Investors & Operators

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.

In this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with Jeanne Hecht, CEO & Executive Chairwoman of Lexitas. With over 25 years of professional experience, Jeanne brings a wealth of knowledge in all things life science, pharma, and healthcare IT. In this episode, she shares the invaluable lessons she’s learned during her tenure as a board member of 17 diverse companies. Together, they discuss:The Management System’s ImpactLessons in Team ManagementA Board Member’s Role...and so much more.Top TakeawaysPatterns. Insights. Action. Jeanne suggests shifting focus from 50+ data slide decks to emphasizing patterns, insights, and actionable steps during your next board presentation. Presenting these key elements allow for board members to actively contribute to problem-solving and offer valuable recommendations, fostering a more productive and collaborative meeting. Know your employees strengths. Whether they excel in people-building, finance, interviewing, industry knowledge, or mentoring, aligning their strengths with appropriate job placement significantly enhances their effectiveness. Jeanne emphasizes the importance in building these connections to ensure a more successful and impactful approach when placing employees into different roles and management positions.

In this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with Fred Malloy, Managing Director of Harken Capital. Fred Malloy, Co-Founder and Managing Director of Harken Capital, has over 15 years of experience in private equity and raising funds I through III. In this episode, he walks us through his background at Harken Capital and everything about first-time funds and emerging managers. Together, they discuss:First-Time Funds Fundraising Do’s and Don’tsFirst-Time Funds Fundraising Checklist...and so much more.Top TakeawaysDon’t launch until you're ready. Fred highlights the importance of having a strong team, a solid track record, and a refined strategy in place before launching your first fund. Even if it means delaying by a couple months or even a year, it is better to have a well-defined strategy before launching to ensure your fund’s long-term success.Keep the flow of good news. “You’re not going to get the fund raised on today’s news.” Fred emphasizes that securing funding is not based on the current narrative of your firm but on what it looks like 6 months from now. He suggests that following up with continuous good news is crucial for a first-time fund’s success. Build meaningful relationships. Harken Capital has been able to better connect with future partners by sending video updates rather than generic email blasts. Fred shares his successes and emphasizes the importance of putting in that extra effort, even if it requires a bit more work. It’s valuable in breaking through the noise and establishing meaningful connections.

On this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with Caroline Young, CEO & Founder of Craftsbury Consulting. With 20+ years of private equity experience, Caroline has been a driving force in hundreds of successful exits. In this podcast, she walks us through her extensive career in private equity and shares how she transitioned that experience to found Craftsbury Consulting. Together, they discuss:Career Development Advice to Women in Finance Management Presentation CoachingStrategic Approaches to Exit Planning...and so much more.Top TakeawaysDefining success at different life stages. Whether it's excelling in a career, finding work-life balance, or maintaining meaningful connections, Caroline emphasizes the importance of redefining success based on your current life stage. Success isn't a one-size-fits-all achievement but requires continuous reflection and transformation.Treat challenges as opportunities. Caroline emphasizes a positive mindset towards challenges, viewing them as opportunities for growth and learning. By reframing difficulties as chances to overcome obstacles, she highlights the transformative power of embracing adversity especially in the entrepreneurial journey.