Investors & Operators

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.

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.