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Patrick Van Deven: The Frontier Firm Has a Data Problem In this episode of Scouting for Growth, Sabine VanderLinden sits down with Patrick Van Deven to unpack one of the biggest hidden blockers to becoming a true AI-native enterprise: legacy data infrastructure. As organizations rush toward the “Frontier Firm” vision championed by Microsoft — intelligence on tap, human-agent collaboration, and AI-powered workflows — Patrick argues that most regulated industries are still running on fragmented data pipelines built decades ago. Beneath the excitement around agentic AI lies a critical operational reality: data remains horizontally distributed across systems such as SAP, Salesforce, Guidewire, and legacy warehouses, stitched together by opaque code that no one fully understands anymore. Patrick explains why the future of AI in regulated industries depends less on flashy copilots and more on deterministic, governed, audit-ready data transformation. Drawing from his 35 years in enterprise software and his leadership at Volspeed, he outlines how AI is now reshaping data engineering itself — automating the “plumbing” layer while generating the metadata and lineage AI systems need to operate responsibly. Together, Sabine and Patrick explore why re-architecting does not require a dangerous core system replacement, how organizations can solve tractable business problems in months rather than years, and why the next generation of enterprise leaders must bridge business expertise and data intelligence. This conversation is a practical roadmap for any executive navigating AI transformation inside complex, regulated environments. KEY TAKEAWAYS What stood out most to me in this conversation with Patrick was the reality that the “Frontier Firm” conversation is no longer about experimentation. It is about operational readiness. Every organization I speak to wants intelligence on tap, agentic workflows, and AI-enabled productivity, yet many are still constrained by fragmented legacy systems and undocumented data logic buried deep inside their infrastructure. Patrick made it very clear: if we do not solve the data foundation problem, we simply accelerate complexity and risk. One insight that resonated deeply was the idea that data engineering is entering the same transformation that software engineering experienced with generative AI. The real opportunity is not just automation, but abstraction — enabling smaller teams to solve historically impossible integration problems while creating governed, machine-readable metadata that AI systems can actually trust and consume responsibly. I was also struck by Patrick's perspective on talent. Rather than replacing expertise, AI elevates the importance of subject matter experts who understand the business context behind the data. The future belongs to professionals who can bridge operational understanding with technical fluency and collaborate effectively with AI-enabled systems. Most importantly, this conversation reinforced that becoming a Frontier Firm does not require ripping out every core system overnight. The no-regret move is to start solving tractable, high-value data problems now — especially those tied to governance, lineage, regulatory reporting, and customer intelligence. Organizations that modernize their deterministic data layer today will be the ones capable of building scalable, trustworthy AI tomorrow. BEST MOMENTS “You can bolt all the AI you want on top of that. It will not make you a frontier firm. It will just make your regulatory problems arrive faster.” — Sabine VanderLinden “AI is coming to data engineering just like it came to software engineering.” — Patrick Van Deven “The board looks at AI at the end of the value chain of data. But how did that data come to be?” — Patrick Van Deven “There is no world where a company would run on one system.” — Patrick Van Deven “Treat the AI agent like an employee. Onboard it, brief it, give it a personality.” — Sabine VanderLinden “The dragon in the basement has finally reached the boardroom.” — Patrick Van Deven “No data lineage. No agent bosses. No governed transformation. No intelligence on tap.” — Sabine VanderLinden “This is a new era for subject matter experts.” — Patrick Van Deven ABOUT THE GUEST Patrick Van Deven is the CEO of Vaultspeed and a veteran enterprise software leader with more than 35 years of experience in software engineering, predictive analytics, data infrastructure, and venture investing. Patrick began his career as a software engineer, building and selling his first commercial application at just 22 years old. He later spent 15 years at SAS Institute, where he helped build data and predictive analytics applications for enterprise environments. He then transitioned into venture capital as an Operating Partner and General Partner at Fortino Capital, investing in software and AI startups across Europe. In 2025, Patrick stepped back into an operational leadership role as CEO of Vaultspeed, driven by his belief that automating deterministic, governed data transformation is one of the most critical “no-regret moves” organizations can make in the age of AI. Today, Vaultspeed works with major global enterprises, including organizations operating across highly regulated industries such as insurance, banking, and financial services. ABOUT THE HOST Sabine VanderLinden is a corporate strategist turned entrepreneur and the CEO of Alchemy Crew Ventures. She leads venture-client labs that help Fortune 500 companies adopt and scale cutting-edge technologies from global tech ventures. A builder of accelerators, investor, and co-editor of the bestseller The INSURTECH Book, Sabine is known for asking the uncomfortable questions—about AI governance, risk, and trust. On Scouting for Growth, she decodes how real growth happens—where capital, collaboration, and courage meet. If this episode sparked your thinking, follow Sabine VanderLinden on LinkedIn, Twitter, and Instagram for more insights. And if you're interested in sponsoring the podcast, reach out to the team at hello@alchemycrew.ventures
Today, Sam D'Arc is joined by Jon Alcorn, Operating Partner at Dogwood Automotive Group. Winchester, Virginia's three-brand Dogwood Auto Group hasn't printed a paper pencil in over a year, yet grosses are up, and finance penetration sits at 89%. Jon breaks down the two systems behind that shift: a salesperson efficiency scorecard that grades reps from 113% down to 58% on metrics they can actually control, and a digital retailing stack that will deliver a 30-second actual cash value and a 60-second real quote to every online shopper starting June 1. Topics: 09:30 Why "Your Presence Is Your Leverage" Is A Lie. 10:00 The Day The Paper Pencil Died. 11:30 Why Customers Submit Their Own Credit. 18:00 Why Transparency Doesn't Kill Gross. 21:00 The Salesperson Scorecard Nobody Built. 30:00 Why Variable Ops Has No Efficiency Metric. 41:00 The Sales Manager As Restaurant Manager. This episode is brought to you by: 1. Mia - Your 24/7 AI receptionist who speaks like a human, not a robot. Never miss another lead. Visit @ here. 2. Reynolds & Reynold - ReconVision doesn't just help you track recon; it helps you fix it. Visit here for more information. 3. CDG Circles – A digital peer group for top auto dealers. Private dealer chats. Vendor reviews. Real insights — confidential, compliant, no travel required. Join dealers representing 3,000+ rooftops @ here. Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com/ Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com Fix your dealership's social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
In Part 1 of this two part conversation, Scott Snider sits down with Renee Russo to explore one of the most critical, yet often overlooked, elements of value creation. Vision. Renee breaks down why vision is not just a leadership exercise, but a strategic driver of focus, alignment, and long term enterprise value. From defining a clear ten year direction to building a practical three year picture, she explains how vision creates clarity for teams, drives better decision making, and ultimately shapes a company that is transferable and valuable. The conversation goes deeper into how vision connects to ownership mindset, employee engagement, and even succession planning. Renee challenges traditional thinking by emphasizing that vision must align not only with the business, but with the personal and financial goals of the owner. When done right, it creates a unified path forward that benefits the team, the buyer, and the long term sustainability of the company. This episode sets the foundation for understanding how great businesses are built with intention, alignment, and a clear picture of the future. ============================================ Hear how Exit Planning Institute talks about Vision: https://exit-planning-institute.org/the-annual-exit https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/employee-engagement-value-driver Hear more from Renee Russo: https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-russo-riseupbc/ https://exit-planning-institute.org/mastering-the-market ============================================ Want to learn more? Go to: https://exit-planning-institute.org/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exit-planning-institute Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/ #ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast #PlanAccordingly ============================================ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR ============================================ About Scott: Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company. At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe. Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur. Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.
Scott Snider takes the Podcast Stage again at the 2026 Exit Planning Summit and brings together four leaders who reflect the evolution of exit planning from early concept to a structured, scalable discipline. Douglas Dickey and Craig West share perspective from the early days, when exit planning lacked formal process and required building systems from scratch. Today, their experience reinforces the importance of discipline, repeatable frameworks, and staying fully committed to helping business owners achieve meaningful outcomes. Wally Waldron and Renee Russo highlight where the profession is heading. Through intentional collaboration, community building, and a deeper focus on personal planning, they demonstrate how advisors can create greater impact by aligning business value with the human side of the owner journey. The takeaway is clear. Exit planning is not just about transactions. It is about building sustainable businesses, strong advisory ecosystems, and outcomes that matter beyond the deal. ============================================ Learn more about the 2027 Exit Planning Summit: https://exitplanningsummit.com/ Hear more from our guests: https://www.linkedin.com/in/doug-dickey-5710a59/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/wallywaldron/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/craigwest/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/renee-russo-riseupbc/ ============================================ Want to learn more? Go to: https://exit-planning-institute.org/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exit-planning-institute Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/ #ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast #PlanAccordingly ============================================ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR ============================================ About Scott: Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company. At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe. Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur. Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.
Don Penland | Operating Partner | Knox Capital What actually happens after a deal closes—and what do buyers wish founders had done before? In this Buyer's Corner episode, Don Penland, Operating Partner at Knox Capital, shares a hands-on view of how private equity evaluates, acquires, and then improves software businesses. Don breaks down what makes a company attractive from an operator's lens, where founders create risk without realizing it, and what typically gets fixed immediately post-acquisition—from financial visibility to go-to-market execution. If you're building with an exit in mind—or want to understand how buyers think beyond the pitch—this episode gives you a clear, practical view of what happens on the other side of the deal. Key takeways: • What private equity buyers prioritize beyond growth • Where founders create risk before a deal • What gets fixed in the first 90 days post-acquisition • How to position your company for a stronger exit 00:00 – Introduction & Don's background 01:20 – How PE firms evaluate software companies 03:30 – What makes a company attractive to buyers 06:00 – Diligence priorities beyond the numbers 08:30 – Common operational gaps founders miss 11:00 – What gets fixed post-acquisition 13:30 – Advice for founders preparing to sell 15:30 – Closing thoughts
The tech services industry is being forced into a reset. AI is changing how work gets done, how it is priced, and how value is measured. For private equity investors and tech services leaders, the impact is already visible. Delivery is getting automated, costs are coming down, and revenue models built on billable hours are under pressure. So the real question is: how do you create and capture value when execution itself is being commoditized? In this episode of the Zinnov Podcast, Jeff Rich, Operating Partner at Sunstone Partners, joins Sidhant Rastogi, President at Zinnov, to break down how the AI transformation of tech services is reshaping growth, margins, and exit outcomes. Jeff brings a rare operator + investor perspective, having helped scale a tech services company into a multi-billion-dollar business. He now works closely with portfolio companies across cloud, data engineering, and AI services. In this conversation, we cover why outcome-based pricing is still hard to implement in tech services, how AI agents and agentic architectures are changing enterprise workflows, and why vertical and workflow-level expertise is becoming critical. We also explore the reality of AI-driven commoditization and what it means for services firms, along with the growth versus liquidity trade-off and how it impacts valuation and exit timing. A key takeaway is that AI usage does not matter unless it shows up in revenue growth, margin expansion, or EBITDA. This episode is especially relevant for private equity investors, founders, and leaders of tech services companies navigating the shift to an AI-driven market. Tune in for a grounded, no-hype perspective on what it takes to build, scale, and exit in the next phase of technology services.
Keith Levy, Operating Partner at Sonoma Brands Capital Most consumer brand founders think about exit as an event. Keith Levy thinks about it as a design requirement. In the second of two episodes, Keith walks through what exit-ready actually looks like in CPG: the revenue and EBITDA thresholds that matter, why you have to get beyond the corp dev team to the operators who actually need what you're building, how capital gets wasted at every stage of a brand's lifecycle, and what the investments that produce exits have in common versus the ones that don't. If you missed the first episode, it covers Keith's five-pillar CPG diligence framework and the Touchland and Bachan's case studies. Start there. What You'll Learn What revenue and EBITDA thresholds a consumer brand needs to attract a strategic acquirer. Why getting to corp dev is not enough, and how to reach the operators who actually need your brand. How capital gets wasted at each stage of a CPG brand's lifecycle. Why execution is where most investments fail, not the idea or the founder. What the celebrity founder model got wrong, and why copying a formula that worked once rarely works twice. What the investments that produced exits at Sonoma Brands had in common. ____________________ If you're building a consumer brand toward exit or evaluating one for acquisition, DealPilot, powered by M&A Science, has the practitioner playbook for CPG exit positioning. Join at mascience.com/membership. Already a member? The bonus conversation with Keith is live now: boards, earnouts, and the hardest lessons from six years backing consumer brands. ____________________ This episode is sponsored by DealRoom DealRoom's Buyer-Led M&A™ Summit is Back! Join me at the summit on May 20, a free virtual event hosted by DealRoom covering AI, pipeline, diligence, and integration across the deal lifecycle. Sessions run 11:30 AM to 1:30 PM ET. Register here: https://hubs.ly/Q0496h-s0 ____________________ Episode Chapters [00:00:01] Intro [00:04:19] Day-to-day across 20+ portfolio companies [00:05:43] When to lean in and when to stay out [00:09:28] Pre-LOI landmines that kill deals early [00:13:26] The CPG brand lifecycle: from first check to exit [00:16:04] How capital needs change as a brand grows [00:20:15] Execution is why most investments fail [00:21:26] Capital allocation as the real test of a founder [00:23:00] What it takes to position a CPG brand for strategic exit [00:25:13] Big companies can't incubate brands — why that's your edge [00:26:23] Why you have to get beyond the corp dev team [00:29:48] What the investments that worked had in common [00:33:43] Why investments fall apart after you cut the check [00:35:16] The celebrity founder trap [00:39:16] How the Sonoma deal funnel actually works [00:45:22] What kills a deal at the investment committee stage
Live from the Podcast Stage at the 2026 Exit Planning Summit, Scott Snider brings together three perspectives that reinforce a critical idea. Great exits are built long before a transaction ever happens.Todd Yeiter (Thought Leader of the Year) shares how advisors can create real impact by building collaborative ecosystems, activating their networks, and helping business owners engage in value creation earlier. Neil McPeak Jr. (Nominee for Exit Planner of the Year) adds a powerful lesson from experience, explaining how losing a major opportunity led him to reposition as a pre sale advisor and lead with personal planning to better serve owners through transition.JT Tatem (President of Transworld Business Advisors) rounds out the conversation with insight into today's M&A market, where demand from buyers continues to outpace the supply of truly prepared businesses. His perspective reinforces the need for early alignment, strong advisory teams, and businesses that are built to be attractive long before they go to market.Together, these conversations highlight a clear takeaway. Exit planning is not an event. It is a disciplined process driven by mindset, preparation, and collaboration.============================================ Learn more about the 2027 Exit Planning Summit: https://exitplanningsummit.com/ Hear more from our guests: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jttatem/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/todd-yeiter-3787524/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/neilmcpeak/ ============================================ Want to learn more? Go to: https://exit-planning-institute.org/ Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exit-planning-institute Connect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/ #ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast #PlanAccordingly ============================================ SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST: Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204 Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR ============================================ About Scott: Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company. At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe. Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur. Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.
Today's show features: - Jonathan Gray, COO of Cavender Auto Group - Rob Cavender, President and CEO of Cavender Auto Group - Vin Stazzone, Chairman at HIGHSTREET | Automotive - Mike Keese, Agency President at HIGHSTREET | Automotive - Phil Pecoraro, Operating Partner at Murdock CDJR This episode is brought to you by: Zurich – Zurich delivers The Zurich Advantage to dealerships nationwide by combining comprehensive F&I products, consultative training, revenue‑generating programs, and wealth‑building profit participation strategies. Grounded in our mission to provide clarity, confidence, and certainty, we help dealers protect what matters, strengthen performance, and build a legacy for the road ahead. Learn more at https://carguymedia.com/4cNTwyu Highstreet Automotive - Highstreet Automotive specializes in insurance solutions for automotive dealerships, working with operators across the country to help manage risk, control costs and protect long-term profitability. Explore solutions at https://bit.ly/4eQhn3i Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: CDG Circles ➤ https://cdgcircles.com/ CDG News ➤ https://news.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Jobs ➤ https://jobs.dealershipguy.com/ CDG Recruiting ➤ https://www.cdgrecruiting.com/ My Socials: X ➤ https://www.twitter.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ https://www.instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ https://www.tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ https://www.linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy/ Threads ➤ https://www.threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ https://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
AI is impressive, but not yet world-changing. The real shift comes next with quantum computing.In this EUVC episode, Andreas Munk Holm speaks with Andy Leaver, CEO of Arqit and Operating Partner at Notion Capital. They discuss why many European startups struggle to scale beyond €10 million to €30 million, why enterprise AI adoption remains experimental rather than immediate, and how quantum computing is set to redefine security and infrastructure. The conversation also covers data sovereignty and the growing risk of “harvest now, decrypt later”.Key highlightsMost startups fail scaling from €10M to €30MAI is impressive, but not yet world-changingEnterprises are slow to adopt AI despite the hypeQuantum could break current encryptionThe real breakthrough is AI + quantum combinedTimestamps(00:00) Intro and Andy Leaver's background(05:30) Scaling lessons and the €10M to €30M challenge(08:45) AI and SaaS: are the rules really changing?(11:30) Enterprise AI adoption and experimental phase(14:00) Shadow AI and enterprise risk(17:00) Security, data sovereignty, and quantum threats(26:30) AI today vs AI + quantum future(35:30) Investing in quantum and the one-person billion-dollar company ideaSubscribe to EUVC, the home of European tech, for more insights: https://www.eu.vc/subscribe
Describing HR's greatest impact as creating and protecting value, Tim discusses what we should carry forward from COVID - the deeper connection that came from seeing each other as whole people - and why HR is fundamentally a team sport requiring connection and community. He introduces the "future-back" approach: start with a detailed vision 5 years out and work backwards to identify the scaffolding needed today. Addressing AI and youth unemployment, Tim emphasises intentional choice – that it's not a shift being done to us – that we have agency. He discusses access to employment programmes including a prison-to-work scheme that reduces reoffending from 60% to six. His wish for you: Be a student - continually better understand the organisation, our society and the individuals we work with. That is HR's life's work. And look after yourself, because we must put our own mask on first. Elevate Wellbeing to a Strategic Priority Thank you to Geoff McDonald for sponsoring this episode. In 2014, he left Unilever to devote his expertise to ending the stigma of depression and anxiety in the workplace - because he knows first-hand that talking about mental health saves lives. As a business transformation consultant and co-founder of charity Minds@Work, Geoff helps organisations define purpose beyond growth and profitability, and develop holistic wellbeing strategies that unlock true performance potential. Learn more: How Geoff can help you elevate wellbeing to a strategic priority: www.geoffmcdonald.co.uk Are you looking for your next great read that inspires you and helps your work? Our book of the month for April is Start with Why by Simon Sinek – a powerful exploration of what separates truly inspiring leaders from the rest. Simon challenges the conventional focus on what we do or how we do it, and instead argues that great leaders and organisations start with why – their purpose, cause, or belief. Through his Golden Circle framework, he demonstrates how the most inspiring leaders think, act and communicate from the inside out. Drawing on examples from Apple, Martin Luther King Jr, and the Wright Brothers, Sinek shows that people don't buy what you do – they buy why you do it. When organisations are clear about their purpose, they attract employees and customers who share their beliefs, creating cultures of trust and belonging where people feel valued and motivated to contribute their best work. This isn't just about messaging; it's about building sustainable success through authentic, purpose-driven leadership. Whether you're looking to inspire your team, build deeper trust with clients, or create a culture where innovation thrives, Start with Why offers a compelling framework for leading with intention. Head to UpliftingPeople.com to grab your copy, and we hope you enjoy this month's Uplifting Book.
Keenan Hood, Operating Partner at The Keefer Bar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Why is the Township of Langley borrowing more than $400 million? (0:55) Eric Woodward, Mayor of Langley township Metro Vancouver hire law firm to investigate leaks (10:10) Kash Heed, Richmond City councillor Inside The House (19:20) Keith Baldrey, Global B.C. Legislative Bureau Chief Massey Tunnel update (34:51) Dylan Kruger, Delta City councillor Keefer bar named the best in Canada (44:03) Keenan Hood, Operating Partner at The Keefer Bar Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Keith Levy, Operating Partner at Sonoma Brands Capital Keith Levy backed an exit of just under $1B and a $400M exit using the same five-pillar framework, and he starts with the founder every time. Finance comes last. As Operating Partner at Sonoma Brands Capital, Keith has spent six years evaluating consumer brands across food, beverage, pet food, snacks, and cosmetics. Before that he was CMO at Anheuser-Busch through the $52B InBev deal, president of Royal Canin USA for Mars, and the strategic acquirer who led the Kind acquisition at Mars Wrigley. He knows what the data room doesn't show you, and this conversation is built around that gap. The first of two episodes covers the full five-pillar CPG diligence framework and the Touchland and Boon's case studies. The second episode, out the following week, covers CPG brand lifecycle, exit positioning, and capital allocation. What You'll Learn Why the founder evaluation comes before the financials. How to read product-market fit the way an operator does, not a financial analyst. What a credible go-to-market strategy looks like vs. one that crashes in execution. Why supply chain control is now a diligence requirement, not an afterthought. How to get the right operators inside a strategic acquirer interested before a banker calls. The Touchland case study: under $1B exit in less than two years The Bachan's Japanese BBQ sauce case study: ($400M) exit with McCormick at the table. ____________________ If you evaluate consumer brand investments and want a framework for the risks the model won't surface, DealPilot, powered by M&A Science, has the practitioner playbook. Join at mascience.com/membership. Already a member? The bonus conversation with Keith is live now: boards, earnouts, and the hardest lessons from six years backing consumer brands, exclusively for M&A Science members. ____________________ This episode is sponsored by DealRoom DealMax starts Monday. Find us at the Aria DealRoom: Booth 109, M&A Science: Booth 208. Kison will be signing copies of Buyer-Led M&A all three days, and we've got a candy bar and swag worth stopping for. Then, join us monday night for a happy hour, RSVP here: https://hubs.ly/Q043VnNH0 ____________________ Episode Chapters [00:00:00] Intro [00:02:02] Keith's background overview (24 years at AB, $52B InBev deal – narrated) [00:05:40] Running Royal Canin and joining Mars / Mars Wrigley [00:08:45] Why Mars acquired Kind [00:09:15] What is Sonoma Brands and how Keith got there [00:10:17] The Budweiser CMO era & favorite ads [00:15:12] The Mars / Wrigley China integration [00:23:15] How Sonoma Brands evolved from venture to growth equity [00:25:11] Why deals don't work and what Sonoma changed [00:27:12] The Keith Levy CPG diligence framework [00:30:04] How to evaluate a founder [00:35:40] What product‑market fit actually looks like [00:38:32] Touchland: under $1B exit in two years [00:39:05] Go‑to‑market: sequencing channels & steady growth [00:41:10] Why TAM is just a sniff test [00:43:31] Why how you make the product matters more than you think [00:47:08] The real value an operating partner brings
Key Facts im Überblick ➡️ Hier geht’s zur Studie Fundraising: Leichte Stimmungsaufhellung, hohe Selektivität Die Stimmung im Fundraising hat sich gegenüber dem Vorjahr nur graduell verbessert. Kapital ist grundsätzlich vorhanden, wird jedoch deutlich selektiver vergeben. Entscheidend sind vor allem realisierte Rückflüsse (DPI). Rund 76% der Befragten knüpfen neue Commitments ausdrücklich an vorherige Ausschüttungen. Für Fondsmanager bedeutet das: Exits werden zur zentralen Voraussetzung für erfolgreiches Fundraising und die Verhandlungsmacht von Investoren steigt weiter. Dealaktivität und Wettbewerb: Mehr Transaktionen, höhere Anforderungen Etwa zwei Drittel der Befragten rechnen 2026 mit einer steigenden Dealaktivität. Gleichzeitig erwartet die Mehrheit einen weiterhin intensiven Wettbewerb um hochwertige Assets. Es kommen also wieder mehr Transaktionen an den Markt, doch konzentriert sich der Wettbewerb stark auf eine begrenzte Zahl qualitativ hochwertiger Targets. Die Anforderungen an Selektion, Strukturierung und operative Perspektive steigen entsprechend. Wertschöpfung: Operatives Wachstum schlägt Multiple Expansion Als wichtigste Wertschöpfungsquelle gilt unverändert operatives Wachstum. Die Hoffnung auf steigende Bewertungsmultiples verliert weiter an Bedeutung. Stattdessen rücken die Entwicklung der Portfoliounternehmen aus eigener Kraft, aktive Unterstützung durch Operating Partner sowie tiefe Sektorexpertise und funktionierende Wertsteigerungskonzepte in den Fokus. Der Trend: „Ärmel hochkrempeln“ ersetzt Multiple-Arbitrage. Co-Investments: Strategisches Kerninstrument Co-Investments haben sich als zentrales Bindungsinstrument zwischen GPs und LPs etabliert. Mit einem Zustimmungswert von 74% gelten sie aus Sicht der Fondsmanager als strategisch hoch relevant. Gleichzeitig stimmen 79% der Befragten der Aussage zu, dass nicht alle LPs organisatorisch und operativ in der Lage sind, Co-Investments effizient umzusetzen. Geschwindigkeit und Execution werden damit zum entscheidenden Differenzierungsmerkmal. GPs selektieren zunehmend, welchen Investoren sie Co-Investment-Gelegenheiten überhaupt zutrauen und damit anbieten. Sektoren, Regionen, Sourcing Attraktivste Sektoren 2026: B2B Services und Healthcare – dank resilienter Geschäftsmodelle, strukturellem Wachstum und klarer operativer Wertsteigerungspotenziale Attraktivste Region: Europa, insbesondere im Small- und Mid-Cap-Bereich, gefolgt von Nordamerika; Asien wird überwiegend opportunistisch gesehen Deal Sourcing: Persönliche Netzwerke bleiben der wichtigste Zugang zu Transaktionen, deutlich vor Beratern und Intermediären Exits: Strategische Käufer dominieren Für 2026 erwarten die Teilnehmer vor allem Exits an strategische Käufer, gefolgt von Secondary Sales an Finanzinvestoren. IPOs spielen weiterhin kaum eine Rolle – nicht aus strukturellen, sondern aus pragmatischen Gründen: Bewertungssicherheit, Prozessrisiken und Marktvolatilität sprechen aktuell gegen Börsengänge. Künstliche Intelligenz: Chance mit ambivalenter Perspektive 86% der Befragten sehen KI als Chance für ihre Portfoliounternehmen, insbesondere zur Effizienzsteigerung und datenbasierten Entscheidungsfindung. Gleichzeitig rechnen 57% mit disruptiven Effekten auf bestehende Geschäftsmodelle. Mit Blick auf den Personalbestand zeigt sich ein differenziertes Bild: 65% erwarten moderate Effizienzgewinne, vor allem in standardisierten Funktionen – weniger als Jobabbau, vielmehr als Transformation von Rollen und Prozessen. Fazit Der FCM PE Survey 2026 zeigt: Private Equity bleibt attraktiv, wird aber anspruchsvoller. Erfolgsentscheidend sind Qualität, operative Fähigkeiten, belastbare Track Records und der Zugang zu den richtigen Netzwerken. Das Fundraising verbessert sich langsam, belohnt aber vor allem Manager mit Substanz – und Investoren mit Geschwindigkeit und Execution-Kompetenz. ➡️ Mehr erfahren in der aktuellen Folge unseres Podcasts „PE Talk“: Der Beitrag Private Equity-Update – Zentrale Erkenntnisse aus dem FCM PE-Survey 2026 erschien zuerst auf Private Equity Magazin.
Episode Info Joe Zuk is an Operating Partner for Altamont Capital Partners, bringing a dedicated focus to corporate and business development across existing ACP portfolio companies within the Property & Casualty insurance vertical. Most recently, Joe served as Managing Director of Corporate Development & Strategy for Orchid Underwriters, a private equity-backed catastrophic personal and commercial lines property managing general underwriter. During his tenure he successfully executed upon the stated strategy for the firm including formation and launch of a proprietary segregated cell captive reinsurance facility, sourcing additional carrier partners, development of operational strategy, recruitment of human capital, and sourcing of M&A opportunities. Prior to Orchid, Joe served as Board Manager at Atlas General Holdings. At Atlas, he led the organic development and growth of Atlas's commercial property & casualty divisions as well as directing its corporate development initiatives. Prior to Atlas, Joe was an accomplished reinsurance broker and underwriter with over a decade of experience in treaty and facultative property and casualty reinsurance. During that time, he developed an extensive network of relationships across the industry landscape in both domestic and international markets. Joe is a graduate of New York University, earning a Bachelor of Arts with concentrations in finance, history and cinema. Joe enjoys dedicating his time to mentoring and encouraging young professionals to enter and advance within the broader insurance industry. Episode Overview: Talent Shortage: The industry faces an aging workforce and difficulty attracting new talent, impacting core functions like claims and underwriting. Solutions involve structured knowledge transfer and mentorship. AI Transformation: AI is not replacing jobs but changing them. It offers tools to enhance efficiency, improve risk assessment, and personalize customer interactions. Evolving Distribution: AI may automate simpler insurance sales, shifting the focus for human agents towards complex advisory roles. Navigating Risks: While AI offers significant benefits, challenges like inaccuracies and potential liability must be managed. The insurance sector is adapting, emphasizing the need for continuous learning and strategic adoption of new technologies. The conversation concluded by stressing the importance of a collaborative, monitored approach to AI implementation, ensuring it serves to enhance both efficiency and the human element in the insurance claims process. This episode is brought to you by The Future of Insurance book series (future-of-insurance.com) from Bryan Falchuk. Follow the podcast at future-of-insurance.com/podcast for more details and other episodes. Music courtesy of Hyperbeat Music, available to stream or download on Spotify, Apple Music, and Amazon Music and more.
Season 4 continues with a special introduction to the Exit Planning Summit. In this episode, Scott sits down with Ben Utecht, the Summit's opening keynote speaker, and Tommy Breedlove, the closing keynote speaker, to preview the powerful conversations ahead. Ben shares insight into The Champion's Creed and how belief systems, intentional culture, and disciplined mindset shape high-performing teams. Tommy discusses his keynote, Legendary Leadership: The Toughest Choice - The Mask or the Mirror, and the personal responsibility leaders must embrace if they want to grow, lead authentically, and build lasting impact. Together, these conversations set the tone for the Summit by exploring culture, character, accountability, and the mindset required to lead at the highest level. If you are attending the Summit or considering it, this episode offers a preview of the ideas and energy that will define the experience.============================================Hear from Ben and Tommy at the Exit Planning Summit:https://exitplanningsummit.com/sessions/the-champions-creed-keynotehttps://exitplanningsummit.com/sessions/legendary-leadership-the-toughest-choice-the-mask-or-the-mirrorLearn more about Ben and Tommy:https://www.linkedin.com/in/benutecht/https://www.linkedin.com/in/legendarybook/============================================Want to learn more? Go to: https://exit-planning-institute.org/Follow us on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/exit-planning-instituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast #PlanAccordingly============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================ About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company. At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe. Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur. Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.
In this episode of Supply Chain Connections, Brian Glick sits down with John Anderson, Operating Partner at Greenbriar Equity, to unpack the role of private equity in the transportation and logistics industry. John shares insights from over two decades of investing in and operating supply chain businesses, offering a clear view into how private equity firms evaluate companies, create value, and drive growth.The conversation explores what private equity really means for companies and employees, how leadership and culture impact outcomes, and where technology—especially AI—is shaping the future of logistics.Key topics discussed include: What private equity firms do and how they invest in logistics companies How value is created through growth, operations, and M&A strategies Why combining companies can unlock cost and revenue synergies The importance of leadership, culture, and decision-making in PE-backed businesses How employees can better understand and adapt to private equity ownership The evolving role of technology and AI in supply chain operations Why AI is more about better decision-making than just cost reduction How time horizons influence investment decisions and company strategy The long-term outlook for logistics and the role of capitalism in industry growthJohn also shares his perspective on how innovation, data, and automation are reshaping the industry—and why logistics remains one of the most dynamic and essential sectors in the global economy.About the Guest:John Anderson is an Operating Partner at Greenbriar Equity, where he focuses on investing in and growing transportation and logistics companies. With over 25 years of experience in private equity and a background that includes leadership roles at Fenway Partners, BNSF, CSX, and McKinsey & Company, John brings deep industry expertise across operations, strategy, and M&A.Discover Greenbriar EquityConnect with BrianFollow Chain.io on LinkedIn
A $200 million exit — and the client who should have been celebrating, but wasn't. That's what started the Exit Planning Institute. And it's the same story Scott Snider has lived himself: a successful business sale in his mid-20s followed by two years of feeling completely lost. Identity, purpose, what comes next — these are questions the transaction doesn't answer. Exit planning does.Episode SummaryIn this conversation, Paul sits down with Scott Snider, President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI), ahead of the 2026 CEPA Summit in Nashville. Scott walks through the founding story of EPI, his own journey as an exited business owner turned professional education leader, and the near-crisis moment in 2020 that forced him to rethink everything — not just his business model, but the culture he had been building around himself. He also breaks down the Value Acceleration Methodology in plain language and explains why exit planning isn't about selling your company. It's about running a better business right now.About Scott SniderScott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth. A nationally recognized growth specialist and lifetime entrepreneur, Scott launched his first business at 16 and sold it in his mid-20s — an experience that shaped his deep understanding of what owners face emotionally and financially in a transition. Since purchasing EPI with his father Chris Snider in 2012, Scott has scaled the organization from 120 members to over 11,000 CEPAs across 19 countries. He is also a former professional indoor soccer player in the Major Arena Soccer League.What We CoverHow Scott's personal exit at 24 — profitable but emotionally unprepared — became the foundation of everything he now teachesWhy EPI pivoted its entire credentialing program to virtual in 45 days during COVID, and how that decision triggered 5x growthThe "brick wall moment" when all 11 employees told Scott they were looking for other jobs — and what it took to rebuildWhy the Value Acceleration Methodology applies whether an owner is 25 or 72, planning to exit or notHow EPI's new DriveValue.com platform meets business owners where they are — before they're ready for an advisorWhat's different about the 2026 CEPA Summit in Nashville — including a festival-style exploration experience across seven live stagesResources MentionedExit Planning Institute — professional home for CEPAs; credential info at earnCEPA.comDriveValue.com — EPI's business owner-facing platform built around the Value Acceleration MethodologyExit Planning Summit — annual conference for exit planning professionalsWalking to Destiny by Chris Snider — the foundational book on the Value Acceleration MethodologyInitiative One Leadership Institute — leadership transformation program referenced in Scott's culture reset storyConnect with Scott Snider
Nick examines the Operating Partner model used by elite Private Equity firms to turn 100-million-dollar companies into 500-million-dollar powerhouses. He breaks down the Operator's Lens versus the Operating Partner's Lens, revealing the five critical questions you must ask to stop leaving millions on the table and start building a business that is engineered for maximum exit value. KEY TAKEAWAYS Most founders view their business through an Operator's Lens focused on daily performance, while investors use an Operating Partner's Lens focused on long-term enterprise value. High-value businesses don't just grow organically; they use institutional discipline and inorganic levers like aggressive M&A and roll-up strategies to accelerate far beyond what sales alone can deliver Implementing zero-based budgeting and standardised playbooks can increase EBITDA margins by 5% to 10% simply by eliminating inherited habits and operational drag. To maximise your eventual sale price, you must reverse-engineer the business from day one based on exactly what a future buyer wants to see in the exit story BEST MOMENTS "The operating partner is the person who is accountable to that significant value creation... not by cutting costs, not by clever financial engineering, but by seeing the business through a lens that the previous owners never really had access to." "It's pretty damn hard to redesign the engine while you're driving the car... the operating partner doesn't come in to keep the thing performing as it has, they're challenging whether it's the right model at all." "Structural risk is the single biggest destroyer of enterprise value at transaction level... the idea that you've got these dependencies on a founder, a top salesperson, or a biggest customer creates massive discounts." "Building for exit still makes the business better to own, not just better to sell; it creates more freedom, more cash flow, and less dependency on you." VALUABLE RESOURCES To get your copy of Nick's new book, go to http://bit.ly/4ngC2hO Exit Your Business For Millions - Download This Guide: https://go.highvalueexit.com/opt-in Nick's LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/realnickbradley Nick Bradley is a world-renowned author, speaker, and business growth expert, who works with entrepreneurs, business leaders, and investors to build, scale and sell high-value companies. He spent 10+ years working in Private Equity, where he oversaw 100+ acquisitions, 26 exits, and over $5 Billion in combined value created. He has one of the top-ranked business podcasts in the UK (with over 1m downloads in over 130 countries). He now spends his time coaching and consulting business owners in building and scaling high-value business towards life-changing exits. This Podcast has been brought to you by Disruptive Media. https://disruptivemedia.co.uk/
Season 4 continues with a real world example of culture in action. Scott sits down with Paige Wysocki to discuss her journey from intern to VP of Marketing and Brand Strategy and how documented culture creates clarity, consistency, and growth.Paige shares how leaders scale culture through people, process, and intentional development, and how culture becomes a growth engine when it is clearly defined and lived.For those looking to see what scalable culture looks like inside an organization, this episode brings it to life.Hear how Exit Planning Institute talks about culture:https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/is-workplace-culture-really-important-to-the-sucess-of-your-businesshttps://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2025/10/16/culture-is-key-3-ways-to-make-it-tangible/Hear more from Ben Utecht:https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/flipping-the-script-paige-wysocki-interviews-scott-snider/id1663050204?i=1000670739180https://www.linkedin.com/in/paige-koerper-wysocki/Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company. At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur. Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.
How is private equity approaching the insurance technology opportunity differently than traditional venture capital? What happens when risk capital wants to move upstream in the value chain, and AI enables it to actually get there? Guest Joe Zuk is an Operating Partner at Altamont Capital Partners, where he leads corporate and business development across a portfolio of insurance and insurance services companies. With 23 years of industry experience, Joe spent 10 years as a reinsurance broker and underwriter, then 8 years with two MGAs building P&C verticals and corporate development functions. At Altamont, he oversees portfolio companies including Accelerant Holdings, Augment Risk, Embark General, Fleming Holdings, Ascendex Underwriters, Kuvare Holdings, and Hadron Holdings. Key Topics The Insurance Stack is Compressing - Risk capital (reinsurers, ILS, carriers) is moving upstream toward origination. Traditional 8-layer distribution is collapsing into 3: origination, translation, risk capital. AI is the enabler, but relationships still matter. AI Solves Operational, Not Structural, Problems - The industry went through shiny object syndrome with AI. Real ROI comes from mundane efficiency: submission triage, claims processing speed, underwriting augmentation from unstructured data. Not flashy, but measurable. Why PE Beats VC for Insurance - Insurance requires patience, regulatory expertise, and operational discipline. VC timelines are destructive. PE operating partners understand the regulatory cadence and can navigate it competently. The Founding Team Playbook Has Changed - Today's insurance startups need a CTO or head of data as a founding hire, not just an underwriter and a producer. Talent comes from adjacent industries (fintech, healthtech) not just insurance veterans. Now Is the Best Time to Build - Technology maturity, available talent, incumbent inefficiency, and collapsed barriers to entry mean founders can build insurtech companies that compete on quality and speed with much larger organizations. Hiring for Curiosity Over Credentials - Altamont prioritizes intellectual curiosity and adaptability, especially for tech-forward roles. Domain expertise still matters, but learning velocity matters more. Trust Cannot Be Automated - AI compresses workflows, but it doesn't compress trust. Relationships, sales, and concierge service remain core differentiators in insurance, even as the stack contracts. Notable Quotes "AI can compress workflows, but it doesn't compress trust." "The insurance stack is compressing from eight layers down to three: origination, translation, and risk capital." "We went through a period of shiny object syndrome with AI. The real ROI is in the mundane operational efficiency." "I believe there's never been a better time to be an entrepreneur in the insurance market." Resources • Altamont Capital Partners: https://altamontcapital.com/ • Joe Zuk: https://joezuk.com/ • Follow Joe: https://www.linkedin.com/in/joezuk/ • Horton International: https://www.horton-usa.com/ Subscribe & Review Catch every episode of the Insurtech Leadership Podcast wherever you listen. Subscribe and leave a review to stay on top of insurance innovation, PE strategies, and the future of underwriting. #InsurTech #Insurance #InsuranceInnovation #Leadership #ExecutiveLeadership
In Part 2 with Ben Utecht, the conversation shifts from documentation to execution. Scott and Ben discuss how culture becomes measurable, scalable, and manageable when leaders treat it as an operating system rather than a slogan.The episode explores how documented culture drives accountability, performance, and long term value creation.For leaders who want culture to drive results and not just conversation, this episode shows what that looks like in practice.Hear how Exit Planning Institute talks about culture:https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/is-workplace-culture-really-important-to-the-sucess-of-your-businesshttps://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2025/10/16/culture-is-key-3-ways-to-make-it-tangible/ Hear more from Ben Utecht:https://benutechtspeaks.com/https://exitplanningsummit.com/speakers/2837071706Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company. At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur. Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.
This Season 4 episode begins the conversation on documenting culture. Scott sits down with Ben Utecht to explore why culture happens by default or by design and why leaders must be intentional about capturing what they believe.Ben explains the importance of a culture creed and why documenting culture is essential before it can be scaled, measured, or managed.For leaders serious about preserving culture as their organization grows, this episode lays the groundwork.Hear how Exit Planning Institute talks about culture:https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/is-workplace-culture-really-important-to-the-sucess-of-your-businesshttps://www.forbes.com/councils/forbesbusinesscouncil/2025/10/16/culture-is-key-3-ways-to-make-it-tangible/ Hear more from Ben Utecht:https://benutechtspeaks.com/https://www.linkedin.com/in/benutecht/Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company. At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur. Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.
Luke Zaientz is an Operating Partner at Rally Ventures and CEO of OTTO SPORT AI, an AI-powered platform simplifying youth sports management for athletes, families, coaches, and admins. Previously, he founded, served as COO, and CEO of Reigning Champs, a student-athlete recruiting platform that grew from inception to over $200M in annual revenue before being acquired by IMG Academy. With a B.S. in Economics & Transportation from Northeastern University and a Master's in Engineering Logistics from MIT, Luke has deep expertise in strategy, scaling, and operations, focusing on tech solutions for sports and education. Based in the Los Angeles Metropolitan Area, his work emphasizes removing friction in youth sports through tools like club management, tournament ticketing, and athlete recruitment, fostering connections and insights to help young athletes thrive. ParentShift course 30% off with the code TRIBE. Link below: ParentShift (English): https://www.hernanchousa.com/courses/parentshift?ref=c23daa Entrena Tu Legado (Spanish): https://www.hernanchousa.com/courses/entrenatulegado?ref=c23daa Connect with Luke on LinkedIn: Luke Zaientz OTTO SPORT AI Links: Website: https://www.ottosport.ai/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ottosportai/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ottosportai/ You can explore more of Hernan's work on his website, https://www.hernanchousa.com/.
This episode goes inside the real shift from founder hustle to founder design.Gopal built SOLARA by staying close to operations in the early years. Today, his role has shifted. He focuses on growth, while others run execution. But that transition is not automatic. As a founder, you are constantly switching between operator, shareholder, and long-term architect. The hard part is knowing when to step back and let specialists take over.He joins Shantanu Deshpande, along with Shiv Shivakumar, Operating Partner at Advent International, and Toshan Tamhane, COO at UPL Group, for a candid conversation on scaling in a changing consumer market.From bootstrapping decisions to the ₹500 crore acquisition question, from hiring senior leaders to building culture without bureaucracy, the discussion goes deep into how consumer brands must evolve.They also unpack a powerful external trend: the rise of the open kitchen. Appliances are no longer hidden utilities. They are visible, aesthetic, and part of lifestyle identity. Water purifiers, drinkware, and kitchen equipment have shifted from commodities to fashion. When the kitchen becomes open, the product must earn pride of place.Problems we solve in this episode:1. Should you bootstrap to ₹500 crores or raise capital to hit ₹1,000+ crores faster?2. Will a celebrity endorsement build trust, or are regional micro-influencers the smarter bet?3. When should you hire senior talent from outside without breaking your startup culture?4. Do experience stores make sense for a digital-first brand going offline?If you are building a consumer brand navigating scale, capital, and positioning in a more design-conscious India, this episode will sharpen your thinking.
Season 4 continues with a foundational conversation on culture, belief, and mentality. In this episode, Scott sits down with Josh Koza to explore the pivotal moments, trust accelerators, and mindset shifts that helped shape EPI's value creator culture.Throughout the conversation, Scott and Josh discuss how culture is formed long before it is documented and why belief systems, trust, and defining moments matter more than tactics. The episode dives into what it truly means to be a value creator and how leadership mentality sets the tone for everything that follows.If you are focused on building a strong cultural foundation before scale, this episode offers insight into how culture really begins.Hear how Exit Planning Institute talks about culture:https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/is-workplace-culture-really-important-to-the-sucess-of-your-businesshttps://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/embracing-exit-readiness-new-mindset-business-owners Hear more from Josh Koza:https://exit-planning-institute.org/partners-and-pourshttps://www.linkedin.com/in/joshuamkoza/Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company. At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur. Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.
Season 4 continues with Part 2 of the conversation with Dr. Fred Johnson, shifting the focus from awareness to action. Scott and Dr. Fred Johnson explore the leadership mentality behind high trust cultures and how trust accelerates or undermines performance. The episode highlights why mentality matters more than strategy, how leaders shape culture through their decisions, and what it takes to turn trust into a true advantage. For those looking to understand how leadership mindset directly impacts culture and results, this episode delivers clarity.Hear how Exit Planning Institute talks about culture:https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/shooting-for-success-winning-culturehttps://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/is-workplace-culture-really-important-to-the-sucess-of-your-business Hear more from Dr. Fred Johnson:https://www.initiativeone.com https://open.spotify.com/episode/1eVQTzZRykHMSWMhaFvu4B?si=74a70a784455469eWant to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company. At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur. Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.
What is the best way to invest in warehouse real estate and flex space?In this episode of the Alternative Investing Advantage Podcast, Alex Perny welcomes Jens Nielsen, Founder and Operating Partner of Open Doors Capital, to discuss why investors are shifting from multifamily into warehousing and flex industrial properties.Jens explains how rising interest rates and compressed multifamily cap rates pushed his firm to explore warehouse real estate, where higher cap rates, simpler operations, and strong small-business demand create compelling opportunities. The conversation covers warehouse property classes, tenant profiles, lease structures, triple-net vs modified gross leases, market selection, value-add strategies, and key risks investors must understand.If you are exploring commercial real estate beyond apartments, this episode provides a practical framework for evaluating warehouse and flex space investments.00:00 Welcome & Episode Overview01:19 Jens Nielsen Background03:21 Why He Started in Commercial Real Estate04:30 Why Multifamily Stopped Penciling07:32 Why Shift to Warehousing & Flex Space09:43 Class A, B, C Warehouse Explained13:03 Market Selection & Demand Drivers16:50 Urban Warehouses vs Industrial Parks18:10 Value-Add in Warehouse Real Estate20:51 Triple-Net vs Modified Gross Leases23:27 Lease Lengths & Rent Escalators28:08 Self-Managing Warehouses vs Apartments30:39 Tenant Screening & Business Risk37:24 Insurance Considerations42:17 Biggest Risks in Warehouse Investing44:50 Buying Vacant vs Stabilized Warehouses47:25 Due Diligence Tips for LP Investors50:08 How to Contact Jens NielsenSubscribe to our YouTube channel and join our growing community for new videos every week.If you are interested in being a podcast guest speaker or have questions, contact us at Podcast@AdvantaIRA.com.Learn more about our guest, Jens Nielsen:https://www.linkedin.com/in/jens-nielsen-multi-family-real-estate-coach/Learn more about Advanta IRA: https://www.AdvantaIRA.com/ https://podcasters.spotify.com/pod/show/advanta-irahttps://www.linkedin.com/company/Advanta-IRA/https://twitter.com/AdvantaIRA https://www.facebook.com/AdvantaIRA/ https://www.instagram.com/AdvantaIRA/#WarehouseInvesting #CommercialRealEstate #IndustrialRealEstate #FlexSpace #PassiveIncome #RealEstateInvesting #AlternativeInvesting #CashFlowInvesting #TripleNetLease #SelfDirectedIRAAdvanta IRA does not offer investment, tax, or legal advice nor do we endorse any products, investments, or companies that offer such advice and/or investments. This includes any investments promoted or discussed during the podcast as neither Advanta IRA nor its employees, have reviewed or vetted any investments, persons, or companies that may discuss their services during this podcast. All parties are strongly encouraged to perform their own due diligence and consult with the appropriate professional(s) before entering into any type of investment.
Thomas Knowles is Managing Partner of Gratitude Railroad. Gratitude Railroad is a community driven impact investing firm championing innovative businesses that generate compelling financial returns and enduring impact. He was previously an Operating Partner at the Builders Fund and prior to that held a series of other roles, having started out in venture at SVB Capital. We speak about the evolution of the focus on The Gratitude Railroad since our last conversation with one of its Founders, Howard Fischer in July 2023. You can find Howard's podcast here. Thomas elaborates on the investment focus areas, including climate (energy transition, energy efficiency, waste to value) and social impact (education, healthcare, financial services). We examine the impact that has been delivered to date, some of the obstacles and challenges that have delivered important lessons and the future of impact investing amid the current zeitgeist. 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.
Cara Munnis was wearing an N95 mask while taking care of her daughter with norovirus all night because she had a critical meeting the next day and "I cannot get this thing." She showed up, ran the meeting, and afterward couldn't tell if anyone noticed she was operating on "one brain cell processing everything." Welcome to being a Chief Product Officer and a mom. Here's what most people don't know about the CPO role: it has the shortest tenure of any C-suite position—less than half that of other executives. You're supposed to be "Switzerland," the neutral party among competing stakeholders. But you're constantly telling your C-suite peers—very kindly—why their ideas are going to sink or swim. The real transformation wasn't navigating those politics. It was what happened when Cara's daughter was born seven years ago. "For someone who's led massive technology transformations multiple times, it's very ironic how hard this transition was for me." The evening checkboxes—that sacred 5-8pm window where she prepared for the next day—vanished instantly. It took five years to build a new operating system where she hired without compromise and delegated with her eyes closed. In this conversation, Cara explains why she's "obsessed" with finding the economic denominator, why Conway's Law means your product will mirror your org structure, and why staying close to technology was the best career advice she ever got. After describing her relentless discipline and surgical precision, she deadpans: "I haven't been fired yet, so I dunno, I guess it's okay." This is a masterclass in product leadership that scales, parenting that doesn't apologize, and ruthless prioritization when you're scraping for minutes in your day. Key Takeaways: How to choose the right ladder to climb—make career decisions based on intentionality, not just opportunity or speed How to turn constraints into leadership advantages—use the pressure of working parenthood to force yourself to hire without compromise and delegate with confidence How to stay close to technology in any role—even as a non-technical leader, understanding architecture helps you defend budgets, win deals, and articulate competitive advantages How to shift your communication style as you move into executive roles—listen more, ask questions even when you know the answer, and bring others along instead of leading with your opinion How to design org structures that create better products—use Conway's Law (products mirror internal communication structures) to intentionally build teams that will produce the outcomes you want About the Guest: Cara Munnis is Chief Product Officer at Care Lumen and Operating Partner at Newfire Global Partners, bringing over 15 years of healthcare technology product leadership to organizations navigating the intersection of clinical outcomes and business results. She spent six years at Amwell advancing from Senior Director to VP of Product Management, previously served as Head of Product for Digital Health at Blue Shield of California, and held leadership roles at Iora Health and Best Doctors. With a pre-med degree from College of the Holy Cross and an MBA from Bentley University, Cara is Pragmatic Marketing Certified – Level III and known for her ability to balance strategic product vision with rigorous execution while fostering collaborative team environments. Chapters [Placeholder for Chapters] Guest & Host Links Connect with Laurie McGraw on LinkedIn Connect with Cara Munnis on LinkedIn Connect with Inspiring Women Browse Episodes | LinkedIn | Instagram | Apple | Spotify
In this Season 4 episode, culture is examined through an outside lens. Scott is joined by Dr. Fred Johnson to share insights on leadership awareness, belief systems, and the blind spots that quietly shape organizational culture.The conversation focuses on seeing culture clearly before trying to change it. Scott and Dr. Johnson discuss trust, awareness, and the leadership mentality required to build a high-trust value creator culture from the inside out.For leaders looking to better understand what is really happening within their organization, this episode sets the foundation.Hear how Exit Planning Institute talks about culture:https://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/shooting-for-success-winning-culturehttps://blog.exit-planning-institute.org/is-workplace-culture-really-important-to-the-sucess-of-your-businessHear more from Dr. Fred Johnson:https://www.initiativeone.com/https://open.spotify.com/episode/1eVQTzZRykHMSWMhaFvu4B?si=74a70a784455469eWant to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company. At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur. Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.
MIT reports that 95% of AI initiatives are failing to show ROI. Pablo Dominguez, Operating Partner at Insight Partners, joins the show to explain how to escape that group, and be in the 5% of companies that succeed. Pablo opens the playbook on "Dylan," Insight's internal system of 13 autonomous agents that cut their due diligence process from 35 hours down to 14. Other high points: How Insight used tools like Relevance AI and Gong to build an agent swarm that handles research, analysis, and data cleaning. Why Engineers aren't necessarily who you'd want to build these workflows (and who you need instead) How the CEO of a successful SaaS company is aiming for 5x developer productivity in 2026 Plus the "why" behind some spicy 2026 predictions like: the death of the traditional CRM, Sam Altman's potential exit from OpenAI, and the coming consolidation of "vibe coding" platforms. Thanks for tuning in! Catch new episodes every Sunday Subscribe to Topline Newsletter. Tune into Topline Podcast, the #1 podcast for founders, operators, and investors in B2B tech. Join the free Topline Slack channel to connect with 600+ revenue leaders to keep the conversation going beyond the podcast! Chapters: 00:00 Introduction: Pablo Dominguez and Insight Partners 04:57 Insight's Structure and Value Creation Engine 08:12 Why Most Companies Fail to Get AI ROI 11:05 Case Study: Automating Diligence with AI Agents 15:39 Resources Required to Build Autonomous Systems 21:23 Managing Hallucinations and Accuracy in AI 31:09 Scaling AI Literacy and Organizational Fluency 37:15 Measuring Engineering Productivity and Cloud Coding 43:14 Balancing AI Automation with Human Authenticity 52:23 Market Trends: Buyer Behavior and Churn Risks 57:18 The Spectrum: From Workflows to Agentic Systems 01:01:13 Why Retention Issues Are Always Product Problems 01:04:35 Bold Industry Predictions for 2026 01:05:43 The Potential Death of the Traditional CRM
Season 4 is officially underway and this Quick Look episode gives you a preview of what is ahead.In this short episode, we are sharing highlight clips from the first few conversations of Season 4. You will hear insights from exit planning experts, advisors, and business owners as they dive into real-world strategies, lessons learned, and the moments that matter most when preparing for a successful exit.If you are thinking about succession, value growth, or what comes next for your business or clients, this Quick Look offers a snapshot of the themes and conversations shaping Season 4.New episodes are coming soon. This is just the beginning.Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company. At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur. Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.
In this special episode of the "Exit Is Now" podcast, Scott reviews some of the top moments from the Exit Is Now Podcast and teases some of our upcoming guests for our 2026 season.Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company. At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur. Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.
Best But Never Final: Private Equity's Pursuit of Excellence
Mike Magliochetti, Operating Partner at Riverside Partners and former multi-time PE-backed CEO, explains how operating partners create real value by bridging deal teams and portfolio company leadership. Drawing from three decades as an operator and his book Dancing Between the Toes of Elephants, Mike shares how trust, pattern recognition, and execution discipline shape better outcomes across diligence, governance, and growth. He also addresses deal fever, founder dynamics, and why serving outcomes—not egos—matters most. This conversation offers a clear-eyed view of modern private equity value creation—worth every minute.Get Mike's Book at https://www.amazon.com/Dancing-Between-Toes-Elephants-Experience/dp/1964421136For more information on Riverside Partners, go to https://riversidepartners.com/For more information on Mike Magliochetti, https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-magliochetti-9905371For more information on the podcast, visit bestbutneverfinal.buzzsprout.com and embark on your journey to private equity excellence today.Visit us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-but-never-final-podcast/Visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bestbutneverfinal/For information on HCI Equity Partners, go to https://www.hciequity.comFor information on ICV Partners, go to https://www.icvpartners.comFor information on BluWave, go to https://www.bluwave.net
Rob Turano, Operating Partner at Bloom Equity Partners, breaks down the playbook he uses to transform lower middle-market software companies—from sharpening product focus to elevating talent and building repeatable go-to-market engines. He shares how Bloom integrates operating partners early in diligence, accelerates transformation in the first 12–18 months, and instills a performance culture rooted in data, speed, and ownership. Rob also gets personal, from his love of cooking to the practices he uses to think more clearly as a leader. It's a sharp, candid look at what real value creation in private equity demands today—hit play and take notes. Episode Highlights 1:31 – Growing up in New Jersey, Villanova roots, and the consulting-to-private-equity path 5:56 – Why food matters in Rob's life and how he became Bloom's unofficial in-house chef 9:22 – The three traits Bloom looks for: focus, management strength, and GTM maturity 14:38 – Selling value vs. selling features—and why every salesperson must think like a CFO 20:49 – How Bloom's deal, BD, and operating teams collaborate from diligence through execution 27:45 – The urgency of the first 6–12 months and the sequencing of transformation in PE 36:18 – Rob's top advice to PortCos today: talent first, disciplined KPIs, and repeatable GTM engines 40:25 – The book shift that made Rob more creative—and the life hack that helps him think clearly For more information on Bloom Equity Partners, go to https://www.bloomequitypartners.com/ For more information on Robert Turano, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-turano
Join us for a Flip the Script episode of The Exit Is Now podcast as Kris Snyder interviews Scott Snider in a thoughtful and personal conversation about leadership, succession, and the emotional side of exit planning. Scott shares his experience stepping into a second generation role, navigating family expectations, confronting burnout, and redefining success beyond work. Kris guides the discussion toward the deeper challenges that business owners face, including identity, communication, conflict, and the process of letting go. This episode offers advisors and owners a powerful look at the human factors that shape every transition.Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company. At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur. Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.
"Keep having conversations that drive people to more and better." – Bridget HomToday's featured bestselling author is a wife, mompreneur, motivational speaker, award-winning business life coach, philanthropist, and the Operating Partner of Bridge To Freedom Coaching, Bridget Hom. Bridget and I had a fun on a bun chat about her book, “Stuck On Ready: Master the Entrepreneur Mindset, Break Free from Self-Sabotage, and Access Your Limitless Potential”, how aligning your thoughts can lead to inevitable success, the importance of memorable brand language, and more!!!Key Things You'll Learn:What it means to be “Stuck on Ready”The difference between desire and deserve-abilityWhat Bridget learned from writing her book and the process that helped her get it doneHer three criteria for investing time and energyWhat setback helped her create more successBridget's Site: https://bridgetofreedomcoaching.com/Bridget's Book: https://stuckonready.com/Bridget's Audiobook: stuckonreadyaudiobook.comThe opening track is titled, “Unknown From M.E. | Sonic Adventure 2 ~ City Pop Remix” by Iridium Beats. To listen to and download the full track, click the following link. https://www.patreon.com/posts/sonic-adventure-136084016 Please support today's podcast to keep this content coming! CashApp: $DomBrightmonDonate on PayPal: @DBrightmonBuy Me a Coffee: https://www.buymeacoffee.com/dombrightmonGet Going North T-Shirts, Stickers, and More: https://www.teepublic.com/stores/dom-brightmonThe Going North Advancement Compass: https://a.co/d/bA9awotYou May Also Like…Ep. 583 – How to Be the Face of Your Business with Tonya Eberhart (@brandfacestar): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-583-how-to-be-the-face-of-your-business-with-tonya-eberhart-brandfacestar/983 – How Neuroscience Can Fuel Your Book & Life Success with Sara Connell (@saracconnell): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/saracconnell/1002 – Why Living With Intention Is The Key to Mastering Life with Bianca D'Alessio: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1002-why-living-with-intention-is-the-key-to-mastering-life-with-bianca-dalessio/835 – Turn Words Into Wealth with Aurora Winter, MBA (@AuroraWinterMBA): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-835-turn-words-into-wealth-with-aurora-winter-mba-aurorawintermba/306 – Be The SPARK with Simon T. Bailey (@SimonTBailey): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-306-be-the-spark-with-simon-t-bailey-simontbailey/147 - The Connector's Advantage with Michelle Tillis Lederman (@mtlederman): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/147-the-connectors-advantage-with-michelle-tillis-lederman-mtlederman/113 - Business, Faith & Empowering Women Over 40 with Jen Du Plessis (@JenDuPlessis): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/113-business-faith-empowering-women-over-40-with-jen-du-plessis-jenduplessis/1015 – How One Woman's Harrowing Beginning Led Her to God, Grace, and Growth with Dr. Shanea Clancy: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1015-how-one-womans-harrowing-beginning-led-her-to-god-grace-and-growth-with-dr-shanea-cla/810 – You Are Worthy with Katherine Norland (@katnorland): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-810-you-are-worthy-with-katherine-norland-katnorland/1025 – How To Become a Vessel Leader and Produce Genuine Impact with Alison C. Jones: https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-1025-how-to-become-a-vessel-leader-and-produce-genuine-impact-with-alison-c-jones/309 – Home Worthy with Sandra Rinomato (@SandraRinomato): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-309-home-worthy-with-sandra-rinomato-sandrarinomato/477 – P.S. You're a Genius with Kelly Trach (@kellytrach): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-477-ps-youre-a-genius-with-kelly-trach-kellytrach/670 – The Bestselling Book Formula with Honorée Corder (@Honoree): https://www.goingnorthpodcast.com/ep-670-the-bestselling-book-formula-with-honoree-corder-honoree/
Andreas Munk Holm opens the episode by introducing Charles Dunn, Principal at SV Health Investors, and Ruth McKernan, CBE and Operating Partner at SV Health, former CEO of Innovate UK. SV Health is a transatlantic healthcare specialist with a focus on company creation and full-spectrum biotech investing. Notable wins include the exit of SV-created EyeBio to Merck & Co for up to $3bn including $1.3bn upfront, and the recent launch of SV's newest company creation Driag Therapeutics, a UK-based neuropsychiatry company, which recently announced its $140m Series A financing.SV Health's approach blends early-stage company creation with later-stage venture investment. Charles emphasizes that this structure allows:Diversified risk for LPs: Early-stage opportunities carry higher risk but higher upside; later-stage investments provide more stability.Learning across stages: Experience in late-stage investing informs early-stage decision-making, and vice versa.Flexible company formation: SV Health creates companies across different development stages, sometimes even after Phase 1 data exists, as with Draig Therapeutics.
Join us for a special episode of The Exit Is Now podcast as Scott Snider welcomes 2025 Exit Planner of the Year, Joe Seetoo. In this conversation, Joe shares what it means to be a best in class advisor, exploring how to change the way we engage with owners, the importance of collaboration and chapter leadership, and the value of lifelong learning. From developing the Strategist toolkit to building Morton into a scalable firm, Joe offers practical insights that every advisor can use. Whether you're just starting your CEPA journey or refining your practice, this episode is filled with strategies to help you grow and lead with impact.Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company. At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur. Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.
Join us for a Partner Summit Special episode of The Exit Is Now podcast as Scott Snider welcomes Andrew Nikolai of CSG Partners to discuss the rising role of employee ownership in exit planning. Andrew explains why ESOPs are a powerful option for business owners, offering unique tax benefits, cultural continuity, and wealth-building opportunities for employees. He walks through the ideal company profile, outlines the three-stage process from education to transaction, and highlights why ESOPs are becoming a more mainstream choice in the era of the silver tsunami. This episode provides practical insights for advisors and owners alike on how employee ownership can align purpose, legacy, and liquidity.Want to learn more? Go to: https://linktr.ee/theexitplanninginstituteConnect with Scott: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scott-snider-epi/============================================SUBSCRIBE TO THE PODCAST:Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/exit-is-now-plan-accordingly-with-scott-snider/id1663050204Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0iXzdvQN1ApWPOk3rVytFR============================================CONNECT WITH SCOTT ON SOCIAL MEDIA YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC_Eh7TfhJHKRa5uc5R0uRgAFacebook: https://www.facebook.com/Exit-Planning-Institute-608403729259835Website: https://exit-planning-institute.org#ExitPlanningInstitute #ScottSnider #Podcast============================================About Scott:Scott Snider is the President of the Exit Planning Institute (EPI) and the Operating Partner of Snider Premier Growth, a small family investment company. At EPI, Scott is responsible for the strategic direction of the organization along with overseeing the company's operations and chapter development. Since joining EPI, Scott has expanded the organization regionally, nationally, and globally, providing a transformational educational experience to advisors from all specialties across the globe.Scott Snider is a nationally recognized industry leader, growth specialist, and lifetime entrepreneur. Two of Snider's biggest talents: market penetration and rapid growth strategies. As the operational and strategic leader of EPI, Snider thrives on helping advisors learn how to educate clients, achieve market distinction, and deliver real results.
As AI shifts from training to inference, founders, investors and VCs face a new frontier: the physical infrastructure that enables massive compute. In this episode, Frazer and Éanna discuss: The hidden development lifecycle of a hyperscale build - from dirt to green lights - and what that means for build‑to‑suit strategies. Why power, latency and land have become the new scalers of value, and how to spot when infrastructure constraints turn into opportunity. How investors and founders can position themselves early in this "third wave" of data‑centre build‑out to win sub‑1% of the market before it becomes crowded. — Éanna Murphy is CEO and Founder of Montera Infrastructure, a Stonepeak-backed datacenter developer focused on single tenant hyperscale campuses in North America. With over 17 years in the digital infrastructure industry, Éanna has held senior roles at Google and Yondr, scaling global delivery and operations across five continents. He serves on the boards of Digital Edge and H&MV Engineering, as an advisor to XYZ Reality and Beacon AI Centers and an Operating Partner at Stonepeak. Éanna brings a global perspective shaped by deep experience across Digital Infrastructure, tech and capital markets. Originally from Ireland, he now lives in California with his family and is a passionate sports fan, girls soccer coach and golfer.
Is it time to redefine the consulting playbook with AI as your new operating partner? From Cognizant's bold move with Anthropic to the shifting role of human consultants, the team looks at how embedded intelligence is reshaping strategy execution and value creation in professional services. This week, Pete Buer breaks down why Cognizant's enterprise-scale rollout of Claude AI to each of its 350,00 team members AND co-selling it is more than just a tech headline. It's a blueprint for AI as a transformational tool for how services are delivered. Pete and Courtney also dig into what Digg founder and VC investor Kevin Rose's blunt take on which AI wearables he'll consider investing in signals acrosss the broader AI ecosystem. And in our weekly roundtable segment, David and Mohan join Courtney to explore how an AI Operating Partner for professional services companies might not replace consultants, but rather elevate them, shifting their focus from analysis to storytelling, judgment, and client empathy. The real challenge? Avoiding the trap of AI-enabled mediocrity. What happens when analysts live in the cloud and consultants lead with wisdom? Tune in to this week's show to find out. Download the Meeting Cadence Playbook: www.knownwell.com/meeting-cadence Watch this episode on YouTube: https://youtu.be/iyL9G2bHZ0U
Mark shares both his career journey across some of the world's premier technology companies and how his roots growing up in a Midwest industrial town + degree in operations management gave him a unique vantage point/passion for optimizing some of the world's premier supply chains for those technology companies, details his lessons learned on what it takes to scale and lead a finance function within a hyper-growth technology company (only amplified if the dynamics of h/w + s/w business models are involved), and outlines his view on this latest wave of AI with his decades of experience watching prior key inflection points in technology.
Zach Strickland of Freightonomics sits down with two expert guests: Henry Byers, Director of Pricing at KCH Transportation, and Jared Flinn, Co-Founder and Operating Partner at BulkLoads, to dissect the diverging paths of the freight market and the red-hot bulk market.The conversation covers critical dynamics impacting the industry, including: Dry Van/Reefer Volatility: Henry Byers discusses the choppy, frothy conditions and upward pressure on spot rates in the domestic truckload market, pointing to unexpected pockets like Indianapolis ripping and volatility in long-haul segments like Ontario, California to Chicago. The Booming Bulk Market: Jared Flinn notes that the bulk market, particularly in agriculture, is experiencing all-time highs and operating completely opposite to the dry van/reefer sector. He shares that the bulk market is insulated, more regional, and a "great place to live right now" for carriers. Trade War Impact: The experts explore how the trade war, including the lack of China buying US soybeans, has affected both domestic supply chains and the containerized freight epicenter of Southern California. 2026 Outlook & Hot Takes: The guests wrap up with their predictions for the coming year, with a bullish outlook for the bulk market and a forecast for continued volatility and upward rate pressure in the truckload sector. Don't miss this deep dive into the current freight environment and what to watch out for in 2026! Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Zach Strickland of Freightonomics sits down with two expert guests: Henry Byers, Director of Pricing at KCH Transportation, and Jared Flinn, Co-Founder and Operating Partner at BulkLoads, to dissect the diverging paths of the freight market and the red-hot bulk market.The conversation covers critical dynamics impacting the industry, including: Dry Van/Reefer Volatility: Henry Byers discusses the choppy, frothy conditions and upward pressure on spot rates in the domestic truckload market, pointing to unexpected pockets like Indianapolis ripping and volatility in long-haul segments like Ontario, California to Chicago. The Booming Bulk Market: Jared Flinn notes that the bulk market, particularly in agriculture, is experiencing all-time highs and operating completely opposite to the dry van/reefer sector. He shares that the bulk market is insulated, more regional, and a "great place to live right now" for carriers. Trade War Impact: The experts explore how the trade war, including the lack of China buying US soybeans, has affected both domestic supply chains and the containerized freight epicenter of Southern California. 2026 Outlook & Hot Takes: The guests wrap up with their predictions for the coming year, with a bullish outlook for the bulk market and a forecast for continued volatility and upward rate pressure in the truckload sector. Don't miss this deep dive into the current freight environment and what to watch out for in 2026! Follow the Freightonomics Podcast Other FreightWaves Shows Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Send us a textThis week, we're joined by Paul Dodd, Senior Operating Partner and Head of Go-to-Market Operations at Sixth Street, one of the most respected private credit and private equity firms in the world. This episode is Part 2 of our Business Operations 101 series, and we're digging into how firms like Sixth Street actually create value inside the companies they invest in. Paul specializes in helping tech and SaaS businesses scale efficiently, so instead of talking about dealmaking, we're talking about what happens after the deal closes: how to turn strategy into growth.Paul walks us through what “go-to-market” really means in practice, from aligning sales and marketing to optimizing customer retention and pricing. He explains how small operational improvements, like shortening onboarding time or using AI to coach sales teams, compound into massive enterprise value during the investment period. We also get into how Sixth Street's operating and deal teams work hand-in-hand, why culture and process discipline matter as much as capital, and how flexibility in capital structure allows them to back great companies through every stage of growth.And finally, we tackle the viral headline of the week: OpenAI is hiring ex–investment banking analysts and MBAs to remove the "drudgery" of junior banking work. We break down whether AI can really replace analysts, why building financial models is still critical to learning the business, and what it means for the future of entry-level Wall Street jobs.Paul Dodd is a Go-to-Market, Operating Partner at Sixth Street focused on providing core expertise to organizations in order to maximize revenue generation and profitable growth.Before joining Sixth Street, Paul served as Chief Growth Officer at SecureLink, SVP of Sales for Compeat Tech, Head of Sales for the GA360 Measurement Suite at Google, and previously served as Vice President of World Wide Sales at Adometry, a leading provider of multi-touch attribution & cross-channel intelligence, acquired by Google in 2014. Before Adometry, Paul served as Vice President of Sales for Retail at Bazaarvoice and as Chief Strategy & Global Sales Officers for Design Reactor/6Connex.He holds an MBA from Baylor University-Hankamer School of Business, an M.A. in Psychology from the University of Santa Monica, and a B.A. in Accounting from Kent State University.For 20% off Deleteme, use the code TWSS or click the link HERE! Shop our Self Paced Courses: Investment Banking & Private Equity Fundamentals HEREFixed Income Sales & Trading HERE Our content is for informational purposes only. You should not construe any such information or other material as legal, tax, investment, financial, or other advice. (Learn more HERE)
Today, special guest host Sam D'Arc is joined by Phil Pecoraro, Operating Partner at Murdock Chrysler Dodge Jeep Ram. We dig into Phil's first month running his new store — why he's returning to the same dealership where he earned his first GM role 16 years ago, how he's carrying forward the legacy of Larry H. Miller's final store, and much more. This episode is brought to you by: 1. CDK Global - Tune in October 21 at 11 a.m. CT for CDK's 5th annual CDK CONNECT, a virtual event packed with insights, innovations, and expert-led sessions. Featuring Rita Case, Sam D'Arc, and more. Register now or watch on-demand @ cdkglobal.com/connect 2. FullThrottle.ai - fullthrottle.ai® is a next-generation AdTech powerhouse. The Automotive DSP™ is built specifically for the auto industry, combining advanced programmatic targeting, real-time bidding, and analytics tailored to drive dealership and OEM performance. With fullthrottle.ai®, marketers can reach the right car shoppers at the right moment and optimize toward real business outcomes like test drives, leads, or sales. fullthrottle.ai bridges the gap between auto media buying and results-driven marketing. Learn more at https://www.fullthrottle.ai/ 3. Nomad Content Studio - Most dealers still fumble social—posting dry inventory pics or handing it off without a plan. Meanwhile, the store down the street is racking up millions of views and selling / buying cars using video. That's where Nomad Content Studio comes in. We train your own videographer, direct what to shoot, and handle strategy, to posting, to feedback. Want in with the team behind George Saliba, EV Auto, and top auto groups? Book a call at http://www.trynomad.co Check out Car Dealership Guy's stuff: For dealers: Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Dealership recruiting ➤ http://www.cdgrecruiting.com Fix your dealership's social media ➤ http://www.trynomad.co Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com For industry vendors: Advertise with Car Dealership Guy ➤ http://www.cdgpartner.com Industry job board ➤ http://jobs.dealershipguy.com Request to be a podcast guest ➤ http://www.cdgguest.com Topics: 00:41 Biggest challenge in the new acquisition? 02:58 How did the key partnership form? 07:53 Early sales lessons from vacuums? 11:12 Best team building and leadership advice? 13:37 Key to turning around a dealership? 21:55 Balancing brand and community involvement? 24:17 Digital vs personal customer experience? 27:58 How to achieve top dealer status? 36:56 Best used car acquisition strategy? Car Dealership Guy Socials: X ➤ x.com/GuyDealership Instagram ➤ instagram.com/cardealershipguy/ TikTok ➤ tiktok.com/@guydealership LinkedIn ➤ linkedin.com/company/cardealershipguy Threads ➤ threads.net/@cardealershipguy Facebook ➤ facebook.com/profile.php?id=100077402857683 Everything else ➤ dealershipguy.com
Blair LaCorte is the Vice Chair of the Board of Directors at the Buck Institute for Research on Aging—the world's first biomedical research institution dedicated solely to understanding aging and age-related diseases, and the largest independent scientific institute in the Bay Area. A seasoned leader and strategist, Blair has a track record of transforming companies across five industries, leveraging his expertise in change management to drive operational alignment, scale, and market leadership. Most recently, he led AEye's $1.5B IPO, advancing the company's mission to enable safe, reliable vehicle autonomy. Prior to that, Blair served as Global President of PRG, the world's largest live event technology and services company; CEO of XOJET, one of the fastest-growing aviation companies in history; and Senior Advisor and Operating Partner at TPG, a leading private equity firm managing over $97 billion in global investments. His earlier career includes executive roles at technology innovators such as VerticalNet, Savi Technologies, Autodesk, and Sun Microsystems. Blair is an active board member and advisor to organizations spanning science, business, and education, including the Positive Coaching Alliance, the Kairos Society, the Graduate Business Foundation, and alma maters Dartmouth College and the University of Maine. His leadership has been recognized by Fast Company, Ad Age, NASA, and the ITAS “100 Most Influential Leaders in Transportation” list. His insights have been featured in Forbes, Fortune, The Wall Street Journal, and on major networks including ABC, Bloomberg, CNN, and CNBC. Holding multiple patents across hardware, software, communications, security, and defense, Blair is also an astronaut-in-training and is scheduled to fly with Virgin Galactic. Outside of his professional pursuits, he is a dedicated father to three sons and the owner of a slightly anxious Weimaraner named Bella. Work With Us: Arétē by RAPID Health Optimization Links: Blair LaCorte on LinkedIn Anders Varner on Instagram Doug Larson on Instagram Coach Travis Mash on Instagram
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