HoldCo Builders

Mathias Calonius, co-founder of the Finnish holding company JATKAJA, discusses his journey in acquiring four companies and building a $30 million portfolio in just four years. He shares insights on finding excellent deals, avoiding costly mistakes, and the patience required in managing diverse businesses. Mathias emphasizes the significance of relationship-building with CEOs during transitions and outlines strategies for tripling revenue from $3 million to $9 million. His experiences provide a fascinating look at the strategic dynamics of entrepreneurship and growth.

Michael Bjorn Huseby is an investment fund formation attorney at DLA Piper, representing both fund sponsors and investors. He dives into the critical role of side letters and the complexities of waterfall arrangements in investment funds. The conversation highlights why investors avoid novel approaches, instead favoring familiar structures. Huseby shares insights on how GPs can build trust with LPs and addresses the challenges of first-time fund managers, emphasizing the importance of transparency, communication, and adapting to regulatory changes.

In this engaging conversation, Andy Schornack, CEO of Flagship Bank and President of Security Bank and Trust Company, shares his journey from aspiring entrepreneur to banking leader. He reveals the secrets behind building two banks to a billion-dollar total in assets. They discuss the real reasons behind people's distrust of bankers and the importance of transparency in community banking. Andy also dives into the challenges small business owners face when seeking loans, and why traditional banks still hold an edge over fintech. His insights on building relationships and the future of banking are both refreshing and thought-provoking.

Val Katayev, a serial entrepreneur with over $100M in profits, shares his journey of building businesses in digital media and real estate. He discusses strategies for scaling companies to $10M and $100M, emphasizing the significance of distribution networks. Val reveals how he successfully raised millions for asset management and dives into the evolution of peer-to-peer lending. He highlights the importance of team dynamics, the need for innovation in the jewelry industry, and reflects on his evolving relationship with money.

Justin Mazeka Vogt, co-founder and CEO of Evermore Industries, shares his journey from Bain Capital to building a permanent capital holding company. He discusses the importance of complementary skills in partnerships and the strategic focus on long-term value over dividends. Justin reveals his thoughts on investor-advisors and the significance of team dynamics for post-acquisition growth. He also highlights the role of Twitter in fostering entrepreneurial communities and shares powerful insights on decision-making in business.

Alec Torelli, a high-stakes poker pro with over $2.2 million in winnings, shares his dual passions for poker and investments. He discusses his decision-making process in asymmetric investments and the importance of cultivating a winning mindset. Alec reflects on the emotional impacts of gambling in Macau and balances his poker career with personal growth. He emphasizes resilience after setbacks and offers insights on networking within the poker community to fuel business ventures. His journey from poker champion to investment strategist reveals the psychology behind both worlds.

Sacha Jak, the founder of a successful holding company with 8-figure revenue, shares his expertise in leveraged buyouts. He discusses how to gain control of a company with just 1% ownership and buy businesses without using personal funds. Sacha reveals his strategies for getting the best deals from suppliers and emphasizes the importance of staff and revenue when evaluating acquisitions. He explains why he still resorts to cold calling for deal sourcing and shares his favorite question for business owners that uncovers their true needs.

Sunny Desai, Founder and CEO of Desai Companies, shares his journey from novice in M&A to executing multiple successful deals annually. He reveals the secrets behind his first pivotal deal and how executive coaching helped him navigate challenges. Sunny discusses inventive uses of capital, the value of journaling, and the mindset shifts necessary for growth. He highlights the importance of strategic planning in business and reflects on advice from his mother. Plus, he delves into why Indian-Origin CEOs excel in leadership roles.

Ranjit Chahal, the founder of BEVIQUA, shares his journey from refrigeration engineer to the owner of four thriving wine distribution e-commerce sites. He discusses the importance of embracing being an outsider and how starting a Holdco at 40 proves age is just a number. Ranjit dives into the complexities of wine distribution, effective customer segmentation, and the significance of positive thinking during tough times. He also highlights the value of learning from unrelated industries to enhance strategies within his own.

An anonymous private equity investor shares his journey and wisdom. He emphasizes the importance of focusing on personal strengths and underscores the challenges of raising capital. With tales of diligence and perseverance, he reveals that patience is key in identifying great deals. The conversation also explores the significance of relationships and understanding financial metrics in investment decisions. Don't miss his candid take on the hard truths of closing deals and the value of being open-minded.