Investors & Operators

Why treat DE&I different than any other aspect of business?On this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with Bob Greene, President & CEO of the National Association of Insurance Commissioners (NAIC). Together, they discuss:The history of the NAICThe past two years of change in discussions about DE&IHow the NAIC aims to bring change to communities across the country...and so much more.Bob Greene has been committed to community development since an early age. His professional leadership career expands across Private Equity, economics, policy advocacy, and he is a life-long member of the National Eagle Scout Association. Bob’s investment and developmental expertise have led him to being recognized on the Root 100 list for his leadership across business and his dedication to furthering diversity, equity, and inclusion in business. Bob is working hard for a future where opportunity and affluence are achievable in every community, not based solely on access, but on actual performance. Business leaders would not accept CAN’T as answer to any other problems in business, and if we want to really achieve success with DE&I, we need to: Stop accepting NO as an answer, and stop accepting CAN’T as a solution.

On this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with Kyle and Brent Pease, founders of the Kyle Pease Foundation. Together, they discuss:How Kyle became an IronmanFinishing the 2015 NYC marathon against all odds in 7 hours 30 mins (planned: 3h30m)What is the Kyle Pease Foundation and how you can help...and so much more.###The Kyle Pease Foundation was founded in 2011 by brothers Kyle & Brent Pease upon completion of their first triathlon in April of that year. Kyle wanted to share the experience of inclusion with others, so the idea of KPF was born. After a few months of work, the group received their IRS determination as a 501(c)3 not for profit organization, and off they went. In March of 2012 they supported their first athlete and the brothers, and the organization has continued to grow since then. LINK to The Kyle Pease Foundation WebsiteLINK to donation page set up by 51 Labs

On this episode of Investors & Operators, along with Jing (Co-founder, COO and wife), Jordan sits down with Caroline Young, CEO & Founder at Craftsbury Consulting, and former Partner at HKW. Together, they discuss:How to give feedbackHow firms can effectively retain their female colleagues Being a woman in an industry that is traditionally dominated by men...and so much more.###Caroline's bio Personal mission: spread light and joy to those around me and promote kindness and respect for humanity.HKW – Honored to have spent 19+ years working with incredibly talented management teams, helping to prepare businesses for a sale process, and shepherding companies through to the exit. Currently shifting my focus to HKW’s ESG (environmental, social, governance) initiatives to transition my time to a new venture... Craftsbury Consulting – Excited to be writing a new chapter doing what I love most: helping people craft their paths to a successful future by collaborating with company founders and their successors as they craft their path to a successful exit; as well as working with women on career development, thereby helping their firms in the important work of recruiting and retaining top female talent. I have successfully navigated the male-dominated world of PE and am passionate about helping other women excel in the world of finance.Board experience includes companies in: niche manufacturing, medical device, branded products, aerospace & defense, business services and energy services. Currently on the board of Kite Realty Group Trust (NYSE: KRG) and Providence Cristo Rey High School, a college and career preparatory high school that offers a transformational educational experience to students with economic need. Committee participation includes executive, governance, compensation, and audit committees. Frequent speaker at industry events and conferences on topics ranging from exit strategies to women deal makers. Proud recipient of 2019 WSJ Pro Women to know in PE.

The secret of growing a start-up by 44x in 3 years While managing two start-ups simultaneously, and starting a family, David Thorpe built Upperline Health from the ground up with a mission to disrupt specialty healthcare by bringing value-based care to narrower segments within the healthcare system. Over the past 5 years, Upperline Health branched out across 6 states, and was named the fastest growing practice out of its home base in Nashville, TN. Upperline Health's 3-year growth rate is a staggering 4,438%, and today it is the nation’s largest practice dedicated to lower extremity care with providers in AL, TN, IN, CA, FL, and GA. How did he do it? David’s work and personal life are not in conflict. He describes a love for his work and for his family that does not require him to put up arbitrary walls, nor to divide himself between the two. His compassion and dedication to delivering the highest-quality healthcare services to the community have skyrocketed Upperline Health to the top of the private sector of the healthcare industry.

“You can have everything you want, but not at the same time”What are the keys to success in the energy sector? How can you be strategic in designing an investment team?How do you balance the professional rigors of serving on a board, with family life, and participation with non-profit organizations?Patti has been a leader of capital management in the energy industry for over 35 years. When assembling a team, be prepared to hire and support the investment team for up to 2 years. It can usually take 8-10 years before the company is really profitable.Patti always remained true to placing her family first, and continues masterfully investing in the future of others, just as she has mastered investing in the future of energy. Her motto has become, “You can have it all, but maybe not all at once.” Play the long game, and don’t be afraid to pause instead of stopping something altogether.Her unparalleled drive and compassion have enabled her to balance the demands of rigorous capital management along with the challenges of being a mother. Her loyalty and commitment to her family led her to found the Joy School, which now helps deliver specialized education to over 150 children with learning disabilities. Patti started EIV Capital at 49 years old, and has no intention of retiring anytime soon. As Managing Partner and Co-founder of EIV Capital, Patti routinely oversees investments in the hundreds of millions of dollars, all while remaining environmentally conscious, and working to create better opportunities for the future. She is an inspiration, and she will continue to be a leader in the energy industry for many years to come.

(DWYSYWD)Do What You Said You Would DoMichael Painter is Co-Founder and Managing Partner of Plexus Capital based out of Raleigh, NC. Plexus Capital was established in 2005 and has rapidly risen under the strategic leadership of Michael and his team. In 2016, Plexus Capital raised over $400 million in support of establishing its fourth investment fund. In 2020, they established a fifth fund with over $500 million raised. At that same time, Plexus Capital managed over 1.1 billion dollars invested across 115 small businesses.Today, Plexus Capital has raised over $1.5 billion and manages a portfolio of 131 investments across its five funds. With Michael Painter’s expertise and strategic vision as Board of Governors Chair for the Small Business Investor Alliance (SBIA), Plexus Capital has grown to 32 top-tier professionals and has supported the growth and development of over 125 small businesses. The culture of respect and excellence that he reinforces strengthened the business and has earned its reputation as a reliable firm that inspires growth. Michael exemplifies these qualities, and represents all leaders who “do what you said you would do.”

How do you bring new leadership into your organization? How do you develop and maintain the culture within your organization? Walt Freese, the former CEO of world-renowned ice cream and dominant incumbent, Ben & Jerry’s, gave his perspective on bringing new talent into an organization. He described the belief carried by many organizations which focus too much on specific qualifications and past experiences of candidates, instead of focusing on where those candidates might be in the next decade. Experience is important, but effective leadership skillsets require experience in leadership positions. Treat it like hiring athletes, looking for potential, long-term growth, and the combined natural talent and training. Speaking of leadership, in addition to executive-level leadership across numerous global businesses, Walt is a mentor for veterans separating from the military. As a top-tier leader, Walt works directly with elite military special operations personnel as part of The Honor Foundation (THF). Through his mentorship, special operations veterans are able to step out of uniform, and into influential positions in the business world that stand to benefit from their experience and unique mindsets. Walt Freese takes teamwork and culture very seriously. The magic of teamwork is built on open dialogue. High-performing teams demonstrate a willingness to communicate and discuss the difficult, or more challenging aspects of a situation. The culture of a company needs to be based in real metrics, and with virtues that align with the mission. When you have created this virtuous circle, you have created a lasting culture within your organization.

On this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with TOM WELLS, Managing Partner & Co-Founder, 10 Point Capital. Together, they discuss:Leadership in the restaurant industry and leading franchisors Managing a largely transient workforce and developing leaders who have a passion for the industryDeveloping and using processes to manage the business ...and so much more.*****TOM WELLS focuses on partnering with visionary founders and operating executives to build dominant franchise brands. He is an investor in Tropical Smoothie Cafe, Slim Chickens, Phenix Salon Suites, Walk-On's Sports Bistreaux. Tom has over 10 years of private equity experience investing in a variety of industries and branded businesses. He focuses on building strong brands that resonate with customers, believing that is critical to the long-term success of a company.Tom currently serves on the Board of Directors for Phenix Salon Suites and Walk-On’s Sports Bistreaux. Tom is also on the franchise team at BIP Capital. Prior to joining BIP Capital, he worked for Century Park Capital Partners, a Los Angeles based private equity group focused on the lower middle market. Additionally, Tom previously worked in the San Francisco office of Harris Williams & Co, a leading middle market investment bank.10 Point Capital is a private equity firm based in Atlanta, Georgia that invests in franchisors with the potential to become dominant brands. Tapping into more than 75 years of combined experience in the franchise industry, the 10 Point Capital team has deep knowledge of investing in and operating both franchisors and franchisees. The firm has invested in more than 40 franchise transactions, have been franchisees for seven concepts, and have worked for four franchisors.

On this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with MARC CABRERA, Co-Head, Healthcare Investment Banking at Oppenheimer & Co. Inc. Together, they discuss:The less obvious industry trends physician owners should knowHaving SOPs for small businesses and teams How being a banker is like being a triathlete...and so much more.***MARC CABRERA has 30 years of investment banking experience having closed 150 transactions valued at more than $20 billion. Marc has spent the last decade leading Oppenheimer's Healthcare Services Group where he leads a team of 12 investment bankers, who are industry sector experts, trusted advisors and experienced transaction specialists. He has dedicated his career to this field and loves the fact that much of what they are involved with represents the cutting edge of healthcare. The health provider world is undergoing dramatic changes caused by changing payment models, new technologies, changing patient preferences and a significant challenge to the status quo of many legacy healthcare services models. They are most focused on adding value to their client relationships and are often able to do that from their first conversation.

On this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with KEVIN STARK, Director of Coaching at Arena Labs. Together, they discuss:Kevin’s experience as a “slow” endurance athlete Tough moments and how to handle them The 80/20 Rule ...and so much more.***KEVIN STARK is a 22-year Navy SEAL veteran, endurance athlete, and performance coach. As the Director of Coaching for Arena Labs, Kevin leverages his expertise to bring the tools, frameworks, and resources of high-performance cultures to the nurses, doctors, and administrators serving on the frontlines of healthcare. Kevin is passionate about helping others create and walk a path of meaning and excellence through the actualization of purpose and values and has developed coaching programs and curriculum to help clinicians flourish despite the pressures of the modern medical environment.Prior to joining Arena Labs, Kevin served as a Navy SEAL for 22 years. His most recent role was on a Naval Special Warfare Unit as a team leader in a rapid innovation group. In this role, he led and coordinated the activities of a diverse team of SEALs, explosive ordinance technicians, pilots, engineers, and national-level labs in the experimentation, adaptation, and acquisition of cutting-edge technologies in direct support of national defense priorities.As a SEAL, Kevin deployed overseas multiple times in support of US National Defense Strategy, led SEAL training as the senior instructor, managed the US Naval Academy SEAL candidate selection process, and served as team leader in a purpose-built innovation cell. In total, Kevin has either trained, coached, or mentored nearly 10,000 SEAL candidates and US Naval Academy Midshipmen through some of the world’s most demanding selection courses. Two of his fondest adventures were leading a group of Naval Academy students to the summit of Mount Kilimanjaro and another group on a multi-day trek to Patagonia.At his core, Kevin is passionate about tapping into the inner strength we all possess to turn obstacle into opportunity. Kevin values honor, integrity, determination, respect for others, and believes that reaching our edge is only the beginning of what we are capable of. He has completed expedition length adventure races, rock and alpine climbs, and 100-mile ultramarathons. He received an MBA and an MS (Special Operations) from the Naval Postgraduate School and is a NASM Certified Personal Trainer.Most importantly, Kevin is a proud husband and father to three children. As a family, they enjoy learning, seeing new places, spending quality time together, and surviving until the kids’ bedtime.