The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection

Introduction to Jeff:Jeff Gonyo is the Managing Director of Geneva Glen Capital and has been associated with the firm since 2008. He is very passionate about the Private Equity Industry and has been in the sector for around 32 years. Jeff’s been on a pursuit to help rising companies generate more value by adding operating executives and domain expertise. What You Will LearnDeal-by-Deal Equity InvestmentsUtilizing the Operating Executive ModelGenerating NetworksHow to Strategize for Proprietary Deal Flows   Breakdown:[00:29] Introduction of Jeff Gonyo[01:57] Mistakes PE Firms Make [03:27] The Deal-By-Deal Process[04:44] Particular Deal Drawbacks [06:28] Deciding on the Areas of Focus[07:58] Operating Executive Model[12:40] Building the Network Connections (Get a teaser here)[18:18] Strategies for Proprietary Deal Flows[20:41] Attributes that Make a Top Executive Performer[23:33] Likes and Dislikes of Private Equity[27:45] Recommended Literature[29:15] How to Reach Jeff Working with FlexibilityJeff’s process in terms of managing firms and companies leans towards the traditional side compared to other firms with experimental standards to fast-track developments. In recent occurrences and with the market of people his firm works with, it’s easier to be flexible and proceed with a more known approach especially if you are already taking on selected areas of expertise on where to invest or where to develop.  Building Your NetworkWhen it comes to PE firms, having the connection of people you work with is essential in order to map out the productivity development flow of any company you are investing in. For Jeff, the connection he has with executives has kept him briefed on the demands of the market and the internals of companies, which helps him connect with a proper consultant, representative, and executive to develop that company. One experience and leadership method could potentially be beneficial for many companies.      Reading Materials How to Stop Worrying and Start Living by Dale Carnegie  How to Win Friends and Influence People by Dale Carnegie    How to Reach Jeff:Reach Jeff through his website at Geneva Glen Capital  ​​Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.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. 

Introducing MattMatt is the Head of Practice for digital and e-commerce as well as strategy at Nimble Gravity. He started at operations, and now over the last 2 decades, he has slowly transitioned to be acquainted with the digital side and now covers the world of e-commerce. He’s been in other digital-related fields such as telecommunications and mobile ad tech space. What You Will Learn-         Decision-making for PE Firms-         Utilizing different tools to analyze e-commerce data trends-         How due diligence can help value creation-         E-commerce essentials, tools, and red flags Breakdown[00:45] Introduction of Matt[01:55] From Operations to PE Consultancy [02:58] Mistakes PE Firms Make for Correction[03:58] Recommendation on Data Trends[06:36] Due Diligence for Value Creation[08:41] Advice for E-Commerce Companies[13:29] Red Flags for E-Commerce [17:39] Areas of Adoption for E-Commerce[21:19] How do Firms Prevent themselves to become an overkill of content[25:59] Likes and Dislikes About Private Equity[27:59] Three Attributes to Become a Top Performer[28:49] Other Resources to Listen to [30:24] Best to Reach Matt The World of E-CommerceIn this new age of business, especially after the height of COVID, e-commerce has significantly risen as one of the essential industries in the world. Firms have now developed themselves to adapt to the e-commerce spectrum. Utilizing resources for tools to analyze market trends for faster-decision making, data of consumer behavior and trends, as well as analyzing means to generate value for the firm and the partners involved. In this new digital age, it is also important to see how social media has now dominated the business world.  E-Commerce EssentialsWhen integrating private equity to the spectrum of e-commerce, it is also similar to adjusting to a new world of business. Doing so, you may also need to heavily invest in quality resources that can keep your firm in demand for consumers and potentially ahead of customers. Essentials include tools that can forecast price changes, flow of specific products within certain locations, generation of content that keeps consumers interested and feel naturally drawn to.  Other Resource Materials:-         Hidden Brain by Shankar Vedantam-         Ten Percent Happier by Dan Harris-         Essentialism by Greg Mckeown-         Good to Great by Jim Collins-         Masters of Scale Podcast How to Reach MattMatt’s LinkedinNimble Gravity Website  ​​Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.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. 

Introduction to Isabella:Isabella Calderon Hoyos is currently the Vice President of Strategy and Transactions at the OMMAX digital solutions company. Prior to joining OMMAX, she spent 9 years in PwC Deutschland, where she worked from senior associate to senior management throughout her stay. She was also an Associate at Roland Berger in Munich, Germany. What You Will LearnDigitalization of PE FirmsPromoting Diversity in Firms and OrganizationsBenefits of Diverse TeamsPart-Time Work inside PE Firms Breakdown:[00:40] Introduction to Isabella[01:59] Mistakes Taken in Private Equity Firms[03:22] Better Results Through Diversity [05:42] Anchoring Diversity within OMMAX[08:00] Benefits through Diverse Teams[12:42] Diversifying the Talent Pool in PE[16:06] Working Part-time in PE[19:16] Promotion of Diversity in PE Organizations[21:32] Likes and Dislikes about the Industry [23:53] Additional Reading References [25:53] How to Connect with Isabella Diversifying the PE FirmsIn this new era of diversity, many companies inside the PE industry are now taking into action to diversify their pool of workforce. The move comes as organizations are now open to recruiting based on skills and capabilities, rather than looking at gender, race, and age. Many findings have proven that diversifying the talent pool has led to positive outcomes inside the industry. Despite a male-dominant sector, talents of different backgrounds are now being discovered and sustained not just as additional workforce but for leadership roles as well. Additional Reading Reference (Authors):-          Jorge Luis Borges-          Gary Garcia Marquez How to Reach Isabella:Isabella’s LinkedinOMMAX Website ​​Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.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.

Introduction to Jim:Currently the Chief Financial Officer at Wales-Darby, Jim has been in the financial field for more than 30 years. For the majority of his career, Jim has been involved in the fields of manufacturing, construction, and distribution. He has also worked with public, private, and family-owned businesses.  What You Will LearnPortfolio Companies Acquiring Manufacturing Firms Learning About How Manufacturing WorksDifference between PE Backed Businesses and Family-Owned OrganizationsProcess in the PE Business ProcessDrivers for Industrial BusinessesImplementation of ERP Systems Breakdown:[00:43] Introduction of Jim[02:01] Mistakes Made by Private Equity Firms[02:56] Acquiring Manufacturing Companies[04:14] PE Back Business vs Family-Owned Organizations[06:00] Learning From PE Back Business Process [07:58] Drive Increase for Industrial Business[10:43] Tips for New ERP Implementations [13:12] Likes and Dislikes on the PE Industry[14:46] Known Knowledge Before Entering the Industry [16:04] Reading References of Jim[17:46] Social Links and Conclusion Understanding the IndustryJim takes on the topic on how private equity firms can work around companies in the manufacturing and construction industry. It is important to know the industry that you are absorbing and it should not only be based on the general revenues. PE firms must understand the complexity of income and goods allocation that progresses throughout the manufacturing industry. This will enable them to better understand the industry from a financial point of view. Growth In Other WaysIn order to improve the portfolio lineup, PE firms need to have a better understanding of the companies or lineups they have. This will enable them to properly fix their portfolio in terms of growth and sustainability. Growth and development does not simply rely on the sales portion, there are more ways growth can be measured throughout the financial cycles of each company.  Reading Materials Atomic Habits by James Clear Twelve and a Half by Gary Vaynerchuk  How to Reach Jim:Email: jimsilvestri70@gmail.com Jim’s Linkedin ​​Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.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. 

Introduction to FerdiFounder and CEO of Asset Class, which focuses on the Private Equity and Venture Capital Sector. The company is dedicated to providing softwares for companies to handle the investment lifecycle management process.   What You will LearnIntegration of Software Systems in FirmsImportance of Using Technological Processes in FirmsThe Attitude and Characteristics For the Industry Breakdown[00:41] Introduction of Ferdi[02:06] Mistakes and Solutions for Private Equity Firms [03:35] Low Usage of New Technology[08:20] The LP Experience[11:45] Motivation to Create Multiple Organizations[16:08] Advice for Firms and Individuals Raising Capital[22:00] Attributes to Make A Top Performer[28:13] Likes and Dislikes of PE Industry[31:50] Ferdi’s Influences[35:39] Ferdi’s Resources   Digitization of FirmsWith the rapid development of the global market, private equity and venture capital firms are advised to integrate new softwares that will help their companies adapt. The industry is divided on whether or not to use new technologies or keep the traditional mode of problem solving. This is due to the misunderstanding notion and lack of appreciation firms have towards technological advancements.  Putting Your Best Foot ForwardIn order to gain trust with firms, you must be open to have the right attitude and the openness to learn from the experiences in order to build yourself upwards as a software solution provider in the industry. Ferdi’s exposure to so many technology-based brands and his interest in the private equity industry enabled him to marry his passion to developing Asset Class. Putting yourself out there to learn and develop your product and making yourself larger will come a long way if you ever want to achieve that solution providing service for firms.  ResourcesFerdi’s Linkedin ​​Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.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.

Today’s GuestOn this episode, we welcome Alan Goldfarb. Founder and managing partner of Orangewood Partners.What You’ll LearnStructure and ways of working of large equity firms Qualities of smaller firms and their organizational structures Private equity professionals and portfolio executives What makes a top performer in the private equity industryBreakdown[00:24] Introducing Alan [05:00] Common mistakes by PE firms [10:10] Working in large equity forms [14:16] Large and small firms [18:01] C-Suite Model [21:32] Attributes of a top performer [24:39] Likes and Dislikes [30:21] Book Recommendations [34:11] Where to find AlanWorking in larger equity firmsWhen it comes to working in larger equity firms, on the investing side, the management and strategic team is crucial in making the company successful. On the business-building side, Alan puts time and effort in making sure they are doing what’s best for their investors.Organizational structureOrangewood has plenty of strategic partners and this is because not every situation requires the same expertise or partnership to figure out the right leverage to help the company pull. Another reason is that Orangewood is built on the foundation of partnership, therefore implementing a partnership model where everyone enjoys working with each other to succeed.Resources:Orangewood Partners website Alan’s e-mail Alan’s LinkedInThank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.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.

Today’s GuestToday’s guest is Joseph F. Coughlin, CEO and founder of CRS Limited.What You’ll LearnLitigation in PE firms Complexity of riskBreakdown[00:22] Introducing Joe [03:34] Common mistakes by PE firms [08:31] What PE firms overlook [12:30] Attributes of a top performer [18:45] Likes and dislikes in the PE industry [22:39] Risk aspect in diverse portfolios [27:28] Joe’s book influences [32:49] Where to find Joe Complexity of risk in diverse portfolios Cyber has taken the world by storm and the hard market we’re in today started almost three years ago while the average hard market that’s gone overtime started decades ago. Because of multiple current events that took place over the past three years, along with the lowest interest rates in history, Joe has experienced multiple complex risks and he sees that the PE industry’s job now is mitigating interest rates, insurance companies, and price increases.Resources:CRS Limited official websiteThank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.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.

Today’s GuestOn this episode, we welcome Brad Nathan, founder and president of Toronto-based PE firm Lynx Equity.What You’ll LearnThe buy and hold strategy Returns models Investor relationsBreakdown[00:22] Introducing Brad [02:11] Common mistakes by PE firms [03:35] Buy and Hold Strategy [14:10] Insight on Lynx’s Success [17:13] Adopting a Different Returns Model [21:11] Investor Relations Process [27:12] Lynx’s Humble Approach [31:37] What Makes a Top Performer [35:29] Brad’s Influences [38:01] Where to find BradChallenges in private equityFor Brad, the biggest challenge in private equity is making sure that you have the right management team. Every company has revenue, cost of sale, and all the different aspects that contribute to its growth, but the key ingredient in a company is always the person running it.Secret to Lynx’s SuccessBrad is frank and says that Lynx’s success all came down to ability to raise capital. His tenacity and drive to never give up also contributed to the growth and success of Lynx today. Resources:Brad’s e-mail Brad’s LinkedInThank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.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.

Today’s GuestToday’s guest is Rami Cassis, founder of Parabellum Investments based in London.What You’ll LearnDiversification in PE High growth and high-risk sectors Current economic climateBreakdown[00:22] Introducing Rami [02:41] Common mistakes by PE firms [05:57] Diversity and diversification in PE [08:32] Rami’s buy and sell PE model [12:31] High growth and high potential sectors [17:23] Economic climate of at-risk sectors [19:45] What makes a top performer [25:37] What Rami likes and dislikes about PE [31:27] Rami’s influences [35:02] Where to find Rami Diversity in PEThe level of engagement between management teams and its private equity owners tends to be one-dimensional, limited only to board reporting and financial performance as the key metrics driving the nature of engagement between private equity and management teams. Rami thinks there should be more than that and diversity, such as having HR or Marketing in meetings, brings with it a more rounded and representative view of life than what is typically the case today.High-growth sectorsGrowth comes from two drivers, which is government spending or legislation, or consumer spending and Rami is seeing that people will invest in their health and wellness in the years to come. Hence, the three high-growth sectors now are pharma and life sciences, luxury, and financial services.Resources:Rami’s Twitter Rami’s LinkedInThank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.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.

Nick Antoine is the Co-Founder, Co-CEO and Managing Partner at Red Arts Capital, where he leads fundraising, research and thesis development. Before forming Red Arts in 2015, Nick served as Special Assistant to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ariel Investments, a $13 billion asset management firm. What You’ll Learn:Deal flow processes within a narrow nicheHow PE firms can differentiate themselves in a crowded marketUnderstanding competitive edge in private equityHow PE firms strike deals in the supply chain and logistics space Breakdown[00:50] Getting to Know Nick Antoine [01:36] Common Mistakes by PE Firms and Their Portfolio Companies [02:50] How Red Arts Capital Stands Out in the Marketplace[04:10] Why Red Arts Capital Settled on Supply Chain and Logistics[07:52] Deal Flow and the Benefits of Niching Down[11:30] Trends in the PE Space Post Pandemic[14:45] Nick’s Super Fast Career Progression[15:42] Nick’s Go-to Self-Improvement Resources[17:55] Key Attributes of a Top-Performing Individual[18:56] Parting ThoughtsResources:RedArtsCapital.comNick’s LinkedInThe Psychology of Money by Morgan HouselWhy Should White Guys Have All the Fun? By Reginald F. Lewis Thank you for tuning in!To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.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.