A podcast series featuring all things related to search funds and entrepreneurship through acquisition. Hosted by Brian O'Connor, Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business and Managing Partner of NextGen Growth Partners.
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CareerCast by the University of Chicago Booth School of Business
The University of Chicago Booth School of Business
Chicago Booth believes in life-long career development to help you maintain your professional edge. Through CareerCast, an online, audio recording series, we give alumni and students the chance to hear experts discuss topics such as crafting your story, making an industry or function change, managing employees, taking the entrepreneurial plunge and more. Because these talks are available online, you can access them anytime, anywhere and as often as you want. You will have the opportunity to ...
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University of Chicago Booth School of Business Podcast Series
The University of Chicago Booth School of Business
We're pleased to bring you leading business figures sharing their thoughts and insights into current topics affecting companies and organizations around the globe.
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Thousands of attendees and webcast viewers worldwide heard some of the most brilliant minds in business discuss the future of markets at this year's conference. In the midst of the worst recession since 1930s, world-renowned Chicago Booth faculty and industry leaders reexamined the government’s role in the economy and took a close look at current topics that shape the economic debate.
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Have you ever been told you need more “executive presence” to succeed without any guidelines on how to do this? You are not alone. Lida Citroën, CEO and founder of LIDA360, award-winning branding and reputation management expert, and author of The New Rules of Influence, created a new model to help you focus your message, be heard, and expand your …
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Realizing Growth and Vision through Transforming “Boutique” Accounting Firms
36:33
36:33
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This month’s episode features Reyes Florez, MBA ’14, CEO and Founder of the Platform Accounting Group, a private equity-backed business services company. Discover the compelling journey from acquiring a small family-owned tax firm to leading a nationwide group of professional services firms. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the strategic …
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Ready to take the leap and start your venture? Or, maybe you want to join an early-stage company. Yet, how exactly do you do that? Every successful entrepreneur has a unique story, and Julie Cropp Gareleck, CEO, Entrepreneur, and Author of Dare to Become, brings a fresh perspective to guide you on your entrepreneurial path. In this next episode of …
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Exploring ETA in New and Emerging Markets
39:26
39:26
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This month’s episode features Rob LeBlanc, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at ambit partners. The discussion highlights the growing momentum of ETA in various countries and delves into fund deployment, geographic investment distribution, and the potential for ETA in major economies outside of North America. The conversation also underscores an optimi…
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Strategies for Overcoming Unexpected Career Challenges
34:37
34:37
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The CareerCast at Chicago Booth presents an insightful discussion on "Strategies for Overcoming Unexpected Career Challenges," featuring Gary McClain, psychotherapist, relationship coach, and educator, specializing in working with adults in transition. He is the author of "The Power of Closure." This episode delves into the various obstacles that p…
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Fostering Collaboration and Mentorship for Success
27:07
27:07
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This month’s episode features Sara Rosenthal, partner at TTCER Partners and co-founder of the Women's Search Network, who shares her journey in the search fund ecosystem and her efforts to promote diversity and mentorship. Brian and Sara discuss the culture of search funds, fostering leadership qualities, evolving models in the industry, and the ne…
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Unleash the power of intuition in the workplace with this episode of Chicago Booth's CareerCast featuring the insightful Jessica Pryce-Jones. Join us as Jess shares her expertise on harnessing intuition to achieve success at work. In this episode, she delves into the art of intuitive decision-making, building trust in your instincts, and fostering …
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Finding Success in the Pacific Northwest: Acquiring a Franchise Business
35:32
35:32
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This month’s episode features Chris Richling, MBA ’14, owner of a franchise business in Seattle. Chris shares his entrepreneurial journey from search fund pursuits to self-funded acquisition. He discusses the challenges faced, the transition to a management program, and ultimately acquiring a franchise. Chris reflects on lessons learned, emphasizin…
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How do you react when someone at work is challenging, rejects your ideas, and is even confrontational? Some people leave the situation, while others fight back. Todd Davis, a renowned leadership expert and best-selling author, recommends approaching difficult conversations confidently and empathetically. In this CareerCast episode, Todd provides pr…
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Live from the Harper Center: Acquiring for Long-Term
48:17
48:17
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This month’s episode features a live recording from the Harper Center with Aizik Zimerman, MBA ’23, CEO of J Blanton Plumbing, a business he acquired during his second year at Booth. Unlike many ETA students focused on quick exits, Zimerman is dedicated to long-term growth, aiming to build the business into the nation's largest home services compan…
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Are you working through a (big or small) decision and have so much information that you are stuck? On top of this, which information is reliable, credible, and useful? Nuala Walsh, award-winning business consultant, behavioral scientist, independent non-executive director, ex-CMO, and author of Tune In: How to make smarter decisions in a noisy worl…
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This month’s episode features a discussion with AJ Wasserstein, Professor, Yale School of Management, on the rapidly changing world of search funds. They explore the normalization of search funds, demographic trends, and the evolution of search fund models. Delving into the investor landscape, they discuss the shift from individual to institutional…
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Have you ever noticed that when a challenge, or even crisis, occurs, some people blame, complain, and run away while others lean in and take full responsibility? What is the difference between the two types of individuals? What is innate and what can be learned? Anita Mendiratta, a trusted and respected global strategic advisor, with a professional…
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From Wall Street to Main Street: A Journey in Industrial Entrepreneurship
32:26
32:26
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This month’s episode features Peter Jackson, the owner and CEO of Miller Industrial, as he shares his remarkable journey from the world of Wall Street to becoming a key player in Main Street entrepreneurship. The discussion delves into Peter’s diverse career experiences, from corporate finance to his pivotal role at Groupon, leading up to the acqui…
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Many people feel a future normal isn’t going to happen anytime soon. For those who believe that a future normal is possible, their vision is filled with pessimism, darkness, and hopelessness. Henry Coutinho-Mason, one of the world's leading authorities on consumer trends, Managing Director of TrendWatching, and author of The Future Normal, has a di…
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From Finance to Innovation: A CEO's Journey
44:46
44:46
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This month’s episode of the ETA Insider Podcast features Marc Shiffman, MBA ’94, Former President & CEO of SMS Assist. In this episode, we explore the dynamic career journey of a finance professional who transitioned into the realm of innovation and leadership. Beginning in New York with McAndrews & Forbes owned and operated businesses, Marc played…
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Master the Networking Meeting with Nathan Perez
28:32
28:32
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There is so much that goes into having a networking meeting – from finding the right person to connecting with that person to getting a time on the schedule. There is a lot of time, energy, and logistics that go into making it happen. Then the day comes, you have the meeting, and that’s it. It feels like a dud. Yet, it’s not clear what went wrong. …
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This month’s episode of the ETA Insider Podcast features Manvendra Saxena, Founder and Chairman at Mars Energy Group. Manny discusses navigating the challenges of moving acrosscontinents to his experiences in corporate America and the startup world. Through this discussion, you learn the pivotal decision-making moments that led him to embrace ETA a…
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Have you been thinking about how AI will impact your life in the years to come? What about your career growth and advancement? Having devoted his career to helping others succeed as lead in education marketing at LinkedIn, heading marketing at Khan Academy, and as a best-selling author, with his latest book Career Coach GPT, Jeremy Schifeling is a …
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This month’s episode of the ETA Insider Podcast features Lisa Forrest, Director of Live Oak Bank. At the time of the taping last March, the LMM SBA market was in the throws of adjusting to the interest rate shocks. Deal flow at that time was in a state of disarray as buyers, sellers, and lenders were all trying to figure out acquisition structures …
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How to Succeed When the Odds are Against You
32:50
32:50
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Some people believe that challenging times will stack the odds against you – and there is not a whole lot you can do about it. Polina Marinova Pompliano, founder of The Profile, author and editor of Term Sheet, Fortune’s industry-leading deal-making newsletter, and author of the book, Hidden Genius, would tell you to think differently and find a so…
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Navigating Personal and Financial Risk in Entrepreneurship
32:17
32:17
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This month’s episode of the ETA Insider Podcast features Tim Lahey, CEO of r:Home, a technology concierge company, who shares his journey into entrepreneurship through acquisition (ETA) from a finance career. He stresses the significance of personal risk assessment in ETA and discusses his acquisition process, including location and size criteria. …
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Would you like to build a career that leverages your strengths, offer opportunities for growth, and where you are appreciated? Clearly, the answer is yes. So how do you do this? According to Dr. David Burkus, a former business school professor, advisor to executive leadership from organizations including PepsiCo, Fidelity, Adobe, and NASA, and best…
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Diverse Perspectives in ETA: Building Resumes and Teams for Success
32:07
32:07
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This month’s episode of the ETA Insider Podcast features Clement Lucas, Principal of Relay Investment, a diverse firm based out of Boston that focuses on ETA investments. Clement’s unique perspective as a former operator is a value add to his team and the searchers Relay works with. Clement shares with Brian how diversity is beneficial within your …
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How do you create an authentic story that establishes your credibility, talents, and fit? While there is no easy answer, Kelly Parker, marketing professional trained at global enterprises like Sherwin-Williams and American Greetings, TEDx speaker, and host of “Business Storytelling Made Easy” Podcast, believes that a simple, well-told story can hel…
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Risk in ETA from an Investor’s Point of View
41:31
41:31
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This month’s episode of the ETA Insider Podcast features Jan Simon, the Managing Partner of Vonzeo Capital, a Professor of the Practice of Management in Entrepreneurship at IESE, and the Academic Director of its International Search Fund Center. Jan’s expertise and research focuses on investment strategies, mergers and acquisitions, and entrepreneu…
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Does it feel harder than it should to find a company where you can thrive? Are you wondering how we could make work, less work? André Martin, operating advisor, board member, ex-Chief Talent Officer for Google/Nike/Target/Mars, and coach to top founders and c-suite executives, would tell you the issue isn’t good or bad culture, but the fit between …
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From Sponsored Searcher to Operator: Creating Your Own Path with ETA
29:38
29:38
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In this episode of the ETA Insider Podcast, Brian interviews Nick Oberhouse, MBA ‘20, CEO of DAWGS (Door and Window Guard Systems, Inc.). After graduating from Chicago Booth, Nick partnered with NextGen Growth Partners (NGP) to acquire a business, eventually acquiring DAWGS in October 2021. DAWGS serves municipal and commercial property owners by s…
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When an entrepreneur makes it big, it can look like it was a smooth ride straight to the top. Of course, this doesn’t happen. There are many twists and turns that can end in a very different place than where things started. Mike Stemple, successful serial entrepreneur, bestselling author, and advisor to global corporates and startups, would tell yo…
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Live from the Harper Center: Next Steps in the ETA Journey Post-Exit
40:15
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This special edition, live episode of the ETA Insider Podcast features Brian Vanderheyden, MBA ‘14, Founder and CEO of Glass Lake Holdings. When Brian joined the podcast in 2020, he was CEO of the Richmond Alarm Company, which he acquired in July 2017 out of his search fund. In this episode, recorded live at the Chicago Booth Harper Center in front…
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A CEO's Masterclass in Finding Value in Others
30:37
30:37
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How do you build beneficial and enduring relationships? Douglas Conant, former CEO of Campbell Soup Company, New York Times bestselling author, and social media influencer with over 40 years of leadership experience at world-class global companies, would tell you to find the positive value in the other person, which he has done his entire life. In …
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Combining Passion with Expertise: Advice on Operating
30:32
30:32
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This episode features Mia Jackson, CEO of Vital Care Industries, a medical surgical supplies manufacturer. With a background in operations, supply chain, and finance, Mia discusses how acquiring Vital Care Industries combined her expertise with her passion for healthcare. In this episode, Brian interviews Mia on her career in entrepreneurship throu…
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Did you grow up being told that “practice makes perfect”? While there are definitely benefits to take actions that refine your skills, knowledge, and experience, in today’s world, it is not enough. According to Robert McLean, Director Emeritus of McKinsey & Company, former Dean of the Australian Graduate School of Management, and author of multiple…
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Reflections on Serial Acquisitions and Long-Term Growth
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Brian interviews Jason Pananos and Jay Davis, cofounders of the Nashton Company, on their careers in entrepreneurship through acquisition. Jason and Jay discuss how they developed a serial acquisition strategy, the benefits of long-term growth, and how their experience with ETA has informed how they think about investing today.…
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The world is filled is with challenging people and situations and it’s easy to reach an impasse where forward progress stops. Roger L. Firestien, PhD, Senior Faculty and Associate Professor at the Center for Applied Imagination at SUNY Buffalo State, President of Innovation Resources, and author of several popular books including Create In A Flash:…
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Addie Epstein and Ashley Quisol, principals and cofounders of Benton Place Partners, join Brian to discuss their journey into entrepreneurship through acquisition. Addie and Ashley share their search philosophy and highlight the importance of playing to your strengths, how to market yourself to business owners, and lessons learned from the ups and …
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Do you feel that you suffer from imposter syndrome and that it is controlling your success and happiness? While you may currently be experiencing the negative effects of imposter syndrome, it’s time to turn this around. In fact, licensed psychologist, executive coach, organizational consultant, recognized expert, and author of Own Your Greatness an…
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Examining ETA's Growth Potential in Frontier Markets
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29:00
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Santiago Perez Teuffer, Managing Partner at Cerralvo Capital - a search fund investment firm based in Mexico City - discusses his journey into the world of ETA as well as his current work at Cerralvo as the firm approaches its third fund. The conversation revolves around the compelling future of ETA in new frontier markets in Europe and Asia, and S…
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Did you know that at will employment is the standard for many geographies? While you may be aware of this, the vast majority of people who are presented with a separation agreement don’t know how to manage their initial reaction and what to do next. Jon Vegosen, founding member of Chicago corporate and litigation law firm Funkhouser Vegosen Liebman…
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Do you ever wake up in the morning and look around and feel that obstacles squash your energy, determination, and resolve to achieve your goals and dreams? You are certainly not alone. Since being forever stuck is not viable, what is the alternative? Ganel-Lyn Condie, advisor, author, and acclaimed speaker would tell you to become a steward. Here i…
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In a world that is strewn with obstacles of every imaginable kind, is it possible to achieve your goals and aspirations? As the daughter of a Puerto Rican mother and Yugoslavian immigrant father, Elisa Schmitz knows what it means to be an “outsider” learning to use her “differentness” to make a difference and succeed on her own terms as an Entrepre…
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Is it possible to apply the principles of self-care and still have a robust career? While the two may seem like in direct opposition to one another, Minda Zetlin, the author of Career Self-Care, The Geek Gap and highly popular “Laid-Back Leader” column for Inc.com, would say that putting self-care into your career is essential now more than ever. I…
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“Should I stay or should I go?” is a question many people ask themselves, now more than ever. Perhaps this sounds like you: do you stay in a role you know and where you like the team or do you explore a new opportunity? When you contemplate a move: are you seeking to escape a not-so-great situation, or is the new job something you really want? This…
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What is the role of your career story as you look to change careers, get promoted, or gain funding for a project or venture? Esther Choy, President and Chief Story Facilitator at Leadership Story Lab, would tell you your story should do the heavy lifting. With the proper story, you can gain credibility, open doors, and increase support for your goa…
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Building Alpine Investors with Graham Weaver
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Graham Weaver, founder and CEO of Alpine Investors, joins the podcast to tell the story of Alpine's evolution. Graham focuses on key times (the Great Recession) and people who made Alpine what it is today. The episode is full of hard earned wisdom from the importance of coaching to how to find incredible talent and is sure to leave the listener ins…
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What are the benefits of working on a hybrid team? Some people believe they could do the work from home and save money on parking, gas, and more. Yet Cali Williams Yost, Founder and CEO of the Flex+Strategy, believes you can create a real and committed community with vision, focus, and an open mind. As author of Tweak It: Make What Matters to You H…
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In today’s world, can trust really be created, extended, and received? Stephen M. R. Covey, Global Practice Leader, Global Speed of Trust Practice, former President and CEO of Covey Leadership Center, and bestselling author of The SPEED of Trust—The One Thing That Changes Everything would say, “Absolutely YES”. While it’s not easy, it is essential …
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Leadership can be challenging in the best of times, so what about in an age of uncertainty? Jean-Philippe Courtois, Executive Vice President and President, National Transformation Partnerships at Microsoft, believes that this is the moment to lead with hope, empathy, and a positive perspective, vision, and action. In this CareerCast, Jean-Philippe …
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Change comes in many forms and today it is happening at lightning speed. While change is inevitable, fighting against it or making it your ally is the difference between defeat and victory. Just ask Roger Crawford, who Sports Illustrated named as "One of the most accomplished physically challenged athletes in the world." For him, change is has been…
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Industry veteran David Dodson joins Brian to talk about his successful and varied career in the Entrepreneurship through Acquisition community. From his time as an early student of Irv Grousbeck to his multiple successful searches, acquisitions to his more recent time as an investor David’s stories are full of earned wisdom and success. David also …
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