Private Equity Podcast: Karma School of Business

Jonathan Metrick, Partner and Chief Growth Officer at Sagard, shares his unique journey from operator to private equity leader. He discusses the importance of embracing a company's 'superpower' for long-term success. Jonathan highlights how Sagard empowers portfolio companies through strategic go-to-market approaches and AI innovations. He emphasizes the need for connected data systems to drive profit-centric growth and explains how small changes in response time can significantly boost conversion rates. Gain insights on leveraging benchmarking for accelerated scaling.

Sean Mooney sits down with Steve Hunter, Managing Director at TM Capital, to discuss the nuanced world of M&A, the key ingredients for creating value in a business, and what both buyers and sellers need to know for a successful deal. Steve offers practical advice for private equity professionals and business owners, sharing timeless insights from his decades-long career and a behind-the-scenes perspective on helping companies achieve transformational outcomes. Episode Highlights: 1:12 - Steve Hunter shares his journey from rural Pennsylvania to a career in M&A, including his early days at Alex. Brown and Robinson Humphrey. 8:11 - Building value in a business: How to de-risk operations, grow strategically, and attract top buyers by focusing on recurring revenue, growth opportunities, and strong teams. 19:02 - Why every seller should prepare their business as though it’s “sale-ready” from day one to maximize outcomes. 24:48 - The importance of transparency, top-tier advisors, sell-side QofE, and handling the overwhelming volume of data requests during an M&A process. 32:06 - Steve shares advice for buyers: Avoiding abrasiveness, thoroughly preparing for management meetings, and balancing operational oversight post-acquisition. 40:59 - TM Capital’s tailored approach: A Goldilocks strategy with boutique-level customization and deep investment in deal preparation, including advanced data analytics. 44:27 - Steve looks ahead to 2025 and shares why he’s optimistic about a strong year for M&A activity. 51:06 - Insights for life and leadership: The importance of asking for what you want and recognizing that anyone can shape the world around them. For more information on Edison Partners, go to https://www.tmcapital.com/ For more information on Casey Myers, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/sjhunter For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

In this engaging discussion, Casey Myers, a partner at Edison Partners, shares his extensive experience in private equity focusing on leadership and sustainable growth. He highlights how his collaboration with 52 firms shaped his view on operational value creation. Casey emphasizes the importance of strong leadership character and addressing technology debt for company success. He advocates for a people-first approach to build high-performing teams and reveals his advice to embrace diverse experiences for personal and professional growth.

John Caple from Hidden Harbor Capital Partners shares insights on his journey in private equity, focusing on the power of embracing feedback and making small process adjustments. He emphasizes balancing personal strengths to enhance career growth. The discussion also touches on adaptability, trusting your instincts, and the importance of building relationships. Listeners gain valuable wisdom on maneuvering challenges and the essence of maintaining patience while navigating their careers.

Celebrate the joy of the season with a special message from The Karma School of Business. We're taking this moment to wish you and your loved ones a Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays. Enjoy this time with family and friends, and thank you for being a part of our community. For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to www.bluwave.net/podcasts.

Discover impactful book recommendations that shape the minds of top business builders. Highlights include timeless wisdom from 'The Book of Charlie' and management insights from 'Traction.' Dive into thought-provoking titles like Yuval Noah Harari's works, along with engaging narratives from 'The Loop Files' and 'Mosquito Bowl.' Explore the critical roles of teamwork, intentional choices, and personal growth through literature in a fast-paced business environment. It's a treasure trove of resources for the entrepreneurial spirit!

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