ETA Insider Podcast

In this episode of the ETA Insider Podcast, host Brian O'Connor sits down with Gabe Barkley, former CEO of MHW. Gabe acquired and led MHW through an impressive growth trajectory in an ETA effort. They discuss Gabe’s journey into ETA, key factors that contributed to his success, and the operational learnings that shaped his tenure and eventual exit. Gabe also shares his future plans and insights for aspiring entrepreneurs in the ETA space.

In this episode of the ETA Insider Podcast, join host Brian O'Connor as he sits down with Ryan Turbes and Clay Brownlee, partners at Boulay, a Top 100 CPA firm and financial consultancy specializing in the lower middle market. They discuss how searchers and entrepreneurs considering ETA can work with firms like Boulay throughout their lifecycle. From early engagement to post-close services and beyond, Ryan and Clay provide valuable insights on navigating the accounting, tax, and finance needs in the ETA space. Whether you're a searcher, operator, CEO, or leader of a small business, this episode offers practical guidance for leveraging CPA support at every phase of the search journey. Tune in to gain a deeper understanding of how to collaborate with financial experts and set a strong foundation for entrepreneurial success.

This month’s episode features Lacey Wismer, Founder and Managing Partner of Hunter Search Capital and Co-Founder of the Women's Search Network. In this episode, we explore her journey in the ETA landscape, with a spotlight on search funds. Lacey delves into her personal experiences, the evolution of the search fund model, and the impactful initiatives like the Women's Search Network that are driving diversity in the field. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of the past, present, and future of the ETA industry from one of its passionate advocates.

This month’s episode features Reyes Florez, MBA ’14, CEO and Founder of the Platform Accounting Group, a private equity-backed business services company. Discover the compelling journey from acquiring a small family-owned tax firm to leading a nationwide group of professional services firms. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the strategic approaches used for successful acquisitions and the importance of fostering relationships within the industry. Join us for an engaging conversation that captures the essence of entrepreneurial spirit and sustainable growth in today’s accounting landscape.

This month’s episode features Rob LeBlanc, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at ambit partners. The discussion highlights the growing momentum of ETA in various countries and delves into fund deployment, geographic investment distribution, and the potential for ETA in major economies outside of North America. The conversation also underscores an optimistic perspective for ETA's expansion into new and emerging international markets, with an emphasis on establishing precedent and cultivating local investor networks.

This month’s episode features Sara Rosenthal, partner at TTCER Partners and co-founder of the Women's Search Network, who shares her journey in the search fund ecosystem and her efforts to promote diversity and mentorship. Brian and Sara discuss the culture of search funds, fostering leadership qualities, evolving models in the industry, and the need for structured mentorship programs.

This month’s episode features Chris Richling, MBA ’14, owner of a franchise business in Seattle. Chris shares his entrepreneurial journey from search fund pursuits to self-funded acquisition. He discusses the challenges faced, the transition to a management program, and ultimately acquiring a franchise. Chris reflects on lessons learned, emphasizing the importance of relationships, adaptability, and navigating personal dynamics in entrepreneurship. Released April 30, 2024

This month’s episode features a live recording from the Harper Center with Aizik Zimerman, MBA ’23, CEO of J Blanton Plumbing, a business he acquired during his second year at Booth. Unlike many ETA students focused on quick exits, Zimerman is dedicated to long-term growth, aiming to build the business into the nation's largest home services company. Influenced by his family's immigrant background and entrepreneurial success, Zimerman brings a wealth of experience from investment banking, private equity, and management roles in tech companies like Uber Eats. His journey exemplifies resilience and a commitment to creating lasting impact through entrepreneurship.

This month’s episode features a discussion with AJ Wasserstein, Professor, Yale School of Management, on the rapidly changing world of search funds. They explore the normalization of search funds, demographic trends, and the evolution of search fund models. Delving into the investor landscape, they discuss the shift from individual to institutional investors and its impact on entrepreneur-investor relationships. Despite the influx of capital driving market growth, concerns about declining quality and increased competition linger. Tune in for expert insights into the opportunities and challenges of navigating the search fund frontier. This conversation was based on "Exploring the Future of Entrepreneurship through Acquisition" which can be found at bit.ly/ExploringETA

This month’s episode features Peter Jackson, the owner and CEO of Miller Industrial, as he shares his remarkable journey from the world of Wall Street to becoming a key player in Main Street entrepreneurship. The discussion delves into Peter’s diverse career experiences, from corporate finance to his pivotal role at Groupon, leading up to the acquisition of Miller Industrial in 2018. Explore the challenges, triumphs, and lessons learned as Peter navigated the complexities of self-funding, searching for a business, and the ongoing responsibilities of industrial entrepreneurship.