The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection

Welcome to The Private Equity Podcast! This episode dives into the transformative world of employee ownership, focusing on the Employee Stock Ownership Plan and how it can drive employee engagement and productivity. Guest Daniel Goldstein, former CEO of Folience and an advocate for employee ownership, shares insights into integrating ESOP within a private equity model, fostering workplace culture, and exploring partial ownership benefits.Breakdown:[00:00] Introduction: Welcome to the podcast and introduction of Daniel Goldstein.[00:21] Exploring Employee Ownership: Discussion on the benefits of workplace culture improvement and the contrast between U.S. ESOPs and UK EOTs.[01:13] Daniel Goldstein's Background: Overview of Goldstein's career and his approach to employee ownership within the Private Equity model.[02:08] Employee Ownership as a Continuum: Insights into the relationship between family-owned businesses, employee-owned businesses, and Private Equity.[03:33] Advantages of Employee Ownership: Benefits of aligning employee interests with company success.[04:32] Folience's Unique Model: How Folience operates with a fully employee-owned Private Equity model.[05:55] Growth and Diversification Strategy: The strategy behind acquiring businesses and integrating them into the Folience portfolio.[07:50] Tax Efficiency and Ownership Structures: The tax benefits and strategic advantages of employee ownership models.[08:49] Decision Making in an ESOP: Governance and decision-making within an ESOP structure.[11:10] Shared Ownership and Transparency: The role of shared ownership in fostering workplace transparency and collaboration.[13:29] Employee Engagement Without Full Ownership: Strategies to improve engagement without full employee ownership.[14:27] Liquidity Events and Portfolio Company Sales: Effects on employee owners during liquidity events and sales.[18:18] Implementing Partial Employee Ownership: The potential benefits of partial employee ownership.[24:28] The Power of Incentivization: How financial incentives can drive employee productivity.[32:29] The Silver Tsunami: Challenges and opportunities in the generational transfer of wealth and business ownership.[37:16] Contacting Daniel Goldstein: Information for reaching out to Daniel for more discussion on employee ownership.[38:59] Episode Conclusion: Summary and thanks to Daniel Goldstein, with a reminder on how to reach Raw Selection for hiring support.To connect with Daniel Goldstein, you can visit his LinkedIn profile.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 Josh KoplewiczJosh Koplewicz is the founder and managing partner at Thayer Street Partners, a boutique private equity firm providing flexible growth capital to recurring revenue businesses in the financial services, real estate services, and business services sectors. Before founding Thayer Street, Josh was an investor at Goldman Sachs, where he invested across the capital structure in financial services and business services assets and companies. What You Will LearnPartnering with portfolio companiesStructured equity investmentsStrategic investing and management Breakdown:[00:00] - Introduction to the podcast and today's topic.[00:45] - Alex Rawlings introduces the guest, Josh Koplewicz, and outlines his background in finance, particularly his experience with Goldman Sachs and in the Private Equity sector.[02:10] - Josh shares his journey from joining Goldman Sachs to venturing into Private Equity, emphasizing the skills and insights he gained.[04:30] - Discussion on the transition from investment banking to Private Equity, including the challenges and opportunities Josh encountered.[07:15] - Josh delves into the nuances of investing in the services sector, highlighting key considerations for Private Equity investments.[10:00] - The role of market analysis and due diligence in making successful investments, with Josh providing examples from his experience.[12:20] - Strategies for value creation in Private Equity investments, according to Josh's approach and philosophy.[15:40] - The impact of technology and innovation on the services sector and how it influences Private Equity investment strategies.[18:25] - Josh offers advice for individuals looking to enter the Private Equity space, including essential skills and mindset.[20:30] - Closing thoughts from Josh on the future of Private Equity investments in the services sector and potential growth areas.[22:45] - Alex thanks Josh for his insights and wraps up the podcast, inviting listeners to engage with further discussions on social media and podcast platforms.Partnering With Portfolio Management TeamsHow do you partner with portfolio management teams? According to Josh, Partnering with portfolio management teams is not a one-size-fits-all approach. For them, they do a range of engagements with a portfolio company based on the level of ownership. If a company is a minority investor, they are helpful on both a periodic and situational basis. In many cases, they provide standard advice and stewardship and get involved in special projects around business development initiatives, key hires in finance and data analytics, strategic acquisitions, and financing.  Josh shares that in cases where a company has more material ownership, is engaged in a build-up or roll-up strategy, requires many smaller assets, or has customers who are subscribers, their teams are very hands-on. They partner with the company to engage in diligence and structuring and, in some cases, execute strategic MNA on their behalf. The partnership is entirely based on the needs and objectives of the company.How to Contact JoshJosh on LinkedInThayerstreet.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 t

In this episode of The Private Equity Podcast, host Alex Rawlings, treats listeners to a deep dive into the realm of artificial intelligence within the Private Equity sphere. Joining Alex as this week's guest is Glenn Hopper, an expert in digital transformation with extensive experience in deploying AI solutions in Private Equity contexts.Throughout the episode, Alex and Glenn explore how AI is reshaping the landscape of Private Equity, offering new avenues for growth, decision-making, and operational efficiency. Glenn shares his insights into the practical applications of AI, emphasizing the importance of understanding the intricacies behind digital transformation.From leveraging AI algorithms to analyze vast datasets for investment opportunities to optimizing portfolio performance through predictive analytics, Glenn sheds light on the tangible benefits that AI brings to Private Equity firms. He also discusses the challenges and considerations involved in integrating AI technologies into existing workflows, offering valuable advice for firms looking to embark on their digital transformation journey.Listeners gain a comprehensive understanding of how AI is revolutionizing the Private Equity industry, empowering firms to make more informed decisions, mitigate risks, and unlock new sources of value. Whether it's enhancing due diligence processes or identifying emerging market trends, Glenn demonstrates how AI can drive sustainable growth and competitive advantage in today's fast-paced environment.Breakdown:[00:00] - Introduction to the podcast and today's innovative topic, focusing on the intersection of Private Equity, AI, and digital transformation.[00:45] - Alex Rawlings introduces guest Glenn Hopper, detailing his expertise in finance, technology, and his significant contributions to digital transformation within the Private Equity sector.[02:00] - Glenn shares his journey into the world of finance and technology, highlighting the pivotal moments and the expertise he's developed in AI and digital transformation.[04:30] - Exploring the integration of AI in Private Equity, Glenn discusses the initial challenges and the transformative opportunities that AI presents for the industry.[07:15] - Glenn delves into specific examples of digital transformation in Private Equity, emphasizing the importance and impact of AI in analyzing and making investment decisions.[10:00] - The role of data analytics and AI in due diligence processes, with Glenn providing insights from his extensive experience.[12:20] - Strategies for leveraging technology to create value in Private Equity investments, through Glenn's analytical perspective and innovative approaches.[15:40] - Discussion on the broader implications of technological advancements on the services sector and their significance for Private Equity investors.[18:25] - Glenn offers practical advice for professionals aiming to integrate AI and digital transformation strategies within their investment practices.[20:30] - Glenn's forward-looking views on the evolution of AI in Private Equity and the emerging trends that investors should be aware of.[22:45] - Alex Rawlings concludes the podcast by thanking Glenn Hopper for his invaluable insights and encourages listeners to engage with the topic on social media and various podcast platforms.To connect with Glenn Hopper and delve deeper into his expertise in digital transformation and AI in Private Equity, you can visit his LinkedIn profile: Glenn Hopper on LinkedIn

Industry veteran Brian Cassady discusses his exceptional achievement of increasing revenue by $50M and creating $500M in EBITDA. Topics covered include operational tactics, identifying market trends, challenges faced by private equity firms, common mistakes made, the role of capital and operating partners, successful turnarounds, and implementing systems for growth in small organizations.

Introducing Paul BarnhurstPaul Barnhurst (a.k.a. "The FP&A Guy") founded  FP&A Guy, a company that provides FP&A coaching and consulting services. Paul has 12+ years of professional experience across several industries, with a strong background in financial planning, financial modelling, report building, and business partnering. Paul is also a content creator, LinkedIn influencer, and host of "FP&A Today," one of the most popular FP&A podcasts, and is known for his deep understanding of the FP&A software planning space.What You Will LearnStrategies for enhancing the FP&A  processes Integrating Technology in PE Firms What FP&A teams need to improve PE processesBreakdown[00:32] Getting to Know Paul Barnhurst[01:12] One Mistake by PE Firms and action to correct it[02:29] Three things to improve PE firm’s FP&A  process[04:32] How PE firms can improve decision-making around PF&A[07:23] How PE Companies choose and integrate Technology [10:26] Disregarded areas in FP&A that PE need to pay more attention to [13:20] What inspired Paul to set up a podcast and a community[16:17] Paul's Go-To Self-Improvement Resources[17:39] How to become a world champion at Excel[19:49] How to connect with Paul Improving FP&A in Private EquityWhat should PE companies do to improve their FP&A process? According to Paul, FP&A can be broken down into three areas. First, it’s people. The first thing you need to do is to make sure you have the right people, and you are upscaling that. With everything that is coming up with AI, you need people who can meet today’s demands, be commercial, and help drive the business forward. The second thing that the FP&A team needs to think about is the processes. They have to constantly streamline and automate the processes because data and demand are constantly increasing. The third thing that Paul shares is bringing the right technology. Technology serves as an enabler, and it can help PE firms reach the next level. However, according to Paul, if you start with technology, you will almost end up with a failed transformation. So think about the other processes first and then use technology to enable and free up your team to focus on being good business partners.How to Contact PaulPaul on LinkedInThefpandaguy.comThank you for tuning in!To get the latest 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.

Ted Clark, a former shipping clerk turned CEO, shares his journey from a $30M to a $1.4Bn enterprise value. He discusses strategic pitching to private equity, acquisition and integration processes in PE, lessons from public companies, and his rise from shipping clerk to CEO.

Introducing Jason HendrenJason Hendren is a CEO coach, speaker, and exit planning advisor who guides entrepreneurs in reaching large-scale objectives and planning for an eventual exit. Jason knows firsthand what it's like to grow a profitable business and navigate the selling process. He sold most of his business to private equity and stayed on and ran it as the CEO for a while. After selling it a second time, he bought some complementary businesses and eventually started another business, Hendren Business Advisors, where he helps business owners grow and exit their businesses.What You Will LearnPE professionals' collaboration with management teamsPlanning for a high multiple and profitable exit Founding, growing, and selling a business to private equity Breakdown[01:16] Getting to Know Jason Hendren[03:00] Enhancing PE professional's relationship with management teams.[05:50] Improving CFO’s and C-suite exit strategy [10:22] Value creation and packaging a profitable business [12:00] Things Jason wishes he knew before he sold PE[15:32] Jason's Go-To Self-Improvement Resources[17:26] How to reach out and connect with Jason[17:44] Ending the show PE CFO and C-suite Exit StrategyHow can CFOs and C-Suite improve their exit strategy? Jason shares that hiring the right investment banker is the first step. The worst time spent by an entrepreneur is in training their investment banker about their business and industry. The investment banker should walk in with that investment knowledge. When Jason is working with entrepreneurs, he looks for investment bankers who have sold businesses that look like theirs and are similar in size as much as possible. According to Jason, when you bring an investment banker in, they should be able to tell you about the buyers in the market and give you information you don’t have access to that you can tweak to get a higher multiple.How to Contact JasonJason on LinkedInHendrenba.comThank 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.

Bill Canady, CEO of OTC Industrial Technology and Arrowhead Engineered Products, shares key strategies for data-driven growth in PE firms, becoming customer-centric, and managing multiple companies. He discusses the common mistakes in PE and the profitable sales model. Bill emphasizes leveraging data to achieve PE goals and his Profitable Growth Operating System (PGOS). He also shares his motivation for writing books and resources for self-improvement. Additionally, the podcast touches on the importance of going fast, drawbacks of drop shipping, having a clear mission and goal, and the significance of studying history.

Brian Scanlon, managing partner at Deal Gen Partners, discusses PE deal origination strategies, mistakes PE founders make, growing a PE equity fund, and what PE should start doing differently in deal origination. He also talks about the mindsets of founders who want to sell their company, overcoming negative bias in PE, and his likes and dislikes about private equity.

Introducing Charlie ChipchaseCharlie Chipchase is the Managing Director and Head of Europe at Petra Funds Group, a leading fund administration provider to global private equity, venture capital, and private debt funds. Charlie is a seasoned private funds attorney and ESG expert with over 20 years of experience working at a $40+ billion private equity firms and international law firms. What You Will Learn:The growing case for ESG investing in private equityStrong ESG practices for the benefit funds and their investorsThe common ways ESG creates value in private equity Breakdown:[00:00] Introduction[02:40] The Mistakes PE Firms Make with Their Portfolio Companies[04:50] The Role of ESG in Private Equity Investing[07:46] How to Get the Most Out of ESG Data[10:12] Ways to Improve Your ESG Strategy[15:30] Why All PE Firms Should Consider ESG Investing[21:06] What Charlie Likes and Dislikes About Private Equity[23:16] The Humility Aspect of PE Investing [25:32] What Charlie Watches, Reads, and Listens To [28:50] Parting Thoughts The Growing Case For ESG in Private EquityEnvironmental, Social, and Governance (ESG) factors are rapidly gaining traction in private equity, and for good reason. As society becomes increasingly aware of its environmental and social responsibilities, investors seek ways to align their capital with positive change. And what better way to do that than to go the ESG route? According to Charlie, ESG integration in private equity is not just a moral choice; it's a smart investment strategy. PE firms that recognize the long-term benefits of ESG attract the best talent, raise capital faster, and sell for profitable margins. Companies with strong ESG performance also tend to outperform their peers in the long run. We live in a world where sustainability is paramount. ESG integration in private equity is not just a trend but a win-win strategy, benefiting both investors and society. Links and Resources:Charlie's LinkedInPetra Funds GroupCharlie's Email - Charlie@petrafundsgroup.comThe Watchman's Rattle by Rebecca D. CostaThe Spy and the Traitor: The Greatest Espionage Story of the Cold War by Ben Macintyre 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.