Karma School

Episode 023

Q2 Snapshot: Key Findings from BluWave’s Private Equity Insights Report

Listen as Sean Mooney discusses private equity findings from the Q2 2023 BluWave Insights Report. The report uncovers how private equity firms are taking action, securing safety and finding success. In this episode, Sean discusses:

1:02 - Why value creation is surging
3:33 - Cooling activity on human capital
4:32 - Growing activity across other value creation sectors
5:12 - The trend toward data and AI
6:30 - An update on 2023 predictions

To download the full report, go to www.bluwave.net/insights-report/.
EPISODE TRANSCRIPT
THE BUSINESS BUILDER’S PODCAST

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Episode 063

Private Equity Spotlight: Formulating Wins in Specialized Sectors with Doug Horn

In this episode of the "Karma School of Business Podcast," host Sean Mooney welcomes back Doug Horn, Managing Director at Clairvest, for an in-depth discussion on the evolving landscape of private equity. With over 30 years in the industry and a focus on partnering with owner-operators and entrepreneurs, Clairvest has carved out a niche for itself by specializing in minority or non-control investments. Doug shares insights into Clairvest's approach to identifying investment opportunities, the importance of industry focus, and the art of value creation through strategic partnerships.

Episode Highlights:

1:34 - Reintroduction to Doug Horn: Doug provides a brief overview of Clairvest's philosophy and his role in the firm, emphasizing the company's long-standing commitment to backing entrepreneurs.

4:13 - Clairvest's Investment Criteria: Doug outlines the five key criteria Clairvest considers when evaluating potential investments: industry, company, management, timing, and price, offering a glimpse into the firm's strategic approach.

6:34 - Narrowing the Investment Focus: Discussion on how Clairvest narrows its focus to specific industry domains, enabling a deeper understanding and more meaningful partnerships with portfolio companies.

9:27 - Developing Industry Expertise: Doug shares the process Clairvest undergoes to become experts in chosen domains, including attending conferences, conducting research, and building networks within the industry.

14:08 - The Importance of Domain Expertise in Value Creation: Exploring how Clairvest's focused approach and deep industry knowledge contribute to successful value creation and investment outcomes.

17:05 - Case Study - Aerospace and Defense Investment: Doug provides a case study of Clairvest's investment in Nextech Solutions, highlighting how industry insights and strategic focus led to a successful partnership.

22:04 - Balancing Knowledge and Opportunity: A discussion on the balance between developing industry expertise and being open to new investment opportunities, emphasizing the dynamic nature of Clairvest's investment strategy.

26:48 - Impact of Focus on Success: Doug reflects on how Clairvest's focused approach has not only enhanced the firm's ability to source and secure investments but also bolstered its reputation and success in the private equity landscape.

30:14 - Advice to Younger Self: Doug shares a personal insight, drawing an analogy from tennis to life and business, emphasizing the importance of not holding on too tightly and the benefits of flexibility and adaptability.

For more information on Clairvest, go to https://www.clairvest.com/
For more information on Doug Horn, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/horndouglas/
For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/

This episode offers a deep dive into the strategies that have propelled Clairvest to the forefront of the private equity industry, providing valuable lessons for both investors and entrepreneurs alike. Doug Horn's experience and insights shed light on the importance of industry focus, strategic partnerships, and the continuous pursuit of knowledge in driving successful investments.

PE Firms
Deal Team
Due Diligence

Episode 062

Private Equity Spotlight: Building Future Leaders with Bob Belke

In this episode of the "Karma School of Business Podcast," host Sean Mooney engages in a captivating discussion with Bob Belke, Managing Partner at Lovell Minnick Partners. From a small town in Northern Wisconsin to the forefront of the private equity industry, Bob shares his unique journey and the lessons learned along the way. This conversation delves deep into the evolution of private equity, the significance of specialized focus, and the art of value creation in today’s competitive landscape.

Episode Highlights:

1:06 - Bob's Path into Private Equity: Tracing Bob’s steps from his beginnings in a small town to his pivotal role in shaping Lovell Minnick Partners, this segment explores the motivations and challenges that defined his entry into the private equity world.

4:33 - Tenacity and Vision: Bob reflects on the importance of persistence and having a clear goal, emphasizing how determination has been key to his success in the private equity industry.

6:00 - An Unexpected Achievement: Bob shares a surprising personal milestone - winning the state of Wisconsin spelling bee and participating in the National Spelling Bee, underscoring the value of hard work and preparation.

9:46 - Identifying Potential in Companies: Bob discusses what Lovell Minnick Partners looks for in potential investments, highlighting the importance of a focused strategy, operational potential, and the transformative impact of private equity partnership.

15:03 - Empowering CEOs and Building Teams: Insights into how Lovell Minnick Partners collaborates with CEOs and management teams to unlock growth and drive success, emphasizing the transformative changes that often occur within portfolio companies.

19:26 - Technology and Finance Function: Bob elaborates on the critical roles of technology and finance in value creation, sharing how Lovell Minnick Partners leverages expertise in these areas to enhance portfolio companies’ growth and operational efficiency.

22:20 - The State of the Private Equity Industry: Bob offers his perspective on the current state and future challenges of the private equity industry, including the importance of value creation and the potential impact of shifting capital flows.

33:35 - Life Lessons and Book Recommendations: Bob shares impactful book recommendations, including "Die With Zero" and "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari," offering insights into living a fulfilling life and the power of positive thinking.

For more information on Lovell Minnick, go to www.lmpartners.com.
For more information on Bob Belke, go to www.linkedin.com/in/robert-belke-a480a74a.
For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to www.bluwave.net/podcasts.

This episode provides a comprehensive look into Bob Belke’s journey and the strategic insights that have guided Lovell Minnick Partners through the evolving landscape of private equity. Whether you're an investor, an entrepreneur, or someone interested in the dynamics of successful business growth and personal development, Bob’s story and the wisdom shared in this conversation offer valuable lessons and inspiration.

PE Firms
Deal Team
Value Creation

Episode 061

Private Equity Spotlight: From Lending to Leading with Gretchen Perkins

In this episode of the "Karma School of Business Podcast," host Sean Mooney sits down with Gretchen Perkins, Partner and Head of Business Development at Avance Investment Management, for an illuminating discussion on her unique journey into the private equity world. Gretchen shares insights from her transition from commercial lending to a pivotal role in shaping the business development landscape within private equity. This conversation delves into the evolution of the private equity industry, highlighting how specialized roles like business development have become crucial in driving firms' success.

Episode Highlights:

0:54 - Gretchen's Entry into Private Equity: Gretchen recounts her path from commercial lending to becoming a trailblazer in private equity business development, emphasizing the serendipity and strategic networking that propelled her career forward.
6:02 - Learning from the Best: Discover how Gretchen honed her business development skills by shadowing industry pioneers, underscoring the importance of mentorship and community within private equity.
9:12 - Personal Influences: Gretchen reflects on how her upbringing as a minister's daughter and her mother's community involvement instilled in her the values of leadership and networking that have defined her professional ethos.
14:21 - Identifying Investment Opportunities: Gretchen discusses Avance Investment Management's thematic approach to investing, focusing on sectors with strong growth potential and management teams that exhibit coachability and vision.
24:17 - Value Creation and Team Dynamics: Explore Avance's strategic use of specialized functions, including research and human capital, to enhance portfolio companies' growth and operational efficiency from the outset.
27:21 - Navigating Market Trends: Gretchen shares her perspective on seizing value creation opportunities across various sectors by leveraging Avance's thematic investment strategy and operational expertise.
31:45 - Life Hacks for Balance and Efficiency: Gretchen offers personal insights into the benefits of meditation for managing stress and enhancing focus, as well as a practical tip for optimizing travel planning through Google Flights.

For more information on Avance Investment Management, go to www.avanceinv.com
For more information on Gretchen Perkins, go to www.linkedin.com/in/gretchenbperkins
For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to www.bluwave.net/podcasts

This episode provides a comprehensive look at Gretchen Perkins' journey and contributions to the private equity industry, offering valuable lessons on business development, strategic investment, and personal growth. Whether you're a seasoned investor, an aspiring private equity professional, or simply interested in the mechanics of successful business strategies, Gretchen's story and insights offer inspiration and actionable advice.

PE Firms
CEOs
Value Creation

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