executive sessions

On MiddleGround’s twenty-second episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with Ryan McComb, our Managing Director on the Transaction Team, and Dan Stoettner, CEO of A. M. Castle & Co. This episode covers: Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3Ry8BdE Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find Ryan McComb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-mccomb-1b512663/ Find Dan Stoettner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-stoettner-928a77/

On MiddleGround’s twenty-first episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with John Dotson and Miles Anderson from MiddleGround’s Automation. This episode covers: Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/4iYFHie Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find John Dotson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-dotson-5ab9142a/ Find Miles Anderson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miles-anderson-155a694/

On MiddleGround’s twentieth episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with Nate Wheeler, Founder of marketing agency weCreate, and Leanne Walmsley, Communications & Marketing Manager at our portfolio company, Xtrac. This episode covers: Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find Nate Wheeler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-wheeler-91920622/ Find Leanne Walmsley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanne-walmsley/

On MiddleGround’s nineteenth episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with John Stewart, MiddleGround’s Founding Partner, and Steve Myers, former operations leader at Parker Hannifin. This episode covers: Check out our company blog recapping the episode: [LINK] Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/

On MiddleGround’s eighteenth episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with Bill Krueger, President of Global Manufacturing Operations at The Greenbrier Companies. This episode covers: Check out our company blog recapping the episode: [LINK] Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find Bill Krueger on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-bill-krueger-3916803/

On MiddleGround’s seventeenth episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with MiddleGround's very own Ryan McComb, Managing Director and Infrastructure Thesis leader, and David Walden, Director, from the Transaction Team. This episode covers: Check out our company blog recapping the episode: [LINK] Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find Ryan McComb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-mccomb-1b512663/ Find David Walden on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwwalden/

On MiddleGround’s sixteenth episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with MiddleGround portfolio CEOs Ron Lindsay of Lindsay Precast and Tom Brockley of Arrow Tru-Line. This episode covers: Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/4fDzQ0i Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find Tom Brockley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tombrockley/

In episode 15 of Executive Sessions, we explore practical approaches to cutting energy usage in manufacturing with MiddleGround Capital’s Director of Operations, Jason Jacob, and Director of ESG, Madelyn Tutewiler. In this episode, they explore: 1. Strategies for improving energy efficiency with case studies from across the MiddleGround portfolio 2. Common barriers to implementation 3. Creating a culture of sustainability 4. How sustainability can impact the bottom line Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/4fpdkbP Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find Jason Jacob on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/jason-jacob-210bb011/ Find Madelyn Tutewiler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelyn-street-tutewiler-460356115/

On MiddleGround’s thirteenth episode of Executive Sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with MiddleGround Founding Partner, Scot Duncan, and our Vice President of Operations, Zach Jackson. This episode covers: Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/48MqAVi Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find Scot Duncan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scot-duncan-45a23211/ Find Zach Jackson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/zach-jackson-747b82105/

On MiddleGround’s twelfth episode of Executive Sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with MiddleGround Founding Partner, Scot Duncan, and our Managing Director of Operations, Stan Stanford. This episode covers: 1. Importance of Simple Technological Solutions in Manufacturing 2. Bridging the Experience Gap in Manufacturing 3. Real-time Shop Floor Management Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/48PegUm Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find Scot Duncan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scot-duncan-45a23211/ Find Stan Stanford on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/stanstanford/

On MiddleGround’s eleventh episode of Executive Sessions, Clayton Gullet leads a discussion with our Director and Head of NA Business Development, Dyana Baurley, recapping her interview with David Bookbinder on the “Behind the Numbers” podcast. This episode covers: 1. Private Equity as a Liquidity Strategy 2. Factors Making a Company Investable 3. Aspects of Selling a Business 4. Overcoming Misconceptions about Private Equity Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/4fFv8yU Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find Dyana Baurley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dyanabaurley/ Find "Behind the Numbers" on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@behindthenumbers Find Dave Bookbinder on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davebookbinder/

Under the leadership of our Founding and Managing Partner, John Stewart, we have carved out a unique and successful niche in the competitive world of private equity. On MiddleGround’s tenth episode of Executive Sessions, John meets with Sean Mooney, BluWave’s Founder, and CEO, sharing his journey and lending insight into the differentiated approach that has led us to success. 1. From the Factory Floor to Private Equity 2. MiddleGround’s Differentiated Approach If you like this episode, check out BluWave’s “Karma School of Business” podcast dedicated to exploring private equity, best business practices, and real-time trends Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3UV756w Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/ Find Bluwave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluwave-lp/ Find Sean Mooney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mooneysean/ Chapters: (00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction (00:01:40) From starting out at Toyota to today (0011:19) Getting to know John (00:16:21) Overcoming adversity and celebrating success (00:28:51) Operational value creatopm (00:37:39) What matters is actual cashflow and EBITDA (00:43:12) Working more efficiently with technology

On MiddleGround’s eighth episode of Executive Sessions, Clayton Gullett leads discussions with MiddleGround Founding Partner, John Stewart, and the Dean of the University of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Business and Economics, Dr. Simon Sheather to talk all things AI. This episode covers: 1. AI Opportunities and Benefits 2. Setbacks and dangers of AI 3. AI in Manufacturing and Private Equity Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3Q4O8wv Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/ Chapters: (00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction (00:02:22) AI's capabilities (00:09:45) Limitations of AI (00:14:35) Malicious uses of AI (00:19:20) AI/Automation and human workforces (00:25:25) Practical uses for AI (00:29:38) Data privacy and AI (00:35:40) AI in developed vs. emerging economies (00:41:14) Data: dashboards and targeting (00:47:16) Utilizing AI in the financial and manufacturing words

On MiddleGround’s eighth episode of Executive Sessions, Clayton Gullett leads discussions with MiddleGround Founding Partner, John Stewart, and Head of our Transaction Team, Justin Steil. This episode covers: The United Auto Workers StrikeElectric Vehicles2017-2024: A New NormalCheck out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3HFyoLX Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/ Chapters: (00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction (00:03:42) Overview of the UAW strike (00:06:45) Impact of strike - MGC and wider auto industry (00:17:40) The changing automotive industry (00:26:23) Limitation to EV adoption

On MiddleGound’s seventh episode of Executive Sessions, Clayton Gullett leads discussion with MiddleGround’s Founding Partner, John Stewart, and the Director of the Center for Business and Economic Research, Associate Professor of Economics at the University of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Business and Economics, Dr. Mike Clark. This episode covers: 2023 Economic StatusA Resurgence in US ManufacturingEconomic ResilienceLooking Ahead to 2024Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/4fIvXar Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/ Chapters: (00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction (00:02:38) 2023 economic review (00:12:39) Industrial manufacturer's response to economic shifts (00:17:35) Employment levels in manufacturing (00:23:35) Well-positioned manufacturers in this economy (00:31:05) Economic resilience (00:40:08) Expectations in 2024

On MiddleGound’s sixth episode of Executive Sessions, Clayton Gullett leads discussions with MiddleGround Founding Partner, John Stewart, Managing Director of our European Transaction Team, Alex Van Der Have, and Head of EU Business Development, Anthony Denaix. This episode covers: Considerations of European ExpansionThe Importance of Hiring LocallyDifferences in strategy between the US/EUChallenging Economic Environments Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/47pnZil Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/ Find Alex van der Have on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-van-der-have-2926889/ Find Anthony Denaix on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonydenaix/ Chapters: (00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction (00:13:32) Steps to expanding internationally (00:19:58) Importance of hiring locally (00:26:06) What we look for in EU platforms (00:33:28) Current events impact on European market (00:40:48) Decision making (00:43:40) Deals we wouldn't consider

On MiddleGround’s fifth episode of Executive Sessions, Clayton Gullett leads discussions with MiddleGround Founding Partner John Stewart and his brother, Co-Partner of Banner Industries, David Stewart. This episode covers: 1. Building a Bootcamp 2. Creating and Maintaining Cooperative Change 3. Lean Manufacturing Requires Standardization 4. The Impact of Bootcamps Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3Ptj6NE Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/ Find Banner Management Consulting on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/banner-management-consulting/ Chapters: (00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction (00:06:52) Bootcamp 101 (00:10:40) Gaining buy-in (00:18:15) Building a Bootcamp (00:27:22) The importance of manufacturers (00:36:58) Impact on the portfolio (00:43:49) The value of teaching lean manufacturing basics (00:48:47) Simple, cheap solutions yield results (00:53:54) Standardization in manufacturing

On MiddleGround’s fourth episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullett leads discussions with two guests: Madelyn Tutewiler, Director of ESG, and Managing Director of ESG, Mike Bridge. This episode covers: 1. The importance of involving ESG in businesses 2. Raising minimum full-time pay to $25/Hour by 2025 3. Equitable hiring to reflect local communities 4. How we bring ESG to life in portfolio companies Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/4hLCmDu Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find Madelyn Tutewiler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/madelyn-street-tutewiler-460356115/ Find Mike Bridge on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mikebridge/ Chapters: (00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction (00:08:40) What is ESG? (00:13:05) Why does ESG matter? (00:21:58) Case study: Attala Steel (00:33:20) Data in ESG (00:38:37) ESG and diversity (00:44:03) $25 by 2025 (00:47:10) Advice for firms starting their ESG journey

In MiddleGround’s third episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullett leads discussions with two guests: Founding and Managing Partner, John Stewart, and a VP on the Transaction Team, Tyler May. This episode covers: 1. Factors in driving electrification and autonomous vehicles forward 2. Shift from the automotive industry to the mobility industry 3. Barriers to full autonomy Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3ULtFzh Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Find John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/ Chapters: (00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction (00:04:28) Reducing brain drain in financial industry (00:06:30) Electrification, the environmental impact, and driving it's adoption (00:18:18) The inevitable shift to EVs (00:21:43) Automotive's shift from transportation to mobility (00:24:35) The road to full autonomy (00:38:35) Challenges updating American infrastructure (00:45:34) Future business models in automotive (00:56:35) 5G for the connected car

In our first episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullett is joined by John Stewart and Scot Duncan, two of the founding partners at MiddleGround Capital. This episode covers four topics: Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3Cq1z6l Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Follow John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/ Follow Scot Duncan on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/scot-duncan-45a23211/ Timestamps (00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction (00:03:43) John/Scot's working relationship (00:20:43) COVID and changing labor markets (00:26:24) Working conditions in manufacturing (00:36:51) Doing what's right (00:51:07) Near term challenges in 2023