This special replay highlights an essential episode on how private equity firms identify where to invest and how to strategically source opportunities. Doug McCormick and Lloyd Metz join Sean Mooney to explore the art of specialization, building investment theses, and balancing focus with innovation. They share insights into why focus matters for both LPs and success in deal-making, how sourcing strategies evolve from industry expertise, and why relationships with investment bankers and direct outreach are critical. Whether you’re a business owner or a private equity professional, this episode outlines the foundational strategy behind deal selection and sourcing.

Episode Highlights

2:07: Doug and Lloyd discuss why staying within an investment thesis matters for LPs and how firms develop their areas of focus.

8:46: The importance of specialization: How focus, relationships, and expertise enhance credibility with business owners and deal sources.

19:48: Building investment theses: Tracking data, trends, and customer behavior to unlock adjacent opportunities.

34:08: Strategies for deal sourcing: Working with investment bankers, targeting specific sectors, and building long-term credibility.

50:52: The future of private equity marketing: How firms can build brands, leverage new tools, and attract opportunities directly.

For more information on the podcast, visit bestbutneverfinal.buzzsprout.com and embark on your journey to private equity excellence today.

Visit us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-but-never-final-podcast/
Visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bestbutneverfinal/

For information on HCI Equity Partners, go to https://www.hciequity.com
For information on ICV Partners, go to https://www.icvpartners.com
For information on BluWave, go to https://www.bluwave.net

Kicking off a new series on emerging investment themes, Lloyd Metz, Doug McCormick, and Sean Mooney examine the profound effects of geopolitical complexity on private equity. This episode explores the growing trend of supply chain reshoring, the rise of infrastructure services, and how enterprises are grappling with heightened risks in today’s dynamic environment. Lloyd shares insights from a portfolio company aiding corporations in navigating federal policies and mitigating geopolitical challenges, while the group discusses what makes these businesses scalable, cash-generating, and attractive for investment.

Episode Highlights

2:27: Lloyd and Doug break down methods for sorting through massive amounts of information to uncover actionable investment ideas.

10:35: A focused thesis on how geopolitical tensions are shifting supply chains and driving demand for new infrastructure.

19:48: Deep dive into a portfolio company addressing enterprise risks and helping corporations adapt to government policies.

28:14: Building scalable professional services firms: From partnership models to enterprise value creation.

37:32: Leveraging insight into geopolitical dynamics for future investment opportunities and emerging industry trends.

For more information on the podcast, visit bestbutneverfinal.buzzsprout.com and embark on your journey to private equity excellence today.

Visit us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-but-never-final-podcast/
Visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bestbutneverfinal/

For information on HCI Equity Partners, go to https://www.hciequity.com
For information on ICV Partners, go to https://www.icvpartners.com
For information on BluWave, go to https://www.bluwave.net

In this episode, Golub Capital’s Senior Managing Director, Greg Cashman, joins Lloyd Metz, Doug McCormick, and Sean Mooney to uncover the critical role of direct lenders in private equity. Greg shares Golub’s transition from private equity to direct lending, the importance of alignment between lenders and PE sponsors, and their underwriting strategies for companies and sponsors. Explore how private credit markets have evolved, what makes the best sponsors stand out, and why 2025 is shaping up to be a pivotal year for M&A. Packed with insights from decades of experience, this is an essential listen for private equity professionals and investors.

Episode Highlights

2:20: Greg shares Golub Capital’s origin story and its strategic pivot from private equity to direct lending.

8:48: The benefits of specialization: Why Golub focuses on private equity-backed lending and the advantages sponsors bring to transactions.

20:32: Underwriting sponsors: How Golub evaluates private equity firms and builds trust through transparency and long-term partnerships.

29:08: The rise of private credit markets post-2021 and how Golub positions itself to support sponsors through tailored debt solutions.

37:32: Managing underperformance: The importance of transparency, trust, and creative problem-solving between sponsors and lenders.

47:46: 2025 predictions: Why improving capital markets, favorable economic trends, and M&A momentum could make it a banner year for private equity.

For more information on Golub Capital, visit https://golubcapital.com/

For more information on the podcast, visit bestbutneverfinal.buzzsprout.com and embark on your journey to private equity excellence today.

Visit us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-but-never-final-podcast/
Visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bestbutneverfinal/

For information on HCI Equity Partners, go to https://www.hciequity.com
For information on ICV Partners, go to https://www.icvpartners.com
For information on BluWave, go to https://www.bluwave.net

Hosts Lloyd Metz, Doug McCormick, and Sean Mooney review the major themes shaping private equity in 2024, including liquidity challenges, market shifts, and investor dynamics. They discuss strategies to prepare for 2025 amid potential changes in interest rates, inflation, and emerging opportunities in industrials, food, and infrastructure services. With insights into M&A activity, CEO evaluations, and aligning investor expectations with portfolio performance, this episode offers practical knowledge for private equity professionals, investors, and business owners.

Episode Highlights

1:36 - Reflecting on 2024 as a challenging year for private equity, with discussions on liquidity pressures and subdued deal activity.

8:02 - The divergence between market performance and economic realities, and its implications for private equity investment strategies.

18:54 - Exploring opportunities in emerging sectors like niche food products and infrastructure services as areas for growth in 2025.

26:03 - CEO evaluations and insights on balancing leadership, decision-making, and performance improvement within portfolio companies.

35:58 - Looking ahead to 2025: inflation risks, interest rate concerns, and expectations for M&A activity and sector performance.

For more information on the podcast, visit bestbutneverfinal.buzzsprout.com and embark on your journey to private equity excellence today.

Visit us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-but-never-final-podcast/
Visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bestbutneverfinal/

For information on HCI Equity Partners, go to https://www.hciequity.com
For information on ICV Partners, go to https://www.icvpartners.com
For information on BluWave, go to https://www.bluwave.net

In this episode, hosts Lloyd Metz, Doug McCormick, and Sean Mooney are joined by Paul Ryan, former Speaker of the House, now a partner at Solamere Capital. Speaker Ryan delves into his transition from a distinguished career in public service to the private equity sector, highlighting his enduring passion for economics and his strategic choice to focus on lower middle market private equity. The discussion explores the unique value private equity brings to liquidity provision, business growth, and its broader economic impact. He also shares his perspective on the current political landscape, regulatory shifts, labor supply significance in manufacturing, and the critical role of private equity in economic stabilization and growth. This episode not only sheds light on Speaker Ryan's journey from Capitol Hill to capital growth but also on the intersection of policy, economics, and private equity's influence on business and society.

Episode Highlights
• 2:48: Ryan's transition to private equity and focus on lower middle market.
• 14:17: Discussion on business owners' perspectives on private equity partnerships.
• 18:08: The convergence of policy, economics, and private equity.
• 24:42: The importance of labor supply and immigration policy for economic growth.
• 31:10: The role of private equity in stabilizing and enhancing the economy.
• 37:28: Advice on communicating the value of private equity to policymakers.
• 40:09: Final thoughts on the future economic outlook and potential risks.

For more information on Solamere Capital, go to https://www.solamerecapital.com/

For more information on the podcast, visit bestbutneverfinal.buzzsprout.com and embark on your journey to private equity excellence today.

Visit us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-but-never-final-podcast/
Visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bestbutneverfinal/

For information on HCI Equity Partners, go to https://www.hciequity.com
For information on ICV Partners, go to https://www.icvpartners.com
For information on BluWave, go to https://www.bluwave.net

In this encore presentation from February 20th, Lloyd Metz, Doug McCormick, and Sean Mooney discuss the strategic considerations behind exiting a private equity investment. With an anticipated wave of deals in the coming year, understanding when to sell and how to do it effectively is crucial. This episode covers the importance of exit timing, various exit mechanisms including dividend recaps, partnership deals, and ESOPs, and how to prepare for a successful sale. Whether considering selling now or seeking insights into exit strategies, this episode provides valuable information on making informed decisions that maximize returns.

Episode Highlights:

• 2:34 - Discussing the impact of timing on returns and market challenges.
• 8:14 - Approaches to building a business that attracts buyers.
• 19:23 - Ways private equity firms return capital and extend company options.
• 34:51 - Exploring ESOPs as a tool for incentive alignment and employee empowerment.
• 38:28 - Common pitfalls in the exit process and the importance of early preparation.
• 43:35 - Final thoughts on skills for successful ownership and selling.

For more information on the podcast, visit bestbutneverfinal.buzzsprout.com and embark on your journey to private equity excellence today.

Visit us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-but-never-final-podcast/
Visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bestbutneverfinal/

For information on HCI Equity Partners, go to https://www.hciequity.com
For information on ICV Partners, go to https://www.icvpartners.com
For information on BluWave, go to https://www.bluwave.net

Lloyd Metz, Doug McCormick, Sean Mooney, and operating partners Mary Rachide from ICV and Bob Hund from HCI delve into value creation in private equity. They discuss the role of operating partners in enhancing portfolio company growth, from due diligence to strategic execution. The episode covers aligning company vision with actionable strategies, the importance of stakeholder collaboration, and the balance between innovation and risk management. Mary and Bob share their experiences in driving transformation and the challenges and rewards of their roles in achieving exceptional outcomes.

Episode Highlights

• 1:25 - Introduction to value creation and the role of operating partners.
• 1:52 - Mary Rachide outlines her path to becoming an operating partner at ICV, focusing on strategy and execution.
• 3:33 - Bob Hund discusses his journey to HCI, emphasizing process improvement and risk mitigation.
• 6:45 - The integration of operating partners in due diligence and value creation planning.
• 15:18 - Managing stakeholder collaboration and communication within the private equity ecosystem.
• 37:39 - The rewarding aspects of being an operating partner, including working with entrepreneurs and seeing tangible results.
• 44:48 - Challenges of the role, such as prioritizing initiatives and navigating change management.

For more information on the podcast, visit bestbutneverfinal.buzzsprout.com and embark on your journey to private equity excellence today.

Visit us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-but-never-final-podcast/
Visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bestbutneverfinal/

For information on HCI Equity Partners, go to https://www.hciequity.com
For information on ICV Partners, go to https://www.icvpartners.com
For information on BluWave, go to https://www.bluwave.net

Lloyd Metz, Doug McCormick, and Sean Mooney share pivotal experiences from their private equity careers, focusing on due diligence surprises, the impact of personal challenges on professional relationships, and complex business scenarios. They emphasize the importance of comprehensive background checks, cultural sensitivity in international deals, and strategic problem-solving in high-stakes situations. This episode provides insights into the nuanced world of private equity, where unexpected challenges often lead to valuable lessons.

Episode Highlights:

• 2:11 - Lloyd Metz emphasizes the necessity of thorough background checks with a story about a CEO's undisclosed past.
• 5:08 - Doug McCormick discusses the significance of transparency and trust in forming business partnerships.
• 10:21 - The importance of open communication in overcoming personal and professional challenges is highlighted.
• 22:55 - Lloyd shares a challenging experience with a corporate carve-out in Japan, stressing cultural sensitivity.
• 33:41 - Doug talks about managing complexity in deals and the strategic value of risk mitigation.
• 42:20 - Sean recounts overcoming a supply chain challenge through innovation and strategic negotiation.

For more information on the podcast, visit bestbutneverfinal.buzzsprout.com and embark on your journey to private equity excellence today.

Visit us on LinkedIn at https://www.linkedin.com/company/best-but-never-final-podcast/
Visit us on Instagram at https://www.instagram.com/bestbutneverfinal/

For information on HCI Equity Partners, go to https://www.hciequity.com
For information on ICV Partners, go to https://www.icvpartners.com
For information on BluWave, go to https://www.bluwave.net