A podcast series featuring all things related to search funds and entrepreneurship through acquisition. Hosted by Brian O'Connor, Adjunct Professor of Entrepre...
This month’s episode of the ETA Insider Podcast welcomes Anthony Walker, MBA ’14, an influential figure in the ETA investment space. Anthony brings a wealth of experience from his diverse career path, having started on Wall Street at Morgan Stanley, followed by roles at Lehman Brothers, Citadel, and Millennium. He now leads the efforts at Next Coast Legacy, focusing on investment strategies and working closely with management teams. Tune in to hear Anthony discuss his journey, the importance of effective board involvement, and the entrepreneurial lessons he has experienced.
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27:55
Peace Corps to Self Funded Search
In this month’s episode, we sit down with Mark Jackson, MBA ’11, Co-Founder of Centennial Investment Partners, and operator to several business he acquired through ETA. Mark talks about his journey into acquisition and lessons he's learned along the way. From transitioning out of investment banking to building a self-funded portfolio, Mark shares the challenges, strategies, and key insights that have shaped his approach to acquiring, growing and starting businesses. He also dives into the importance of sourcing tactics, forming strong partnerships, and recognizing new opportunities within existing companies. Whether you're an aspiring searcher or an experienced operator, this conversation is packed with valuable takeaways on scaling through acquisition.
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30:53
The Power of a Business Thesis in Entrepreneurship Through Acquisition
In this episode of the ETA Insider Podcast, we speak with Brian Wolfe, who co-led a self-funded ETA search, which he and his partner sold to Alpine Investors, and who now teaches courses on private equity and ETA at Washington University in St. Louis and the University of North Carolina. They discuss Wolfe's transition from being a PE M&A attorney at a leading law firm, and Wolfe’s insights regarding the importance of a business thesis, the criteria for choosing acquisition targets and the evolving ETA landscape. Tune in to gain valuable perspectives on navigating the complex and evolving world of ETA and subscale private equity.
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30:24
Balancing Business, Family, and ETA
In this month’s episode, Marcela Fernandez, founder of Olive Ridge Partners, discusses her journey into ETA alongside her husband, Andrew. Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, Marcela transitioned from biotech engineering and running a cidery to attending Stanford Graduate School of Business. The couple pursued ETA to stabilize their lives and quickly acquired Colorado Home Services, focusing on multi-trade residential services, achieving significant growth. They brought on a third partner to help manage operations and are now conducting a second search for new acquisitions. Marcela highlights the importance of aligned roles in partnerships, realistic expectations, and leveraging operational skills. She also talks about balancing work and personal life seamlessly, offering advice to other potential searchers.
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27:47
Opportunity in ETA
In this episode of the ETA Insider Podcast, host Brian O'Connor sits down with Gabe Barkley, former CEO of MHW. Gabe acquired and led MHW through an impressive growth trajectory in an ETA effort. They discuss Gabe’s journey into ETA, key factors that contributed to his success, and the operational learnings that shaped his tenure and eventual exit. Gabe also shares his future plans and insights for aspiring entrepreneurs in the ETA space.
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.