Private Equity, Alignment, and Durable Value Creation

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/  

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

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, 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  

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/

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/  

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/

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?

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

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/