The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection

By Alex RawlingsBusiness Education Self-Improvement Investing

The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection episodes

November 01, 2022 Jim Silvestri on his experiences of driving PE-Backed industrial companies to an exit
Introduction to Jim:
Currently the Chief Financial Officer at Wales-Darby, Jim has been in the financial field for more than 30 years. For the majority of his career, Jim has been involved in the fields of manufacturing, construction, and distribution. He has also worked with public, private, and family-owned businesses.

What You Will Learn
Portfolio Companies Acquiring Manufacturing Firms
Learning About How Manufacturing Works
Difference between PE Backed Businesses and Family-Owned Organizations
Process in the PE Business Process
Drivers for Industrial Businesses
Implementation of ERP Systems

Breakdown:
[00:43] Introduction of Jim
[02:01] Mistakes Made by Private Equity Firms
[02:56] Acquiring Manufacturing Companies
[04:14] PE Back Business vs Family-Owned Organizations
[06:00] Learning From PE Back Business Process
[07:58] Drive Increase for Industrial Business
[10:43] Tips for New ERP Implementations
[13:12] Likes and Dislikes on the PE Industry
[14:46] Known Knowledge Before Entering the Industry
[16:04] Reading References of Jim
[17:46] Social Links and Conclusion

Understanding the Industry
Jim takes on the topic on how private equity firms can work around companies in the manufacturing and construction industry. It is important to know the industry that you are absorbing and it should not only be based on the general revenues. PE firms must understand the complexity of income and goods allocation that progresses throughout the manufacturing industry. This will enable them to better understand the industry from a financial point of view.

Growth In Other Ways
In order to improve the portfolio lineup, PE firms need to have a better understanding of the companies or lineups they have. This will enable them to properly fix their portfolio in terms of growth and sustainability. Growth and development does not simply rely on the sales portion, there are more ways growth can be measured throughout the financial cycles of each company.

Reading Materials
Atomic Habits by James Clear
Twelve and a Half by Gary Vaynerchuk

How to Reach Jim:
Email: [email protected]
Jim’s Linkedin

Thank you for tuning in!
To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.
Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to [email protected].

20 min
October 18, 2022 Ferdinand Roberts on the Importance of Using Technological Processes in PE Firms
Introduction to Ferdi
Founder and CEO of Asset Class, which focuses on the Private Equity and Venture Capital Sector. The company is dedicated to providing softwares for companies to handle the investment lifecycle management process.

What You will Learn
Integration of Software Systems in Firms
Importance of Using Technological Processes in Firms
The Attitude and Characteristics For the Industry

Breakdown
[00:41] Introduction of Ferdi
[02:06] Mistakes and Solutions for Private Equity Firms
[03:35] Low Usage of New Technology
[08:20] The LP Experience
[11:45] Motivation to Create Multiple Organizations
[16:08] Advice for Firms and Individuals Raising Capital
[22:00] Attributes to Make A Top Performer
[28:13] Likes and Dislikes of PE Industry
[31:50] Ferdi’s Influences
[35:39] Ferdi’s Resources

Digitization of Firms
With the rapid development of the global market, private equity and venture capital firms are advised to integrate new softwares that will help their companies adapt. The industry is divided on whether or not to use new technologies or keep the traditional mode of problem solving. This is due to the misunderstanding notion and lack of appreciation firms have towards technological advancements.

Putting Your Best Foot Forward
In order to gain trust with firms, you must be open to have the right attitude and the openness to learn from the experiences in order to build yourself upwards as a software solution provider in the industry. Ferdi’s exposure to so many technology-based brands and his interest in the private equity industry enabled him to marry his passion to developing Asset Class. Putting yourself out there to learn and develop your product and making yourself larger will come a long way if you ever want to achieve that solution providing service for firms.

Resources
Ferdi’s Linkedin

Thank you for tuning in!
To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.
Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to [email protected].
38 min
October 03, 2022 From Carlyle to Orangewood: Lessons from Alan Goldfarb on Winning in Private Equity
Today’s Guest
On this episode, we welcome Alan Goldfarb. Founder and managing partner of Orangewood Partners.
What You’ll Learn
Structure and ways of working of large equity firms
Qualities of smaller firms and their organizational structures
Private equity professionals and portfolio executives
What makes a top performer in the private equity industry
Breakdown
[00:24] Introducing Alan
[05:00] Common mistakes by PE firms
[10:10] Working in large equity forms
[14:16] Large and small firms
[18:01] C-Suite Model
[21:32] Attributes of a top performer
[24:39] Likes and Dislikes
[30:21] Book Recommendations
[34:11] Where to find Alan
Working in larger equity firms
When it comes to working in larger equity firms, on the investing side, the management and strategic team is crucial in making the company successful. On the business-building side, Alan puts time and effort in making sure they are doing what’s best for their investors.
Organizational structure
Orangewood has plenty of strategic partners and this is because not every situation requires the same expertise or partnership to figure out the right leverage to help the company pull. Another reason is that Orangewood is built on the foundation of partnership, therefore implementing a partnership model where everyone enjoys working with each other to succeed.
Resources:
Orangewood Partners website
Alan’s e-mail
Alan’s LinkedIn
Thank you for tuning in!
To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.
Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to [email protected].
35 min
September 19, 2022 Joseph Coughlin on the Complexity of Risk in Diverse Portfolios
Today’s Guest
Today’s guest is Joseph F. Coughlin, CEO and founder of CRS Limited.
What You’ll Learn
Litigation in PE firms
Complexity of risk
Breakdown
[00:22] Introducing Joe
[03:34] Common mistakes by PE firms
[08:31] What PE firms overlook
[12:30] Attributes of a top performer
[18:45] Likes and dislikes in the PE industry
[22:39] Risk aspect in diverse portfolios
[27:28] Joe’s book influences
[32:49] Where to find Joe
Complexity of risk in diverse portfolios
Cyber has taken the world by storm and the hard market we’re in today started almost three years ago while the average hard market that’s gone overtime started decades ago. Because of multiple current events that took place over the past three years, along with the lowest interest rates in history, Joe has experienced multiple complex risks and he sees that the PE industry’s job now is mitigating interest rates, insurance companies, and price increases.
Resources:
CRS Limited official website
Thank you for tuning in!
To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.
Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to [email protected].
34 min
September 05, 2022 Brad Nathan on the challenges of Private Equity and the secret to his success
Today’s Guest
On this episode, we welcome Brad Nathan, founder and president of Toronto-based PE firm Lynx Equity.
What You’ll Learn
The buy and hold strategy
Returns models
Investor relations
Breakdown
[00:22] Introducing Brad
[02:11] Common mistakes by PE firms
[03:35] Buy and Hold Strategy
[14:10] Insight on Lynx’s Success
[17:13] Adopting a Different Returns Model
[21:11] Investor Relations Process
[27:12] Lynx’s Humble Approach
[31:37] What Makes a Top Performer
[35:29] Brad’s Influences
[38:01] Where to find Brad
Challenges in private equity
For Brad, the biggest challenge in private equity is making sure that you have the right management team. Every company has revenue, cost of sale, and all the different aspects that contribute to its growth, but the key ingredient in a company is always the person running it.
Secret to Lynx’s Success
Brad is frank and says that Lynx’s success all came down to ability to raise capital. His tenacity and drive to never give up also contributed to the growth and success of Lynx today.
Resources:
Brad’s e-mail
Brad’s LinkedIn
Thank you for tuning in!
To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.
Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to [email protected].
37 min
August 24, 2022 Rami Cassis on Diversifying Private Equity
Today’s Guest
Today’s guest is Rami Cassis, founder of Parabellum Investments based in London.
What You’ll Learn
Diversification in PE
High growth and high-risk sectors
Current economic climate
Breakdown
[00:22] Introducing Rami
[02:41] Common mistakes by PE firms
[05:57] Diversity and diversification in PE
[08:32] Rami’s buy and sell PE model
[12:31] High growth and high potential sectors
[17:23] Economic climate of at-risk sectors
[19:45] What makes a top performer
[25:37] What Rami likes and dislikes about PE
[31:27] Rami’s influences
[35:02] Where to find Rami
Diversity in PE
The level of engagement between management teams and its private equity owners tends to be one-dimensional, limited only to board reporting and financial performance as the key metrics driving the nature of engagement between private equity and management teams. Rami thinks there should be more than that and diversity, such as having HR or Marketing in meetings, brings with it a more rounded and representative view of life than what is typically the case today.
High-growth sectors
Growth comes from two drivers, which is government spending or legislation, or consumer spending and Rami is seeing that people will invest in their health and wellness in the years to come. Hence, the three high-growth sectors now are pharma and life sciences, luxury, and financial services.
Resources:
Rami’s Twitter
Rami’s LinkedIn
Thank you for tuning in!
To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.
Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to [email protected].
34 min
August 22, 2022 What Alan Goldfarb learned by working at a top Private Equity firm
On this episode, we welcome Alan Goldfarb. Founder and managing partner of Orangewood Partners.
What You’ll Learn
Structure and ways of working of large equity firms
Qualities of smaller firms and their organizational structures
Private equity professionals and portfolio executives
What makes a top performer in the private equity industry
Breakdown
[00:24] Introducing Alan
[05:00] Common mistakes by PE firms
[10:10] Working in large equity forms
[14:16] Large and small firms
[18:01] C-Suite Model
[21:32] Attributes of a top performer
[24:39] Likes and Dislikes
[30:21] Book Recommendations
[34:11] Where to find Alan
Working in larger equity firms
When it comes to working in larger equity firms, on the investing side, the management and strategic team is crucial in making the company successful. On the business-building side, Alan puts time and effort in making sure they are doing what’s best for their investors.
Organizational structure
Orangewood has plenty of strategic partners and this is because not every situation requires the same expertise or partnership to figure out the right leverage to help the company pull. Another reason is that Orangewood is built on the foundation of partnership, therefore implementing a partnership model where everyone enjoys working with each other to succeed.
Resources:
Orangewood Partners website
Alan’s e-mail
Alan’s LinkedIn
Thank you for tuning in!
To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.
Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to [email protected].
37 min
August 08, 2022 Nick Antoine on How Private Equity Firms can Differentiate Themselves in a Crowded Market
Nick Antoine is the Co-Founder, Co-CEO and Managing Partner at Red Arts Capital, where he leads fundraising, research and thesis development. Before forming Red Arts in 2015, Nick served as Special Assistant to the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ariel Investments, a $13 billion asset management firm.

What You’ll Learn:
Deal flow processes within a narrow niche
How PE firms can differentiate themselves in a crowded market
Understanding competitive edge in private equity
How PE firms strike deals in the supply chain and logistics space

Breakdown
[00:50] Getting to Know Nick Antoine
[01:36] Common Mistakes by PE Firms and Their Portfolio Companies
[02:50] How Red Arts Capital Stands Out in the Marketplace
[04:10] Why Red Arts Capital Settled on Supply Chain and Logistics
[07:52] Deal Flow and the Benefits of Niching Down
[11:30] Trends in the PE Space Post Pandemic
[14:45] Nick’s Super Fast Career Progression
[15:42] Nick’s Go-to Self-Improvement Resources
[17:55] Key Attributes of a Top-Performing Individual
[18:56] Parting Thoughts

Resources:
RedArtsCapital.com
Nick’s LinkedIn
The Psychology of Money by Morgan Housel
Why Should White Guys Have All the Fun? By Reginald F. Lewis

Thank you for tuning in!
To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.
Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to [email protected].
19 min
July 25, 2022 Jeff Gendel on The increasing importance of a strong operations in your private equity firm
Introduction of Jeff Gendel

Jeff Gendel is the Principal for Business Development at Gen II Fund Services, LLC, a private equity fund administrator that caters to $850B+ of private capital. Jeff oversees the firm, which offers a unique platform of resources that enables clients to manage their operational infrastructure, financial reporting and investor communications.

What You Will Learn

The significance of the Operational Team in PE firms

Perception of Fundraising and Human Capital

Challenges on Reporting Demands

Trends and Areas Under Scrutiny

Scaling of PE Firms Post-COVID

Breakdown

[00:48] Getting to Know Jeff Gendel

[03:11] Common mistakes of PEP firms and solutions

[06:40] Trends and challenges PEP firms face

[08:42] Perception of fundraising

[12:42] Thoughts on human capital

[14:17] CFOs and operational teams in PEP firms

[18:04] Pain Points for PEs on reporting demands

[21:48] Trends and areas under scrutiny

[25:14] Challenges that impact PE firms to scale

[27:48] PE’s ability to scale post-COVID

[30:58] Likes and dislikes about PE

[33:08] How to get in touch with Jeff

The Operational Side

Jeff Gendel sits down with Alex to discuss the importance of the operational side of PE firms in the industry. He highlights how the team that operates behind the scenes should be valued and is very important, especially for it to reflect the performance of the firm. Many firms are now conducting risk analysis as a solution to address certain output issues, and he identifies operational risk analysis as one key factor. Adding emphasis to talent acquisition for the operational management team, Jeff mentions that even recruitment of talents becomes a competitive struggle for firms, as they all attempt to get the best set of teams for their operations. Retention is also another item he brings up as it is inevitable that people will come in and go from firms, and the firm’s ability to keep the exceptional talent they have on hand is something that needs to be valued.

Key Information to Scale

Jeff also cites the importance of information that circulates a firm. On top of having the right operational team, they also are in charge of giving the firm the necessary information needed for the firm to adapt to the fast-paced environment. He mentions that information gained by the firm such as returns, ability to attract capital, and the performance difference from competitors will help the operational team materialize the strategy they need to generate the next steps and objectives the firm will have to go for. With this, firms are able to scale their performance and goals accordingly and bring positive outputs to clients and investors. Despite the COVID pandemic, the PE industry is very adaptable. Having a team that can help a firm manoeuvre through the economic environment with the right information will help the organization on a macro-level.

Resources

Jeff Gendel’s Linkedin

Gen II Website

33 min
July 11, 2022 Ewan Mackinnon on How to Correct Common Mistakes Made by Private Equity Firms and Portfolio Companies
Ewan Mackinnon is a Partner for Maven Capital Partners, a VCT, Private Equity and Property Fund Manager that provides funding to growth-focused UK SMEs and tax-efficient investment opportunities for investors

What You will Learn
How to correct common mistakes made by PE firms and portfolio companies
How Maven Capital Partners drive value creation
How the UK CPT works for Maven
Educational resources for industry awareness

Breakdown
[00:51] Getting to know Ewan Mackinnon
[04:13] One mistake PE firms or portfolio companies and actions to correct them
[07:47] Model to drive value creation and new expertise into portfolio companies
[09:16] Inspiration to move into PE
[11:28] Challenges faced in business completion due to outside London set up
[13:31] How UK’s Venture Capital Trust Model works with Maven Capital Partners
[16:14] Likes and Dislikes of the PE industry
[20:47] Educational resources for the industry to check
[24:17] Deal Flow for Maven Capital Partners
[25:19] How to get in touch with Ewan Mackinnon
[26:18] Side discussion with Ewan

[Resources]
Ewan Mackinnon’s Email
Ewan MAckinnon’s Linkedin

Thank you for tuning in!
To get the newest Private Equity episodes, you can subscribe on iTunes or Spotify here.
Lastly, if you have any feedback on the podcast or want to reach out to Alex with any questions, send an email to [email protected].
26 min

About The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection

From the publisher's feed

Hosted by Alex Rawlings, Managing Partner of Raw Selection, a specialist executive search firm. Join us as we interview the leading experts in Private Equity, unlocking their secrets of success to…