What if I told you the most effective growth equity partners prioritize relationships and empathy over everything?  Meet Barry Conlon, CEO and founder of Overhaul, a supply chain security and visibility solutions leader. With over three decades of experience, Barry brings a distinct blend of strategic thinking, hands-on leadership, and empathy to the conversation. His military service experience in Ireland and founding two successful companies in the U.S. has made him known for his focus on building strong, high-performing teams and companies.  In this episode, Barry shares insights on the importance of selecting the right equity partner, how company culture plays a crucial role in scaling businesses, and why a people-first approach is essential for long-term success. He also discusses lessons from bootstrapping a company and the challenges of navigating crises like the 2007 financial crisis and the COVID-19 pandemic. Whether you’re a business owner seeking capital or interested in leadership, you'll gain actionable insights on adding people-first practices into your company’s ethos. In this episode, you’ll learn:

• How Barry Conlon’s military background in special ops shaped his leadership style, emphasizing resilience, adaptability, and a people-first approach to building successful businesses.
• Why understanding the personal motivations of founders and leadership teams is critical when selecting the right growth equity partner.
• Insights on bootstrapping and scaling companies while balancing capital efficiency, risk-taking, and cultural alignment for sustainable growth.

Jump into the conversation:

(00:00) Meet Barry Conlon

(02:44) Barry Conlon's Special Ops Military Background

(08:06)Transitioning to Business & Founding FreightWatch

(12:53) Lessons from FreightWatch and Building Overhaul

(17:37) Overhaul's Mission and Differentiators

(22:44) Integrity and Competition in Today’s Supply Chain Landscape

(23:38) The CEO's Evolving Mindset

(24:13) The Importance of a Strong Board

(29:12) Navigating Crises and Black Swan Events

(32:17) Hiring and Developing Young Talent

(35:59) Reflections and Lessons Learned

 

Resources:

  Connect with Barry Conlon: https://www.linkedin.com/in/barry-conlon-2158805 More About Overhaul: https://over-haul.com/