Private Equity Podcast: Karma School of Business

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/

In this special edition of the Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney, Founder and CEO of BluWave, breaks down key findings from BluWave’s Q3 2025 Private Equity Insights Report. Drawing parallels between his son’s fencing lessons and today’s economic climate, Sean explains how the best investors are shifting from a defensive stance to an offensive one. Seeing through the noise, leaning forward, and playing to win. He shares fresh data showing that deal activity, due diligence spending, and AI investment are all surging—signs of an industry on the offense. From the manufacturing renaissance to the rise of flatter, AI-enabled organizations, Sean offers a grounded, data-backed view of where private equity and the broader economy are heading next. Episode Highlights 1:07 – The Sport of Fencing and PE: what private equity can learn from shifting from defense to offense 4:40 – Why the U.S. economy is “good enough” and accelerating despite the noise 11:45 – Deal data shows confidence returning: due diligence projects up 43% year-over-year 14:33 – PE firms’ AI and analytics demand surges 300% and 1,600% for AI/ML advisory 18:39 – Manufacturing reshoring, venture collaboration, and the next wave of innovation 21:06 – The coming of flatter, AI-enabled organizations and what it means for talent 25:39 – Sticky inflation, rate cuts, and why the next economic cycle is already underway For more on BluWave, visit: https://www.bluwave.net/ To request the full Q3 2025 Insights Report, visit: https://www.bluwave.net/insights-report/

In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney interviews Laurens Goff, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at Stone Goff Partners. Laurens shares insights from his path to private equity, the founding story of his firm, and how leveraging focus and visibility transforms lower-middle-market companies. Key points include: 1:05 -9:52 -19:41 -25:57 -34:52 - For more information on Stone Goff, go to https://www.stonegoff.com/ For more information on Laurens Goff, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/laurens-goff-ba47714 For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

Jared Stein, Co-founder and Partner at Monogram Capital Partners, shares his expert approach to scaling consumer businesses, fostering customer loyalty, and driving sustainable growth. From partnering with family-owned companies to identifying sectors with lasting demand, Jared provides actionable insights for excelling in fragmented markets and navigating today’s rapid disruption cycles. A must-listen for private equity professionals and business builders looking to sharpen their playbook. Episode Highlights: 00:33 -06:04 -13:23 -19:46 -24:37 -27:27 -30:51 - For more on Jared Stein’s firm, visit: www.monogramcapital.com Connect with Jared Stein on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jared-stein-5a347820 Explore more episodes: www.bluwave.net/podcasts

Sean Mooney speaks with Bob Morse, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at Strattam Capital, about the changing playbook in private equity, especially in tech. Morse traces his path from Morgan Stanley and Oak Hill to founding Strattam, then lays out a no-surprises model: turn cards face-up pre-signing, align on a founder-written five-point plan, and opt-in support with real accountability. He explains why AI threatens seat-based SaaS economics, where outcome pricing wins, and how PE firms should push portfolios to experiment while keeping the founder’s innovative spark alive. Clear-eyed and practical, this conversation arms business builders with a framework to act now. Episode highlights 1:26 – An engineer’s path into private equity 7:15 – Why tech needed a dedicated, specialized PE fund and the genesis of Strattam 13:03 – Solving the “first board-meeting surprise” 19:45 – The founder persona Strattam backs: industry operators with proven product-market fit 27:15 – AI as invention vs. innovation and the early business models that actually work 32:27 – The SaaS shake-up: from seat licenses to outcome-based pricing and financing impact 41:54 – “Aliens landed”: a mantra for leading through uncertainty and running smart experiments For more on Bob Morse’s firm, visit: https://strattam.com/ Connect with Bob Morse on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/bob-morse-3567595/ Explore more episodes: www.bluwave.net/podcasts

Dan Gaspar, Partner at TZP Group, shares how private equity investors drive growth through focus, actionable insights, and strong partnerships. Hear Dan’s approach to evaluating businesses, aligning on key priorities, and leveraging innovations like AI. With decades of experience, Dan breaks down what it takes to create value in today’s dynamic market. A must-listen for private equity professionals and business builders alike. Episode Highlights: 1:12 -12:14 -19:33 -26:19 -35:54 -39:21 -Traction, Good to Great,Who Moved My Cheese41:35 - For more on Dan Gaspar’s firm, visit: www.tzpgroup.com Connect with Dan Gaspar on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dangaspar/ Explore more episodes: www.bluwave.net/podcasts

The second quarter of 2025 showcased one of the most compelling periods for private equity, revealing how firms responded to disruption through strategic action and decisive adaptation. Join BluWave Founder and CEO Sean Mooney as he unpacks the insights from BluWave's Q2 Private Equity Insights Report, including data showing rolling recovery trends, reshoring efforts in manufacturing, and technology investments. This episode dives into the unique frameworks private equity applies to thrive amid uncertainty, setting the stage for long-term growth. Confidently engage with insights that matter to your business. Episode Highlights 1:215:4512:3018:2027:0534:5041:30 For more on BluWave, visit: https://www.bluwave.net/ To request the full Q2 2025 Insights Report, visit: https://www.bluwave.net/insights-report/

In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney speaks with Ben Gaw, Partner and Head of Portfolio Operations at Cross Rapids Capital. Ben shares stories from his journey as a first-generation immigrant to becoming a sought-after private equity leader, highlighting lessons learned from turnarounds, rapid decision-making, and building successful companies. Episode Highlights: 1:03 -10:03 -12:20 -18:13 -22:27 - For more information on Cross Rapids Capital, go to https://www.crossrapids.com/ For more information on Ben Gaw, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/benjamingawjr For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney sits down with Dave Shepherd, Director of Portfolio Operations at Rainier Partners. Dave shares how his military experience, consulting background at Bain, and hands-on leadership approach shape his work in private equity today. Key topics include: 1:30 -6:14 -13:48 -30:31 -40:14 - For more information on Rainier Partners, go to https://www.rainierpartners.com/ For more information on Dave Shepard, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-shephard-auxga/ For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

This Karma School of Business feed drop from our sister podcast, Best But Never Final, explores the private equity approach to board meetings. Sean Mooney sits down with Lloyd Metz of ICV Partners and Doug McCormick of HCI Equity Partners to unpack how to turn board meetings into strategic powerhouses that drive real outcomes. Episode Highlights: 02:24 -10:33 -15:25 -35:55 -42:37 - To listen to more Best But Never Final episodes, go to https://bestbutneverfinal.buzzsprout.com/2247932 For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney continues the Elements of Value series, exploring what private equity professionals focus on when evaluating businesses that have the potential to thrive. You’ll hear from: 0:49 - Vinay Kashyap6:19 - Kristin Johnson12:19 - Trent Hickman20:50 - Misha Logvinov To listen to Vinay, Kristin, Trent or Misha's full podcast episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts. To get connected to a world-class, perfect-fit service provider from our curated network, go to https://www.bluwave.net/start-a-project.

Richard Fitzgerald, Co-Founder and Managing Partner at CapitalSpring, joins Sean Mooney to share the story behind one of the most enduring sector-focused firms in private equity. In a conversation that moves well beyond deal mechanics, Richard reflects on the early days of CapitalSpring, the value of sticking with a niche, and what it takes to build trust and alignment — across teams, LPs, and portfolio partners — over the long haul. Episode Highlights: For more on CapitalSpring: https://www.capitalspring.com To connect with Richard Fitzgerald: https://www.linkedin.com/in/fitzgeraldrichard For more on Challenge Aspen: https://challengeaspen.org/ For more on the Michael J. Fox Foundation: https://www.michaeljfox.org/ Explore more episodes of Karma School of Business: https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

Brooke Ablon, Co-Founder and Partner at Fort Point Capital, joins Sean Mooney to share how his firm scales lower middle market companies through a precise mix of strategy, data, and partnership. From executing disciplined add-on acquisition plans to transforming founder-led businesses into institutional-grade operations, Brooke walks through a real-world private equity playbook that’s built for today’s competitive landscape. 🔑 Key Topics Covered: [00:01:09] How a psychology major and distressed investor found his way into private equity [00:10:22] What distressed investing teaches you about cash flow, value, and conflict [00:19:27] Fort Point’s investment criteria: value proposition, management excellence, and fit [00:24:48] How to create value with strategic add-ons, board governance, and growth alignment [00:29:09] Using data analytics and utilization tracking to uncover hidden margin [00:32:34] Advice for management teams: think proactively, act decisively, use your data [00:40:24] Why private equity careers (and outcomes) are marathons, not sprints For more information on Fort Point Capital, go to: https://www.fortpointcapital.com For more information on Brooke Ablon, go to: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brooke-ablon-5168514 For more information on the Karma School of Business podcast, go to: https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

Brian Neider, Managing Partner at Lead Edge Capital, joins BluWave CEO Sean Mooney to break down what great private equity investing really looks like — from systematic sourcing to building one of the most engaged LP networks in the industry. This episode is packed with real-world lessons from 20 years of disciplined execution and growth equity innovation. Episode Highlights: [1:09] Brian’s early lessons in entrepreneurship from running a vending business to building top-of-funnel strategy at Bessemer [6:09] How 20,000 cold calls built the foundation for Lead Edge Capital’s thesis-driven sourcing [17:06] The 8-point “strike zone” framework Lead Edge uses to evaluate private equity opportunities [27:06] How Lead Edge’s LP network drives differentiated value creation and portfolio company support [34:30] The role of instrumentation and data discipline in unlocking portfolio performance [39:57] Advice to early-career professionals: treat your time, relationships, and decisions like investments [45:25] Life hacks from an investor: walking pads, airline points intel, and email follow-up tools For more information on Lead Edge Capital, go to: https://www.leadedge.com For more information on Brian Neider, go to: https://www.linkedin.com/in/brian-neider-7774041/ For more information on the Karma School of Business podcast, go to: https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney speaks with Don McDonough, Managing Director at GTCR, about his career in private equity and his role in building GTCR’s business development function. Episode Highlights: 1:24 - Path to Private Equity:4:56 - Leadership Lessons:10:09 - Building a New Role:27:04 - Value Creation Themes:33:02 - Advice to Younger Self: For more information on GTCR, go to https://www.gtcr.com/ For more information on Don McDonough, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/don-mcdonough-a6a3611 For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/

In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney connects with Dave Schnadig, Co-President of Cortec Group, for an inspiring conversation about private equity, leadership, and the many lessons Dave has learned through his dynamic career. Dave shares his journey from his family’s entrepreneurial roots to leading one of private equity’s most successful firms. Along the way, he dives deep into stories of overcoming challenges, including the Yeti turnaround, managing tariffs, and how to guide portfolio companies through dynamic markets. Episode Highlights: 1:14 - Formative Years:7:18 - Journey to Cortec Group:20:33 - Philosophy of Ownership:22:35 - Yeti’s Turnaround Story:42:10 - Mitigating Tariffs:48:27 - Adventure and Balance: For more information on Cortec Group, go to https://cortecgroup.com/ For more information on Dave Schnadig, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/dave-schnadig-a585529 For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney sits down with Misha Logvinov, Managing Director and New York Office Lead at MGX, to discuss the essential lessons he’s learned throughout his entrepreneurial journey and private equity career. Together, they explore actionable insights on leadership, adaptability, and leveraging technology for value creation in private equity and beyond. Episode Highlights: 1:19 - Misha’s Early Journey:7:22 - Entry into Private Equity:13:43 - Hallmarks of Great Companies:[00:18:31] Value Creation at MGX:[00:23:16] Actionable Advice:[00:33:44] Advice to Younger Self: For more information on MGX, go to https://www.mgx.ae/en For more information on Misha Logvinov, go to https://www.linkedin.com/in/mlogvinov For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts

In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney shares key insights from Q1 2025, covering private equity activity and responses to evolving economic conditions. Examining GDP, easing inflation, and rebounding deal activity, Sean discusses how private equity professionals are adapting strategies to capitalize on opportunities while managing risks such as emerging tariffs and global complexities. Episode Highlights: [00:04:03] Economic Landscape:[00:05:23] Deal Market Trends:[00:10:47] Tariff Volatility:[00:18:01] Strategic Recalibration: To request the Q1 2025 Private Equity Insights Report, go to https://www.bluwave.net/insights-report.

This episode of Karma School of Business explores how resilience, tenacity, and grit enable private equity professionals to turn risk into opportunity. Sean Mooney reflects on industry responses to the 2008 financial crisis and COVID-19, showcasing how frameworks like Colonel John Boyd’s OODA Loop (Observe, Orient, Decide, Act) drive action during times of uncertainty. Episode Highlights: 0:34 -Sean’s preamble: How private equity reframes risk in uncertain times, with a focus on the 2008 financial crisis and COVID-19. 12:05 - Andrew Joy: Overcoming immense personal adversity, including a near-fatal injury, and rebuilding his life to graduate valedictorian from Emory University. 19:36 - Sean expands on Andrew’s mindset shift: The power of small victories and how they mirror resilience in private equity. 26:19 - Rob Konrad: Surviving a 16-hour swim in open ocean by relying on clarity and determination. 31:12 - Sean reflects on Rob’s story: Lessons on resilience and decision-making in life and business. To listen to Andrew's full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/andrew-joy-hidden-harbor/ To listen to Rob Konrad's full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/rob-konrad-alterna-equity-partners/ For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/

In this special episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney revisits insights from previous conversations with some of private equity’s most thoughtful leaders. These experts highlight the "elements of value" they prioritize when evaluating companies for investment, offering actionable frameworks and lessons learned across industries, geographies, and strategies. Episode Highlights: To listen to Nik Kapauan's full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/nik-kapauan-access-holdings/ To listen to Rob Konrad's full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/rob-konrad-alterna-equity-partners/ To listen to Casey Myers' full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/casey-myers-edison-partners/ To listen to Jonathan Metrick's full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/jonathan-metrick-sagard/ To listen to Lisa Ames' full episode, go to https://www.bluwave.net/podcasts/lisa-ames-norwest/