Investors & Operators

Topics:Business Growth StrategiesEquity-Based Incentives to Retain Top TalentHow to Delegate as a Leader...and so much more.Top TakeawaysEstablish a "North Star" vision to guide your growth strategy. Instead of trying to expand in all directions at once, grow by adding services in adjacent areas that complement your core offerings. This approach positions you to serve clients more comprehensively without spreading your resources too thin or diluting your brand. Doug emphasizes that a clear, overarching goal keeps you grounded and ensures that each initiative supports your core mission. Adjust your service model to anticipate and fulfill client needs. Doug and Jordan discuss that clients may not always know what could add value to their business. This creates an opportunity for proactive service. By analyzing client feedback and observing how they use your services, you can identify areas for expansion and offer tailored solutions. When your offerings align with the client's long-term goals, you strengthen relationships and create new avenues for growth.Focus on high-impact activities to drive growth and scale effectively.  Doug and Jordan know from experience that entrepreneurs often need help with delegation. To scale successfully, leaders need to let go of the “do-it-all” mindset and recognize their limitations. Doug uses a simple strategy to assess his productivity: reviewing each day in terms of wins and losses. These regular check-ins help him minimize distractions from tasks that don’t move the business forward. Strong leadership ultimately means empowering your team to bring your vision to life: set the direction, let them execute, and refine as needed.

Topics:Transitioning Into Your First Fund The Importance of Due DiligenceChoosing the Right Partner...and so much more.Top TakeawaysStay resilient and purpose-driven when raising your first fund. Raising a fund is challenging, with a high rejection rate. Jim and Doug emphasize the need for persistence, confidence, and experience from deal-by-deal fundraising. Equally important is a clear “why.” Independent sponsors must convey their mission and unique value to stand out to investors in a crowded marketDue diligence goes both ways. Whether you’re investing or selling, conducting thorough due diligence is essential. Just as PE firms scrutinize potential deals, sellers should research prospective partners. Talking directly with CEOs and founders who’ve worked with these firms offers valuable insights. Jim and Doug recommend asking about the firm’s value-add, leadership stability, specific support examples, and performance in tough times. Aligning expertise and cultural fit builds a strong foundation for a successful, long-term partnership.Build partnerships on a foundation of communication and a shared vision. Jim and Doug emphasize that aligning on core goals from the start smooths out challenges. Their mutual respect and collaborative approach enable efficient decisions, keeping them in sync. Open, transparent communication has strengthened both their professional partnership and personal bond.

Topics:How to Find Success in PERevenue Streams for Independent SponsorsStrategies to Scale a Team...and so much more.Top TakeawaysFlexible and purpose-built capital is key. Investors should provide independent sponsors with flexible capital solutions that support, rather than control, their operations. Michael shares how Align Collaborate embodies this approach, building a collaborative partnership where the independent sponsor is the lead decision-maker.Smart scaling starts with the right team. Michael's experience shows that team members with consulting or transaction advisory backgrounds can contribute significantly to long-term growth and value creation. These hires help drive operational success post-acquisition, allowing the sponsor to focus on higher-level decisions while the team handles day-to-day execution. Having a dual mindset for long-term success in deal-making. Independent sponsors must juggle optimism with realism when assessing risks and persistence with flexibility when navigating deals. Michael stresses the importance of irrational persistence in committing to promising deals, but it’s just as important to know when to take a step back and explore new opportunities.

Topics:Balancing Stress in FranchisingHow Private Equity Influences GrowthThe Role of Data in Decision-Making...and so much more.Top TakeawaysLetting go of control and trusting your team. Leadership, especially during challenging moments, requires composure rather than reacting with stress or panic. Kim reflects on her experience as a first-year CEO, sharing how panicking when things go wrong can affect the entire team. She learned that staying calm, even in tough situations, lead to clearer decision-making and outcomes.Preparing for change and attrition. Attrition is a normal part of business transitions, especially after events like mergers. Not everyone adapts, due to personal choice or the organization’s needs. In franchises, where changes can often cause concern among franchisees, Kim effectively minimized attrition by maintaining transparency. She hosted town halls, answered questions, and communicated clearly, ensuring a smooth transition.Balancing work-life and franchise success. Jordan and Kim discuss the shift from the traditional workaholic mindset, emphasizing the importance of work-life balance while maintaining high standards. Effective leadership means supporting employees' well-being, fostering alignment with company goals, and cultivating a culture where engagement thrives. This is especially important in franchising, where success hinges on empowering franchise owners and constantly selling the vision.

Topics:Exploring the Benefits of PEBuilding Your Team for Success Insights for First-Time Franchisees ...and so much more.Top TakeawaysAdvice on selling your business. Reflecting on his experience with Stretch Zone, Tony stresses the importance of seasoned advisors. Their guidance was crucial, allowing him to concentrate on daily operations. He highlights the value of investing in a strong team and advisors, as they are key to a successful sale. Tony also emphasizes patience and strategic management during the often lengthy PE sale process.Balancing your business while selling. Tony managed both running and selling Stretch Zone by relying on his team with managing daily operations and the sale process, ensuring the business could function independently. Finding a balance between managing the sale and maintaining core functions is important to keep your organization running smoothly. How to navigate being a first-time franchisee. Tony advises that buying an existing business can present challenges due to the location's already established culture. For first-time franchisees, he recommends starting with a new franchise to gain essential experience before considering the purchase of an existing business. Ultimately, being passionate about the franchise, rather than solely focusing on financial gain, will allow you to become a more successful operator.

Topics:The importance of partnerships as an entrepreneur. Core values and their impact on your business Reimagining leadership ...and so much more.Top TakeawaysPartnerships play a vital role in entrepreneurship. Reflecting on years of experience, Pardis shares a key insight to avoid 50/50 arrangements. Instead, focus on aligning goals, respecting each other, and defining clear roles. Ego can block teamwork; success comes from relying on experts and working together. Entrepreneurship thrives on good partnerships, not solo efforts.The Importance of Mission, Vision, and Values. Jordan and Pardis offer a fresh perspective on mission, vision, and values, often overlooked statements. They stress the role of core values, rather than mission statements, in guiding a company's direction. By prioritizing value creation, companies can maintain flexibility while effectively meeting the diverse needs of stakeholders. Passion, Relationships, and Leadership. Jordan and Pardis challenge conventional leadership norms, promoting a servant leadership approach that empowers team members. Pardis shares insights on evolving into a stronger leader by being passionate about your business, cultivating genuine relationships, and leveraging networks for support. Making sure your leadership skills grow with your business will set you up for success. 

Who should listen?  Finance professionals, entrepreneurs, and investment bankers. Topics:The rise in personal LinkedIn posts Long-term effects of investing in teamsIntentional Hiring Practices...and so much more.Top Takeaways“People crave personal connection through posts.” Jordan and Marc discuss the importance of personal posts on LinkedIn. Marc recounts how sharing more about himself led to a surge in positive feedback and a stronger sense of community. Posting personal posts on LinkedIn helps build a bridge between you and your colleagues that may not have existed before.The importance of a long-term perspective when running a business. Marc and Jordan stress that instead of just aiming for short-term profits, it's important to build team harmony and support growth. By focusing on a positive work environment and teamwork, businesses can see steady revenue growth and create better relationships with colleagues.“My biggest mistake in hiring was hiring the wrong person.” Reflecting on recent hiring cycles, Marc discusses evaluating candidates based on how they align with the company's values. Jordan highlights that hiring should be intentional, targeting individuals who fit well within the company culture and positively contribute to the work environment. Connecting with professionals who share the company's values enhances the work culture and productivity.

Who should listen? Founders, Operators, and PE Firms. Topics:The Importance of Human CapitalBenefits of Difficult ConversationsUnderstanding Founder's Goals ...and so much more.Top TakeawaysHuman capital management and value creation go hand in hand. In private equity, understanding the significance of human capital is just the beginning. The ability to turn that awareness into action will set your PE firm apart. Investing in human capital helps navigate diverse teams, driving innovation and value while preparing your team for portfolio companies.Navigating difficult conversations builds trust. Why do private equity firms often avoid tough discussions before finalizing deals? The fear of losing the deal is a significant factor. However, coaching clients to engage with management and address critical issues before closing is crucial. Skillfully navigating these conversations not only reduces risks but also strengthens client relationships.Assisting founders in exploring their goals will strengthen your relationship. As a PE partner, you need to work closely with founders, helping them visualize their skills, passions, and purpose. By doing this, you can guide them in understanding their career better. This approach helps discover what motivates and energizes founders while building strong, meaningful relationships with them.

Who Should Listen? Franchise Owners and Operators, Managing Partners, and Business Owners. Topics:The Differences Between Private Equity Buyers The Value Diverse Management Teams BringThe Challenges and Complexities of Turnarounds in Franchising...and so much more.Top Takeaways“One of the common misconceptions is that they're all the same,” Alicia explains the pros and cons of the different types of private equity buyers, emphasizing that the value of an offer for your business extends beyond the monetary figure.  It is crucial to understand each private equity firm’s offers,  timelines, and where they source their funds. Diverse management teams generate excitement, align interests, and improve retention. Jordan and Alicia discuss the essentials for business success in today's market. They emphasize the importance of having an active management team skilled in marketing, operations, and day-to-day functions. This helps to keep employees motivated in a competitive market.Turnarounds in franchising are one of the toughest assignments in business. While investing in franchises offers great rewards, Alicia explores the complexities and challenges of franchising, highlighting the importance of support from the entire franchise community in executing plans effectively. This distinction sets franchising apart from traditional businesses.

Who Should Listen? Credit lenders, Managing Partners, Investors, and RIA’s Topics:Factors and Complexities Within the Current MarketChallenges That RIA’s FaceThe Future of Private Credit...and so much more.Top Takeaways“The market has been more dynamic over the last six months than over the last six years.” Jordan, Aaron, and Joe dive into the dynamic nature of the present market landscape They point out that the lenders struggling today might be different from the ones struggling in six months. It's important to realize that what we think about someone's market position might not always be true. The path RIAs need to take to succeed. These obstacles include balancing liquid and private credit investments, navigating the diverse landscape from major funds to smaller enterprises, and addressing educational gaps. Recognizing trends like equity and credit secondaries can drive market evolution despite these hurdles. Success in the credit markets depends on understanding different segments and investment strategies, empowering RIAs to prepare better and achieve success.“The shift we've seen is permanent”. When it comes to the future of the private credit market, Aaron acknowledges how some believe that the high returns associated with private credit may be dwindling and that investors are becoming wary of the asset class. Joe explains that this is just the beginning of a significant transformation in credit markets, with private credit set to play an even larger role in the financial landscape in the future.