The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection

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.  

Introducing Brendan AndersonBrendan Anderson is the Founder and Managing Partner of ScaleCo Capital, a lower middle market private equity firm focusing on control-oriented leveraged buyouts and growth equity investments in fast-growing companies. Scalable partners with companies to bring operational expertise and strategic resources to scale a business's growth potential and build long-term value. What You Will Learn:Why Speed and Change is the New Superpower in Private EquityHow to Grow and Scale a Profitable Portfolio CompanyThe Benefits of Investing in Small, High Gross Margin Companies Breakdown:[00:00] Introduction[02:15] The Mistakes PE Firms Make with Their Portfolio Companies[04:20] The Sub 5 Million EBITDA Bussines Model[06:46] How Brendan and His Team Drive Value Creation[09:56] The Biggest Benefit of Investing in Small Profitable Companies[11:14] The Most Effective Way to Run a Portfolio Company[12:37] Processes and Systems For Effective Fund Management [14:36] What Brendan Likes and Dislikes About Private Equity[16:20] What Brendan Watches, Reads, and Listens To [17:24] Parting Thoughts Speed and Change: The New Super Power in Private EquitySpeed and change is the new superpower in private equity. According to Brendan, we live in an age where you must execute everything with speed. When you buy a portfolio company, go in as fast as possible, make changes, and start driving value immediately. Most portfolio companies have been operating the same way for decades. And although they might be profitable, their way of doing things is not necessarily the best way to run a business.  Traditionally, many PE firms favored a hands-off approach to managing the operations of portfolio companies. They leave the management teams to run operations and only focus on driving strategic direction. However, times have changed, and nowadays, PE firms hire operational specialists who work collaboratively with management teams to provide additional bandwidth and support. For Brendan, this approach is what accelerates speed and change in the more profitable PE firms.  Links and Resources:Brendan on LinkedInScaleco.comBrendan’s Email: Brendan@scaleco.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.  

Introducing Morty SingerMorty Singer is the Co-Managing Partner at Traub Capital Partners, a private equity firm investing exclusively in the consumer industry. Throughout his career, Morty has been an innovative, sought-after executive in the retail and consumer branches of the fashion industry. He has advised global companies in retail and distribution strategies, operations, and mergers and acquisitions.What You Will Learn:The Power of Great Cultures in Private EquityWhy You Need to Invest in Companies with Solid CulturesThe People Factor in Private EquityBreakdown:[00:00] Introduction[01:50] The Mistakes PE Firms Make with Their Portfolio Companies[03:59] Building the Right Relationships in Private Equity[05:45] Traub Capital’s Main Differentiator[08:04] Why Focus on Culture as a Private Equity Firm[14:31] Building a Great Culture in a Portfolio Company[18:08] How Culture Drives Deal Flow in Private Equity [20:54] Kindness is a Super Power[22:51] Traub Capital’s Focus on the Consumer Bussiness[28:25] Why Traub Capital Launched Their Own Podcast[30:39] What Morty Likes and Dislikes About Private Equity[33:44] What Morty Watches, Reads, and Listens To [35:28] Parting ThoughtsThe Importance of Great Cultures in Private EquityIn the fast-paced world of private equity, where financial deals and high-stakes investments rule the day, one often overlooked yet profoundly influential factor is culture. According to Morty, culture is what makes or breaks successful PE investments. For him, culture is not just a buzzword; it’s the very essence of who they are as a company. The same is true for the portfolio companies you invest in. Investing in companies with great cultures can be far more profitable than investing in companies with bad cultures. By valuing culture and nurturing it within your firm, you can unlock many advantages that will propel your private equity goals to new heights. Morty and Traub Capital follow an approach built on P-E=T, where Positivity minus Ego equals Trust.Links and ResourcesTraubcapitalpartners.comMorty on LinkedInThe Daily Stoic: 366 Meditations on Wisdom, Perseverance, and the Art of Living by Ryan Holiday and Stephen HanselmanThe Obstacle Is the Way: The Timeless Art of Turning Trials into Triumph by Ryan Holiday  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.  

Adam Coffey, CEO, best-selling author, and Forbes Business Council member, shares insights on building a billion-dollar business and the challenges of scaling. He emphasizes the importance of getting unit level economics right and hiring the right talent. The podcast also explores the feeling of achieving a billion-dollar exit and the importance of staying engaged. Learn how to get in touch with Adam Coffey and access his books.