadership. He highlights the common errors in Private Equity, such as focusing too heavily on past performance instead of potential growth, and offers advice on effective leadership and strategic investment. Chris also provides insights into navigating the cyclical nature of the logistics industry and emphasizes the importance of operational expertise in achieving successful exits. This episode offers valuable perspectives on leadership and investment strategies in Private Equity.

Breakdown:

[00:00] Introduction to the podcast and guest Chris Jamroz, highlighting his commitment and unique approach to running a business.
[00:16] Chris reflects on the critical factors contributing to his success over the past four years.
[00:26] Chris offers advice on being a successful Private Equity-backed CEO.
[00:46] Overview of Chris's career trajectory from investment banking to leadership roles in logistics, and the recent sale of Assent to HIG.
[01:16] Start of the in-depth conversation with Chris, exploring his strategies and experiences across various roles.
[01:46] Chris shares his approach as a "shareholder value unlocking specialist" and his operational playbook across the global supply chain.
[02:12] Discussion on common mistakes in Private Equity and portfolio companies, with historical context and advice for modern practices.
[03:58] Chris critiques the backward-looking focus of Private Equity firms and emphasizes the importance of future potential in investment decisions.
[06:21] Chris elaborates on the need for a paradigm shift in Private Equity from past performance to future potentialities.
[07:19] Inquiry into balancing the evaluation of past performance and future potential in Private Equity investments.
[10:15] The significance of having a strong operations team in achieving successful outcomes in Private Equity ventures.
[13:39] Mention of Grata, highlighting its role in enhancing proprietary deal flow with data-driven processes.
[14:07] Chris provides insights into the logistics industry, discussing its trends and cyclicality.
[18:27] Detailing the process and challenges faced during the recent sale of Assent Global Logistics to HIG.
[22:18] Chris shares the personal and professional challenges he faced from taking office to navigating company exits.
[26:47] Advice to Private Equity-backed chief executives on understanding and adapting to business realities.
[33:07] Chris discusses his personal influences and reading habits, emphasizing the value of learning from both successes and failures.
[39:13] Closing remarks and ways to contact Chris Jamroz for further insights and discussions.

To connect with Chris, you can visit his LinkedIn profile at Chris Jamroz LinkedIn.

Thank you for tuning in!

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Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to alex.rawlings@raw-selection.com.