Think Like an Owner

Alex Bridgeman
Think Like an Owner

Exploring how the most ambitious CEOs grow great companies. Each week we dive into the strategies and tactics that build transformative businesses with the operators doing it firsthand. Learn more at https://tlaopodcast.com/

  1. 15 THG 10

    Integrating MSP and Cyber at Worklyn Partners - EP.246

    Episode 246: Alex (@aebridgeman) is joined by Johnny Lieberman (@JohnnyLieberman) and Zack Miller (@ZackMiller). In this episode I am joined by Johnny Lieberman and Zack Miller, co-founders of Worklyn Partners, about their approach to integrating cybersecurity and IT services for middle-market companies. We discuss their multi-acquisition strategy and the integration of these services under one platform, as well as the challenges and benefits of merging tech-driven service providers. Insights include aligning incentives, addressing people-related challenges, and restructuring sales strategies for different customer segments. The importance of AI in combating cyber threats, especially during mergers and acquisitions, and the necessity of employee training and robust incident response plans are also highlighted. Additional insights from cybersecurity expert John Flory emphasize the role of AI tools and the rising risk of third-party breaches. Listen weekly and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Breaker, and TuneIn.  Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/ Links: Worklyn Partners Johnny on LinkedIn Zack on LinkedIn Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:02:29) - Catching up (00:05:02) - Advantages to separation or integration (00:06:50) - Challenges in integrating MSP providers (00:12:50) - Building a Sales org (00:18:58) - The importance of pace (00:20:51) - Learnings from investors and peers (00:32:30) - AI, & First lines of defense to implement in cybersecurity

    46 phút
  2. 8 THG 10

    Jim Lindstrom - Lessons from Being a 3x CEO - EP.245

    Ep.245: Alex (@aebridgeman) is joined by James Lindstrom (@James-Lindstrom). The episode features Jim Lindstrom, a seasoned CEO with experience in leading companies like IES, Providence Service Corp and Verdian. The discussion covers his experiences with accelerating company growth, executing turnarounds, managing balance sheets, and strategic value creation. Jim shares insights on governance, operations, capital allocation, team alignment, and business simplification, drawing from his extensive experience in various leadership roles. Listen weekly and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Breaker, and TuneIn.  Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/ Links: James on LinkedIn Verdian Insights Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:03:55) - Is there a model you try to follow as a new CEO in the early days? (00:07:26) - Identifying problems and meeting philosophies (00:13:37) - Encouraging urgency (00:16:54) - James’ first executive role (00:21:54) - Formative career experiences (00:25:26) - Preventing layoffs (00:31:15) - Discovering a company’s opportunities before becoming involved (00:37:11) - How do you approach a turnaround? (00:43:21) - What is a “normal” level of company debt? (00:47:53) - How do you manage cyclical businesses? (00:52:27) - Fostering imagination (01:00:39) - Are there any industries you would stay away from? (01:02:40) - Advice for CEOs

    1 giờ 6 phút
  3. 1 THG 10

    Collin Hathaway - Big Ambition, Dogged Simplicity - EP.244

    Ep.244: Alex (@aebridgeman) is joined by Collin Hathaway (@CollinHathaway). I'm excited to welcome Collin Hathaway back for his third appearance on the podcast. Collin has a wealth of experience in the home services industry and company operations, and today we dive into his recent exit from Flint Group, which he sold to General Atlantic. We get into what he might have done differently, his belief that "good is usually enough," and the deeply personal process of exiting businesses. We also chat about long-term hold strategies and how they play into the bigger picture. Plus, this is a special episode for me—it's my first time recording in person with Collin, right at his office in Seattle. Listen weekly and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Breaker, and TuneIn.  Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/    Links: Collin on LinkedIn Flint Group Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:05:31) - Exits are personal (00:14:49) - Bringing on a COO to become CEO (00:18:11) - Aligning incentives (00:24:02) - Keeping a sense of urgency (00:27:31) - Pretty good vs. Perfect (00:30:47) - Hiring styles (00:38:59) - Maintaining culture and values (00:44:43) - What would you change if you were starting the company today? (00:49:26) - What are you working on today that gives you energy? (00:52:33) - How have your views on a long-term hold changed? (01:04:06) - Misplaced CEO advice

    1 giờ 8 phút
  4. 17 THG 9

    Steve Swinney - Scaling Kodiak Building Partners - EP.242

    Ep.242: Alex (@aebridgeman) is joined by Steve Swinney (@steveswinney). My guest today is Steve Swinney, founder and CEO of Kodiak Building Partners. The company, which started in 2011 with the acquisition of Barton Supply in Denver, has grown to 45+ acquisitions and $3 billion in sales by 2024. We cover Steve’s extensive experience in building product distribution, Kodiak's diversification strategy, communication as a CEO, hiring practices, acquisition strategy, company history, and future challenges. Listen weekly and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Breaker, and TuneIn.  Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/ Links Steve on LinkedIn Kodiak Building Partners Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:04:05) - Starting Kodiak (00:06:09) - Why did you focus on lumber as a commodity? (00:09:17) - What were the first few years at Kodiak like? (00:12:28) - What was your capital raise strategy? (00:13:51) - Consolidation & Acquisitions (00:17:08) - How have you constructed your team as the company has grown? (00:21:15) - Recruiting executives (00:22:51) - How do you foster an environment of continuous learning? (00:24:46) - How has your communication style evolved? (00:31:45) - Keeping values consistent across companies in Kodiak (00:34:01) - Is there ever a breaking point with the house-of-brands approach? (00:34:53) - What key challenges are you most excited to solve over the next decade?

    39 phút
  5. 10 THG 9

    Ed Manfre - Leadership is an Inside Job - EP.241

    Ep.241: Alex (@Aebrigeman) is joined by Ed Manfre (@emanfre). My guest today is Ed Manfre, a business leader, executive coach, and co-author of Lead Through Anything alongside recent guest Dustin Seale. He has two decades of experience helping CEOs and C-Suite leaders align themselves and their companies for success. He’s served leadership roles at firms Heidrick & Struggles and Spencer Stuart as a business builder and people leader and is here today to talk through a core concept of his, that being leadership is an inside job. His conclusion through his work is that great leadership starts with an internal, reflective focus before being an external force within your company. We also talk about resilience, advice for new leaders and leading integrations, driving results through people, and much more! One last note: I’ve launched my own search called Airframe Group, and I’m looking for great companies and experts in industrial services and value-added distribution. Please reach out. I'm always excited to meet industry owners and experts. Please email me at alex@airframegroup.com. Listen weekly and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Breaker, and TuneIn.  Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/ Links: Ed on LinkedIn Lead Through Anything by Ed Manfre Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:03:07) - Ed’s background and career (00:12:40) - What do the best leaders do to make the acquisition and integration process smoother? (00:16:43) - Leadership as an inside job (00:23:47) - How leaders can shine a light on behavior they want to see more of (00:25:%7) - What are some good questions to ask yourself when trying to discover your own leadership style? (00:33:25) - Maintaining stability during internal struggles (00:43:04) - Building resilient leaders (00:46:21) - Seeking out new challenges (00:54:40) - Where do new CEOs tend to get off track? (00:58:39) - How can a new CEO put their best foot forward?

    1 giờ 7 phút
  6. 3 THG 9

    Build Series EP.1: Sarah Rowell on Utilizing Your Board - EP.240

    Ep.240: Alex (@aebridgeman) is joined by Sarah Rowell (@sarahrowell). This is the first episode in our new series called the Build Series, in partnership with Pacific Lake Partners and Trilogy Search Partners. Over the six Build Series episodes, we will explore how CEOs can accelerate their company’s growth trajectory, as well as their own professional growth as leaders. The Build Series continues the foundation set by last year’s Launch Series in growing transformative companies as ambitious CEOs and leaders. Our guest in this first episode is Sarah Rowell to talk all things board construction, getting the most value from your board relationships, and key points along her journey where her board played a critical role. Sarah and her husband acquired Kantola Training Solutions in 2018 before selling to Traliant in December 2023 after some incredible growth years at the helm. Listen weekly and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Breaker, and TuneIn.  Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/ Links: Sarah on LinkedIn Traliant (Kantola) Trilogy Search Partners Pacific Lake Partners Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:05:00) - Sarah’s experience acquiring a company (00:07:13) - Building the infrastructure for a company board (00:15:10) - Building chemistry with investors (00:20:34) - Establishing a board (00:24:42) - What do you hope for the future of this acquisition? (00:29:16) - Involving investors and the board in the business (00:39:47) - Building out Sales and Marketing (00:48:51) - Board meeting structures (00:58:17) - Emotionally connecting with Board members (01:02:47) - Closing advice

    1 giờ 7 phút
  7. 27 THG 8

    Heritage Holding's Alex de Pfyffer & Ross Porter - EP.239

    This is my second episode hosting Alex De Pfyffer and Ross Porter, founders of Heritage Holding, on the podcast. A lot has happened since their first episode in late 2022. They’ve built 7 platforms through 25 acquisitions and recently raised a committed fund for the next five platforms. They’ve done excellent sourcing, but I also admire their ability to build a strong team at Heritage that allows them to move faster across multiple strategies and platforms. We talk about elements of a platform thesis in their view, integrating teams while supporting founders, future platforms, speed, and so much more. One last note, I’ve launched my search called Airframe Group and I’m looking for great companies and experts in industrial services and value-added distribution. Please reach out, I am always excited to meet owners and experts in the industry. Email me at alex@airframegroup.com. Listen weekly and follow the show on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Google Podcasts, Stitcher, Breaker, and TuneIn.  Learn more about Alex and Think Like an Owner at https://tlaopodcast.com/ Links: Heritage Holding Alex on LinkedIn Ross on LinkedIn Topics: (00:00:00) - Intro (00:02:54) - Recapping Heritage Holding's last few years of growth (00:08:00) - What drove the decision to sell off platforms? (00:11:42) - How did initial platform acquisitions inform your criteria for future acquisitions? (00:18:08) - Fragmented PE interest (00:24:59) - Building out the Heritage team (00:31:52) - Organizing the leadership team around integrating new acquisitions (00:40:15) - Developing Sales teams (00:44:20) - Raising a Fund (00:48:03) - Setting a fast pace for activity and execution

    55 phút

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Giới Thiệu

Exploring how the most ambitious CEOs grow great companies. Each week we dive into the strategies and tactics that build transformative businesses with the operators doing it firsthand. Learn more at https://tlaopodcast.com/

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