Join us as Rob Konrad, co-founder of Alterna Equity Partners, shares his journey from NFL athlete to private equity leader. Rob discusses how experiences from sports influence his investment strategies and success in building businesses. Episode Highlights: 1:05 - Rob recounts his early fascination with economics and football during his upbringing in Boston. 4:14 - The transition from college football at Syracuse University to a career in the NFL. 6:51 - Rob reflects on the crucial role of leadership and preparation learned from sports. 14:05 - Hear the extraordinary story of survival and resilience during Rob’s unexpected boat accident. 29:12 - A look into value creation strategies at Alterna Equity Partners. 39:05 - The significance of OKRs and aligning interests for achieving strategic objectives. For more information on Alterna Equity Partners, go to https://www.alternaequitypartners.com/ For more information on Rob Konrad, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/rlk44 For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/  

Nik Kapauan, Managing Director at Access Holdings, discusses his journey from strategy consulting to reshaping private equity. He highlights the pivotal role of digital innovation in enhancing middle-market businesses through the Access Acceleration Center. Nik explains how data-driven strategies are crucial for evaluating investment opportunities and driving value creation. He shares practical insights on personal efficiency, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness in balancing work and family life while leveraging technology for operational improvements.

Explore strategic exits and sustained growth in private equity with Doug McCormick of HCI Equity Partners and Lloyd Metz of ICV Partners. This special crossover episode delves into optimal timing for selling companies, the significance of building durable business models, and prioritizing long-term value. Learn how private equity navigates exit complexities, the importance of early strategic initiatives, and innovative exit strategies like partnership deals and continuation vehicles. Episode Highlights: 02:13 - Impact of timing exits on value creation. 06:00 - Market consolidation and leadership in exit opportunities. 14:22 - Innovative exit strategies: partnership deals and continuation vehicles. 19:45 - Returning capital and providing optionality for companies. 34:57 - Preparing for a sale and avoiding pitfalls in the exit process. To listen to the Best But Never Final podcast, go to https://bestbutneverfinal.buzzsprout.com/ For more information about ICV Partners, go to https://icvpartners.com/ For more information about HCI Equity Partners, go to https://hciequity.com/ For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://bluwave.net/podcasts/  

In this insightful episode of the Karma School of Business podcast, host Sean Mooney, Founder and CEO of BluWave, engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Jon Pressnell, Partner at Blue Point Capital Partners. They delve into the multifaceted world of private equity, the strategic business building, and the unique philanthropic initiative, Blue Point Cares, which exemplifies a novel way of supporting portfolio companies. Jon shares his journey from a potential career in social work and dentistry to becoming a key player in private equity, highlighting the influence of his upbringing on his professional path and philanthropic endeavors. Episode Highlights: 01:13 - Jon Pressnell's unique path to private equity and the influence of his family's social work background. 04:42 - Insights into Jon's personal life, revealing his introverted nature despite a seemingly extroverted profession. 08:17 - The challenge of work-life balance in the demanding private equity industry and strategies for managing it. 14:22 - Blue Point Capital's approach to creating value in portfolio companies, emphasizing technology, data, and human capital. 23:18 - Introduction to the Blue Point Cares program, an emergency assistance fund for employees of portfolio companies. 30:29 - Jon shares a life hack that has made traveling and working more manageable, introducing AR glasses for privacy and convenience. For more information on the Blue Point Cares program, go to https://www.bluepointcapital.com/news/blue-point-launches-support-program-for-portfolio-company-employees-facing-unexpected-hardships For more information on Blue Point Capital, go to https://www.bluepointcapital.com/ For more information on Jon Pressnell, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/jon-pressnell For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

Learn about the essence of philanthropy with Sean Mooney, Founder and CEO of BluWave, and Katie Marchetti, Vice President of Philanthropic Services at the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee. This episode of the Karma School of Business podcast is designed for both individuals and businesses within the private equity community, offering a roadmap for initiating and enhancing philanthropic endeavors. Katie, transitioning from the corporate and private equity world to philanthropy, shares comprehensive strategies for impactful giving, regardless of your starting point. Episode Highlights: 03:03 - Katie Marchetti's journey from private equity to leading philanthropic initiatives. 17:22 - Key considerations in philanthropy for individuals and businesses. 22:04 - How individuals and businesses in private equity can engage in corporate philanthropy. 34:05 - Addressing common challenges in philanthropy for a diverse audience. 44:42 - Practical advice from Katie for impactful giving across the private equity sector. For more information on the Community Foundation of Middle Tennessee, call their office at (615) 321-5639, or go to http://www.cfmt.org/ For more information on Katie Marchetti, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/katie-marchetti-90a89b4 For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts  

"Elements of Value in Private Equity: Advanced Insights from Industry Leaders" offers a comprehensive look into the critical factors that define successful private equity investments. Host Sean Mooney, CEO of BluWave, is joined by industry experts Susan Soh (GrowthCurve), Cory Eaves (BayPine), Jessica Ginsberg (LFM Capital), Troy Phillips (BPOC), and Joe McIlhattan and Ami Mehta (Periscope Equity). Together, they unravel the complexities of value creation, focusing on data's impact, leadership effectiveness, compliance in healthcare, and the transformative role of technology. Episode Highlights: 01:36 - Susan Soh discusses data utilization and growth in middle-market businesses. 06:43 - Cory Eaves focuses on leadership, strategy clarity, and product maturity. 12:41 - Jessica Ginsberg delves into competitive advantages, growth strategies, and investor fit. 16:30 - Troy Phillips highlights operational compliance, management depth, and customer quality. 20:50 - Joe McIlhattan and Ami Mehta cover value propositions, team capabilities, and technology's role in growth. To listen to Susan Soh's full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/susan-soh-growthcurve-capital/ To listen to Cory Eaves' full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/cory-eaves-baypine/ To listen to Jessica Ginsberg's full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/jessica-ginsberg-lfm-capital/ To listen to Troy Phillips' full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/troy-phillips-bpoc/ To listen to Joe and Ami's full episode, go to https://bluwave.net/podcasts/ami-mehta-joe-mcilhattan-periscope-equity/ For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts  

Explore leadership and culture in private equity with Joelle Marquis, President of Arsenal Capital Partners. Host Sean Mooney and Joelle discuss the critical role of human capital in the industry, offering insights into Arsenal Capital's approach to fostering talent and building a culture of excellence. Episode Highlights: 01:30 - Joelle's entry into private equity and her career growth. 02:40 - The importance of leadership and culture in business growth. 08:24 - Evaluating companies through talent, strategic alignment, and partnership. 16:03 - Arsenal's culture of genuine partnership and servant leadership. 18:46 - Keeping strategic alignment and recalibrating for success. 22:01 - Leadership, culture, and their impact on organizational success. 26:48 - Differentiating human resources and human capital. 33:05 - Life hacks for organizational success: the "three knock rule" and positive intent. Links: For more on Arsenal Capital Partners, visit https://www.arsenalcapital.com/. For more on Joelle Marquis, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/joelle-marquis-805407. To listen to more episodes visit https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts.

Explore BluWave's Q3 2024 PE insights report with Sean Mooney, BluWave's Founder and CEO. This episode unpacks the latest trends, strategies, and predictions shaping the private equity landscape. Learn about the competitive dynamics, team retention strategies, and the focus on growth initiatives that are setting the stage for a breakout in 2025. Episode Highlights: 00:00 - Introduction and overview of BluWave's Q3 2024 PE insights report. 01:19 - Exploring competitive tension in private equity and strategies for creating alpha. 02:36 - Analyzing current deal market dynamics and predictions for 2025. 03:26 - Strategies for team retention and top grading within PE firms. 08:39 - The surge in growth strategy initiatives and their future implications. 15:10 - The emerging role of data science in private equity and industry predictions. To request the Q3 2024 Private Equity Insights Report, go to https://www.bluwave.net/insights-report.  

In this engaging conversation, Mike Rubel, Managing Partner at RFE Investment Partners and a veteran of both investment banking and private equity, shares his impactful journey in the finance world. He discusses the importance of discovering unique companies in traditional sectors and nurturing talent within teams. Emphasizing the critical role of culture, Mike highlights how cohesive teams can drive success and the necessity of aligning incentives to empower employees. His insights provide a fascinating look into the intricacies of lower middle market private equity.

Philip Lewis, a Partner at Fulcrum Equity Partners, shares his fascinating journey from investment banking to private equity. He discusses the evolution of Fulcrum, managing nearly a billion in assets, and the importance of adaptability in his career. Highlights include his approach to crisis management, the impact of company culture on success, and strategies for navigating the current fundraising landscape. Philip emphasizes the value of innovation and emotional intelligence in driving growth and staying ahead in the ever-changing financial sector.