Today we welcome back returning guest Adam Coffey after his last episode became the most downloaded Private Equity episode. Adam is a Chief Executive of CoolSys and author of “The Private Equity Playbook: Management's Guide to Working with Private Equity” as well as an upcoming book “The Exit Strategy Playbook”. What You’ll LearnWhat kind of advisors to look forWhen to seek advisorsHow to be an effective entrepreneur and salespersonThe importance of transparency and creating a buyer universeBreakdown[02:14] Adam’s Background [05:01] Common mistakes by PE firms and portfolio companies [07:06] What PE-backed portfolio companies should do better or more of [11:00] Advice on identifying good and bad advice [19:51] How Adam identified when he needed advisors [29:36] How PE-backed portfolio companies can improve on their sales process [38:08] Adam’s Biggest Lessons [52:59] Where to find Adam and his booksResourcesAdam's LinkedInAdam's 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.

*The information contained herein is provided for informational and discussion purposes only and is not an offer to sell or a solicitation of an offer to buy an interest.*Today’s GuestToday we welcome Christen Paras who is MiddleGround Capital’s managing director of business development and investor relations. With a hands-on operational expertise, MiddleGround Capital invests in B2B companies in the industrials and specialty distribution sector that are in the lower middle markets.What You’ll LearnWhy you should take business development seriouslyHow marketing improves deal flow Brand awareness and value proposition through marketingTransparency in managing investor relationsDiversity attracts founders, investors, and employees Breakdown[00:42] Getting to know Christen Paras[02:05] Common mistake by PE firms and portfolio companies[04:56] MiddleGround Capital’s marketing & research strategy [12:52] Granting full access builds trust with LPs and business owners[21:14] MiddleGround Capital’s ESG efforts[23:48] Excellence in managing LP relationships[27:10] Notable attributes of top-performing individuals[30:09] Private equity: the good and the bad[36:20] Diversity in MiddleGround Capital’s senior leadership[38:34] Christen’s learning resourcesResourcesChristen’s LinkedInChristen’s EmailChristen’s Mobile Number: +732 207 1486 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 GuestToday we welcome Bethany Gorham, Senior Vice President at Orion Energy Partners, where she has recently formed the IDEA group (Investment Development, Engagement, and Accountability). Orion is an investment firm that offers creative investment and equity solutions to middle-market infrastructure companies that are primarily focused on environmental innovation and driving sustainable finance forward. Before Orion, Bethany worked in impact investing and data and analytics in sustainable and socially responsible investing. What You’ll LearnESG as due diligence and a tool for identifying opportunitiesWhy PE firms should adopt ESG as a toolUsing ESG to manage risk and create value within portfolio companies Breakdown[00:25] Getting to know Bethany Gorham[02:19] Common mistakes made by PE firms[03:09] ESG in the Private Equity workplace[08:53] Orion’s ESG strategy[13:22] Why PE firms should adopt ESG as a tool[15:59] Resources for learning about ESG[18:27] Bethany’s passion for ESG [21:05] Get in touch with BethanyResourcesBethany’s LinkedInbethany@orionenergypartners.com  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 GuestToday we welcome Leon Brujis who is a partner at Palladium Equity Partners. The firm was founded in 1997 and has invested over $2.8 billion of capital across different industries like retail, food, transportation and logistics, business services and media. Palladium Equity Partners’ investment focus is on founder and family-owned businesses that benefit from America’s growing Hispanic market. What You’ll LearnThe effect of biases on investing decisions and dealsLeon’s experience of bias during an investmentHow diversity in a private equity firm is an advantage Breakdown[00:46] Getting to know Leon Brujis[01:57] Common mistake by PE firms and portfolio companies[05:29] Leon’s experience as a minority in the finance industry[08:24] Diversity in a company is an advantage[10:05] Leon’s bias led to a bad investment decision[13:36] How to guard against bias[15:52] Private equity: the good and the bad[19:01] Leon’s learning resourcesResourcesLeon’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 GuestToday we welcome Jon Ostenson CEO of FranBridge Consulting & Capital (FBC). As the former president of an Inc. 500 franchise system and a multi-brand franchisee himself, Jon is an expert in non-food franchise industries. At FBC, he educates clients and introduces them to franchising investment opportunities.  What You’ll LearnInvesting opportunities in the franchise industryRise of non-food and non-retail franchisesFranchisee VS franchisor level of investment Challenges in franchise investingBreakdown[00:39] Getting to know Jon Ostenson[01:47] Why Jon got into private equity[02:48] Common mistake by PE firms and portfolio companies[05:03] Reasons to invest in the franchise industry[08:46] Industry and market trends in franchising [10:10] Challenges of investing at the franchise level [11:35] Convincing LPs to invest in franchise businesses[12:53] Advice to PE firms about niche specialization[14:35] Notable attributes of top-performing individuals[16:37] Jon’s learning resources[19:38] Employee retention and succession planning [20:47] Jon’s advice to his 20-year-old selfResourcesJon’s LinkedInFranBridge Consulting 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.

Today’s GuestToday we welcome James Lee who is a partner at Proskauer Rose’s private equity/M&A group. He advises private equity firms, venture capital funds, and portfolio companies on a variety of transactions such as mergers and acquisitions, leveraged buyouts, and PE and VC investments to name a few. From 2015 to 2018, James has been nominated and has received several M&A Advisor Awards for his exceptional legal counsel. What You’ll LearnSmoother deal process through transparent communicationESG metrics, certification, and credit ratingsStandardizing M&A purchase agreements for better deal flow Breakdown[01:03] Getting to know James Lee[04:10] Common mistake by PE firms and portfolio companies[12:01] The need for standardized ESG metrics[16:55] Certification of ESG practices[20:09] ESG Scores in the credit market [26:20] The need for standardized purchase agreements [35:51] Law firms as true partners to clients[41:51] Full markups in the auction process[43:54] Advising founders during mergers & acquisitions[47:36] Notable attributes of top-performing individuals[52:25] Private equity: the good and the bad[59:45] James’ learning resourcesResourcesJames’ LinkedInJames’ Email James’ Mobile Number: +1 212 969 3036  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 GuestToday we welcome Nancy Barnes, a freelance human resources professional who works with several businesses inside a private equity portfolio. In her 18 years of talent management, she has helped transform international companies by making strategic HR changes to drive business growth.  What You’ll LearnThe importance of transparent communicationHow to avoid panic hiringStrategic approach to human resource managementCreating a social engagement teamWhat characteristics to look for in senior hires Breakdown[00:37] Getting to know Nancy Barnes[01:47] Common HR mistake by PE firms and portfolio companies [04:57] Adapting to a fast-paced environment[07:50] Alignment of HR strategy with business goals[11:40] Improving the integration process of an add-on acquisition[15:32] How to build engagement with teams[18:31] Recruitment and succession planning[22:17] A good hire should be comfortable with change[26:53] Private equity: the good and the bad[30:50] Nancy’s learning resources ResourcesNancy’s LinkedInNancy’s 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. 

Today’s GuestToday we welcome Anthony DeCandido who is a financial services partner at RSM, the leading provider of audit, tax, and consulting services to the middle market. He also serves as RSM’s main advisor for environmental, social, and governance (ESG) practices. With his industry expertise, Anthony helps companies adapt ESG strategies so they can achieve better business results.What You’ll LearnImportance of ESG in private equityHow to implement ESG strategies in the companyEssential ESG metrics to reportTrends in the private equity industry Breakdown[00:40] Getting to know Anthony DeCandido[02:30] ESG in private equity[04:01] Common mistake by PE firms and portfolio companies[05:55] How to start integration of ESG strategy[07:48] Key performance indicators to track ESG[12:07] Private equity: the good and the bad[14:55] Notable attributes of top-performing individuals[16:20] Anthony’s learning resources[17:22] Major trends in private equity[24:03] Popularity of special purpose acquisition companies (SPAC)[25:20] Using alternative data for better insightResourcesAnthony’s LinkedInRSM 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.

Today’s GuestToday we welcome Dan Shockley, Managing Director and Co-Founder of LFM Capital. Dan has over two decades of experience in management leadership and operations. He has held managerial positions at American Axle, Caterpillar, and Amazon before entering private equity.LFM Capital is a PE firm that invests in lower to middle market manufacturing companies and industrial service businesses. They help businesses develop world-class operations which increases long term value for all stakeholders.  What You’ll LearnHow to build trust between PE firms and portfolio companiesBalancing the use of objective and subjective dataCreating a better strategy with the use of analytics and data Trends in the manufacturing industry Breakdown[01:10] Getting to know Dan Shockley[05:30] Dan’s career transition into private equity[09:17] Common engagement mistake by PE firms [14:59] Negotiating a win-win deal in private equity[19:39] Dangers of being too data driven[23:06] How to engage with portfolio companies [25:40] Improving performance through insight[27:28] Trends in the industrial and manufacturing space[32:23] Notable attributes of top-performing individuals[36:02] Dan’s learning resourcesResourcesDan’s LinkedInDan’s EmailLFM Capital 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. 

Today's GuestToday we welcome Kjael Skaalerud, the Chief Revenue Officer in Altvia, a market-leading provider for CRM and investor & deal management systems built explicitly for Private Equity Firms. He is also the founder of Skaling Ventures and believes businesses blend art and science to create and capture value. What You'll LearnHow data is taking over the Private Equity and Venture Capitals spaceTwo well-known ways companies grow their revenueWhy Private Equity Firms are not at the forefront of tech adoptionHow industry revolution is positively impacting value creation and shifting market dominance Breakdown[00:40] Getting to know Kjael Skaalerud[03:32] Mistakes made by PE Firms and their portfolio companies[06:50] The digital collision coming for PE and VC firms[19:32] Technology adoption in the PE space[22:10] Understanding proprietary deal flow[34:02] How to accelerate growth in the venture capital/private equity space[37:19] Attributes of a top-performing individual[44:01] Kjael's go-to information resourceResourcesKjael’s LinkedInKjael’s WebsiteCompeting in the Age of AIThe Algebra of HappinessThe Untethered Soul 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.