Welcome to the Arena from ICR – Conversations with Today's Innovators & Business Leaders

Summary:With fast-growing private and public companies, you’re often juggling a lot of stakeholders: management, employees, board members, investors. But there’s one key stakeholder that’s often forgotten: the media. But ignore them at your peril. They control a huge portion of the narrative and public image of your company—and if you haven’t established the relationships and trust to tell your story, then they’re going to tell it for you.Fortunately, there are journalists like Jason Kelly. Jason has spent almost 20 years reporting on business at Bloomberg in a variety of capacities, from New York Bureau Chief to his current role as Chief Correspondent for Bloomberg Quicktake, Bloomberg’s “Business Network for the New Generation.” He’s also authored two books, The New Tycoons on the rise of private equity, and Sweat Equity on the fitness economy. In his role, he’s been able to observe some giants of the industry, learn what makes businesses tick, and forge relationships with leaders across sectors.We sat down to talk about Jason’s approach to business journalism, and his new pursuits at the nexus of business, sports, and culture. He’ll share his philosophy on asking tough questions, the benefits of longstanding relationships with the media, and why CEOs should depart more often from their talking points. So join us! Because in the arena, all news is good news.Highlights:What makes a great journalist (1:16)How to publish things people don’t like (3:00)The power of relationships (4:59)Consumption changes in an on-demand world (10:42)QuickTakes: The intersection of sports, business, and culture (13:20)What Jason learned from The Last Dance (17:13)Making representation possible through “Portrait” (20:50)How writing a book let Jason engage with subjects in a different way (24:30)The most interesting person Jason’s interviewed (26:57)Jason’s observations on the business storylines going forward (28:46)The world moves on fast from mistakes (34:23)“In an era where you’re tempted to say less, say more” (35:49)Links:ICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteJason Kelly LinkedInBloomberg QuicktakeBloomberg Quicktake: The Business of SportsBloomberg Quicktake: PortraitSweat EquityThe New TycoonsFeedback:If you have questions about the show or topics you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, andrew@lowerstreet.co 

Summary:Investing in stocks that the market has passed by is certainly risky, but that's right where Co-Chief Investment Officer Brian Gonick and his team at Senvest find value. Through strong understanding of management, a discerning eye, and techniques adopted from the CIA, Senvest find stocks with the potential for exponential long-term growth.Brian Gonick highlights how Senvest look to invest over an extended period of time, showing how important they view their horizons. To be part of the Senvest journey, you need to understand a thing or two about community. Developing strategies and building networks are two pieces of the investment puzzle, as far as Senvest are concerned.On this episode, we'll understand how Brian and his company set out to bring companies together for a brighter and more profitable future. For Senvest, getting from point A to B is the ultimate goal, but they believe as long as milestones are being hit, success will follow.Highlights:Outlining Senvest's investment strategy (0:19)How they implement FBI questioning tactics with potential companies (7:15)Brian's biggest success story (9:52)When situation trumps sector (14:06)Examples of the view on value to growth (15:41)How Senvest is using data like never before (20:31)Why hitting milestones and achieving expectations is key for Senvest (27:08)Links:ICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteSenvest WebsiteBrian Gonick LinkedInSenvest LinkedInFeedback:If you have questions about the show or topics you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, andrew@lowerstreet.co

Carbonated beverages and health don't often go hand in hand, but Zevia intends to change that. By using plant-based ingredients and all-natural sweeteners, Zevia eliminates sugar, GMO's and artificial ingredients from the equation. They deliver drinks that fly off the shelves, both in-store and online; they rank as the number-one sold beverage on Amazon. But their commitment doesn't stop at great taste. CEO Paddy Spence and President Amy Taylor are passionate about consumer health and eliminating plastic waste. Together, the two of them have developed a company that goes way beyond the can.During the COVID pandemic, as with many beverage companies, Zevia has found itself facing many difficulties, like aluminum shortages and customers who don't want to shop in person. But through their resilient nature, nimble structure, and "can-do" attitude, Paddy and Amy have gone from strength to strength. Advancing on scalability, developing in-store strategies and strengthening the balance sheets has made Zevia one of the major players in the beverage market.On this episode, we discuss Zevia's commitment to health and sustainability and how its agile strategy has positioned it well for the future. We'll talk about how Paddy and Amy dealt with supply chain issues and how they partner with retailers to position their brand in-store, as well as their strategies to engage new demographics. Listen on for a refreshing conversation!Highlights:Removing sugar from their products and using non-plastic materials (2:24)Creating customer convenience (3:38)Developing consistent platform strategy (4:20)How Zevia is all-inclusive for both the customer and investor (7:18)Building an accessible product for customers (13:43)How Zevia are both premium and affordable (19:11)Getting the market to understand their context and mission of their product (23:54)Providing a product for the new generations that has great taste but is also healthy(27:23)Links:ICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteZevia WebsiteZevia Executive Leadership TeamAmy Taylor LinkedInZevia LinkedInFeedback:If you have questions about the show or topics you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, ross@lowerstreet.co

Highlights:Learning within the fast-food industry (4:36) Digital transformation of the company (5:46) Enlightened hospitality and commitment to service (6:54) Creating a stellar experience for the customer (8:22) Importance of digital channels (10:02) How the company values its people, both customers and employees (15:45) Menu innovation (18:51) Cold-beverage innovation (21:22) Logistics of company balance sheets (23:15) Intention of digital ecosystem regarding promotions and user engagement (24:03) Links:ICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteShake Shack WebsiteKatherine Fogertey LinkedInShake Shack LinkedInShake Shack Mobile AppFeedback:If you have questions about the show or topics you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, ross@lowerstreet.co

Highlights:How Raj found himself in equity derivatives (0:35)What makes a convertible instrument more complex than debt or equity (2:36)Why you need advice if you’re going to attempt a convert (4:58)Convertible language that could hurt you down the road (9:45)Why the market for converts is so hot (11:38)Raj’s sell-side convertible pitch (16:55)When Raj saved a company millions (20:09)How convertibles can help you rethink capital return (24:05)Links:ICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteICR Capital WebsiteICR Capital – Convertible SecuritiesSyed Raj Imteaz LinkedInFeedback:If you have questions about the show or topics you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, ross@lowerstreet.co

Highlights:How Convergint is applying the technology they have at their disposal (2:51)The next technological revolution (5:37)How organizations can implement new technologies in physical world applications (7:44)How society is using "computer vision" to navigate itself (9:38)People should begin using technology as a visual intelligence platform (14:55)The power of gaze detection (16:52)How Convergint provides strategic guidance (17:42)Giving service that feels like an experience (19:44)How technology can improve workplace safety in the wake of the pandemic (23:34)Alternative lenses to reframe how you view technology (28:07)Links:ICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteEric Yunag LinkedInConvergint WebsiteConvergint LinkedInConvergint TwitterFeedback:If you have questions about the show or topics you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, ross@lowerstreet.co

Highlights:Intro to community surrounding BBQGuys (2:46)How private equity actually attracted Russ to the company (5:01)How BBQGuys are getting employee buy-in (7:10)How BBQGuys found gaps in the market for their own brand (10:45)Creating a professional customer base (12:43)Defining the addressable market (15:30)Creating a content platform (17:33)How investors should read into acquisition costs (19:51)Why Russ is excited about getting acquired by a SPAC, Velocity Acquisition Group (22:24)Insight into senior team of the company (25:47)Links:ICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteRuss Wheeler LinkedInRuss Wheeler TwitterBBQGuys WebsiteBBQGuys LinkedInBBQGuys TwitterFeedback:If you have questions about the show or topics you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, ross@lowerstreet.co

Highlights:Introduction of the 4 key areas (1:08)The pathway to SG&A profitability (4:19)What it takes to succeed in medical (6:25)The importance of building relationships with regulators (9:47)The future of cannabinoids (14:50)Dynamic nature of the cannabis market (18:21)Breakdown of the science and innovation unit of Aurora (19:55)The pathway to EBITDA profitability (24:02)Aurora's next steps (26:07)Links:ICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteMiguel Martin LinkedInAurora WebsiteAurora LinkedInAurora TwitterFeedback:If you have questions about the show or topics you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, andrew@lowerstreet.co

Highlights:The asset base and background context on Limoneira (3:57)How the company dealt with challenges brought by the pandemic (10:43)How the pandemic changed supply-demand dynamics (13:10)Limoneira's secret weapon (15:46)Why there is increased emphasis on company balance sheets and Limoneira's plans for capital structure moving forward (20:33)How the company is integrating technology to provide a better brand experience (26:31)Limoneira's technical transformation (29:56)What investors need to understand when they look at the company (32:08)Links:ICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteHarold Edwards LinkedInCalavo Growers WebsiteCalavo Growers TwitterCompass Diversified Holdings WebsiteCompass Diversified Holdings TwitterLimoneira WebsiteLimoneira LinkedInLimoneira TwitterFeedback:If you have questions about the show or topics you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, andrew@lowerstreet.co

Highlights:The benefits of diplomacy in the private equity world (8:08)What Rob looked for in his initial meetings with management teams (11:45)The personal nature of business and private equity (16:42)The origins of Ramy Brook (17:47)The power that comes from people (19:42)You can't be too detailed: what Rob has learned moving from private equity into management (23:06)The importance of your team (25:40)How Rob uses the complexity of his business to drive value (27:20)Links:ICR TwitterICR LinkedInICR WebsiteLaird Bieger LinkedInBaron FundsBaron Capital Group LinkedInBaron Funds TwitterMentioned in this Episode:MidOcean PartnersBen & Jerry'sThe Bronfman FellowshipMike MilkenDeutsche Bank (formerly Banker's Trust)Jenny CraigCarter'sWaterpikBushnellTotes - IsotonerAgilex (acquired by Accenture)Thomas' Baked GoodsVitaquestKeith Frankel - MidOcean PartnersTom FordGucciBergdorf'sSaksNieman MarcusBloomingdale'sFeedback:If you have questions about the show or topics you'd like discussed in future episodes, email our producer, andrew@lowerstreet.co