Private Equity Podcast: Karma School of Business

Afleveringen

• 
  Private Equity Deal Sourcing with Audax’s Dave Santoni 05.08.2026 45min

  Dave Santoni, Managing Director at Audax Private Equity, joins Sean Mooney to discuss how decades in investment banking shaped his approach to sponsor coverage, business development, and private equity. He shares what Audax looks for in niche market leaders, how the firm uses industry mapping and add-on acquisitions to build stronger businesses, and why preparation before a process can create real edge. Dave also explains how Audax is using AI across sourcing, diligence, portfolio support, and exits without losing sight of relationships and curiosity. This is a sharp look at how modern private equity firms win before the book ever hits the inbox—hit play. Episode Highlights • 2:00 - Dave’s path from Philadelphia and Omaha to law school, banking, and Audax • 6:31 - Why Audax felt like the right next chapter after decades of deal work • 10:19 - Coaching youth basketball and the lasting pull of sports, teams, and leadership • 13:28 - What Audax looks for in niche market leaders across its core verticals • 16:16 - Using add-on acquisitions to expand markets, customers, and capabilities • 21:48 - How Audax maps industries before ownership to accelerate add-on activity • 28:00 - AI becomes a major value creation priority across the firm and portfolio • 39:39 - Dave’s advice to his younger self: be more curious, earlier For more on Audax Private Equity, visit https://www.audaxprivateequity.com/ For more on David Santoni, visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dsantoni/
• 
  Private Equity in Q2 2026: Deals Stall as Value Creation Peaks 27.07.2026 28min

  Sean Mooney, Founder and CEO of BluWave, breaks down BluWave’s Q2 2026 Private Equity Insights Report and what it signals for the second half of the year. He explains why renewed geopolitical volatility stalled due diligence to an all-time low, how PE firms responded by pushing value creation to a record 84% of activity, and why AI advisory demand continues to surge across the industry. Sean also revisits BluWave’s 2026 predictions on deal flow, growth, software selection, industrialization, and the widening gap between AI adopters and laggards. For PE leaders deciding where to place their bets this year, it’s the quarter’s playbook in one sitting — press play. Episode Highlights • 1:08 – Why BluWave’s project data mirrors where private equity is actually spending time • 3:45 – Geopolitical disruption stalls new deal activity for the second straight year • 5:51 – Due diligence drops to 16% as value creation hits an all-time high • 6:30 – AI advisory services surge 193% year over year in PE • 7:20 – Reading the macro backdrop: manufacturing PMI, tight credit spreads, and a resilient consumer • 13:10 – Why extended holds are driving a surge in interim, PE-grade executives • 23:31 – The case for adopting AI now, before the gap between winners and laggards widens For more on BluWave, visit: https://www.bluwave.net/ To request the full Q2 2026 Insights Report, visit: https://bluwave.net/resources/insights-report
• 
  Private Equity Growth Levers for Founder-Led Businesses with Tim Billings 01.07.2026 37min

  Tim Billings, Senior Partner at Quad-C , joins Sean Mooney to discuss how the firm evaluates founder-led businesses and partners with "mountain climber" CEOs who want more than capital. He breaks down the traits Quad-C looks for, including superior service, sticky customers, pricing power, multiple growth levers, and leadership teams ready to scale. Tim also explains how value creation comes to life through sales and marketing, executive talent, finance and IT support, disciplined M&A, and thoughtful AI adoption. For private equity leaders and CEOs building toward the next peak, this conversation is worth the climb—hit play. Episode Highlights • 2:00 - Growing up in Northern Virginia, working early jobs, and discovering finance • 3:16 - Learning to think like an investor through banking and underwriting committees • 9:38 - What Quad-C looks for in founder-led business services companies • 11:56 - Why "mountain climber" CEOs are critical to private equity value creation • 16:43 - Quad-C's owner mindset and hands-on approach to scaling portfolio companies • 21:34 - Sales, marketing, talent, and M&A as core growth levers • 30:15 - Tim's advice to his younger self: choose great people and take off the blinders For more on Quad-C, go to https://www.quadc.com/ For information on Timothy Billings, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/timothy-billings-67549058/
• 
  Private Equity and AI Execution in the Portfolio 17.06.2026 57min

  In this Karma School of Business crossover episode, Sean Mooney is joined by Lloyd Metz, Managing Partner of ICV Partners; Doug McCormick, Managing Partner of Oridian Capital Partners; James Aylward, Chief Product and Technology Officer at BluWave; and Nathan Plummer, Co-Executive Director of Venture Café Global Institute. The group explains how AI moved from long-running concept to practical business tool, and what that means for private equity firms and portfolio company leaders right now. They cover agentic AI, data readiness, applied AI use cases, internal tooling, security concerns, and the leadership challenge of getting teams to adopt new ways of working. This is a practical conversation for business builders who want to move past AI hype and start creating real value—hit play. Episode Highlights • 2:13 - James Aylward's path from Fidelity's AI incubator to BluWave's technology strategy • 5:08 - Nathan Plummer on Venture Café's role in connecting startups, investors, and innovators • 9:17 - Why ChatGPT marked a "Gutenberg moment" after decades of slower AI progress • 13:10 - AI shifts from autocomplete and thought partnership to writing major chunks of code • 18:06 - Applied AI moves beyond efficiency into biotech, robotics, imaging, and new product creation • 23:28 - Why proprietary data may become the real moat for private equity-backed companies • 35:42 - AI literacy, adoption, and the leadership work required to make tools stick • 44:05 - BluWave's internal AI tool shows how company data can power faster decisions For information on Oridian Capital Partners, go to https://oridiancapital.com/ For information on ICV Partners, go to https://www.icvpartners.com For information on BluWave, go to https://www.bluwave.net
• 
  Private Equity Transformation Through Partnership and AI with Bob Root 03.06.2026 44min

  Bob Root, Transformation Partner at Southfield Capital, joins Sean Mooney to discuss how hands-on operating experience, curiosity, and genuine partnership shape lower middle market value creation. He shares how Southfield works alongside founder-led businesses during the first 100 days, getting close to the work before refining the growth plan. Bob also explains why AI, data moats, and purpose-built technology can help small and mid-sized businesses leapfrog larger competitors. It's a thoughtful conversation on building better companies with humility, speed, and trust—hit play. Episode Highlights: • 1:18 - Growing up in Canada with an educator's curiosity and engineer's problem-solving mindset • 3:16 - Lessons from Procter & Gamble, Microsoft, and learning through constant role changes • 10:35 - Why Bob's garage reveals his love of building, tinkering, and continuous learning • 12:38 - Navigating personal loss while starting a new role and building deeper trust • 21:46 - Southfield's "first day in the life" approach to understanding portfolio companies • 26:31 - Using technology to help lower middle market companies leapfrog larger competitors • 31:18 - Why AI should expand the business, not just reduce costs • 38:38 - Bob's advice to his younger self: learning on the job is a feature, not a bug For more on Southfield Capital, visit: https://www.southfieldcapital.com/ For more information on Bob Root, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-root-372aa6/
• 
  Private Equity Growth Strategy in Vertical Software Markets with Bobby Ocampo 20.05.2026 45min

  Bobby Ocampo, Manxaging Partner at Blueprint Equity, shares how his firm approaches early growth-stage investing within private equity. He explains Blueprint's focus on capital-efficient, founder-led vertical software businesses and how they build scalable go-to-market engines post-investment. The conversation also explores how AI, rising competition, and shifting market dynamics are reshaping underwriting and value creation. A practical look at where private equity is heading—and how to win in it. Episode Highlights: • 2:05 - From physics major to private equity via investment banking and venture capital • 7:20 - Why Blueprint Equity was built to avoid "asset gathering" and mediocre returns • 14:10 - Breaking down growth equity vs. venture capital and traditional private equity • 16:05 - Key investment criteria: capital efficiency, retention, and vertical focus • 26:10 - Turning "successful in spite of themselves" companies into scalable platforms • 30:45 - How AI is reshaping underwriting, product strategy, and competitive dynamics • 38:45 - Career advice: spotting opportunity early and jumping on asymmetric upside For more on Blueprint Equity, visit: https://www.onblueprint.com/ For more information on Bobby Ocampo, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/bocampo
• 
  Private Equity Business Development in a Crowded Market with Tyler Ashley 06.05.2026 41min

  Tyler Ashley, Head of Business Development at McNally Capital, shares the unconventional path that shaped his approach to private equity. From early global experiences to building a career in deal sourcing and relationships. He explains how McNally's family-backed roots influence its focus on founder-led businesses, and how its "Atlas" framework drives disciplined value creation across the portfolio. Tyler also breaks down the growing importance of business development in an increasingly crowded market, where strategy, specialization, and authentic relationships win deals. This is a practical conversation on sourcing, differentiation, and building durable networks in modern private equity—press play. Episode Highlights • 2:20 - From Wyoming ranch to Argentina: a nontraditional start that shaped his career • 7:09 - Why unique life experiences create an edge in private equity relationships • 11:58 - A serious ski accident and the perspective it brought to work and life • 17:07 - McNally Capital's roots and focus on founder-led, family-backed businesses • 23:18 - The "Atlas" framework for structured, end-to-end value creation • 27:32 - Why business development has become critical in a crowded PE landscape • 30:09 - Expanding deal flow through proactive outreach and market coverage • 35:38 - Building and maintaining a network as the foundation of long-term success For more on McNally Capital, visit: https://mcnallycapital.com/ For more information on Tyler Ashley, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/tylerwashley/
• 
  Private Equity in 2026: AI, Deal Slowdowns, and What Comes Next 22.04.2026 31min

  Sean Mooney, Founder and CEO of BluWave, breaks down the firm's Q1 2026 Private Equity Insights Report and what it signals for investors and operators navigating a volatile environment. He outlines how geopolitical shocks are once again stalling deal activity, why the economy remains surprisingly resilient, and how private equity firms are leaning harder into value creation. Sean also explains the shift of AI from buzzword to real execution—and why data readiness is now a competitive imperative. This is a clear-eyed view of the current market and where private equity leaders should focus next—hit play. Episode Highlights • 1:15 - "Groundhog Day" returns as geopolitical shocks stall deal momentum • 3:20 - Why sellers pause deals: the need for 4–6 months of visibility • 5:30 - Economic resilience despite inflation, tariffs, and uncertainty • 7:10 - PE firms increase focus on value creation during market slowdowns • 10:30 - AI demand surges 280% as firms move from experimentation to execution • 16:10 - Data readiness becomes the defining advantage in AI adoption • 23:20 - Why deal activity must rebound: liquidity pressure and dry powder For more on BluWave, visit: https://www.bluwave.net/ To request the full Q4 2025 Insights Report, visit: https://www.bluwave.net/insights-report/
• 
  Private Equity Value Creation: Building Teams That Win with Jim Murphy 08.04.2026 48min

  Jim Murphy, Senior Managing Director at LLR Partners, shares his path from CFO and COO roles into leading value creation across a lower middle market private equity portfolio. Drawing on decades of operating experience, he explains how firms identify scalable businesses, assess management teams, and execute disciplined growth plans. Jim also outlines LLR's functional approach to value creation, including operational excellence, ideal customer targeting, and retention strategies that drive outcomes. This is a practical look at what separates good companies from great ones in private equity—hit play. Episode Highlights • 2:15 - Starting in public accounting and the path into a CFO career • 11:10 - Becoming a public company CFO at 29 and learning in real time • 18:45 - What private equity looks for: market size, product fit, and team • 21:30 - Why management quality is the single biggest driver of outcomes • 27:40 - Building a functional value creation team with real operators • 33:10 - Operational excellence: uncovering hidden cost and margin opportunities • 37:45 - Ideal customer profiles and retention as drivers of durable growth For more on LLR Partners, visit: https://www.llrpartners.com/ For more information on Jim Murphy, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/james-murphy-59097b5/
• 
  Private Equity, Alignment, and Durable Value Creation 25.03.2026 54min

  Brett Holcomb, Partner at Prospect Partners , shares the experiences that shaped his approach to lower middle-market private equity—from swimming-driven grit and early career missteps to navigating COVID with a portfolio company built on human trust. He explains Prospect's "better, not just bigger" philosophy, why foundation-building matters more than speed, and how servant leadership earns premium outcomes. Brett also reflects on pricing strategy, data-driven decision-making, and the leap-of-faith judgment calls every investor must make. This is a candid conversation on resilience, alignment, and long-term value creation—press play. Episode Highlights • 1:18 – Growing up around global business and finding a non-linear path into private equity • 6:29 – Why competitive swimming builds the grit and self-motivation PE demands • 10:43 – The COVID shock at Wedgewood and setting a clear North Star under pressure • 14:13 – Over-communicating with teams and customers when everything shuts down • 18:29 – Breaking massive problems into solvable components during crisis • 30:31 – "Better, not just bigger": Prospect's foundation-first value creation model • 37:46 – Pricing strategy as an offensive weapon in volatile markets • 46:49 – The leap-of-faith decisions that define private equity careers For more on Prospect Partners, visit: https://prospect-partners.com/ For more information on Brett Holcomb, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/brett-holcomb-885ba31/
• 
  Top Private Equity Innovator of the Year 2026: Bertram Capital with Jeff Drazan 14.03.2026 52min

  Jeff Drazan, Managing Partner at Bertram Capital and BluWave's 2026 Private Equity Innovator of the Year, explains how a technology-first operating model reshaped his transition from venture capital to private equity and became a durable competitive advantage. He details how Bertram Labs embeds software, data, and digital execution directly into diligence and value creation—well before the deal closes. Jeff also shares the investment principles that matter most today: large markets, strong margins, and customer trust. This episode lays out what modern private equity innovation actually looks like—hit play. Episode Highlights: • 1:18 – From Princeton engineering and Bell Labs to venture capital on the West Coast • 6:05 – Treating early career roles as paid fellowships, not permanent destinations • 14:37 – Why technology was the missing link in traditional private equity models • 16:25 – Founding Bertram Capital to bring digital transformation to lower-tech businesses • 21:06 – Inside Bertram Labs: in-house software, data, and execution—not just advice • 27:14 – Winning deals by fixing problems during diligence, not after closing • 33:39 – The two non-negotiables: large TAMs and meaningful gross margins • 48:45 – Why continuous innovation is the only sustainable edge in private equity To learn more about Bertram Capital, visit https://www.bertramcapital.com/ For details on BluWave's 2026 Top Private Equity Innovator Awards and Bertram Capital's recognition, visit www.bluwave.net/awards To discover more about Jeff Drazan, visit https://www.linkedin.com/in/jeffdrazan
• 
  Mark Langer on Grit, Judgment, and Long-Term Business Building 25.02.2026 38min

  Mark Langer, Managing Director at CenterOak Partners, reflects on the experiences that shaped his approach to private equity—from early grit and middle-market investing to deploying capital in Africa and building enduring CEO partnerships. He explains why servant leadership, trust, and long-term thinking matter more than control in lower middle-market value creation. Mark also shares candid lessons on risk-taking, mistakes, and navigating the non-linear reality of business building. This is a grounded, hard-earned perspective from someone who has seen the full arc of private equity—hit play. Episode Highlights • 2:01 – Early lessons in grit, work ethic, and "figure it out" resilience 6:02 – Breaking into middle-market investing after 9/11 and choosing the hard path • 12:05 – Being sent to deploy capital in Africa—and learning fast under pressure • 17:26 – Why CEO trust and long-term relationships matter more than control • 19:32 – Reining in chaos in the lower middle market without killing momentum • 25:34 – When investments go sideways and how real value gets created anyway • 30:10 – Advice to younger investors: take risks, make mistakes, and think longer term For more information on CenterOak Partners, go to https://centeroakpartners.com/ For more information on Mark Langer, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/mark-langer-006a02ba
• 
  Markets, Management, and Momentum with Emily Bomberger 11.02.2026 37min

  Emily Bomberger, Vice President at Penn Spring Capital, shares her nontraditional path into private equity and the operating mindset she brings to evaluating founder-led businesses. She explains how early experiences in marketing, accounting, and PE-backed advisory work shaped her approach to judgment, value creation, and partnership with entrepreneurs. Emily also outlines what Penn Spring looks for in markets, founders, and focus—and why discipline matters more in tighter environments. This is a grounded conversation on learning fast, building trust, and making better investment decisions—worth your time. Episode Highlights • 1:41 – Growing up in a small town and seeing firsthand how businesses shape communities • 4:26 – Early operating exposure and learning how decisions flow through a business • 7:35 – Working with first-time PE-backed companies during the critical first 100 days • 10:57 – Why Penn Spring prioritizes focus, speed, and small deal teams • 16:52 – Emily's scorecard for evaluating founder-led businesses and market tailwinds • 19:24 – Why founder alignment and partial liquidity unlock the next growth phase • 29:51 – The danger of scope creep and why doing fewer things better wins • 35:59 – Warmth vs. competence in dealmaking—and why trust closes transactions For more information on Penn Spring Capital, go to https://pennspring.com/ For more information on Emily Bomberger, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/emily-bomberger-1b243256/
• 
  Private Equity 2025 Insights and the 2026 Deal Cycle Outlook 28.01.2026 50min

  Sean Mooney, Founder and CEO of BluWave, shares the key takeaways from BluWave's 2025 Private Equity Insights Report and what they signal for the year ahead. Drawing on real-time data from hundreds of PE firms and thousands of portfolio companies, he outlines how the industry shifted from defense to offense, why diligence and value creation surged late in the year, and what separates winners from laggards entering 2026. Sean also delivers clear predictions on AI adoption, talent, software sprawl, and the accelerating deal rebound. This episode sets the context every private equity leader needs before leaning into the next cycle—press play. Episode Highlights • 0:58 – Why private equity shifted from defense to offense in 2025 • 4:48 – What GDP, inflation, and productivity data revealed about economic resilience • 9:59 – The 41% diligence surge and why it's a leading indicator for deal flow • 12:36 – Human capital's comeback and what new deals signal for leadership hiring • 18:20 – 2026 predictions: AI moves from buzzword to execution tactic • 27:58 – Avoiding AI pilot purgatory and prioritizing adoption that actually delivers ROI • 37:21 – Why dry powder, LP pressure, and speed will define the next PE deal cycle For more on BluWave, visit: https://www.bluwave.net/ To request the full Q4 2025 Insights Report, visit: https://www.bluwave.net/insights-report/
• 
  Private Equity Judgment, Resilience, and the Art of Business Building 14.01.2026 58min

  Geoff Faux, Partner at Clearview Capital, shares the principles that shape his approach to private equity investing, from evaluating management teams and industry dynamics to navigating adversity when deals go sideways. He reflects on lessons forged through competitive athletics, a career built inside one firm, and a defining portfolio company crisis that tested every assumption about value creation. Geoff also explains Clearview's first-in institutional playbook and how focus, prioritization, and people decisions drive durable outcomes. This is a grounded, hard-earned perspective on what it really takes to build winning businesses—hit play. Episode Highlights • 1:01 – How elite swimming shaped Geoff's discipline, focus, and investing mindset • 4:17 – Growing up around lower middle market deals and choosing private equity early • 13:02 – The four variables that matter most in private equity investment decisions • 19:55 – Why industry stability and baseline management strength are non-negotiables • 24:21 – A first deal gone wrong—and the crisis that nearly broke the investment • 28:35 – Rebuilding through COVID and turning a near-zero into a top portfolio performer • 47:29 – Advice to Geoff's 22-year-old self on teams, people judgment, and resilience For more information on Clearview Capital go to https://www.clearviewcap.com/ For more information on Geoffrey Faux, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/geoff-faux-27826518/
• 
  Private Equity Leaders' Best Business Books of 2025 31.12.2025 20min

  Sean Mooney curates the 2025 reading list recommended by private equity investors, operating partners, and portfolio company CEOs featured on Karma School of Business this year. The episode spans business strategy, capital allocation, leadership, happiness, mindset, and life design—through the lens of people actively building and scaling companies. From The Outsiders to Traction to unexpected personal favorites, the list reflects what serious operators are actually reading and rereading. If you're building for the long term, this one earns a spot in your queue. Episode Highlights • 1:12 – Casey Myers on shifting from achievement to fulfillment with From Strength to Strength • 2:53 – Steve Hunter reframes money, time, and health through Die With Zero • 4:04 – Jonathan Metrick on compounding time, skills, and careers via The Algebra of Wealth • 7:35 – Ran Ding explains why great CEOs are elite capital allocators in The Outsiders • 11:11 – Chris Scullin on dynamic competition and adaptation from The Innovator's Dilemma • 14:01 – Micah Dawson on focus, ambition, and escaping the hedonic treadmill with The One Thing • 18:20 – Dan Gaspar on operational discipline and change using Traction and Who Moved My Cheese?
• 
  Private Equity Value Creation Through Focus, Talent, and Go-to-Market Discipline 17.12.2025 43min

  Rob Turano, Operating Partner at Bloom Equity Partners, breaks down the playbook he uses to transform lower middle-market software companies—from sharpening product focus to elevating talent and building repeatable go-to-market engines. He shares how Bloom integrates operating partners early in diligence, accelerates transformation in the first 12–18 months, and instills a performance culture rooted in data, speed, and ownership. Rob also gets personal, from his love of cooking to the practices he uses to think more clearly as a leader. It's a sharp, candid look at what real value creation in private equity demands today—hit play and take notes. Episode Highlights • 1:31 – Growing up in New Jersey, Villanova roots, and the consulting-to-private-equity path • 5:56 – Why food matters in Rob's life and how he became Bloom's unofficial in-house chef • 9:22 – The three traits Bloom looks for: focus, management strength, and GTM maturity • 14:38 – Selling value vs. selling features—and why every salesperson must think like a CFO • 20:49 – How Bloom's deal, BD, and operating teams collaborate from diligence through execution • 27:45 – The urgency of the first 6–12 months and the sequencing of transformation in PE • 36:18 – Rob's top advice to PortCos today: talent first, disciplined KPIs, and repeatable GTM engines • 40:25 – The book shift that made Rob more creative—and the life hack that helps him think clearly For more information on Bloom Equity Partners, go to https://www.bloomequitypartners.com/ For more information on Robert Turano, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/robert-turano
• 
  Private Equity Value Creation Through Focus, Culture, and Tenacity 03.12.2025 58min

  Eliot Kerlin, Founder and Managing Partner of Broadwing Capital, shares the unconventional path that took him from pre-med to private equity and the principles that now guide his firm's approach to building durable, high-performing companies. He unpacks Broadwing's value-creation playbook, the importance of forecasting NTM cash flow, and why culture, people analytics, and in-person leadership sit at the center of long-term success. Eliot also reflects on the tenacity required to launch a firm—and the clarity needed to focus on what truly matters. It's a grounded, thoughtful conversation that sharpens anyone building or leading in today's private equity landscape. Episode Highlights: • 1:04 – Growing up in Texas, early influences, and the winding path from pre-med to finance • 3:44 – Breaking into Wall Street from a non-target school and the power of persistence • 10:51 – Lessons from hands-on jobs and how service work shapes leadership instincts • 17:54 – What makes a "good business" vs. a "good investment" and why NTM cash flow matters most • 26:55 – The tenacity and structure behind launching Broadwing Capital in a tough fundraising market • 33:42 – How Broadwing builds culture, trust, and alignment inside portfolio companies • 48:35 – Eliot's most influential books and the thinking frameworks he uses to lead and invest For more information on Broadwing Capital, go to https://broadwingcap.com/ For more information on Eliot Kerlin, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/eliot-kerlin-89432b/
• 
  Private Equity Sourcing, Culture, and Data Discipline at Monomoy 19.11.2025 32min

  Renn Iaboni, Managing Director at Monomoy Capital Partners, joins Sean to discuss how disciplined sourcing, cultural alignment, and a 15-year proprietary data engine shape Monomoy's approach to private equity. He shares how engineering training, relationship-driven BD, and resilience forged through career adversity inform the way he builds high-trust deal pipelines. Renn also details how Monomoy's Beacon platform connects BD, investment, and credit teams to operate as one cohesive firm. It's a candid look at what modern private equity excellence really requires — and why Monomoy's model stands apart. Episode Highlights • 1:19 – Growing up in New York, engineering ambitions, and the winding path into private equity • 3:04 – How engineering training equips professionals for ambiguity and problem-solving in PE • 9:40 – Renn's pivotal career setback at Macquarie and how building a new practice became an inflection point • 14:46 – Why Monomoy's integrated model works and how cross-functional collaboration is reinforced • 17:53 – Inside "Beacon," Monomoy's proprietary CRM and sourcing engine • 20:58 – A real case study: tracking Wapac for years and how long-term data compounds sourcing advantages • 23:54 – Renn's advice to his 22-year-old self and how energy, not passion alone, should guide career choices
• 
  Drew Meyers on Value Creation at Seaport 05.11.2025 40min

  In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney interviews Drew Meyers, Partner at Seaport Capital. Drew shares how his unconventional path—from off-track betting to M&A integration—shaped his approach to lower middle-market private equity. He breaks down Seaport's focused strategy on founder-led businesses, where they invest early in professionalization across strategy, sales, and finance. The conversation covers everything from the importance of relationships and never burning bridges to how BluWave helps Seaport access cost-effective resources tailored to smaller portfolio companies. Episode Highlights: • 2:00 - Drew's winding path into PE, including bartending and selling industrial insulation • 6:00 - Why M&A integration experience is valuable training for private equity • 13:00 - Working with founder-led businesses and understanding the founder mindset • 19:00 - Seaport's three-part value creation playbook: strategy, sales, and finance • 29:00 - How to professionalize early-stage companies without overspending • 32:00 - Finding cost-compatible resources for $3M EBITDA businesses • 35:00 - Career advice: never burn bridges and do things the right way For more information on Seaport Capital, go to https://www.seaportcapital.com/ For more information on Drew Meyers, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/drew-j-meyers/