Executive Sessions

On MiddleGround’s seventeenth episode of Executive Sessions, discussions are led by the Managing Director of the Transactions Team at MiddleGround Capital, Ryan McComb and Director of the Transactions Team at MiddleGround Capital, David Walden. This episode covers:
 
 1. Trends driving growth in the sector
 2. How aging infrastructure creates pressure to innovate
 3. Strategies for overcoming hurdles such as labor shortages and rising costs
 4. Emphasizing our thesis-driven approach 
 
 Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/4fg3QyL
 Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/
 Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/
 Follow Ryan McComb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-mccomb-1b512663/
 Follow David Walden on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwwalden/

On MiddleGround’s sixteenth episode of executive sessions, discussions are led by MiddleGround's portfolio CEOs Ron Lindsay of Lindsay Precast and Tom Brockley of Arrow Tru-Line. This episode covers:

1. Creating an Engaged Workforce
2. Strong Management, Communication, and Trust
3. Adapting to Labor Market Challenges

Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/4fDzQ0i
Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/
Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/
Follow Tom Brockley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tombrockley/

In episode 15 of Executive Sessions, we explore practical approaches to cutting energy usage in manufacturing with MiddleGround Capital’s Director of Operations, Jason Jacob, and Director of ESG, Madelyn Tutewiler. In this episode, they explore:

1. Strategies for improving energy efficiency with case studies from across the MiddleGround portfolio 
2. Common barriers to implementation
3. Creating a culture of sustainability
4. How sustainability can impact the bottom line

Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/4fpdkbP
Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/
Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/
Follow Jason Jacob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-jacob-210bb011/
Follow Madelyn Tutewiler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelyn-street-tutewiler-460356115/

On MiddleGround’s thirteenth episode of Executive Sessions, discussions are led by MiddleGround Founding Partner, Scot Duncan, and our Vice President of Operations, Zach Jackson. This episode covers:

1. Building a diverse and resilient team
2. Practical tips on how to manage diverse teams
3. Proactive problem-solving case study

Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/46JygH3
Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/
Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/
Find Scot Duncan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scot-duncan-45a23211/
Find Zach Jackson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-jackson-747b82105/

On MiddleGround’s twelfth episode of Executive Sessions,  discussions are led by MiddleGround Founding Partner, Scot Duncan, and our Managing Director of Operations, Stan Stanford. This episode covers:

1. Importance of Simple Technological Solutions in Manufacturing
2. Bridging the Experience Gap in Manufacturing
3. Real-time Shop Floor Management

Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/46NScIK
Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/
Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/
Find Scot Duncan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scot-duncan-45a23211/
Find Stan Stanford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanstanford/

On MiddleGround’s eleventh episode of Executive Sessions,  discussions are led by MiddleGround's  Director and Head of NA Business Development, Dyana Baurley, recapping her interview with David Bookbinder on the “Behind the Numbers (https://www.youtube.com/@behindthenumbers) ” podcast. This episode covers:

1.     Private Equity as a Liquidity Strategy
2.     Factors Making a Company Investable
3.     Aspects of Selling a Business
4.     Overcoming Misconceptions about Private Equity

Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/
Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ 
Find Dyana Baurley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dyanabaurley/
Find "Behind the Numbers" on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@behindthenumbers
Find Dave Bookbinder on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davebookbinder/

On MiddleGround's tenth episode of executive sessions, discussions are led by MiddleGround's Founding and Managing Partner, John Stewart, and Sean Mooney, BluWave’s Founder, and CEO. This episode covers: 

1. From the factory floor to private equity
2. MiddleGround’s differentiated approach

Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3wVP2oK
Check out BluWave’s “Karma School of Business” podcast dedicated to exploring private equity, best business practices, and real-time trends: https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/
Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/
Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ 
Find John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/
Find Bluwave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluwave-lp/
Find Sean Mooney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mooneysean/

Chapters:
(00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction
(00:01:40) From starting out at Toyota to today
(0011:19) Getting to know John
(00:16:21) Overcoming adversity and celebrating success
(00:28:51) Operational value creatopm
(00:37:39) What matters is actual cashflow and EBITDA
(00:43:12) Working more efficiently with technology

On MiddleGround’s eighth episode of Executive Sessions, discussions are led by MiddleGround's Founding Partner, John Stewart, and the Dean of the University of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Business and Economics, Dr. Simon Sheather to talk all things AI. This episode covers:

1. AI Opportunities and Benefits
2. Setbacks and dangers of AI
3. AI in Manufacturing and Private Equity

Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3Ugb9PK
Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/
Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ 
Find John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/

On MiddleGround’s eighth episode of Executive Sessions, discussions are led by MiddleGround's Founding Partner, John Stewart, and Head of our Transaction Team, Justin Steil. This episode covers:

1. The United Auto Workers Strike
2. 2017-2024: A New Normal
3. Electric Vehicles

Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3HFyoLX
Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/
Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ 
Find John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/
Find Justin Steil on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/justin-steil-a40422230/

Chapters:
(00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction
(00:03:42) Overview of the UAW strike
(00:06:45) Impact of strike - MGC and wider auto industry 
(00:17:40) The changing automotive industry 
(00:26:23) Limitation to EV adoption

On MiddleGround’s seventh episode of Executive Sessions, discussions are led by MiddleGround’s Founding Partner, John Stewart, and the Director of the Center for Business and Economic Research, Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Business and Economics, Dr. Mike Clark. This episode covers:

1. 2023 Economic Status
2. A Resurgence in US Manufacturing
3. Economic Resilience
4. Looking Ahead to 2024

Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/4fIvXar
Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/
Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ 
Find John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/

Chapters:
(00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction
(00:02:38) 2023 economic review
(00:12:39) Industrial manufacturer's response to economic shifts 
(00:17:35) Employment levels in manufacturing
(00:23:35) Well-positioned manufacturers in this economy
(00:31:05) Economic resilience
(00:40:08) Expectations in 2024