The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection

Introducing Chris AyalaChristopher Ayala is the Managing Director of Drum Capital Management, a specialized investment management firm dedicated to deep value, lower middle market investment opportunities, including special situations, turnaround, and restructuring strategies. Chris and his team have invested over $1.3B in an array of direct equity positions, co-investments in operating businesses, and fund investments in high-quality, sector-focused private equity funds. What You Will LearnTips For Effective Communication in Private EquityThe Psychology of Exiting a BusinessBusiness Operations in Private Equity Breakdown[00:45] Getting to Know Chris Ayala[03:50] Why Chris Moved from Business Operations to Private Equity[06:20] Becoming a Better Investor and Closing More Deals[09:36] Things Chris Misses the Most About Operations[12:35] How to Become a Better Leader in PE[16:20] Opportunities in the Building Products Space[20:11] Things Chris Likes and Dislikes About Private Equity[23:46] Chris' Go-To Self-Improvement Resources[25:52] Parting Thoughts  How to Become a Better Leader in Private EquityPrivate equity leaders play a crucial role in their firms' success. According to Chris, effective communication is one of the most important skills a leader can possess in PE. It helps ensure that everyone is aligned with the firm's goals and working together to achieve them. If you're new to a role or an organization, you need to over-communicate from day one. Understand that everybody around you wants to know what's going on. So you need to have an open line of communication. This doesn't mean oversharing because too much information can be overwhelming. But they need to know the firm's performance, strategy, and goals. This will help your team feel more engaged and invested in the firm's success. How to Contact ChrisChris on LinkedInConnect with Chris via email: Ayala@Drumcapital.comDrumcapital.comCall or Text 9176562963​​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 TimTim O’Reilly is the Founding Chief Financial Officer of Frontier Service Partners and is a well known transformational leader in the sphere of trade and private equity organizations. Tim has served to help organizations set themselves up for long-term growth, becoming a beacon for companies to adapt to their respective markets. Aside from his multiple leadership roles across the industry, Tim also has a background for taking his MBA and Accounting undergrad course at the University of Central Florida. What You Will LearnNew Solutions for Greater Returns to InvestorsHow to Set Your Businesses Long-TermTechnology and Software, as well as Industrial Service-Based Industry Breakdown[00:28] Introduction of Tim[05:28] Mistakes and Solutions in PE[10:31] Insights on Tech and Industrial Service-Based Industries[18:50] Challenged and Success Encountered[28:04] Integration of Multiple Organizations for Long-Term Growth[37:52] Media Influences of Tim[45:33] How to Reach Tim[46:30] Attributes That Make a Top Performer Technology and Industrial Service SectorAs a veteran in the industry, Tim shares his experience working for PE-backed organizations in the technology and industrial service-based industry. The industry is rapidly changing and the dynamics of customers and products often change overtime. Tim elaborates that these changes will not slow down and the companies in the industry need to adapt fast in order to project themselves long term with their partners. The Long Road AheadTim shares his strategy for companies in the tech and industrial service industry. The strategies he mentions are aimed towards setting up the companies for at least 3 to 5 years of growth. These include generating a thesis to market their products and services, getting the right people on board to establish the proper work culture, knowing your customers and partners to have a deeper understanding of the products you are selling, and having that creative mindset that could set you apart from your competitors and attract more investors. Other Media ReferencesPrivate Equity Playbook by Adam CoffeyThe Exit Strategy Playbook by Adam Coffey Seven Habit of Highly Effective People by Stephen CoveyThe First 90 Days by Michael watkinsCapital Gains: Smart Things I learned by Doing Stupid Stuff by Chip Gains Alexander Hamilton by Ron Chernow  How to Reach TimTim’ LinkedinTim’s FacebookTim’s Email: tim.oreilly@frontierservicepartners.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 Salvatore M. Buscemi Salvatore M. Buscemi is the CEO and co-founder of Dandrew Partners - a private family investment office that has managed money successfully for almost 20 years by creating multiple portfolios on various cross-asset platforms. Sal is a frequent speaker and guest lecturer on real estate finance at professional symposia. He has written numerous books and articles on real estate and private equity finance in various publications, including Investor's Business Daily and Forbes, and on television shows such as CBS New York and Good Morning LaLa Land. What You Will Learn Ways VC Firms Can Improve Their Portfolio Company's Brand Awareness What to Expect From Silicon Valley Bank's Abrupt Closure How the .001% of People Invest  Breakdown [00:47] Getting to Know Salvatore Buscemi [03:35] Common Mistakes by PE Firms and Their Portfolio Companies [06:25] How to Use Media to Bring Awareness to Your Portfolio Companies [07:42] Only Investing in Companies with Strong Founders [11:30] Recent Successes in Sal's Portfolio [13:30] How to Top .001% Invest [16:30] The Herd Mentality in Silicon Valley [20:46] Why Not All Ideas Get Funded [22:40] Venture Capital in a High-Interest Rate Environment [25:33] VC Firms Focusing More on Quality Companies [28:14] What More Expensive Debt Means For VC Companies [30:40] Advice on How to Make Better Quality Investments [34:54] Things Sal Likes and Dislikes About Private Equity[36:24] Pari's Go-To Self-Improvement Resources [37:25] Parting Thoughts  How the .001% Invest The .001% of people invest differently than the middle class. Anyone making $150,000 a year is in the 1%. Even though they essentially make a lot of money, they typically don't invest like the super wealthy. Why? Because they have a lot of debt, they are wage earners - so they can be fired at a moment's notice. Plus, they look at investing as a way to grow wealth in a short period of time. So, essentially their investment mandate is to get rich quick. In contrast, the top .001% focus on capital preservation and increasing status. You won't find them buying the latest Gucci shoes, but you will find them discussing how to buy a sports team or leave a permanent mark in the world.  Why You Need to Build Better Networks  The people who have the worst investments have the worst networks. If all the people in your network are concentrated in one specific niche, that's a problem. According to Salva, you need to spend a disproportionate amount of time networking. This is the only way you can guarantee a healthy deal flow. Building a strong network of people can lead to new opportunities you may not have had access to otherwise. Your network can connect you with potential clients, employers, and other professionals who can help you grow your business or advance your career.  Whether you're looking for new opportunities, support, different perspectives, learning opportunities, or collaborations, you need a strong network of people. So take the time to invest in networking, meeting new people, attending conferences, and building meaningful relationships with the people in and out of your area of expertise. How to Contact Sal Salvatore's LinkedIn  ,Investinglegacy.com ,Investing Legacy: How the .001% Invest by Salvatore Buscemi 

Introduction to JasonJason Glende is an executive sales professional who’s led multiple commercial organizations to success. Jason came from a background in engineering and decided to take on a career in sales and private equity. He shares his story and how his success in the PE industry flourished since his career shift.  What You Will LearnJason’s Interest in the PE-backed WorldHow to Transition to PE IndustryKeys to Long-Term Success in PEDefining A Good Team Culture Breakdown[00:28] Introduction of Jason[02:00] Mistakes Private Equity Makes and How to Correct[02:40] What Attracted Jason to PE-Backed World [03:56] Advice When Transitioning to PE [06:00] Harnessing Long-Term Success in PE[11:23] Interpretation of a Good Team Culture[14:25] Mistakes and Solutions of Salespeople[18:08] Three Attributes that Make a Top Performer[20:41] Likes and Dislikes About PE[23:08] Media Influences of Jason[26:18] How to Reach Jason Thinking Long TermFor organizations backed by PE, mapping out long-term strategies are the key to success. Strategies to consider include building a good team, listening to customers, having a winning culture, and having a process that increases win rates. Organizations that are covered by these factors are more likely to set themselves up for longer-term success in PE.  The Culture In terms of culture, it’s important that a team has a good and healthy environment in order to achieve your organization’s goals. Culture can be broken down into either the relationship you build with your colleagues, the interactions you have with customers and external companies, or the mindset you have for yourself. Having the empathy to be considerate about the wellness of your organization can create a healthier productive environment on an internal scale. Being humble to competitors and open to customer feedback are ways to project a healthy company to external entities. Having the openness to fail, is one other way to show that you are learning for the future. Other Media ReferencesEmpire of the Summer Moon by S.C. GwyneAtomic Habits by James Clear How to Reach JasonJason’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 ChrisChris is the Co-Founder and Managing Partner of L5 Capital Partners. L5 Capital Partners is a business equity firm that invests in consumer businesses. These include, communications, lifestyle, and health. Chris, for the longest time has been in the operations side of organizations, and now he sheds light on how he migrated from ops to the investor side of his career. What You Will LearnConsumer SpaceTransitioning from Operations to InvestorQuality Hiring Process in PEBusiness GrowthTalent Cycles  Breakdown[00:28] Introduction of ChrisEarly days in Corporate finance and worked through telecom [02:30] From Operator to Investor[03:31] Mistakes of PE Firms and Portfolios[04:55] Changes in the Hiring Process[11:14] Focusing on Consumer Space[14:29] Focusing and Defining Stage Growth[19:52] Values in Operator-Led Firms[23:58] Experiences Taken as a CEO[28:54] Preparational Procedures for Promotions[31:03] Three Attributes That Make a Top Performer[33:33] Love and Dislikes About PE[36:40] Other Media Literature[40:55] How to Reach Chris Talent LifecycleA giant factor that affects businesses is the lifecycle of talents that rotate inside the organization. Talents pertained here are the executives level or decision-making roles. Chris emphasizes the importance of the talent lifecycle due to many companies relying on just filling up the seat rather than considering other long term factors. As someone who’s experienced operations to investor, Chris is now well aware of the timeline and essentials candidates will need and bring in order to become an exceptional candidate for roles such as CEO, CFO, COO, etc.  Consumer Space and GrowthIn today’s episode, Chris talks about the consumer space in telecom and how elements such as proper business models, good relationships, and market adaptability enable companies to grow long term. These foundations that can accommodate a long term consumer journey are the key for a healthy business development. It’s not only about being adaptable to the market for the consumers, but also establishing the organization’s structure and see if the internal workflow is healthy as well. Aside from the internal relations, companies should also look out for the externals as well, building business relationships with other companies that could be also potential investors and partners for longer term projects. Other Media ReferencesZora How to Reach ChrisChris’ Email: chris@lfivecapital.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. 

Introduction to EricEric Anderson is the Chief Operating Officer of Clearwave Corporation and has been the COO since 2010. Eric’s experience stems from his undergraduate degree in accounting and then an e-commerce program in Stanford. Since his education, he’s worked with startups and Fortune 500 companies. His primary industry work revolves around technology and now healthcareWhat You Will LearnInvesting in HealthcarePE Investment in HealthcareCapital and Company GrowthImportance of Knowledge and ResourcesStandards When Selecting a PE FirmPrivate Equity ExitsBreakdown[00:28] Introduction of Eric[02:37] Mistakes and Actions to Take in PE[06:15] Challenges Encountered by Clearwave Corp.[08:31] Needs in Capital for Growth Acceleration[11:11] Source of Knowledge of Investment [13:24] Acquired by Private Equity[15:06] PE Firm Selection Process[20:40] Advice to PE Executives on Exits[24:39] Eric’s Endurance Post-Exits [28:31] Attributes that Make a Top Performer[31:36] Likes and Dislikes About PE [37:18] Other Media References[40:23] How to Reach Eric Knowledge is PowerWhen it comes to Private Equity, the more you know will benefit your firm and the businesses backed by PE. According to Eric, the knowledge gained in terms of sales, demand, customers, etc., can help firms and businesses craft a game plan that can project long-term revenue-generating outcomes. This information can be extracted from operating partners and consultants. It is also essential to consider partners or consultants that are well-versed in the industry your business is associated with.Private Equity ExitsPrivate equity exits are moves that are not entirely negative as some require this move to redirect the financial strategy or change the revenue dynamics of certain companies. These exits are okay based on law regulations, however, they require a due process in order to have successful and non-impactful outcomes. In order to achieve an exit, companies should need a playbook strategy that depends on the nature of the business goals. It also helps if the companies have an open mind throughout the process and a leader that’s agile which can result in growth changes. Other Media ReferencesMeasure What Matters by John DoerrThe Leadership Sequence by Nick SabanNever Split the Difference, Negotiating as if Your Life Depended on It by Chris Voss and Tahl RazThe Power Law: Venture Capital and the Making of the New Future by Sebastian MallabyHow to Reach EricEric’s Email: andersonericd@gmail.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. 

Introduction to JohnJohn Gallagher is the CEO of Element SaaS Finance. John has been a finance professional for some time now and has worked in different industries including the private equity sector. He has a track record of working with different equity firms, but mostly building his element finance. What You Will LearnPE Firms: A more customer-centric approach The SAAS (Software) IndustryBuilding Customer RelationshipsFirm Growth ManagementDifferent Types of Venture Debt Breakdown[00:25] Introduction to John[01:29] Mistakes Made in PE and Actions For It[04:04] Focusing on the SAAS Industry[05:45] Investment: Average vs Great SAAS[08:24] Recommendations for Other PE Firms in SAAS [10:20] Facilitating Firm Growth[11:53] About Venture Debt [15:51] Attributes that Make a Top Performer[17:42] Likes and Dislikes of the PE Industry[20:39] Recommendations for SAAS Investment[21:58] Other Media Reference[23:33] How to Connect with JohnStatistical Analysis System Industry The statistical analysis system industry, or SAAS,  is a sector that focuses on data management, advanced analytics, varying types of analysis, business intelligence, and other analytical-based types of work. The target market for SAAS has a wider net as it scales on a global level. Firms would have customers ranging from Australia, and Asia and the base operations can be found in the United States. With SAAS, businesses can really thrive in this industry through organic growth even with little assets they have. With the right strategy and long-term plans such as projection of investments and debt, businesses will have no problems scaling themselves for long-term success.Customer-Centric and Building RelationshipsWhen it comes to the SAAS industry, PE firms that want to back companies should keep an open line of communication with their customers. It is important to build a good standing relationship with them in order to drive long-term partnerships and success trajectories for the firm itself. Although results and outputs are important, having a well-developed business relationship with customers may be able to set up companies for a growth-incline future. Other Media ReferencesBusiness and Sports Individuals who overcame adversaries History particularly in Tech, Finance, and CryptoPodcasts  How to Reach JohnJohn’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. 

Introduction to MichaelMichael Tang is an experienced chief financial officer, in the Healthcare sector. He has more than 20 years of operational finance experience, particularly in the healthcare arena. He’s worked with PE-backed Fortune 500 companies and non-profit integrated healthcare systems.What You Will LearnBalancing margins of PE-backed firmsThe Healthcare Sector How to Solidify the Healthcare IndustryM and ABreakdown[00:28] Introduction to Michael[01:23] Mistakes of PE Firms and How to Correct Them [02:37] Trends in the Healthcare Sector[04:22] Changes in the Industry for Assurance [06:08] Acquisitions Completed by Michael[07:49] Learning Points from Michael[11:22] Acquisition Essentials and Processes [13:43] Errors in Acquisitions and How to Correct Them[15:59] Attributes that Make a Top Performer[17:37] Likes and Dislikes About PE[19:36] Other Literature References[21:43] How to Reach MichaelThe Healthcare Industry The healthcare industry has been developing over the years, especially since the height of the COVID-19 pandemic. Since then, the behavioral changes and quality services have been a key focus in the industry. These are now new highlights that companies look out for in order to make sure that the baseline on keeping their performances moves forward. The domino effect of acknowledging mental health to the productivity rate in maintaining quality outputs on a day-to-day basis. Acquisition EssentialsAcquisitions can be tedious work especially for companies that do not process or strategize their plans properly. When it comes to acquisitions, it is important to do due diligence and have proper integration processes. When companies undergo this move, first and foremost is to make sure that you are backed with basic requirements and ensure that all essential documentation and action plans are well thought of in the timeline of the process. Another important item to consider is integration. It’s imperative to know how you will marry the new and existing elements in order to avoid any unnecessary bottlenecks, complaints, and task negligence when conducting an acquisition process. Other Media ReferencesIndustry ArticlesIndustry Updates How to Reach MichaelMichael’s Email: mtangatfw@yahoo.comMichael’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 Alexander:Alexander is a partner at the Sciens Water. Alexander has dedicated his recent work to investing in water infrastructure, through private equity investments. He has worked in multiple sectors such as investment banking, led a start up, and went to business school as well. What You Will LearnThe Water Infrastructure IndustryInvesting in Water InfrastructureFirms Associated with WaterSpecialization and Interdisciplinary Approaches Breakdown:[00:28] Introduction of Alexander [03:22] Opportunities in Water Infrastructure Industry[05:18] Areas of Investment in the Water Industry[08:45] Specialization and Differentiation for Firms [11:15] Decision to Focus on Infrastructure [13:45] Mistakes in PE and How to Solve Them[16:10] Working on a Broader Ecosystem[17:00] Likes and Dislikes of PE[19:22] Entrepreneurial Insights in PE[22:19] PE Human Resource for Performance Enhancement[23:31] Attributes to Make a Top Performer[25:58] Reading References[28:35] How to Reach Alexander The Water InfrastructureAlexander has been heavily focused on the water infrastructure industry, particularly in the United States. He narrates different areas in which private equity firms can take an angle or approach on the industry such as the fragmentation issues and development of infrastructures. His approach and perspective of learning for the sector relies on the recycle and reuse lens of water. Alexander’s dedication to research and investment in water enumerates the interest, the areas of improvement, and the essentials of both resources and finance. Being Well-RoundedWhen it comes to marrying private equity and the water infrastructure, Alexander points out the importance of becoming a well-rounded individual. Defining well-rounded is based on the attitude, work ethics, and flexibility of an individual. It takes a lot of passion and hardwork to be able to comprehend where the sectors can come together despite its niche atmosphere. Reading Materials Books on the following topics:-          Water-          Business-          History How to Reach Alexander:Alexander’s Email: a.loucopoulos@scienscapitalAlexander’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 Eric:Eric Stewart is the Interim Chief Commercial Officer of IsoPlexis. He started his career in product and process development and later transitioned to private equity. He’s managed worldwide remits and has done some work in marketing and sales. Eric has also been serving as a board member of the Georgia Tech Business Network. What You Will Learn:Driving ROI for PE-Backed CompaniesSetting Goals with PE-Backed FirmsHow Low-Medium Markets can Utilize PE FirmsPoints to Consider to Drive Effective ProcessesAbout CDMO Breakdown:[00:28]: Introduction of Eric [03:10]: Mistakes of PE Firms[04:43]: Advice for PE-Backed Companies for Revenue Growth[06:45]: Low to Medium Markets’ Essentials[11:26]: Big Takeaways from Private Equity [15:15]: Lookouts in Order to Drive Effective Processes[20:23]: Perspectives in the CDMO Market[24:20]: Three Attributes that Make a Top Performer[27:12]: Likes and Dislikes of Private Equity[33:08] Recommended Reading Materials[37:06]: How to Reach Eric Setting Goals When companies are backed by private equity firms, it’s highly recommended that they establish their goals early on, especially for those in the low to medium market. It’s essential to always make sure that the ROI that a company seeks are covered by elements such as marketing, sales, and reviews.  Utilizing Internal KnowledgeFor companies to gauge effective activity growth, utilizing internal knowledge can serve as the base of foundation to unlock the next levels of productivity. When you have a plateau amount of knowledge, executives should take the opportunity to identify the key areas on where or how they can advance their growth, by doing so, they can tap into the process stage where they can utilize the resources they have, which ranges from office, people, and marketing tools. This enables companies to map out their respective priorities, which will serve them long-term in the growing market. Reading Materials:Adam Coffin - Private Equity PlaybookCan’t Hurt Me by David Goggins The Reason for God by Timothy Keller Podcast:McKinsey Raw Selection Interviews Other Influences:Richard Branson How to Reach Eric: Eric’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.