Join us as Rob Konrad, co-founder of Alterna Equity Partners, shares his journey from NFL athlete to private equity leader. Rob discusses how experiences from sports influence his investment strategies and success in building businesses.Episode Highlights:1:05 - Rob recounts his early fascination with economics and football during his upbringing in Boston.4:14 - The transition from college football at Syracuse University to a career in the NFL.6:51 - Rob reflects on the crucial role of leadership and preparation learned from sports.14:05 - Hear the extraordinary story of survival and resilience during Rob’s unexpected boat accident.29:12 - A look into value creation strategies at Alterna Equity Partners.39:05 - The significance of OKRs and aligning interests for achieving strategic objectives.For more information on Alterna Equity Partners, go to https://www.alternaequitypartners.com/For more information on Rob Konrad, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/rlk44For more information on...

Explore the role of digital innovation in private equity with Nik Kapauan, Managing Director at Access Holdings. Host Sean Mooney, founder and CEO of BluWave, delves into how Access Holdings applies digital strategies and value creation to enhance middle-market businesses. Learn about Nik's shift from strategy consulting to leading initiatives at Access Holdings, the development of the Access Acceleration Center, and the impact of these efforts on the private equity landscape.Episode Highlights:1:19 - Nik's transition from strategy consulting to impactful work in private equity.4:07 - The importance of strategy consulting experience in private equity.8:10 - How Access Holdings identifies and assesses investment opportunities.14:00 - Enhancing portfolio companies with the Access Acceleration Center's digital and data capabilities.25:15 - Key value creation strategies in today's market.39:54 - Nik shares a personal life hack for managing energy and time effectively.For more information...

Explore strategic exits and sustained growth in private equity with Doug McCormick of HCI Equity Partners and Lloyd Metz of ICV Partners. This special crossover episode delves into optimal timing for selling companies, the significance of building durable business models, and prioritizing long-term value. Learn how private equity navigates exit complexities, the importance of early strategic initiatives, and innovative exit strategies like partnership deals and continuation vehicles.Episode Highlights:02:13 - Impact of timing exits on value creation.06:00 - Market consolidation and leadership in exit opportunities.14:22 - Innovative exit strategies: partnership deals and continuation vehicles.19:45 - Returning capital and providing optionality for companies.34:57 - Preparing for a sale and avoiding pitfalls in the exit process.To listen to the Best But Never Final podcast, go to https://bestbutneverfinal.buzzsprout.com/For more information about ICV Partners, go to...

"Elements of Value in Private Equity: Advanced Insights from Industry Leaders" offers a comprehensive look into the critical factors that define successful private equity investments. Host Sean Mooney, CEO of BluWave, is joined by industry experts Susan Soh (GrowthCurve), Cory Eaves (BayPine), Jessica Ginsberg (LFM Capital), Troy Phillips (BPOC), and Joe McIlhattan and Ami Mehta (Periscope Equity). Together, they unravel the complexities of value creation, focusing on data's impact, leadership effectiveness, compliance in healthcare, and the transformative role of technology.Episode Highlights:01:36 - Susan Soh discusses data utilization and growth in middle-market businesses.06:43 - Cory Eaves focuses on leadership, strategy clarity, and product maturity.12:41 - Jessica Ginsberg delves into competitive advantages, growth strategies, and investor fit.16:30 - Troy Phillips highlights operational compliance, management depth, and customer quality.20:50 - Joe McIlhattan and Ami Mehta...

Explore leadership and culture in private equity with Joelle Marquis, President of Arsenal Capital Partners. Host Sean Mooney and Joelle discuss the critical role of human capital in the industry, offering insights into Arsenal Capital's approach to fostering talent and building a culture of excellence.Episode Highlights:01:30 - Joelle's entry into private equity and her career growth.02:40 - The importance of leadership and culture in business growth.08:24 - Evaluating companies through talent, strategic alignment, and partnership.16:03 - Arsenal's culture of genuine partnership and servant leadership.18:46 - Keeping strategic alignment and recalibrating for success.22:01 - Leadership, culture, and their impact on organizational success.26:48 - Differentiating human resources and human capital.33:05 - Life hacks for organizational success: the "three knock rule" and positive intent.Links:For more on Arsenal Capital Partners, visit https://www.arsenalcapital.com/.For more on Joelle...

Explore BluWave's Q3 2024 PE insights report with Sean Mooney, BluWave's Founder and CEO. This episode unpacks the latest trends, strategies, and predictions shaping the private equity landscape. Learn about the competitive dynamics, team retention strategies, and the focus on growth initiatives that are setting the stage for a breakout in 2025.Episode Highlights:00:00 - Introduction and overview of BluWave's Q3 2024 PE insights report.01:19 - Exploring competitive tension in private equity and strategies for creating alpha.02:36 - Analyzing current deal market dynamics and predictions for 2025.03:26 - Strategies for team retention and top grading within PE firms.08:39 - The surge in growth strategy initiatives and their future implications.15:10 - The emerging role of data science in private equity and industry predictions.To request the Q3 2024 Private Equity Insights Report, go to https://www.bluwave.net/insights-report.

Join Sean Mooney in this episode of the Karma School of Business as he sits down with Mike Rubel, Managing Partner at RFE Investment Partners. With a career that spans from the bustling floors of investment banking to the strategic realm of private equity, Mike shares his journey into an industry where personal connections and market dynamics play a pivotal role. This conversation delves into Mike's early experiences at Harris Williams, his brief exploration of the hedge fund world, and his ultimate passion for the personal nature of private equity. Listen as Mike discusses the importance of finding unique companies, nurturing talent, and the critical role of culture in driving success within portfolio companies.Episode Highlights:1:03 - Welcome and introduction to Mike Rubel's unique path to private equity.5:17 - Exploring Mike Rubel's naval family tradition and its influence on his career.10:14 - The significance of finding unique companies in traditional industries.18:38 - Mike...