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In this episode of Private Markets 360°, we welcome Matt Harvey, Global Head of Middle Market Direct Lending at PGIM. Matt discusses the dynamic landscape of private credit, explaining PGIM's core philosophy. He highlighted the importance of their geographic allocation strategy, the evolving investor ecosystem and the necessity of educating increasingly sophisticated clients. More S&P Global Content: 2026 Private Equity and Venture Capital Outlook Report S&P Global, Cambridge Associates, Mercer Private Markets Performance Analytics Credits: Host/Author: Chris Sparenberg and Jocelyn Lewis Guests: Matt Harvey, PGIM Producer: Georgina Lee
In this episode, Scott Moran, President, Sutker Moran Business Consulting & CFO Services, discusses the growing demand for outsourced CFO leadership, the impact of CPA shortages and AI on finance teams, and how middle market companies can access strategic financial expertise without building oversized internal teams.
The mid-market is where tech decisions get dangerous. You are big enough that uptime, security, and delivery speed matter every day, but you are not big enough to burn cash on massive consulting retainers or absorb the fallout from a shaky vendor. That “valley in the middle” is exactly where David Robinson lives, and it is why he built Stratos Development Group to offer right-fit technical leadership, managed services, and software development that feels structured without being out of reach. We walk through David's journey from building early electronic medical record software in healthcare to leading engineering at a venture-backed startup, and then into entrepreneurship. From there, we get practical about what mid-market teams actually struggle with: competitors using the same licensed infrastructure, product roadmaps hijacked by one or two big customers, and the need to own real intellectual property and architecture to keep a competitive edge. For payments, fintech, and ISO leaders, the conversation goes deep on what Stratos is seeing right now: consolidation, tougher differentiation, and the technical friction that can make or break net-new deals. David shares how ISOs can approach technology enablement and custom integrations, plus the bigger opportunity of moving from ISO to ISV. If you already have a book of business, you also have a built-in feedback loop, faster validation, and a clearer path to launching software that your clients will actually pay for. We also tackle AI and the “vibe coding” era, including why agentic development can boost productivity but cannot shortcut PCI, SOC, or HIPAA compliance. If you want to modernize safely and win in a more competitive market, this one is for you.
In this episode, Scott Moran, President, Sutker Moran Business Consulting & CFO Services, discusses the growing demand for outsourced CFO leadership, the impact of CPA shortages and AI on finance teams, and how middle market companies can access strategic financial expertise without building oversized internal teams.
In this episode of Voices in Leadership, host Melissa Andrews, president and CEO of LeadingAge Virginia, talks with Laura Lamb and Megan Bradford of Episcopal Retirement Services (ERS) about the organization's evolution and its growing commitment to serving older adults across the full economic continuum. The conversation explores ERS's 75-year history, its expansion from a single retirement community to a multi-state organization with life plan communities, affordable living campuses, and community-based programs including Meals on Wheels and memory support services.Laura and Megan also discuss ERS's focus on serving the “middle market” — older adults who have too many resources to qualify for affordable housing but not enough to access traditional life plan communities. They explain how personal family experiences helped shape the initiative and outline ERS's approach, including no entrance fees, service coordination instead of heavy staffing models, and pricing designed to remain attainable for middle-income older adults. The episode also highlights ERS's servant leadership culture, emphasis on internal growth and promotions, the importance of strategic partnerships, and why providers should stop simply “musing” about middle market solutions and start testing new models in their own communities.Voices in Leadership is produced by Association Briefings.
O que 25 anos dentro de uma mesma instituição ensinam sobre liderança, transformação e construção de carreira?No novo episódio do Mind Asset, recebemos Fabio Villa, diretor responsável pelas operações de Middle Market, Corporate Banking, Multinacionais e Tech & Related Companies no Itaú BBA. Com uma trajetória que se mistura com a própria transformação do Itaú BBA, ele compartilha os momentos que impulsionaram sua carreira e o que aprendeu liderando times em períodos de mudança.A conversa também passa pela parceria entre o Itaú BBA e a Itaú Asset, os desafios de manter o engajamento do time em cenários de incerteza e o que é essencial para construir relacionamentos duradouros com clientes.
Jeff and Jim welcome back Robert Snodgrass, Principal at RSM, for a deep dive into the RSM Middle Market Business Index cybersecurity report. The conversation covers the confidence gap facing middle market organizations, why digital identity remains undervalued despite being the primary attack surface, non-human identity governance, flat cybersecurity budgets, risk framework adoption, and what good incident response preparedness actually looks like. The episode wraps with a spirited Bitcoin Pizza Day toppings debate.Connect with Robert: https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-snodgrass-7a199412/Review the RSM US Middle Market Business Index Special Report on Cybersecurity 2026: https://rsmus.com/middle-market/cybersecurity-mmbi.html?cmpid=ola:45559-idac:bb01IDPro new member discount: https://idpro.org/idac/Connect with us on LinkedIn:Jim McDonald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jimmcdonaldpmp/Jeff Steadman: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffsteadman/Visit the show on the web at http://idacpodcast.comTIMESTAMPS00:00:00 Introduction and Scatter Spider social engineering discussion00:04:00 IDPro discount code and upcoming conferences00:06:26 Guest intro: Robert Snodgrass and the MMBI report00:09:05 Defining the modern middle market00:12:00 The confidence gap: 96% confident, 18% breached00:15:04 Why attackers log in and top identity investment priorities00:19:00 Why only 23% of leaders prioritize digital identity00:22:00 Internal partnerships as the path to identity program success00:25:10 AI, shadow AI, and non-human identity risks00:31:00 NHI governance at scale: 45 to 1 ratio00:34:50 Cybersecurity budget realities in the middle market00:39:00 EU regulation and top-line cybersecurity drivers00:42:03 NIST CSF adoption and risk framework value00:46:00 Incident response planning: the two-minute drill00:52:16 Bitcoin Pizza Day and closing thoughtsKEYWORDSidentity security, middle market, cybersecurity, MMBI, RSM, Robert Snodgrass, phishing-resistant MFA, non-human identities, NHI, shadow AI, incident response, NIST CSF, IAM, identity governance, ransomware, tabletop exercises, digital identity, cybersecurity budget, identity program, IDAC, Identity at the Center, Jeff Steadman, Jim McDonald
The UK is at the forefront of market headlines amid a political crisis and record gilt yields. In this episode of the Credit Crunch podcast, host Mahesh Bhimalingam, Bloomberg Intelligence's global head of credit strategy, discusses how credit remains a safe haven in every crisis with Boris Okuliar, chief strategy officer and head of global diversified credit at Corinthia Global Management. They dig deep into the middle-market and private credit universe, covering deal profiles, spread premiums, typical leverage structures, fees and expected investor returns. They also discuss deal quality, expected holding periods, exit strategies and the role of traded credit within portfolios.
In this episode, Scott Becker examines how Blackstone and KKR are evolving into fee-driven giants with massive inflows and diversified revenue streams, while lower and middle market private equity firms remain heavily dependent on deal exits for returns.
In this episode, Scott Becker examines how Blackstone and KKR are evolving into fee-driven giants with massive inflows and diversified revenue streams, while lower and middle market private equity firms remain heavily dependent on deal exits for returns.
Welcome back to the Alt Goes Mainstream podcast.Today's episode unpacks the nuances of the middle market investing landscape with an industry expert who spearheads one of the leading middle market investment platforms.We sat down in Bridgepoint's London office with Partner and Chief Investment Officer Xavier Robert.Xavier is a Partner of Bridgepoint and Chief Investment Officer, where he's been a member of the firm for almost 28 years. He is a member of the Firm's Group Management Committee and Investment Advisory Committee. He currently sits on the boards of MiQ, Kyriba, and Qualitest. He was previously a Board Member and Chair of the Remuneration Committee at eFront, which the firm sold to BlackRock. Prior to joining Bridgepoint, he worked at Total and Ernst & Young.Xavier and I had a fascinating and nuanced discussion about why the middle market is a compelling segment in the market and how Bridgepoint has expanded across asset classes. We discussed:How Bridgepoint's origins as part of NatWest Banking Group helped to shape the firm's early days as an independent investment platform.The “entrepreneurial story” of Bridgepoint.The story of Bridgepoint's IPO and how everyone from the CEO to the receptionist all had shares in the company pre-IPO.The importance of being local in markets across Europe but operating as a single team.The expansion of Bridgepoint's platform across credit, infrastructure, and secondaries.Why Europe, why now.Why the middle market is an attractive segment for investment.Sizing up the middle market investment opportunity and how the size and scale of middle market companies provide investors with more control of exit outcomes.What drives returns in the middle market.Why and how Bridgepoint has approached working with the wealth channel.Thanks Xavier for coming on the show to share your wisdom, expertise, and passion for private markets, investing, and the European mid-market.Show Notes00:00 Welcome and Setting00:36 Bridgepoint Origins02:14 Team Culture Ownership03:33 Platform Full Circle04:06 Partnering With Founders06:06 Why Middle Market08:29 Exits and Market Shifts10:12 Value Creation Playbook12:07 Bridgepoint Competitive Edge14:05 Europe Local Advantage16:15 Europe Returns Misconceptions17:26 US Firms and Competition18:29 Geopolitics and Expansion19:57 Middle East Growth Story20:45 Wealth Channel Strategy21:48 Why Private Markets Win22:25 Responsible Access For Wealth23:11 Building An Evergreen Platform25:40 Why Combine Infra And PE28:35 Evergreen Deal Allocation30:42 Scaling Funds Without Dilution32:41 Kyriba Deal Lessons36:34 What Excites Middle Market37:45 Building Asset Management Today39:27 Global Middle Market Ambition40:49 Full Circle Closing Thoughts* Note: This episode was originally recorded in January 2026.
Investor Fuel Real Estate Investing Mastermind - Audio Version
In this insightful interview, Mike Zane, principal of Lexcraft Advisors, shares his journey from corporate finance to founding a niche advisory firm specializing in middle-market private real estate. Discover how his expertise helps clients navigate complex transactions, optimize asset repositioning, and prepare for macroeconomic shifts impacting the real estate sector. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind: Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply Investor Machine Marketing Partnership: Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true 'white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com Coaching with Mike Hambright: Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a "mini-mastermind" with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming "Retreat", either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas "Big H Ranch"? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform! Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/ New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club —--------------------
In this podcast, Lord Abbett Managing Director Juli Van Hook discusses her team's approach to the discipline of sourcing and structuring direct loans to businesses—and what she sees in the market today.
In the latest episode of the TMA Chicago/Midwest Podcast, host and Katten Restructuring Partner Paul Musser sits down with Novo Advisors Managing Partner and Founder Sandeep Gupta. They discuss Sandeep's "accidental" arrival into restructuring, his entrepreneurial mindset and its influence on his turnaround and restructuring work, the nuances of working with closely held, family-owned businesses versus private-equity sponsored companies, strategies and techniques for middle market restructurings and private credit workouts, and the firm's recently launched forensic and dispute advisory service line. He and Paul also share insights into middle market fraud investigations and discuss the importance of relationship-building within the industry.
Luke Sarsfield, CEO and Chairman at Ridgepost Capital, shares how a fund of funds platform can generate differentiated alpha by staying disciplined about market focus and building proprietary data advantages over time.Luke explains why concentrating on the middle and lower middle market creates structural advantages that broader platforms miss, and how collecting deal-level data across 20-plus years turns an LP relationship into genuine investment insight. Learn what separates best-in-breed managers from median performers, and why being a value-added partner—not just a capital provider—is what makes firms want to work with you.The information contained in this podcast is not intended to constitute, and should not be construed as, investment advice.
CCMP Growth Advisors co-managing partner Mark McFadden discusses the firm's research-driven investing in the consumer and industrial markets.
“The thesis of AI is very big. It's probably one of the largest events in at least my lifetime,” says Monroe President Zia Uddin, discussing the creditor concerns about how AI may affect borrowers. “But what ends up happening is everyone kind of throws the baby out with the bathwater.” Uddin joins Bloomberg Intelligence's Noel Hebert on the latest episode of Credit Crunch to talk about why not all software is created equal when it comes to AI exposure, as well as the benefits of originating deals and having navigated prior cycles when it comes to responding to market volatility. Uddin also discusses the large domestic opportunity, growth areas for the firm, the current interest rate climate, the varied risk profiles of large vs. mid-market lenders and retail vs. institutional needs.
The Capital Table presents our two-part series: Structuring for Uncertainty - Legal Trends in Middle-Market M&A. Host, Steve Brady, Market Leader of Transaction Advisory at Withum, is joined by Bruce Fenton, Partner at Troutman Pepper Locke. In part one, Steve and Bruce discuss the current uncertainties in the middle market world due to factors such as the political climate, global hotspots and tariffs.
The Capital Table presents our two-part series: Structuring for Uncertainty - Legal Trends in Middle-Market M&A. Host, Steve Brady, Market Leader of Transaction Advisory at Withum, is joined by Bruce Fenton, Partner at Troutman Pepper Locke. In part two, Steve and Bruce discuss risks that need to be considered when structuring for uncertainty.
In this episode, McKnight's Senior Living Editor Lois Bowers sits down with Amy Schectman, outgoing CEO of 2Life Communities, and Lizbeth Heyer, the current president who will succeed her as CEO. They discuss Schectman's 15-year tenure and upcoming retirement with the organization, the shared leadership model Schectman and Heyer have used for the past two years, advice on succession planning and leadership in senior living, and the evolving landscape of affordable and middle-market senior living. Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See https://pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.
Marilyn Adler and Liddy Karter identified a gap where credit fund managers were getting larger and the lower middle market was getting ignored. They combined forces to “really go after the market,” forming Mizzen Capital. “We'll start with a company when it's two to five million of EBITDA and then help them with add-on acquisitions to get to their target EBITDA,” Marilyn says. Liddy adds: ”The steady returns come from diversification. We can pivot from one of several sectors.” In this conversation with host Ann Dorsett, the co-founders and managing partners describe their complementary backgrounds and their approach. Tune in as they reveal how they keep leverage low with their portfolio companies, why diverse teams price risk better, and when a warm referral from an aerospace CEO turned into a three-year relationship.Connect and Learn More☑️ Liddy Karter | LinkedIn☑️ Marilyn Adler | LinkedIn☑️ Mizzen Capital | LinkedIn☑️ Ann Dorsett | LinkedIn☑️ McGuireWoods | LinkedIn | Facebook | Instagram | X☑️ Subscribe Apple Podcasts | Spotify | Amazon MusicThis podcast was recorded and is being made available by McGuireWoods for informational purposes only. By accessing this podcast, you acknowledge that McGuireWoods makes no warranty, guarantee or representation as to the accuracy or sufficiency of the information featured in the podcast. The views, information or opinions expressed during this podcast series are solely those of the individuals involved and do not necessarily reflect those of McGuireWoods. This podcast should not be used as a substitute for competent legal advice from a licensed professional attorney in your state and should not be construed as an offer to make or consider any investment or course of action.
In this episode of Debtwired!, host Amelia Weitzman speaks with Matthew Harvey, Global Head of Middle Market Direct Lending, about the evolution and maturation of the direct lending market since the GFC.They explore improving M&A activity, underwriting discipline amid AI-driven disruption in software, the growing opportunity in non-sponsored middle-market lending and how direct lenders can stay resilient and competitive through the next credit cycle.
LFP battery storage pricing dropped from over $1,000 per kilowatt hour to under $100 per kilowatt hour in a few short years. That single shift is reshaping project economics across the solar and storage industry. In this episode of The Clean Power Hour, host Tim Montague sits down with Wes Kennedy, a 30-year clean energy veteran. They cover DC coupling, middle market strategy, the AI-driven energy demand surge, workforce development, and what the storage ITC means in a post-solar-ITC world.Wes Kennedy leads middle market BESS deployment at QCells. He has nearly 30 years of experience in renewables. He co-founded Namaste Solar and held senior engineering and leadership roles at SMA America, Dynapower, and Blue Planet Energy. He continues to educate the next generation of installers through his "Comprehensive Solar plus Storage" curriculum on HeatSpring.Episode HighlightsLFP batteries went from over $1,000/kWh to under $100/kWh at scale in a few years. Wes traces this shift from his time at Blue Planet Energy, where lithium iron phosphate was still considered an exotic chemistry. DC coupling turns a constrained interconnection into a 24-hour revenue asset. A 1 MW grid connection, when paired with enough solar and storage on the DC side, produces a 24 MWh revenue stream for the host while remaining a 1 MW dispatchable resource from the utility's perspective.The storage ITC still exists even though solar lost its tax credit. DC-coupled projects benefit because the battery, battery inverter, transformer, skid, and cables all qualify for the ITC. QCells is launching a 1.25 MW, 5 MWh middle market skid. All components come from non-FEOC nations with at least 70% domestic content compliance, qualifying for a 40% tax credit. The biggest storage myth is a lithium shortage. Wes points to battery recycling companies like Redwood Recycling. Recycled battery volume is a richer feedstock than the richest lithium mine on the planet. You can connect with Wes Kennedy here Wes Kennedy LinkedInQcells WebsiteHeatspring Wes Kennedy Support the showConnect with Tim Clean Power Hour Clean Power Hour on YouTubeTim on TwitterTim on LinkedIn Email tim@cleanpowerhour.com Review Clean Power Hour on Apple PodcastsThe Clean Power Hour is produced by the Clean Power Consulting Group and created by Tim Montague. Contact us by email: CleanPowerHour@gmail.com Corporate sponsors who share our mission to speed the energy transition are invited to check out https://www.cleanpowerhour.com/support/The Clean Power Hour is brought to you by CPS America, maker of North America's number one 3-phase string inverter, with over 6GW shipped in the US. With a focus on commercial and utility-scale solar and energy storage, the company partners with customers to provide unparalleled performance and service. The CPS America product lineup includes 3-phase string inverters from 25kW to 275kW, exceptional data communication and controls, and energy storage solutions designed for seamless integration with CPS America systems. Learn more at www.chintpowersystems.com
Recent headlines suggest the private credit market is beginning to crumble; however, the asset class isn't a monolith. Look further downmarket, and a far more resilient story emerges.In this episode of Cloud 9fin, US private credit deputy editor Shubham Saharan is joined by Natalie Garcia, Deerpath's head of underwriting, as well as Reed Van Gorden, Deerpath's head of origination, to discuss how the lower middle market is staying steady despite industry headwinds.Have any feedback for us? Send a note to podcast@9fin.com.
In this episode of Power Producers Podcast, David Carothers is joined by Warren Cleveland from Captive Coalition for a wide ranging conversation on specialization, creativity, and why producers must narrow their focus to survive in the middle market. Building off recent discussions around parametrics and alternative risk strategies, they explain how captives, benefits captives, and disciplined education can prevent producers from losing high value clients. The episode centers on asking better questions, using the right partners, and positioning captives as a long term strategic tool rather than a last minute reaction. Key points: Why Specialization Beats Generalization David and Warren both stress that producers trying to write everything will struggle. They recommend limiting focus to three core classes of business and closely related peripheral industries. Deep operational knowledge creates credibility, sharper discovery, and better risk solutions that generalists simply cannot match. Creativity Comes From Asking Better Questions The conversation ties parametrics and captives together through one core idea. Partners can build solutions around clients, but only if producers identify the right risks. That requires curiosity, comfort with asking questions, and a willingness to look beyond traditional coverage conversations. Phone a Friend Instead of Losing the Account Warren emphasizes that producers do not need to be captive experts to win. They need to know when to call for help. He shares real examples of agents saving accounts by reaching out early, using talking points, and letting specialists support client conversations before competitors step in. Captives Reward Performance in a True Meritocracy David frames captives as one of the purest merit based systems in insurance. Well performing accounts can retain underwriting profit instead of giving it away. He argues there is no excuse for missing captive conversations when clients consistently complain about paying premiums without seeing returns. Benefits Captives Are the Next Frontier Warren outlines why benefits captives paired with self funding can outperform traditional approaches. With better data, wellness programs, and accountability, employers can finally align incentives and participate in underwriting profit rather than subsidizing poor performers. Education Is the Real Differentiator Captive Coalition positions education as the core offering. From webinars to one on one coaching and ready to use client materials, the goal is to make producers comfortable having the conversation. Warren stresses that missing these discussions often comes from fear and lack of knowledge, not lack of opportunity. Captives as a Long Term Retention Strategy Instead of selling captives reactively, both speakers encourage preparing clients years in advance. Building a three to five year roadmap keeps clients engaged, reduces churn, and eliminates surprise competition. Once clients buy into a long term plan, price driven defections become far less likely. Using Tools You Already Have David closes by reminding producers that captives are simply another tool. Losing accounts because a tool was never used is more frustrating than losing on price. The message is clear. Learn the tools, use the partners available, and stop leaving opportunities on the table. Connect with: David Carothers LinkedIn Warren Cleveland LinkedIn Kyle Houck LinkedIn Visit Websites: Power Producer Base Camp Captive Coalition Killing Commercial Crushing Content Power Producers Podcast Policytee The Dirty 130 The Extra 2 Minutes
“It is the inconsistency of decisions which oftentimes bedevils a company's ultimate success. You create that consistency. You can also push decisioning down from the C-suite into the next operating level. That creates dynamism and speed in decision-making. Speed in decision-making creates faster turns in the capital in the business,” says Andrew Milgram, managing partner and chief investment officer of Marblegate Asset Management. Milgram discusses how his firm works with portfolio companies to improve processes for better operational outcomes in this episode of the State of Distressed Debt podcast. In his hour-plus conversation with Bloomberg Intelligence's Noel Hebert and Phil Brendel, Milgram shares his perspective on how Marblegate's direct-investing approach and focus on the middle market de-emphasizes the credit cycle. He also discusses First Brands Group, liability management exercises and his outlook for 2026. The podcast concludes with BI's Negisa Balluku joining to break down the latest legal developments at First Brands and Serta, followed by a discussion with Brendel and Hebert around Saks' DIP battle with Amazon and Axonic.
In this episode, we speak with Trevor Clark, Founder and Managing Partner of Twin Brook Capital Partners, TPG's middle-market direct lending business. Founded in 2014, Twin Brook provides tailored, cash flow–based financing solutions to middle-market private equity–backed companies across North America. Based in Chicago, Twin Brook has approximately 125 dedicated professionals and offers a flexible product suite supporting leveraged buyouts, recapitalizations, add-on acquisitions, growth capital, and other financing needs for companies typically generating between $3 million and $50 million in EBITDA. TPG Credit is part of TPG, a leading global alternative asset management firm with $286 billion in assets under management. Prior to founding Twin Brook, Trevor was a Co-Founder and CEO of Madison Capital Funding, a subsidiary of New York Life Investments, where he led the firm's middle-market lending platform. Earlier in his career, he held underwriting and origination roles at Antares Capital, GE Capital, and Bank of America. TPG Twin Brook was recognized as a Top Private Credit Firm of 2025 by GrowthCap. Trevor support Culinary Care. To learn more about this organization click here. I am your host, RJ Lumba. We hope you enjoy the show. If you like the episode, click to follow.
In this episode of The Distribution, Brandon Sedloff sits down with Lara Banks to explore her investing career and her long tenure at Makena Capital. Lara shares how her early background in energy, quantitative trading, and project finance shaped her perspective as an allocator, and how her role evolved as Makena expanded its private equity and venture platform. The conversation dives into Makena's origins, its approach to serving endowments, foundations, and families, and how the firm balances innovation, customization, and disciplined portfolio construction in private markets. Together, they also discuss how talent, alignment, and long-term thinking drive Makena's approach to manager selection and capital deployment across cycles. They discuss: Lara's career path from energy and quantitative trading to leading private equity and venture investing at Makena Makena Capital's evolution from a Stanford endowment model to evergreen private equity and venture vehicles The firm's focus on emerging managers, independent sponsors, and people-driven investing How Makena manages liquidity, pacing, and secondaries within evergreen private market portfolios Current themes in private equity and venture, including AI, energy infrastructure, and biotech inflection points Links: Lara on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lara-banks-4216a69/ Makena Capital - https://www.makenacap.com/ Brandon on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bsedloff/ Juniper Square - https://www.junipersquare.com/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:02:21) - Lara's career journey (00:08:06) - Leadership evolution at Makena Capital (00:12:34) - Makena Capital's structure and customization (00:17:48) - Role of an OCIO and client interaction (00:20:39) - Focus on emerging managers and investment strategies (00:27:49) - Private equity and venture capital insights (00:34:51) - Managing liquidity in private markets (00:40:37) - Trends and opportunities in venture capital (00:47:06) - Conclusion and final thoughts
What does it really take to build a national middle-market law firm that grows fast, integrates cleanly, and keeps its partners committed rather than walking out the door? Bob Hicks, chairman and managing partner of Taft Stettinius & Hollister, explains how middle market mergers have powered Taft's expansion without sacrificing culture or retention. Rather than chasing scale for its own sake, he lays out a disciplined approach built on cultural alignment, economic fit, and client compatibility. Many conversations never become deals, and Hicks sees that restraint as a competitive advantage. Independence, he argues, is often the real rival, especially for firms that wait too long and lose momentum before acting. The discussion also looks at what happens after a merger closes. Hicks points to partner retention, post-merger growth, and radical transparency as proof that integration matters more than headlines. From open financial reporting to a predictable compensation system, trust is treated as a growth strategy, not a soft value. At the center is a talent-first philosophy that reframes success around attracting and keeping great lawyers rather than chasing clients. Looking ahead, Hicks sees continued consolidation in the middle market and growing demand for national firms that offer scale without elite-tier pricing, with little patience for firms unwilling to adapt. Episode Breakdown: 00:00 Taft's Growth Story and Recent Middle Market Mergers 05:01 Building a National Middle-Market Law Firm Strategy 10:10 The Taft Merger Model: Culture, Fit, and Long-Term Success 19:59 Modernizing Law Firms Through Talent, Transparency, and Trust 29:54 Bob Hicks on Leadership, Risk, and the Future of the Legal Industry Connect with Bob Hicks: Bob's Company Web Profile Connect with Howard Rosenberg: Connect with Howard on LinkedIn Howard's Company Web Profile Connect with Chris Batz: Connect with Chris on LinkedIn Follow Columbus Street on LinkedIn Columbus Street Website MergerWatch Website Podcast production and show notes provided by HiveCast.fm
In this episode, Tony Davidow sits down with Matt Katz, Managing Director at Fiduciary Trust International, to explore why middle market private equity offers compelling opportunities in today's environment. Matt shares his journey into private markets, explains why the middle market presents a structural advantage with less competition and more operational value-add potential, and provides practical guidance on evaluating private equity funds through the lens of people, process, performance, and references. The conversation also covers the current exit environment, the growing role of secondaries in portfolio construction, the importance of due diligence in evaluating funds, and actionable advice for financial advisors looking to navigate the expanding universe of private market investments. Matt Katz, CFA, Managing Director, Investment Director - Private Markets: As head of the Advisor Solutions Group private markets research team, Matt focuses on private equity and real estate investments and is responsible for sourcing, due diligence and monitoring investments across each asset class. He determines strategic and tactical allocations within ASG's Model Portfolio, while monitoring existing and prospective investment opportunities. With over 18 years of experience, Matt serves as a key contributor to the analysis of current macroeconomic conditions through participation in daily market updates, Investment Committee meetings, and quarterly market overviews. In addition, Matt has also worked with impact-focused clients to source and analyze appropriate private investments, serving both financial and social purposes. Prior to joining Fiduciary Trust International, Matt was an associate director at Segal Rogerscasey, an investment consulting firm, as a member of their Alpha Research team focused on private equity manager research and due diligence. While at Segal Rogerscasey, he participated in the portfolio planning, underwriting and execution of private investments for the firm's discretionary clients. Matt received his Bachelor of Science degree in finance from the University of Connecticut. Matt is a Chartered Financial Analyst (CFA) charterholder; Member, CFA Society Boston; and a Member of the RAISE Global Summit LP Selection Committee. Resources: Matthew Katz, CFA | LinkedInFranklin Templeton Private MarketsTony Davidow, CIMA® | LinkedIn
Klaus Peterson is a founding partner at Apera Asset Management, based in Munich. Apera is a lower mid-market private debt investor that provides financing solutions to European SMEs and asset management services to investors. Apera focuses on the DACH region, the United Kingdom, the Nordic countries, France and Benelux.Apera is part of Franklin Templeton a global investment management organization with $1.5 trillion assets under management. Our conversation starts with Klaus's journey into finance and his early start as a lawyer, before he finally discovered private credit via a route of private equity. We then turn to the focus on Apera's business, which is in the lower middle market and stress the difference between this size of issuer and the larger issuers which tend to occupy private credit headlines. We move through some case studies - the good, the bad and the ugly - and Klaus shares how he learned to focus on the detail, to kick the tires, and emphasizes the importance of understanding investments and questioning assumptions, sharing a lesson learned from a printing business investment.We discuss some of the challenges facing private credit as it continues to grow in size, and then focus in particular on the German market, examining the risk profile of most institutional investors and their expectations when it comes to their credit portfolioslOverall, this is a unique deep dive into a niche area of credit investing that is often overlooked in the sweeping generalizations made about the mainstream credit markets. This podcast is kindly sponsored by Evanston Capital and Alvine Capital. For over 20 years Evanston Capital has had a key focus in identifying early-stage investment managers it believes are capable of generating long-term, value-added returns in complex, innovative strategy areas. Alvine Capital is a specialist investment manager and placement boutique with a particular focus on alternative assets with significant presence in London and Stockholm
Lower interest rates and the refinancing of debt will release more capital into the market place. Creating more opportunities for vendors.
Investor Fuel Real Estate Investing Mastermind - Audio Version
In this episode of the Real Estate Pros podcast, host Michelle Kesil interviews Alec Neu, director at Neu Real Estate Group. Alec shares insights into their focus on multifamily developments, particularly in the Indianapolis area, and discusses the challenges and strategies involved in scaling their business. He emphasizes the importance of community-centric affordable housing and the need for collaboration with municipalities to address market demands. Alec also offers advice for newcomers in the real estate industry, highlighting the value of networking and learning from experienced professionals. Professional Real Estate Investors - How we can help you: Investor Fuel Mastermind: Learn more about the Investor Fuel Mastermind, including 100% deal financing, massive discounts from vendors and sponsors you're already using, our world class community of over 150 members, and SO much more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/apply Investor Machine Marketing Partnership: Are you looking for consistent, high quality lead generation? Investor Machine is America's #1 lead generation service professional investors. Investor Machine provides true 'white glove' support to help you build the perfect marketing plan, then we'll execute it for you…talking and working together on an ongoing basis to help you hit YOUR goals! Learn more here: http://www.investormachine.com Coaching with Mike Hambright: Interested in 1 on 1 coaching with Mike Hambright? Mike coaches entrepreneurs looking to level up, build coaching or service based businesses (Mike runs multiple 7 and 8 figure a year businesses), building a coaching program and more. Learn more here: https://investorfuel.com/coachingwithmike Attend a Vacation/Mastermind Retreat with Mike Hambright: Interested in joining a "mini-mastermind" with Mike and his private clients on an upcoming "Retreat", either at locations like Cabo San Lucas, Napa, Park City ski trip, Yellowstone, or even at Mike's East Texas "Big H Ranch"? Learn more here: http://www.investorfuel.com/retreat Property Insurance: Join the largest and most investor friendly property insurance provider in 2 minutes. Free to join, and insure all your flips and rentals within minutes! There is NO easier insurance provider on the planet (turn insurance on or off in 1 minute without talking to anyone!), and there's no 15-30% agent mark up through this platform! Register here: https://myinvestorinsurance.com/ New Real Estate Investors - How we can work together: Investor Fuel Club (Coaching and Deal Partner Community): Looking to kickstart your real estate investing career? Join our one of a kind Coaching Community, Investor Fuel Club, where you'll get trained by some of the best real estate investors in America, and partner with them on deals! You don't need $ for deals…we'll partner with you and hold your hand along the way! Learn More here: http://www.investorfuel.com/club —--------------------
In this episode, Joe Jasmon, CEO of American Healthcare Management and co-founder of Elevate Senior Living, joins AgingIN CEO Susan Ryan on the podcast to share the origin story and philosophy behind Elevate, a mid-market senior housing model designed from the ground up around residents—not corporate overhead. Drawing on a career spanning hospitality, healthcare turnarounds, and senior living operations, Jasmon explains how Elevate was born from a simple question: "What would senior living look like if we designed it entirely around personal needs, dignity, and efficiency?" From small-scale neighborhood design to technology-enabled safety and a long-term vision that reaches beyond brick-and-mortar communities, this conversation offers a candid look at what it takes to rethink senior living at scale. As demand grows for affordable, high-quality senior living, Jasmon offers a rare, transparent look at what it takes to challenge entrenched models and design communities that truly serve residents. His insights underscore a powerful theme: when you listen closely to older adults and frontline staff, better systems—and better outcomes—follow.
As cross-border activity becomes increasingly common for middle-market companies, international tax considerations are no longer limited to large multinationals. From transfer pricing and tariffs to global tax compliance and planning, businesses expanding overseas face greater complexity and heightened scrutiny from tax authorities worldwide. Understanding where value is created, how intercompany transactions should be priced, and how global tax rules interact is critical for managing risk and supporting sustainable international growth.In this episode, Brooks Nelson, Tax Partner, and Sarah McGregor, Tax Director, are joined by Nelson Yates, Partner and International Tax Leader, to discuss key cross-border tax issues middle-market CFOs and business leaders should have on their radar. They break down transfer pricing fundamentals, explore how tariffs intersect with intercompany pricing, and share practical considerations for companies entering or expanding in foreign markets.Listen to learn more about:02:30 – Transfer pricing basics and why it matters04:10 – How governments view cross-border profit allocation06:27 – Intercompany services, IP, and value drivers10:38 – Marketing intangibles and local market investment11:55 – Practical steps CFOs can take today14:45 – Transfer pricing documentation and penalty protection16:35 – Tariffs and their interaction with transfer pricing20:20 – Global tax planning and compliance implications22:42 – International expansion costs and best practicesRelated Guidance Article: Navigating the International Tax Landscape After 2025 Tax Reform
Join the FREE training 'Getting Unstuck From The Middle Market" - https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/c/live-events/getting-unstuck Join the NEW community: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/ For the last two weeks on the podcast, we've been talking about a problem almost no one names. The middle market. Booked, but not confident. Busy, but capped. Improving, but still stuck. In this episode, I finally show you the system that changed everything for me. Not tactics. Not hacks. A structure that helped me see my business clearly, stop guessing, and start making decisions that actually moved the needle. This is the same system I built and used last year as I moved out of the middle market and generated over $400,000 in bookings. It showed me why better work alone wasn't fixing it, where my business was leaking energy, and what actually deserved my focus. If you've felt close but never quite breaking through, this episode will help you see why. I'm also inviting you to a free live training called Getting Unstuck from the Middle Market, where I'll walk you through this framework live and help you identify what's actually holding your business back and what to focus on next. Join the FREE training 'Getting Unstuck From The Middle Market" - https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/c/live-events/getting-unstuck Join the NEW community: https://shifting-focus-with-john-bunn.circle.so/
BIG announcement coming soon, be the first to know here: https://johnbunn.myflodesk.com/mentorship In this episode of the Shifting Focus podcast, I'm talking directly to creatives who feel stuck in the middle market. You're booking work. You're busy. Your craft is improving. But something still feels off. In this episode, I break down why some creatives eventually break out while others stay stuck for years. Not because of talent. Not because of luck. But because of how they respond to being stuck. I share what the middle market actually is, why it's such a dangerous place to live, and the difference between chronic pain and acute pain in business. We talk about the patterns that quietly keep creatives capped, the choices that create real momentum, and what it personally cost me to move out of the middle and into a calmer, higher-value season of business. This is not a tactics episode. This is a clarity episode. And it sets up next week's conversation, where I'm going to break down the framework that made growth repeatable for me. If you've ever thought "I'm close" but nothing seems to tip, this one's for you. Today's Sponsor ⭐️ Vidflow - Deliver your films and photos with the best - Try it free here https://signups.vidflow.co/ref/johnbunn
You are first on the list to know when you click here: https://johnbunn.myflodesk.com/mentorship So many creatives are doing everything "right" and still feel stuck. They're talented. They care deeply. They work hard. Yet year after year, their business looks mostly the same. In this episode of the Shifting Focus podcast, John Bunn reflects on the past year and shares his vision for 2026. He talks honestly about the role rest and reflection played in gaining clarity, why the middle market is the most dangerous place for creative businesses, and why talent alone is rarely the problem. Most education in the wedding industry is built for beginners. But what happens when you're no longer new and still not where you want to be? This episode breaks down why so many capable creatives get stuck in the middle market, how misunderstanding your audience keeps you there, and why strategy matters more than effort at this stage. John also shares why he's launching a new mastermind focused specifically on helping creatives build a clear plan, get unstuck, and move forward with confidence. If you've ever felt like you're working hard but not making the progress you expected, this episode is for you. Today's Sponsor: ⭐️ Wanderlust Videos - Wedding Video Editing: http://bit.ly/46JuGyF - 10% Off discount code: JOHNBUNN10
It seems like everyone has a different definition of middle market direct lending and what challenges so-called ‘middle market' borrowers and lenders are facing.Join PGIM's head of middle market direct lending, Matt Harvey, and 9fin senior private credit reporter Shubham Saharan as they explore trends in the middle market and what direct lenders and LPs should be on the lookout for as they head into 2026.Have any feedback for us? Send a note to podcast@9fin.com.
Our continuing exploration of the intersection of private wealth and alternatives takes us to Future Standard, one of the largest distribution platforms bringing the wealth channel exposure to the middle markets. Michael Kelly is Co-President and Chief Investment Officer of Future Standard, a $90 billion alternative asset manager focused on private middle-market strategies for the wealth channel. Michael has been in the alternatives industry for three decades, starting as an analyst under Lee Cooperman and Julian Robertson, helping build FrontPoint Partners, which began the institutionalization of hedge funds, serving as CEO of ORIX USA, where he led the acquisition of $250 billion global asset manager Robeco, and for the last decade turning to the democratization of alternatives. Our conversation covers Michael's path from working in hedge funds to building alternative asset businesses, including lessons about incentives, leadership, and culture. We then discuss his pivot from the institutional market to the wealth channel, and the growth from a single strategy at Franklin Square with $12 billion in assets to a full suite of strategies under the rebranded Future Standard with $90 billion across private credit, private equity, real estate, infrastructure, and multi-asset investing. Michael also shares his views on performance expectations and what the flood of new capital means for the institutional market. Learn More Follow Ted on Twitter at @tseides or LinkedIn Subscribe to the mailing list Access Transcript with Premium Membership Editing and post-production work for this episode was provided by The Podcast Consultant (https://thepodcastconsultant.com)
In this episode of the Power Producers Podcast, host David Carothers and co-host Kyle Houck are joined by Jessica Fukuchi, co-founder of PCRG Insurance. They dive into the often-overlooked world of high-net-worth personal lines insurance and why middle-market commercial producers need to pay attention to it. Jessica shares her journey from a captive agent to building an independent agency specializing in high-net-worth clients, often through referrals from financial advisors. The conversation explores the strategic importance of partnering with a high-net-worth specialist to protect commercial accounts from being poached by large brokerages that offer both commercial and private client services. Key Highlights: Protecting Your Book with High Net Worth Partners David emphasizes a critical vulnerability for middle-market producers: if you aren't addressing the personal insurance needs of business owners and executives, a competitor who does—like a large national broker—can use that as a wedge to take the entire commercial account. Partnering with a specialist like Jessica allows agents to offer this service without having to master the complexities of the high-net-worth market themselves. Navigating the High Net Worth Landscape Jessica explains the nuances of the high-net-worth market, from working with family offices to understanding the complex portfolios of wealthy clients (multiple homes, luxury cars, etc.). She discusses the current hard market for umbrella and excess liability, noting that securing high limits often requires stacking policies from multiple carriers, a strategy far different from standard personal lines. The "Duty to Offer" and Risk Management The discussion touches on the agent's "duty to offer" comprehensive protection. David and Jessica agree that failing to discuss personal excess liability or cyber coverage with a wealthy client is a disservice that could lead to E&O issues. They highlight unique risks like kidnap and ransom for high-profile clients and the importance of addressing the "insurance junk drawer" many wealthy individuals accumulate. Work-Life Balance and Setting Boundaries Jessica shares her personal journey of overcoming burnout by setting strict boundaries between work and personal life. She discusses how delegating tasks, hiring a VP, and being transparent with her team about her need for family time allowed her to regain balance. This segment resonates with the hosts, who also prioritize life experiences and travel over being tethered to the office 24/7. Connect with: David Carothers LinkedIn Jessica Fukuchi LinkedIn Kyle Houck LinkedIn Visit Websites: Power Producer Base Camp PCRG Insurance Killing Commercial Crushing Content Power Producers Podcast Policytee The Dirty 130 The Extra 2 Minutes
Today, I sit down with my good friend Wiley Curran to break down the story behind CPC, a family-built perpetual holding company that buys and holds businesses indefinitely. We also discuss how CPC approaches acquisitions, management incentives, and organizational design to create enduring value across industries. We discuss: The evolution of CPC from a family chemicals business to a multi-company holding group Why long-term ownership outperforms short-term investing strategies How to build companies around customer intimacy and employee satisfaction The “five key battles” CPC uses to evaluate and improve every business Lessons learned from buying, integrating, and supporting 14 companies over time Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:03:12) - Running a CEO search (00:08:26) - The story behind CPC (00:23:39) - The importance of customer intimacy (00:37:02) - CPC's long-term vision and employee engagement (00:40:33) - Executive ownership and equity (00:41:29) - Structuring equity buyouts (00:42:58) - Valuation and liquidity rights (00:44:49) - Investment strategy and business acquisition (00:47:11) - Sourcing and evaluating business opportunities (00:50:14) - Onboarding and integration of new businesses (01:03:09) - Customer lifetime value and profitability (01:09:13) - Board meetings and CEO summits (01:14:36) - AI experiments and business impact (01:18:30) - Future vision and personal goals Support our Sponsors Ramp: https://ramp.com/fort Collateral Partners: https://collateral.com/fort Chris on Social Media: Chris on X: https://x.com/fortworthchris Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/thefortpodcast LinkedIn: https://bit.ly/45gIkFd Watch POWERS on YouTube: https://bit.ly/3oynxNX Visit our website: https://www.powerspod.com/ Leave a review on Apple: https://bit.ly/45crFD0 Leave a review on Spotify: https://bit.ly/3Krl9jO POWERS is produced by https://www.johnnypodcasts.com/
In the finale of our Private Markets Outlook series, we sit down with Co-President and Chief Investment Officer Mike Kelly for an in-depth look into the new investing imperative in private markets. Mike joins Research team members Alan Flannigan and Andrew Korz to explore the shift from disinflation and low rates to today's environment of volatility, inflation and uncertainty. He gives insights into how private markets offer new opportunities for growth, diversification and operational value creation—especially in the U.S. middle market. The Private Markets Outlook podcast series from Future Standard features special guests and portfolio managers from across our firm, each bringing unique perspectives on private equity, private credit and real estate. Get more private markets insights at futurestandard.com/insights Follow the value, not the herd: The new private markets imperative Q4 U.S. economic outlook: Artificial intelligence, real economic impact U.S. exceptionalism at a crossroads Have a question for our experts? Text us for a chance to have your questions answered on the next episode.To watch the video version, go to https://www.youtube.com/@futurestandard_fs For more research insights go to https://futurestandard.com/insights
In this episode, we speak with Randall Eason and Keoni Schwartz, Co-Founders and Managing Directors at Altamont Capital Partners, a private equity firm focused on transforming and scaling lower-middle market companies through deep operational expertise and value-creation capabilities. Since its founding, Altamont has invested in over 45 companies across the industrials, business services, financial services, and franchising & multi-unit sectors, with more than $4 billion in capital under management. Randall leads investments in the industrials and franchising & multi-unit sectors. Previously, he was a Principal at Golden Gate Capital, and held roles at Bain & Company and Williams-Sonoma. He holds an MA in sociology and a BA in economics, Phi Beta Kappa, from Stanford. Keoni leads investments in the financial and business services sectors. He was formerly a Principal at Golden Gate Capital and began his career as a consultant at Bain & Company and The Bridgespan Group. He holds a BA in history with honors from Princeton. Altamont was recently recognized by GrowthCap as a Top Private Equity Firm of 2025. I am your host, RJ Lumba. We hope you enjoy the show. If you like the episode click to follow.
In this episode of the Private Markets Outlook series, we sit down with Scott Giardina, Managing Director and Head of Trading for Future Standard's Global Credit Team, for an in-depth look at the current state of private credit.Scott joins Research team members Alan Flannigan and Andrew Korz to discuss the benefit of specialization in private credit, why lender protections matter more than ever and what it means for investors.The Private Markets Outlook podcast series from Future Standard features portfolio managers from across our firm, each bringing unique perspectives on private equity, private credit and real estate. Subscribe and stay tuned for more.Follow the value, not the herd: The new private markets imperative Q4 U.S. economic outlook: Artificial intelligence, real economic impact U.S. exceptionalism at a crossroadsHave a question for our experts? Text us for a chance to have your questions answered on the next episode.To watch the video version, go to https://www.youtube.com/@futurestandard_fs For more research insights go to https://futurestandard.com/insights
Tas Hasan, Managing Partner & COO, and Nelson Pereira, Director of Insurance Investor Partnerships at Deerpath Capital, share their perspective on the growing role of lower and middle market direct lending in insurance portfolios. With decades of experience and a long-standing focus on this segment, they explain why it's gaining traction among insurers seeking yield, diversification, and capital efficiency. They break down the structural advantages of sponsor-backed lending, including stronger covenants, conservative leverage, and more lender-friendly deal terms. The discussion also explores how regulatory developments, such as NAIC guidance and capital treatment, are influencing insurer allocation decisions. For insurance investors evaluating private credit strategies, this conversation offers valuable insight into manager selection, deal flow dynamics, and the key factors that set experienced lenders apart in today's market.
Who are the students and emerging professionals in insurance and risk management today, and what are they looking for in future employers? What do they value most when making career decisions? Gamma Iota Sigma Board of Trustees member and Travelers Executive Vice President and Personal Insurance President Michael Klein, Denise Perlman, Chief Executive Officer of Middle Market at Aon, and Robert Hartwig, Ph.D., CPCU, Associate Clinical Professor of Finance and Director of the Risk and Uncertainty Management Center at the University of South Carolina, shared their unique insights both as leaders in the industry and as mentors for emerging talent. They provided perspectives on how the insurance industry can create meaningful career pathways and rewarding careers for tomorrow's rising stars.Watch the original Wednesdays with Woodward® webinar: https://institute.travelers.com/webinar-series/symposia-series/insurance-emerging-talent.---Visit the Travelers Institute® website: http://travelersinstitute.org/.Join the Travelers Institute® email list: https://travl.rs/488XJZM.Subscribe to the Travelers Institute® Podcast newsletter on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/build-relation/newsletter-follow?entityUrn=7328774828839100417.Connect with Travelers Institute® President Joan Woodward on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joan-kois-woodward/.
Bryan Thornton joins host Brandon Sedloff on The Distribution for a wide-ranging conversation about his 26-year career at PCCP and the evolution of real estate investment management. He shares how his early experiences shaped his passion for urban environments, reflects on PCCP's growth from a California-focused startup to a national player, and explains why relationships remain central to both lending and equity investing. The discussion covers the shifts in capital markets, the rise of private credit, and how transparency, culture, and technology continue to redefine the industry. We discuss: PCCP's consistent middle-market strategy across debt and equity The profound shift from bank dominance to private credit in real estate lending The role of transparency and relationship “alpha” in operator-lender partnerships How culture and curiosity fuel long-term career growth and organizational success The impact of technology and data on the future of investment management This episode offers valuable perspective for anyone navigating the challenges and opportunities in real estate today. Links: PCCP - https://pccpllc.com/ Bryan on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bryan-thornton-09868357/ Brandon on LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/bsedloff/ Juniper Square - https://www.junipersquare.com/ Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:01:32) - Bryan's career and background (00:11:44) - The scale of PCCP (00:14:33) - The state of the industry (00:19:28) - The relationship between lenders and borrowers (00:21:10) - PCCP's equity business (00:27:52) - The evolution of the markets (00:31:42) - The relationship between PCCP and her capital partners (00:33:12) - Culture and leadership (00:36:07) - Technology impacts on physical assets (00:42:53) - NAREIM (00:47:00) - Lessons from staying with one firm for over 25 years (00:49:54) - Predictions for the next decade