Join the team at Minds Capital as they debrief the first day of the McGuireWoods Independent Sponsor Conference at the Fairmont in Dallas. The MWIS Conference is the premier meeting point of independent sponsors and capital providers (such as Minds Capital, an equity fund). On the first day, Max, Will, and Niklas had 1-on-1 speed dating sessions with more than 30 independent sponsors, many of whom will appear on this podcast in the coming months.

After an early search that didn't close and a decade in PE (incl. Alpine), former Marine Rob Casper found his stride inside a public company. Today he leads skilled trades at Kingsway Financial, a public company that transformed from an insurance underwriter to a public company compounder of small business acquisitions.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Rob Casper | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

• See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
• Connect with hosts Will Smith and Niklas James
• Visit Minds Capital

Credits:

• Edited by Anton Rohozov

Marc Cabrera, based in Telluride, worked as a healthcare-focused investment banker from 1988 until his retirement last year. As a side gig to being a banker, he has acquired 5 companies, of which 4 have exited, all north of 10x MOIC. One returned a whopping 40x MOIC, where Marc was the largest investor.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Marc Cabrera | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

• See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
• Connect with hosts Will Smith and Niklas James
• Visit Minds Capital

Credits:

• Edited by Anton Rohozov

Outspoken Nathan Chandrasekaran of Columbia River Partners, based in Seattle, Washington, has built a track record around carve-outs, portfolio synergies, and hard work, creating a firm with a clear identity and 7 platforms.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Nathan Chandrasekaran | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

• See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
• Connect with hosts Will Smith and Niklas James
• Visit Minds Capital

Credits:

• Edited by Anton Rohozov

Jeff Goldstein is an independent sponsor at Breakwater Management, formerly a private credit fund. Earlier this year they closed their first independent sponsor transaction of a marketing company called Chemistry Communications, which Minds Capital invested in. Jeff's career path has taken him from law and investment banking into senior leadership roles at media & marketing companies like IAC, Experian, and PriceGrabber, before stepping in as CEO of United Online, which was a public company at the time.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Jeff Goldstein | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

• See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
• Connect with hosts Will Smith and Niklas James
• Visit Minds Capital

Credits:

• Edited by Anton Rohozov

Sarkaw Aziz acquired a $5 million EBITDA vacation rental platform in Colorado, structured it with a 50% seller rollover and a 3x EBITDA seller note, and exited just two years later with 2x MOIC and a 41% IRR.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Sarkaw Aziz | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

• See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
• Connect with hosts Will Smith and Niklas James
• Visit Minds Capital

Credits:

• Edited by Anton Rohozov

Rick Apple built Upside Growth Partners out of Nashville after starting his career in the finance grind of New York. A Princeton grad turned entrepreneur, he has scaled 12 platforms while raising 5 kids at home. From a breakout children’s clothing brand to roofing and beyond, Rick has proven that smart sourcing, deliberate underwriting, and rolled-up sleeves can compound into lasting success.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Rick Apple | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

• See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
• Connect with hosts Will Smith and Niklas James
• Visit Minds Capital

Credits:

• Edited by Anton Rohozov

Stenning Schueppert, based in Austin, leads Evolution Strategy Partners, one of the most transparent and high-performing independent sponsors west of the Mississippi. A private equity veteran and zinger machine, Stenning shares refreshing insights on why the independent sponsor model beats traditional funds, how radical alignment drives better outcomes, and the simple math behind his portfolio’s 10x MOIC markup.

References and how to contact today's guest:
Stenning Schueppert | LinkedIn

Minds Capital invests equity into deals by independent sponsors and searchers. For independent sponsors with a deal under LOI, visit Minds Capital to start a conversation. Our website also contains more information about this podcast and for prospective investors.

Connect with Minds:

• See past + future interviews on the YouTube channel
• Connect with hosts Will Smith and Niklas James
• Visit Minds Capital

Credits:

• Edited by Anton Rohozov