Episodit
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On MiddleGroundâs 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 âBehind the Numbersâ 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
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 MiddleGroundâs tenth episode of Executive Sessions, John meets with Sean Mooney, BluWaveâs 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. MiddleGroundâs Differentiated Approach
If you like this episode, check out BluWaveâs âKarma School of Businessâ 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 -
Puuttuva jakso?
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On MiddleGroundâs eighth episode of Executive Sessions, Clayton Gullett leads discussions with MiddleGround Founding Partner, John Stewart, and the Dean of the University of Kentuckyâs 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 MiddleGroundâs 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 MiddleGoundâs 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 EnvironmentsCheck 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/
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 MiddleGoundâs 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 MiddleGroundâs 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 MiddleGroundâs 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
Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/
Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/
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 MiddleGroundâs 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
Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/
Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/
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 MiddleGroundâs second episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullett, leads discussions with two guests with operations experience: a VP of operations, Alicia Motomura, and a senior associate, Jordan Gabbert. This episode covers:
1. Respecting and valuing shop floor employees
2. Connection between adding value and employee retention/company stability
3. Donât let perfect be the enemy of great
Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/
Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/
Chapters
(00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction
(00:15:05) The importance of the shop floor
(00:17:42) Partnering with shop floor employees
(00:26:05) Creating value in manufacturing processes
(00:29:22) Employee retention and job stability
(00:33:30) The relationship between stability and growth
(00:36:05) Being a woman in manufacturing
(00:38:17) Dealing with adversity in your career
(00:44:02) Data and the Pareto principle
(00:48:05) Worker well being -
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:
John and Scot and their working relationship.How and why labor markets changed and the impact on wages. The human element of business. How MiddleGround is changing plants to better support employees and the environment.Challenges in 2023.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
