ETA Insider Podcast

Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • 4.9 (48)
  • BUSINESS

A podcast series featuring all things related to search funds and entrepreneurship through acquisition. Hosted by Brian O'Connor, Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business and Managing Partner of NextGen Growth Partners.

  1. Military Leadership Meets Small Business Ownership

    JAN 30

    Military Leadership Meets Small Business Ownership

    In this episode of the ETA Insider Podcast, Alex Panosian, MBA ’18, joins the podcast to discuss his path from the U.S. Army to ETA and operating small businesses. Alex reflects on how military leadership shaped his approach to ownership, discipline, and decision-making. He shares firsthand experiences operating acquired businesses, including the day-to-day reality of being both an owner and an operator, the “duality” of doing manual work while making strategic decisions, and what it looks like to involve family in the journey. The conversation also touches on evaluating acquisition opportunities, lessons learned from operating across different industries, and how his perspective on business ownership has evolved since leaving the Army and completing Booth.

    24 min
  2. From Diligence to Dashboards: How Finance Shapes Search Success

    12/02/2025

    From Diligence to Dashboards: How Finance Shapes Search Success

    In this episode of the ETA Insider Podcast, we are joined by Jake Bitz, Director of Client Accounting & Advisory Services and Consulting CFO at Boulay. Jake breaks down the accounting realities that searchers and newly minted CEOs face before and after acquiring a small business. He outlines the most common red flags uncovered during diligence, offers practical steps searchers can take early to avoid costly surprises, and explains how outsourced accounting models support operators as they scale. Jake also shares guidance on post-acquisition pitfalls, how CEOs should think about cash oversight, and where AI is already reshaping the accounting and finance function.

    26 min
  3. Redefining ETA in the Public Markets

    10/31/2025

    Redefining ETA in the Public Markets

    In this episode of the ETA Insider Podcast, we sit down with JT Fitzgerald, CEO of Kingsway Financial Services—the only U.S. public company embracing the search fund model. JT traces his path from trading on the Chicago Board of Trade to acquiring his first company and ultimately building Kingsway Search Accelerator (KSX), a platform that partners with high-potential operators to acquire and grow small businesses. He explains how Kingsway’s permanent capital structure, tax advantages, and operator “scaffolding” differentiate it within the ETA ecosystem. JT also shares insights on “game selection,” the attributes of successful searchers, and why mentorship and fit are essential for long-term success in ETA.

    27 min
  4. Hard Lessons, Resilience, and the Future of ETA

    09/29/2025

    Hard Lessons, Resilience, and the Future of ETA

    In this episode of the ETA Insider Podcast, Jason Jackson shares his journey from first discovering ETA at the 2014 Booth-Kellogg Conference to navigating the highs and lows of running a search fund-backed business. He discusses the challenges of acquiring a dental support business in a competitive, PE-driven market—and the unexpected discovery of fraud just weeks into ownership. Jason reflects on how focusing on cash, communication, and culture helped him and his partner lead through crisis. He also discusses the founding of the Black Search Network, his work at Futaleufu Partners, and why systematic mentorship and CEO health are crucial for long-term success.

    32 min

  5. 08/29/2025

    When Search Meets Real Life

    In this episode of the ETA Insider Podcast, we explore the unique intersection of family, career, and community within the world of ETA with Cat Littell, MBA ‘08. Cat shares her journey from launching her first venture during the 2008 financial crisis to building a career in investing, teaching, and supporting searchers alongside her husband. She discusses the challenges of balancing professional and personal life in ETA, the frameworks that helped her and Matt work together, and the lessons she now passes on to Booth students. Listeners will gain insights into navigating ETA as both a demanding profession and a way of life.

    32 min
  6. Operating in the White Space of ETA in Mexico

    07/30/2025

    Operating in the White Space of ETA in Mexico

    Operating in the White Space of ETA in Mexico by Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

    31 min
  7. Cracking the Code on a Non-Traditional ETA Journey

    06/30/2025

    Cracking the Code on a Non-Traditional ETA Journey

    In this episode, we sit down with Jake Levine, MBA '19, CEO of ROBO, an Austin-based IT managed service provider. Jake shares his non-traditional path to ETA, reflecting on his journey from political campaigns to business school to acquiring and operating ROBO. He candidly discusses the challenges of search fund life, partnership dynamics post-acquisition, and the pivotal decision to pursue both organic and inorganic growth. Jake offers valuable insights for aspiring ETA operators, emphasizing the importance of self-awareness, trust building, and adaptability. This episode provides a real-time window into the ups and downs of operating and scaling a lower middle market business.

    27 min
  8. How a Recovering Attorney Built a Healthcare Empire

    05/30/2025

    How a Recovering Attorney Built a Healthcare Empire

    In this episode, we sit down with Keith Burns and his journey behind leaving a legal career and a promising path in finance to pursue ETA. Keith shares how a well-timed bonus and a trusted partnership with Michael Curry set him on a path to build and scale a healthcare services company. Keith breaks down their approach to capital, growth, and navigating multiple acquisitions and exits. He also reflects on the importance of aligned values, long-term thinking, and learning to “run toward pain” in business. This is a grounded, tactical look at ETA from someone who’s lived it at every stage.

    29 min
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4.9
out of 5
48 Ratings

About

A podcast series featuring all things related to search funds and entrepreneurship through acquisition. Hosted by Brian O'Connor, Adjunct Professor of Entrepreneurship at the University of Chicago's Booth School of Business and Managing Partner of NextGen Growth Partners.

Information

  • Creator
    Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2026
  • Episodes
    90
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © All rights reserved
  • Show Website
    ETA Insider Podcast

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