Investors & Operators

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.

On this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with JAY HEWITT, Pastor at Friends Church Orange. Together, they discuss:On his first day of radiotherapy and chemotherapy in August 2019, it was the first day he started his Ironman trainingWhat faith means to him and his path of re-finding faithHow to be the best version of yourself in the different roles you play in life ...and so much more.

On this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with BRIAN BANK, Strategy and Client Development, Investment Funds Group at Kirkland & Ellis LLP. Together, they discuss:What LPs want from emerging manager pitchesThe importance of communications The ups and downs of being an emerging manager...and so much more.BRIAN BANK is a partner-level, client-facing non-lawyer within Kirkland and Ellis's Investment Funds Group, the largest and most active private equity focused law firm globally. His practice represents over 700 investment managers and has assisted his clients in raising over $1.4 trillion in the last 4 years. Leveraging over 20 years in the PE, VC, and alternative investment industry as a limited partner and a placement agent, Brian provides Kirkland's funds clients strategic and tactical advice/expertise on firm formation and launch, fundraising, LP matters, investor relations, marketing, LP communications, and other commercial/non-legal topics. As part of Kirkland's business development team, Brian has worked with over 50 clients and has either been solely responsible or contributed to 50+ new clients leading to nearly $100M+ in incremental revenue.Prior to Kirkland, Brian led US PE origination for First Avenue Partners, a UK-based placement agent. From February 2011 to March 2015, he managed and led the Advanced Capital Intelligence Funds, an investment platform created by Aspiriant, serving as both Director of Investor Relations and as Director of Private Equity. In these roles, he was the subject matter expert for all investments and was responsible for managing $500m+ of assets. From 2000-2010, Brian oversaw US PE and VC fund Investments and co-Investments for a UK-based investment company. During this period, he was solely responsible for sourcing, conducting due diligence, and managing GP commitments and relationships. Additionally, he identified and executed co-investments. Prior to 2000, Brian spent three years with E&Y Management Consulting. Among his engagements, he managed all divestiture-related activities of an $8 Billion division of a Fortune 25 company completing a corporate carve-out, managed the current state assessment of a 3,500 person administrative support division of a major international services firm, and managed a sourcing/supplier analysis for a health care client consolidating greater than 30 purchasing organizations from 37 separate facilities and greater than $500 million in annual procurement.

On this episode of Investors & Operators, Jordan sits down with JIM MAHONEY, Managing Partner at Huron Capital. Together, they discuss:how to utilize core values in a unique wayleading and incentivizing a team in 2022record highs at Huron Capital...and so much more.JIM MAHONEY is the Managing Partner of Huron Capital. In addition to sourcing, evaluating, executing and managing investments, Jim is responsible for setting strategy and managing the operations of the firm. Jim is a member of the firm’s Investment Committee.His experience includes mergers and acquisitions, equity and debt financings and restructurings for middle market businesses across a variety of industries. Prior to joining Huron Capital in 2007, Jim was with Conway MacKenzie, Inc., a boutique firm focused on restructurings and special situations. Prior to Conway, Jim was an investment banker with Robert W. Baird & Co. Although his experience covers a range of industries, he is focused primarily on niche segments within the business services space, including facility, infrastructure, and utility services.B.A. in Economics and Political Science from Villanova University; M.B.A. from The University of Chicago Booth School of Business with concentrations in Finance and Accounting.Jim has served on over a dozen Huron Capital portfolio company boards, currently serving as Director of Albireo Energy, Sciens Building Solutions, Sunland Asphalt and Construction, TriStruX and Pure Dental Brands.