Investors & Operators

Who Should Listen?  Aspiring Investment Bankers, Young Bankers, and Investment Bankers.Topics:The Importance of Adaptability Career FulfillmentPros & Cons of Working Remote...and so much more.Top Takeaways"The most successful teams are those who adapt to changes in the market and the market opportunity." Teams that are true to their mission but adapt to market shifts can become durable, long-term value creators. Learning how to adapt is difficult and uncomfortable, but having a supportive team surrounding you will make it easier.  “It's about getting people together, about helping them get along.” Robin emphasizes the importance of having a good mentor in the early stages of your career who will support and push you into being a better employee and, in return, becoming a great mentor to others. The fulfillment in your career comes from enjoying the process and the relationships, not just the end result.  The value of in-person collaboration. The transition back to daily office life since COVID has proven that working remotely is efficient. Still, in-person work promotes collaboration and team building, which fosters a richer working environment and a healthier work-life balance.

Topics:The Value of Anchor Fund-of-Funds Inside-Out Fundraising The Importance of Storytelling...and so much more.Top Takeaways90% of groups fail to raise a second fund after launching their first. To overcome the difficulty in the market.  Chris emphasizes the importance of evaluating your team's experience and reputation, along with understanding economic factors to determine the support needed for your first and second funds.Focus on building a core network of trusted supporters early on. In exploring inside-out fundraising, the focus is on starting within your immediate circle rather than reaching too far outside initially. This approach prevents premature marketing efforts and advocates for patience and gradually building credibility before engaging with major organizations.Having a vision for how you tell your story is critical.  Crafting a compelling story is crucial for successful pitching. Focus on why you do what you do rather than just the data. Think like a writer, creating chapters that entice the reader to turn the page. Pay attention to the small details that make for a great narrative.

Topics:Discovering Your PurposeLessons from His DadFranchise or Start-Up: Which Way to Go?...and so much more.Top TakeawaysWhat is your “why”? As chairman and CEO of Lawn Doctor, spanning over 650 locations, Scott has the opportunity to travel the world and experience all of the different cultures of their franchisees. Connecting their narratives of life ambitions and goals with those of Scott’s father has anchored, he was able to find his personal “why” and fuel his dedication.Lessons from Dad. Scott learned valuable life lessons from his dad, who emphasized the importance of character and work ethic. Scott’s dad believed true integrity reveals itself in actions when no one's watching, a principle Scott also embraces. His dad taught him that franchise relationships and unit economics are interconnected. Scott emphasizes the importance of genuine care for franchisees and careful management of upfront costs to nurture lasting relationships.Should you franchise or start your own business? There are a few things to consider before making this decision. Scott and Jordan explore the decision-making process between franchising or starting your own business. Being honest with yourself when determining the amount of risk you are willing to take will help decide whether to franchise or to start fresh.

Topics:Who is ready for a fund in this market?How do I build momentum during fundraising?What are the Do's and Don'ts in fundraising decks and first meetings?...and so much more.Top TakeawaysStrategies for Differentiation. There's no shortcut to experience in this space. Showing up to meetings with findings is important, but showing theories while backing them up with an explanation and story will set you apart. Liz states how you can differentiate yourself by connecting with a management team and proving to them that you've done your homeworkHow to build momentum during fundraising. Maintaining stability on your team while growing your firm is key. Liz paints a clear picture of what success looks like and takes us through the steps to fundraise. She emphasizes the importance of delivering on promises and reminds us to stay within the parameters of size, sector, and purchase multiple. Key Do’s and Don'ts for Emerging Managers. Having a pitch book helps articulate who you are, what your strategies are, and the backgrounds of you and your team. Liz elaborates on her distinct initial screening approach, emphasizing understanding each individual's "why," the importance of a strong track record, and exploring diverse pathways to establish it.

Topics:Value CreationOperating SystemsTrends in Healthcare & Life Sciences...and so much more.Top TakeawaysCareers aren’t always a linear journey. Staying open to unexpected opportunities, prioritizing meaningful connections, and personal fulfillment allow you to navigate life with more flexibility. Matt advises young professionals to embrace unpredictability in their career paths, recommending a focus on strengths, motivations, and building relationships rather than fearing that their next move won’t be the right one. Mission vs. Vision. Involving the team when developing these statements is crucial to ensure authenticity and buy-in across the entire company. Jordan and Matt highlight different aspects of refining a company's mission and vision statements that will truly stand out and resonate throughout the business. Overall, their approach underscores the significance of team collaboration and ownership when crafting a mission and vision that truly guide and motivate the entire company.Candid Communication. Assumptions can be dangerous, especially in a business setting. Matt highlights the importance of over-communication and engaging in open, direct dialogue with colleagues and stakeholders. He emphasizes the value of ensuring alignment across the organization by openly sharing perspectives and actively seeking feedback to gauge agreement or disagreement. Maintaining this transparency throughout the business fosters productive partnerships among peers and achieves company goals.

Topics:Transitioning from tech to doggy daycaresPartnering with Pet Resort Hospitality Group, a PE-backed pet boarding and daycare platformTaylor’s journey with sobriety...and so much more.Top TakeawaysEmbracing sobriety. Taylor and Jordan’s conversation about alcohol and addiction emphasizes the importance of recognizing unhealthy habits and looking for balance in life. Transitioning from relying on alcohol for relaxation and celebration to embracing sobriety led Taylor to a more fulfilling and purpose-driven lifestyle. They both discuss the power of seeking help, and making tough decisions. It's possible to live a phenomenal life without alcohol.“Humans are super capable of change across every area of life.” Whether it involves a career shift, starting a business, or pursuing personal growth, Taylor believes in every human’s capacity to change and adapt, regardless of the different challenges they may face. He shares the importance of discovering the “playbook” for the area of life you want to change and following the directions. For Tayler, he serves as an example of transformative change, whether it’s transitioning professionally from technology to finding success in the doggy daycare industry or personally, during his journey to sobriety.Advantages of a PE Partnership. Taylor and his co-founder, Mike, discovered that partnering with PRHG provided them with many advantages they didn't have before. Not only did they gain access to additional capital, but they also received industry knowledge and operational support while staying involved in the day-to-day operations and pursuing their passions. This partnership seamlessly integrated Paws ‘n’ Rec into PRHG’s extensive network and experience, allowing Taylor and Mike to expand their business more efficiently than they could have on their own. The successful partnership highlights the benefits of partnering with private equity firms to grow and scale your business.

It currently costs up to $500,000 per dose for stem cell therapy. Applied StemCell is going to change that. In this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan speaks with Ruby Tsai, CEO and Co-founder at Applied StemCell, for a fascinating discussion on stem cells and how her partnership with a private equity firm - QHP - is taking ASC to the next level. Together, they discuss:How ASC is revolutionizing gene editingCurrent Cell Therapies Partnering with QHP...and so much more.Top TakeawaysAlways believe in your business. Ruby firmly believes in Applied StemCell, which led her to leave her position at Stanford University. Her faith in ASC’s potential impact and ability to save human lives truly drove her decision. While initially scared to make the jump, Ruby emphasizes the importance of believing in yourself and your businesses, sticking to your values, and having faith in your work. Highlighting the importance of pursuing what you believe in and what aligns with your values.The importance of the management system. When discussing QHP’s management system, a framework that transforms companies that are at a growth inflection point, Ruby notes "I didn't pay that much attention to it." She shares how she initially overlooked the management system, but after a week of installation training and hands-on experience, she truly understood its significance. Proper implementation of this system leads to increased productivity and effectiveness throughout a team and organization, particularly for companies at a growth inflection point. Rather than getting caught up in day-to-day operational tasks, Ruby emphasizes the importance of focusing on company strategy through the management framework. 

In this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with Kim Smith, Chief Capital Formation Officer at Andalusian Credit Partners, to discuss her new role and dive deeper into her personal story. Together, they discuss:Her Dad’s JourneyKim’s Personal Health ScareInvesting Time with Veterans...and so much more.Top TakeawaysTime is more valuable than money. Kim and Jordan stress that time holds greater value than money. While financial assistance is great, the time spent with veterans, providing support, guidance, and mentorship, is often more meaningful and impactful. They highlight that being there for veterans as mentors and coaches, listening to their experiences, and fostering personal connection and mentorship is more beneficial than any monetary donation. Advocating the importance of genuine human interaction and support in assisting veterans in their post-military journey. The importance of giving back. When looking back on her upbringing, Kim emphasizes how her parents taught her the significance of sharing blessings with others. She explains that giving back includes even the simplest gestures like sharing a smile or extending a helping hand. Self-reflection on guiding values. Reflecting on a health scare, Kim sheds light on the importance of prioritizing self-care. She shares how pushing herself too hard, both personally and professionally, nearly led to a health crisis, forcing her to reevaluate her values and priorities. This experience served as a wake-up call, not only prompting her to make a change professionally but also to be more present in her everyday life.  Through this time, she gained a newfound appreciation for life and to never take anything for granted.

In this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with Chris Antonello, Owner and Operating Partner at Plexus Capital to discuss the different aspects of deal creation, offering his insights and advice to those looking to either secure capital or structure deals. Together, they discuss:Types of Operating PartnersProfessionalizing a CompanyValue Creation After a Deal...and so much more.Top TakeawaysWhere am I going? Where do I want to be? When talking about the key questions all business owners should be asking themselves, Chris encourages them to reflect on where they currently stand and identify strategies for increasing their businesses’ value. He emphasizes the significance of not only working on the day-to-day task, but taking time to step back and evaluate the business’ worth and growth potential. “You can’t throw the ball where the guy is. You’ve got to throw the ball where the guy is going to be.” Chris uses an analogy of a quarterback throwing the ball to where the receiver will be, stressing forward-thinking in organizational setup for future success and growth. Highlighting middle market buyers expectations, Chris shows the importance of professionalizing your company and teams to boost its EBITDA and overall value.Chasing the American Dream. Chris shares the joy he finds in seeing the hard work and value creation of entrepreneurs and being able to partner with them to scale their businesses. He spotlights the importance of shared values in these partnerships and highlights the satisfaction Plexus feels from seeing the growth and success from these partnerships.

Scott Abbott, CEO of Five Star Franchising, shares insights on navigating business success and family life. Topics include post-sale challenges, finding purpose after selling a business, peer-to-peer coaching, and empowering employees. Learn about the dynamics of achieving balance as a CEO and a father, and the importance of communication in franchising.