Microcap Moments

In this episode, we sit down with Will Cook, Chief of Staff at Skycrest Roof Co. Will shares his unique path from consulting to serving as an infantry officer in the U.S. Army before joining the CXO program. He reflects on his first year helping to launch Skycrest, where the role meant doing everything from marketing to operations while learning the business from the ground up. Will highlights the importance of humility, listening, and building relationships with founders and frontline teams, especially in a people-driven industry. He also discusses evaluating talent in fast-moving environments, practicing relentless prioritization, and leaning on the CXO peer network to navigate the inevitable highs and lows of growing a young company.

Key Takeaways:

• Learning the business from the ground up builds credibility, deepens relationships, and ensures leaders make informed decisions that create lasting value
• Relentless prioritization helps executives focus on the highest-impact initiatives, avoid distractions, and drive meaningful results in fast-moving environments
• People are at the center of every decision, and knowing your team’s strengths, weaknesses, and motivations is key to building trust and driving performance
• Steadiness through highs and lows is sustained by leaning on peers and mentors, creating a support system that strengthens resilience and perspective

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 07:56 - What Makes a Good CXO
• 12:05 - Building Relationships with Founders
• 14:36 - Advice for New Leaders
• 17:24 - Best Advice Ever Received

Listen to our podcasts at:

https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts

You’ll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.

Other ways to connect:

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

Shore Capital University: https://www.shorecp.university/

Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university

This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

In this episode, we sit down with Rachel Scott Garrison, CXO at Agentis Longevity. Rachel shares her journey from Dell, Visa, and Deloitte into the microcap space and what drew her to entrepreneurship. She reflects on lessons from her first year helping to launch Agentis, including building the right data infrastructure, practicing relentless prioritization, and supporting a young CEO. She highlights the importance of managing stakeholders, the mindset shifts that come with moving from perfection to progress, and the value of having a strong peer cohort to share experiences and resources along the way.

Key Takeaways:

• Relentless prioritization combined with a progress-over-perfection mindset enables leaders to adapt quickly, focus on what matters most, and sustain momentum
• Stakeholder alignment is central to success, and listening, timing, and inclusion build trust with founders, boards, and teams
• Supporting and syncing with the CEO is critical in early-stage companies, where pace and pressure multiply and decisions must be made quickly
• The CXO network provides critical support and shared learning, helping leaders navigate challenges, avoid common pitfalls, and accelerate growth

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 04:37 - Building for Scale
• 08:51 - Partnering with the CEO
• 13:47 - Progress Over Perfection
• 17:38 - Lessons in Leadership

Listen to our podcasts at:

https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts

You’ll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.

Other ways to connect:

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

Shore Capital University: https://www.shorecp.university/

Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university

This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

In this episode, Bob Carlson, Operating Partner at Shore Capital, and Michael Burcham, Chief of Strategy, Research, and Talent Development, reflect on their experience serving on the board of Point C, a Shore portfolio company that completed a successful recapitalization. They share how the early investment thesis came together, how the founding partner was identified, and how the executive team, board, and M&A strategy evolved over time. Bob and Michael offer insights for first-time board members, including how to engage between meetings and why sharing experience rather than advice matters most. They close by discussing their personal passion for entrepreneurship and how investing in startups sharpens their perspective and fuels innovation across Shore.

Key Takeaways:

• Platform companies succeed when strategy, culture, and execution evolve together through each stage of growth
• Board members drive value by engaging between meetings and sharing hard-earned experience, not just advice
• The best partnerships are built on values alignment, shared purpose, and a clear vision for growth
• Staying close to early-stage entrepreneurship sharpens perspective and drives innovation across the portfolio

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 05:20 - Why the TPA Space Made Strategic Sense
• 08:28 - Launching and Scaling the Point C Platform
• 12:13 - Evolving the M&A Strategy and Partner Fit
• 17:00 - Lessons for First-Time Board Members
• 22:13 - Entrepreneurship, Innovation, and Staying Sharp

Listen to our podcasts at:

https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts

You'll also find other Microcap Moments episodes, alongside our series Everyday Heroes and Bigger. Stronger. Faster., highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.

Other ways to connect:

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/

Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university

This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

In this episode, Joseph Lesser shares his journey to Regional Sales Director at Courser and the purpose-driven mindset that guides his leadership. Grounded in faith and shaped by mentorship, Joseph reflects on the shift from individual contributor to people leader and the lessons that helped him grow. He fosters a culture of trust, feedback, and accountability where team members feel seen, supported, and challenged.

Key Takeaways:

• Bold action and initiative can open doors that talent alone cannot
• A curious mindset fuels personal growth and drives long-term success
• Leading others requires shifting focus from performance to purpose
• Trust and feedback are the foundation of strong, connected teams

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 05:05 - A Bold Ask
• 08:19 - Growing Roles
• 14:43 - Faith and Conviction
• 22:42 - Grounded Leadership

Listen to our podcasts at:

https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts

There you will also find our other Everyday Heroes episodes, alongside our series Microcap Moments and Bigger. Stronger. Faster., highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.

Other ways to connect:

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

Shore Capital University: https://www.shorecp.university/

Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, nor a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

In this episode, we sit down with Chris Dardi, an alumnus of the CXO Fellows Program who was CFO of Behavioral Innovations at the time of recording and now serves as COO. Chris shares why he left financial due diligence to build something bigger, how he navigated the leap into healthcare, and the mindset shifts that helped him succeed. He reflects on lessons learned during his time as a CXO, the demands of leading through an exit as CFO, and the importance of process, adaptability, and knowing how to focus when everything feels urgent.

Key Takeaways:

• Learning the business from the ground up builds credibility, accelerates impact, and helps new leaders drive meaningful change
• Opportunities often come disguised as problems, and tackling unglamorous challenges creates momentum and visibility in microcap environments
• Process, discipline, and adaptability are essential skills for CXOs stepping into new industries or scaling companies through rapid growth
• Exit readiness is an ongoing effort that starts with how the business is built, not when a banker is hired, and it requires tight operations, clear data, and a compelling story

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 05:27 - Discovering Purpose in the Mission
• 09:00 - Learning Fast and Building Structure
• 13:40 - Leading Through Change
• 21:04 - Lessons in Leadership

Listen to our podcasts at:

https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts

You’ll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.

Other ways to connect:

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

Shore Capital University: https://www.shorecp.university/

Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university

This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

In this episode, Cameron Perkins shares how a family legacy of both entrepreneurial success and failure shaped his approach to leadership, risk, and resilience. He reflects on co-founding FastMed and leading Anutra Medical, a venture-backed startup, and what those experiences taught him about scaling with intention. Now a Partner at Shore Search Partners and Executive Partner at Shore Capital, Cameron discusses the mindset of great founders and entrepreneurs, the difference between belief and capability, and how Shore supports them through every stage of growth. He explains why his greatest passion is helping others win and how serving as the undercurrent behind their momentum has become his most meaningful work.

Key Takeaways:

• Entrepreneurs who believe in their ability to learn and adapt are better equipped to navigate uncertainty and scale with confidence
• Building a business is deeply personal and often all-consuming, requiring emotional resilience, grit, and sacrifice
• Effective coaches build trust by forming real relationships, asking thoughtful questions, and stepping in with guidance when it matters most
• Founders grow faster when they are supported by mentors who serve as a steady undercurrent behind their momentum

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 06:27 Lessons That Stick
• 08:43 The Undercurrent
• 10:55 The Reality of Entrepreneurship
• 22:40 Why the First Win Matters

Listen to our podcasts at:

https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts

You'll also find other Microcap Moments episodes, alongside our series Everyday Heroes and Bigger. Stronger. Faster., highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.

Other ways to connect:

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/

Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university

This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

Description

Key Takeaways:

• Strategic questioning during early conversations helps uncover root issues, like conflict resolution, communication breakdowns, and unclear expectations
• Custom programs are co-created with portfolio leaders to support goals like performance management rollouts, mentorship launches, and frontline customer training, all tailored to team needs and company context
• Mindset shifts, such as moving from captain to coach or working in the business to working on it, are essential for leaders in fast-growing environments
• Clarifying the distinction between feedback and accountability helps managers create lasting behavior change and stronger team performance

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 06:36 - Leadership Mindset Shifts
• 10:56 - Customized Solutions
• 15:42 - Feedback vs Accountability
• 21:19 - Creating Scalability

Listen to our podcasts at:

https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts

You’ll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.

Other ways to connect:

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

Shore Capital University: https://www.shorecp.university/

Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university

This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

In this episode, Joy Schunhoff shares her journey from a 25-year career in human resources to becoming the practice administrator at ENT and Allergy of South Georgia. A lifelong Valdosta resident, Joy led her team through major operational transformations, including implementing a new EMR system, opening a surgery center, and navigating three hurricanes in just over a year. With her signature blend of intuition, ambition, and heart, Joy supports her team, her community, and her practice with unwavering dedication, proving that true leadership means showing up fully, especially when it's hardest.

Key Takeaways:

• Leaders who invest deeply in their people and communities create a lasting impact through heart and dedication
• Empowering teams and modeling ownership builds a culture of growth and accountability
• True leadership shows in crisis through calm action and care for people

Chapters:

• 00:00 - Introduction
• 04:24 - Credit to the Team
• 08:31 - Stepping Up When It Matters Most
• 10:03 - Joy's Legacy

Listen to our podcasts at:

https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts

There you will also find our other Everyday Heroes episodes, alongside our series Microcap Moments and Bigger. Stronger. Faster., highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.

Other ways to connect:

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

Shore Capital University: https://www.shorecp.university/

Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, nor a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

In this episode, Charlie Talbot shares how two decades in brand leadership and operations paved the way for his success as a multi-time CFO and now Executive Partner at Shore Capital. He reflects on scaling companies like Potbelly, Athletico, and Tend, building strong CEO partnerships, and learning to lead with both numbers and empathy. Charlie discusses the value of culture, the mindset shift from reporting to forecasting, and why joining Shore was a natural next step to give back, share hard-earned lessons, and help leaders navigate their journeys.

Key Takeaways:

• CFOs who understand how a business truly operates are better prepared to lead with impact across the organization
• Sustainable growth is built on a foundation of strong culture and authentic, relationship-driven leadership
• New CFOs earn trust by developing curiosity, building relationships, and learning every function of the business
• The strongest CFOs become strategic partners to their CEOs by fostering trust, clarifying roles, and aligning on execution

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 03:46 A Surprising Start
• 06:39 Becoming a CFO
• 12:15 Advice from a CFO
• 20:54 Why Shore?

Listen to our podcasts at:

https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts

You'll also find other Microcap Moments episodes, alongside our series Everyday Heroes and Bigger. Stronger. Faster., highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.

Other ways to connect:

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/

Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university

This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

In this episode, Michael Burcham, Chief of Strategy, Research, and Talent Development, joins Anderson Williams, Principal of Talent Development, along with Ben Gilbert, Associate of Talent Development, and Jackson Sprayberry, Director of Talent Development, to share how Shore University has grown into a platform that supports learning at every level, including executives, managers, and frontline team members. They talk about the systems behind ShoreU, like the LMS (learning management system), scenario-based training, and pathway programs, and how these tools help leaders apply what they learn in real situations.

Key Takeaways:

• Pattern recognition across portfolio companies makes it possible to build leadership programs that scale across industries and business models
• A mix of live sessions, self-paced tools, and media-driven content makes learning accessible to those with different learning styles and work flows
• The talent pipeline is strengthened by identifying high-potential individuals early and preparing them to take on key roles as companies grow
• As the platform evolves, the focus is on building both standardized pathways and customized experiences to meet companies where they are

Chapters:

• 00:00 Introduction
• 05:19 Building the System
• 14:13 Development Programs
• 18:34 Content that Connects
• 21:20 What's Next?

Listen to our podcasts at:

https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts

You’ll also find other Bigger. Stronger. Faster. episodes, alongside our Microcap Moments and Everyday Heroes series—highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique.

Other ways to connect:

Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog

Shore Capital University: https://www.shorecp.university/

Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university

This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.