Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In this special "Evolving Industry" Takeover episode, our friend, George Jagodzinski from Intevity, flips the script—taking over as guest host and putting Scott in the hot seat.

Among their beer stories, George and Scott dive into MonogramGroup’s 30 years in PE, explaining why the operating partner role has become essential—and how it reframes public perceptions of PE by focusing on real value creation in the middle market. The conversation tackles the hard work of executing brand strategy in rollups, from herding founder-led companies through name changes to navigating cultural transitions that unlock millions in valuation. Scott also details the craft of complex problem-solving that delivers world-class impact to essential, unsexy businesses.

We know you’ll enjoy their convo.

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We are receiving great responses to our podcast, and have several guests scheduled for upcoming episodes. If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com. 

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To learn more about George Jagodzinski, please visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/georgejag/

To learn more about Intevity at intevity.com/ and the Evolving Industry Podcast at intevity.com/podcast/.

This episode of Beer Stories for Private Equity is sponsored by Private Equity Professional, PE's news leader since 2007. Stay connected to the latest news, insights and trends in private equity at peprofessional.com.

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Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our 27th episode, we are joined by Mike Magliochetti, Ph.D., Operating Partner at Riverside Partners.

Among their beer stories, Scott and Mike discuss how he found his way into private equity as a Ph.D. in chemical engineering, how challenging it was to navigate and get comfortable in PE, and why that inspired him to write the groundbreaking book Dancing Between the Toes of Elephants.

We know you’ll enjoy their convo. 

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We are receiving great responses to our podcast, and have several guests scheduled for upcoming episodes. If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com.

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Follow Michael Magliochetti, Ph.D., on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-magliochetti-9905371/). Learn more about Riverside Partners at https://riversidepartners.com/.

This episode of Beer Stories for Private Equity is sponsored by Private Equity Professional, PE's news leader since 2007. Stay connected to the latest news, insights and trends in private equity at peprofessional.com.

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Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our 26th episode, we are joined by Pete Moore, Founder and Managing Partner of Integrity Square in NYC.

Among their beer stories, Scott and Pete discuss the role of team sports in establishing a firm culture, Pete’s career in health and wellness deals, and the origin story of re-inventing that category name into the HALO (Health, Active Lifestyle & Outdoors) brand.

We know you’ll enjoy their convo. 

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We are receiving great responses to our podcast, and have several guests scheduled for upcoming episodes. If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com.

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Follow Pete Moore on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/peteymo/). Learn more about Integrity Square at integritysq.com.

This episode of Beer Stories for Private Equity is sponsored by Private Equity Professional, PE's news leader since 2007. Stay connected to the latest news, insights and trends in private equity at peprofessional.com.

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Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity episode 25. We are joined by our friend and colleague Eliot Kerlin, Jr., Managing Partner of Broadwing Capital in Dallas.

Among their beer stories, Scott and Eliot discuss the higher/further/faster meaning behind “Broadwing,” his firm’s operational approach to portcos (and how brand is critical to that), and the shared maroon color of his two alma maters. 

We know you’ll enjoy their convo. 

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We are receiving great responses to our podcast, and have several guests scheduled for upcoming episodes. If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com.

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Follow Eliot Kerlin, Jr. on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/ekerlin/). Learn more about Broadwing Capital at broadwingcap.com.

This episode of Beer Stories for Private Equity is sponsored by Private Equity Professional, PE's news leader since 2007. Stay connected to the latest news, insights and trends in private equity at peprofessional.com.

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Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity episode 24. We are joined by John Ruffolo, Founder & Managing Partner of Maverix Private Equity in Toronto.

Among their beer stories, Scott and John discuss the distinct characteristics of Canadian private equity, his firm’s unique investing model and life in the great city of Toronto.

We know you’ll enjoy their convo. 

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We are receiving great responses to our podcast, and have several guests scheduled for upcoming episodes. If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com.

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Follow John Ruffolo on LinkedIn (linkedin.com/in/joruffolo). Learn more about Maverix Private Equity at maverixpe.com.

This episode of Beer Stories for Private Equity is sponsored by Private Equity Professional, PE's news leader since 2007. Stay connected to the latest news, insights and trends in private equity at peprofessional.com.

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Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our 23th episode, we are joined by Johnny Hilbrant Partridge, the content creator behind the wildly popular PE Guy character.

Among their beer stories, Scott and Johnny discuss the How and the Why behind the creation of the PE Guy character and its explosion in followers.

We know you’ll enjoy their convo. 

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We are receiving great responses to our podcast, and have several guests scheduled for upcoming episodes. If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com. 

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Follow Johnny Hilbrant on Instagram (https://www.instagram.com/johnnyhilbrant/).

Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our 22nd episode, we are, again, joined by Kris Kluver to conclude our special two-part episode.

Among their beer stories, Scott and Kris Kluver challenge conventional private equity thinking by rejecting the slow-growth “J-curve” model and advocating for rapid ROI and clear, collaborative performance goals post-acquisition. They also explore how leaders can create greater impact by stepping away from operational minutiae to focus on vision, strategic relationships, and subconscious innovation.

We know you’ll enjoy their convo. 

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Thank you for listening to our episode today. If you’re interested in joining one of Kris’s Peer-circles, Use promo code “beer stories” at kriskluver.com and receive a 20% discount for the first 6 months. 

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We are receiving great responses to our podcast, and have several guests scheduled for upcoming episodes. If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com. 

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Follow Kris Kluver on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kriskluver/). Learn more at www.kriskluver.com.

Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our 21st episode, we are joined by Kris Kluver for a special two-part episode.

Among their beer stories, Scott and Kris Kluver discuss why growth requires discomfort, how leaders can break through personal and organizational barriers, and what it really takes to scale companies like Exodus through audacity and clarity.

We know you’ll be engaged by their convo. 

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Thank you for listening to our episode today. If you’re interested in joining one of Kris’s Peer-circles, Use promo code “beer stories” at kriskluver.com and receive a 20% discount for the first 6 months. 

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We are receiving great responses to our podcast, and have several guests scheduled for upcoming episodes. If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com. 

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Follow Kris Kluver on LinkedIn (https://www.linkedin.com/in/kriskluver/). Learn more at www.kriskluver.com.

Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our 20th episode, Reed Van Gorden, Managing Director at Deerpath Capital, joins us again.

In a first for Beer Stories, Scott and Reed just riff on the impact on the lower middle market from the day-to-day political and economic developments being implemented by the Trump administration. 

We know you’ll be engaged by their convo. 

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We are receiving great responses to our podcast, and have several guests scheduled for upcoming episodes. If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com. 

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To learn more about Reed Van Gorden please visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/rvgcfa/

Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our 19th episode, we are joined by Stephen Kelly, Co-Managing Partner at Ivy Capital in Dublin.

Among their beer stories, Scott and Stephen discuss Stephen’s early journey—from his time at Trinity College and experiences traveling through Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia to founding Ivy Capital with a unique transatlantic approach. They explore how the firm supports a diverse range of American companies in entering the European, UK, and Irish markets, unpack the “secret sauce” behind their success, and discuss trends in capital raising—including a major spoiler: there’s $3 trillion in dry powder waiting to be deployed this year.

We know you’ll enjoy their convo. 

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We are receiving great responses to our podcast, and have several guests scheduled for upcoming episodes. If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com. 

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To learn more about Stephen Kelly please visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stephen-kelly-47a76911

Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our 18th episode, we are joined by Alex Rawling, Founder and Managing Partner at Raw Selection, an executive search firm based in Leeds, UK.

Among their beer stories, Scott and Alex discuss Alex's journey in founding Raw Selection focusing on PE, the key differentiators of his firm, including their proprietary data-driven approach and 100% refund policy, and his perspectives on future trends in private equity and critical attributes for successful portfolio company executive hires.

We know you’ll enjoy their convo. 

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We are receiving great responses to our podcast, and have several guests scheduled for upcoming episodes. If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com. 

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To learn more about Alex RAWlings please visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrawlings/

Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our Season 2 premiere, we welcome our friend Tim Brackney, CEO of Springline Advisory, a portco of Trinity Hunt Partners.

Among their beer stories, Scott and Tim discuss Tim’s upbringing in Bangladesh, his journey scaling Resources Global Professionals (RGP) from $100M to over $800M in revenue as President and COO, and how he’s aligning with Trinity Hunt’s thesis and is building brand equity at Springline Advisory.

We know you’ll enjoy their convo.

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We are receiving great responses to our podcast, and have several guests scheduled for upcoming episodes. If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com. 

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To learn more about Tim Brackney, please visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/timbrackney/

Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In this special "Go Fungal" Takeover episode, our friend and podcast production partner, Matt Cornelison from Fungi Media, flips the script—taking over as guest host and putting Scott in the hot seat.

Among their beer stories, Matt and Scott dive into Fungi’s marketing expertise, best practices for LinkedIn, how private equity firms can craft a strong digital strategy, the critical connection between branding and marketing, and how PE-owned portcos can create a LinkedIn flywheel effect.

We know you’ll enjoy their convo.

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We are receiving great responses to our podcast, and have several guests scheduled for upcoming episodes. If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com. 

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To learn more about Matt Cornelison, please visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnabova/

To learn more about Fungi Media, please visit: https://fungimedia.com/

Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our Season 1 finale, we are joined by John Bova, an Independent Operating Partner based in Connecticut.

Among their beer stories, Scott and John discuss business transformation through brand, finance, operations, technology and marketing, focusing on how brand creates significant value in portcos. They also discuss MonogramGroup’s Brand Value Financial Model, the first-ever in determining predictive factors for maximum value creation at exit from brand considerations.​

We know you’ll enjoy their convo. 

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We are receiving great responses to our podcast, and have several guests scheduled for upcoming episodes. If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com. 

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To learn more about John Bova, please visit: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnabova/

Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our 15th episode, we are joined by Derek Zacarias, Director of DAK Group.

Among their beer stories, Scott and Derek discuss his personal journey into investment banking, DAK Group’s expertise in helping founders connect with the right PE firms, MonogramGroup’s parallels to DAK Group in partnering with portcos to build value, and notable deal trends in 2024.

We know you’ll enjoy their convo. 

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We are receiving great responses to our podcast, and have several guests scheduled for upcoming episodes. If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com. 

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To learn more about Derek Zacarias or DAK Group, please visit: https://dakgroup.com/

Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our 14th episode, we are joined by Harry Gray, CEO of Kelvin Group.

Among their many beer stories, Scott and Harry discuss his military background and how it translates to the business world, his experience as a leader in private equity, the ins and outs of Kelvin Group as a national rollup, and what differentiates the platform from its competitors. They also examine the importance of culture and teamwork, the significance of brand and its value creation opportunities for a holding company, and their shared passion for Navy football.

We know you’ll enjoy their convo. 

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We are receiving great responses to our podcast, and have several guests scheduled for upcoming episodes. If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com. 

To learn more about Harry Gray or Kelvin Group, please visit: https://kelvin.cool/  

Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our 13th episode, we are joined by John Signa, CEO of E78 Partners.

Among their many beer stories, Scott and John discuss the early days after starting his firm, the significance of brand identity as a key driver to scaling an enterprise, and how he handled the rapid expansion of E78 Partners. They also examine the importance and challenges of establishing a cohesive company culture and their mutual loyalty to Chicago. 

We know you’ll enjoy their convo. 

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We are receiving great responses to our podcast, and have several guests scheduled for upcoming episodes. If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com. 

To learn more about John Signa, or E78 Partners, please visit: https://e78partners.com/

Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our latest episode, we welcome our friend and client Amy Silverstein, Partner at e2p as our guest.

Among their many beer stories, Scott and Amy discuss her substantive career shift from Deloitte partner to PE partner, the profound role of ESG within food investing, and the power of personal branding and relationships. In addition, they discuss the importance of brand building in tangible value creation.

We know you'll enjoy their convo.

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(33:10 Correction)

In 1975 enterprise value was driven by 17% tangible and 83% intangible compared to 2015 enterprise value was driven by 18% tangible and 82% intangible compared to 2020 enterprise value was driven by 10% tangible and 90% intangible.

Ocean Tomo Study of Intangible Asset Market Value (https://oceantomo.com/intangible-asset-market-value-study/)

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If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com. 

To learn more about Amy Silverstein, or e2p, please visit: https://www.e2p.com/ 

Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our latest episode, we welcome our friend and client Jarrett Turner, Founding & Managing Partner at Soundcore Capital Partners as our guest.

Among their many beer stories, Scott and Jarrett discuss his career path and deciding to create his own PE firm in his early 30s, with a quite different and thoughtful approach to investing and value creation. He also shares a few insights about prerequisites to pursuing PE as a career, including an appetite for entrepreneurial risk taking and math proficiency.

We know you'll enjoy their convo.

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If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com. 

To learn more about Jarrett Turner, or Soundcore Capital Partners, please visit: https://www.soundcorecap.com/

Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our tenth episode, we welcome a new friend in the business (and podcast competitor) Charlie Gifford, Senior Partner at New Heritage Capital, as our guest.

Among their many beer stories, Scott and Charlie discuss Boston and Chicago, his career path, being a generalist in a world of specialist PE firms (The Private IPO), leaning into brand and the cadence of effective marketing, and amazing travel experiences.

We know you'll enjoy their convo.

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If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com. 

To learn more about Charlie Gifford, or New Heritage Capital, please visit: https://www.newheritagecapital.com/team/charlie-gifford/

Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our ninth episode, we welcome our friend and client Jim Parmelee, Managing Director at Hamilton Robinson as our guest.

Among their many beer stories, Scott and Jim discuss his career path and joining the firm he has called home for seven years. Jim also shares a few insights about how his love of learning was shaped in undergrad and b-school studies, and how that's been instrumental in his PE career. We talk a little Red Sox/Yankees rivalry at the crossroads in Connecticut, and some trash talking in DIII NESCAC football.

We know you'll enjoy their convo.

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If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com. 

To learn more about Jim Parmelee, or Hamilton Robinson, please visit: https://hrco.com/ 

Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our eighth episode, we welcome our longtime friend and former client Dave Swanson, one of the founding partners of Antares Capital, as our guest. 

Among their many, many beer stories, Scott and Dave discuss his career path and being a part of the building process of the premier middle market credit provider. Dave also shares a few juicy insights about entrepreneurship, business cultures, and enjoying retirement.

We know you'll enjoy their convo.

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If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com. 

To learn more about Dave Swanson, or Antares Capital, please visit: https://www.antares.com/ 

Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our seventh episode, we welcome our friend and client Reed Van Gorden, Managing Director and Head of Originations at Deerpath Capital as our guest.

Among their many beer stories, Scott and Reed discuss his career path and being a part of the building process of one of the premier middle market credit providers. He also shares a few insights about how dual majoring at Northwestern shaped his interests and career arc, as well as a few words of wisdom for the next generation of private equity professionals.

We know you'll enjoy their convo.

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If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com. 

To learn more about Reed Van Gorden, or Deerpath Capital, please visit: https://www.deerpathcapital.com/team/reed-van-gorden/

Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our sixth episode, Scott is joined by MaryJeanne (MJ) Scott, a Managing Partner at JM Search in Philadelphia.

The two engage in a stimulating convo focused on why smart, effective recruiting for C-suite talent is a must for all PE deal execs, and how JM Search uniquely approaches this process for optimal results. They discuss what skills and experience go into effective search and on-boarding for A-level leadership talent, as well as MJ’s personal journey regarding the JM recruitment process.

We know you'll enjoy their convo.

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If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com. 

To learn more about MaryJeanne Scott, or JM Search, please visit: https://jmsearch.com/team/maryjeanne-scott/  

Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our fifth episode, Scott is joined by George Pilafas of Continuim Equity Partners for a very rousing discussion. 

Among their many beer stories, Scott and George share a great discussion about PE's Kaizen-led firm, Continuim, whose name is derived from Continuous Improvement. They talk about applying Kaizen to Pennsylvania manufacturing companies and Pittsburgh's legendary NFL team; how success starts at the shop floor rather than the C-suite; insights for young professionals entering private equity; and which Pittsburgh sports legend to have dinner with. 

We know you'll enjoy their convo (even if you're not a Steelers fan).

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If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com. 

To learn more about George Pilafas, or Continuim Equity Partners, please visit: https://www.continuim.com/team/#george-pilafas

Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our fourth episode, Scott is joined by Aaron Clark of Stephens Group for a great show. 

Among their many beer stories, the two share some laughs, mixing in some thoughtful commentary on working for a family office. Aaron has been Managing Director since the firm's founding in 2006; advising partners across internet infrastructure, technology-enabled services and business software. It's no surprise that 13 of his 15 deals as Lead Partner derive from the tech sector. They also discuss Arkansas values, maintaining a multigenerational legacy within a company, and advice for recent college graduates.

We know you’ll enjoy their convo. 

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If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com. 

To learn more about Aaron Clark, or Stephens Group, please visit: https://www.stephensgroup.com/team/aaron-clark/ 

Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our third episode, Scott is joined by Brett Holcomb of Prospect Partners for a great show. 

Among their many beer stories, Brett and Scott discuss Brett’s two decades of experience across a wide range of industries, focusing on Brett’s 14-year tenure as a partner, as well as the ‘8 P’s’. They also chat about taking leaps of faith in pre-middle market, private equity collaboration, partnerships across football fandom, and advice for those early in their career. 

We know you’ll enjoy their convo.

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As referenced during the episode, here is the M&A Source article, 10 Key Questions to Ask Before Choosing a Private Equity Partner.

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If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com.  

To learn more about Brett Holcomb, or Prospect Partners, please visit: https://www.prospect-partners.com/brett-holcomb/  

Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our second episode, Scott is joined by his friend of over 20 years, Joe Gaffigan of O2 Sponsor Finance (often referred to as the “funniest man in private credit”).

Among their many beer stories, Scott and Joe discuss Joe’s successful career of more than 30 years of financial entrepreneurship and leadership experience. Joe also offers his insights on rising trends, such as the rise of independent sponsors or the impact that interest rates have on deal flow. Joe talks about the importance of peer-to-peer idea sharing through his memberships with YPO and his lifelong commitment to philanthropy, by giving back to the community in a meaningful way. 

We know you’ll enjoy their convo. 

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If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com. 

To learn more about Joe Gaffigan, or O2 Sponsor Finance, please visit:  https://www.oldsecond.com/business-banking/o2-sponsor-finance/#meet-the-team 

Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our first episode, Scott is joined by John Fruehwirth, Managing Partner of Rotunda Capital Partners.

Among their many beer stories, John shares the origins of how he founded his firm in 2009. The pair chat about The Rotunda Way, a strategic framework affectionately dubbed the Spaghetti Map, entrepreneurial successes, company culture, and their mutual admiration for the Baltimore Ravens.

We know you’ll enjoy their convo.

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If you would like to be considered as a guest in our lineup, please email smarkman@monogramgroup.com. 

To learn more about John Fruehwirth and Rotunda Capital Partners, please visit: https://www.rotundacapital.com/leadership-team/john-fruehwirth

My name is Scott Markman, and Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity.  On this podcast, we’ll share war stories of portco and fundraising success. Deep dives into trending topics. And also, personal stories of career paths, risks and rewards, and ultimately what matters. So I invite you to pull up a virtual bar seat, and listen to PE’s best podcast devoted to sharing beer stories from the world of private equity.