Private Equity Experience

Ed Barton, Rory Liebhart, and Emily Sander

Demystify the world of private equity with insider knowledge. Join hosts Ed Barton, Rory Liebhart, and Emily Sander - seasoned professionals who have worked from all angles as C-suite leaders, private equity managing directors, and investors. In this podcast, they break down complex private equity concepts into everyday language. You'll gain a clear understanding of the PE landscape, key players, and market dynamics. Expect practical insights on deal-making, growth strategies for founders and management teams, and exit strategies. Plus, hear real-world examples and real-time breakdowns of trending news stories. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, considering selling your company to a private equity firm, or simply curious about this lucrative world, this podcast will help you navigate the private equity landscape with confidence.

  1. 7월 2일

    Swimming with the Sharks: The Leslie’s Pool Mart Cautionary Tale

    In Episode 38 of the Private Equity Experience, hosts Ed Barton, Rory Leaphart, and Emily Sander break down the cautionary tale of Leslie's Pool Mart. They dive into an Inc. Magazine feature detailing how a successful regional brand expanded nationwide through the classic private equity playbook, only to find itself mired in debt as market conditions shifted. The crew uses this real-world case study to unpack critical financial concepts, including the dangerous intersection of high operating leverage and high financial leverage. You'll learn the core differences between fixed and variable cost structures, how corporate store roll-ups risk brand dilution, and when a franchise model might protect a parent company from overextension. Stick around until the end for a lightning round on "shark strategies" and an exciting personal update on Rory's journey to the amateur Strongman nationals! Key Takeaways from This Episode The COVID Boom & Reversion to the Mean: Many industries experienced unprecedented growth during the pandemic, resulting in inflated 2021–2022 valuations that did not hold as consumer behavior normalized.Operating vs. Financial Leverage: Operating leverage represents your ratio of fixed to variable costs. When a business stacks high operating leverage (such as owning 1,000 retail leases) with heavy debt, a minor dip in revenue can create a catastrophic cash crunch.The Pitfalls of National Expansion: Taking a local or regional business national often dilutes the unique brand DNA and eccentricities that made the founder successful in the first place.Franchising as a Risk Mitigator: Licensing intellectual property to independent franchisees shifts capital expenditures and lease liabilities away from the corporate level, protecting the overarching brand during downturns.============================== 🎙 Podcast – Strategies, PE 101 & witty banter 📚 Book – On‑Ramp to Exit, full deal life cycle 🛠 Resources – Free templates, guides, tools 🔗 LinkedIn – Follow us for fresh PE insights ================================ Who Are We? Three insiders. One mic. All things private equity — explained. Hi 👋 We’re Ed, Rory, and Emily — a CEO, a CFO, and a Chief of Staff — here to demystify the world of private equity. Between us, we’ve sat in the founder’s chair, run PE‑backed companies, and worked on the deal side, so we know the wins, the pitfalls, and the jargon (and we’ll explain it). Through the Private Equity Experience Podcast, our book On‑Ramp to Exit, and a library of free tools and templates, we share real‑world stories, practical strategies, and insider insights to help you navigate every stage of the PE journey — whether you’re leading a portfolio company, joining a deal team, considering PE, or just PE‑curious. 🔗Connect with Ed 🔗Connect with Emily 🔗Connect with Rory

    36분
  2. 6월 18일

    Should Private Equity Soften Its Image? (Why Investors Say Absolutely Not)

    Is private equity still stuck with its 1980s "corporate raider" reputation, or has the industry evolved into something entirely different? In this episode of the Private Equity Experience Podcast, hosts Ed Barton, Rory Leaphart, and Emily Sander dive into a recent Reuters article claiming PE is crying out for a facelift. The trio breaks down why average holding times have stretched to seven years, the rise of "growth equity", and how the industry is rapidly shifting toward a mutual fund-style model to attract retail investors. They also pitch their own rebranding ideas, including Rory’s "Value Creation Fund" (VCF), and debate whether PE needs to soften its image or double down on its disciplined, return-focused roots. Plus, stick around for a nostalgic detour into 90s cinema as Ed gets uncharacteristically enthusiastic about a forgotten streaming classic Mentioned in This Episode Reuters Article: "Private Equity Cries Out for a Rebranding"Movie Recommendation: Barbarians at the Gate (1993) starring James Garner and Jonathan Pryce (Streaming free on Roku)Private Equity Rebrand Growth Equity Value Creation Fund Liquidity Premium Total Addressable Market TAM Retail Investors 401k Alternatives Alternative Investments Mutual Funds Barbarians at the Gate movie Private Equity Experience Podcast ============================== 🎙 Podcast – Strategies, PE 101 & witty banter 📚 Book – On‑Ramp to Exit, full deal life cycle 🛠 Resources – Free templates, guides, tools 🔗 LinkedIn – Follow us for fresh PE insights ================================ Who Are We? Three insiders. One mic. All things private equity — explained. Hi 👋 We’re Ed, Rory, and Emily — a CEO, a CFO, and a Chief of Staff — here to demystify the world of private equity. Between us, we’ve sat in the founder’s chair, run PE‑backed companies, and worked on the deal side, so we know the wins, the pitfalls, and the jargon (and we’ll explain it). Through the Private Equity Experience Podcast, our book On‑Ramp to Exit, and a library of free tools and templates, we share real‑world stories, practical strategies, and insider insights to help you navigate every stage of the PE journey — whether you’re leading a portfolio company, joining a deal team, considering PE, or just PE‑curious. 🔗Connect with Ed 🔗Connect with Emily 🔗Connect with Rory

    40분
  3. 6월 4일

    YMCA vs. Wall Street: The Multi-Billion Dollar War Over Local Sports

    Is big business ruining the purity of youth sports, or is it funding the modern infrastructure families actually want? In this episode of the Private Equity Experience Podcast, hosts Ed Barton, Rory Liebhart, and Emily Sander dive into a highly buzzed-about, bicameral bill introduced by Senator Chris Murphy and Representative Chris Deluzio: The Let Kids Play Act. Designed to target what legislators call "vulture capital," this bill aims to restrict private equity ownership across youth leagues, camp facilities, scheduling software, and biometric data tracking. The crew strips away the political grandstanding to look at the real economic drivers. Is PE causing predatory cost inflation, or is it introducing crucial operating leverage and tech innovation to an historically mismanaged, fragmented industry? Ed steps into the shoes of the devil's advocate to examine the true cost of community accessibility versus the realities of a supply-and-demand economy. In this episode, we cover: The "Let Kids Play Act": Breaking down the 30-page bill aiming to force PE divestment from youth athletics within two years. The Value of the "Meat on the Bone": Why private equity is suddenly attracted to youth clubs, tech platforms, and elite resident camps. Biometric Data & NIL Prep: The ethics and economics of tracking 12-year-old sports data to predict future collegiate success. Infrastructure vs. Accessibility: Will private equity consolidation squeeze out lower-income families, or will natural market competition and not-for-profits keep them honest? The Real Ed Barton: Ed breaks down his true capitalist perspective on economic rents, government barriers to entry, and why team sports matter more on a resume than an Ivy League degree. 💬 JOIN THE CONVERSATION Listener, we want to hear from you! Where are you sending your kids to train? Are you opting for the community YMCA camp, or paying for the tech-heavy, private equity-backed elite academy? Drop your thoughts on the "Let Kids Play Act" in the comments below! If you enjoyed this episode, please Like, Share, and Subscribe to our channel for more filter-free, fluff-free private equity insights. 🎧 LISTEN ON YOUR FAVORITE PLATFORM Apple Podcasts Spotify Amazon Music #PrivateEquity #YouthSports #LetKidsPlayAct #VultureCapital #FinancePodcast #BusinessStrategy #CorporateInfrastructre #NIL #InvestmentBanking #OperatingLeverage ============================== 🎙 Podcast – Strategies, PE 101 & witty banter 📚 Book – On‑Ramp to Exit, full deal life cycle 🛠 Resources – Free templates, guides, tools 🔗 LinkedIn – Follow us for fresh PE insights ================================ Who Are We? Three insiders. One mic. All things private equity — explained. Hi 👋 We’re Ed, Rory, and Emily — a CEO, a CFO, and a Chief of Staff — here to demystify the world of private equity. Between us, we’ve sat in the founder’s chair, run PE‑backed companies, and worked on the deal side, so we know the wins, the pitfalls, and the jargon (and we’ll explain it). Through the Private Equity Experience Podcast, our book On‑Ramp to Exit, and a library of free tools and templates, we share real‑world stories, practical strategies, and insider insights to help you navigate every stage of the PE journey — whether you’re leading a portfolio company, joining a deal team, considering PE, or just PE‑curious. 🔗Connect with Ed 🔗Connect with Emily 🔗Connect with Rory

    37분
  4. 5월 22일

    Don’t Count Your Dollars Yet! The Truth About PE Valuations

    Is the "Crazy Math" of private markets masking the truth about your investments? In this episode of the Private Equity Experience Podcast, hosts Rory Leaphart, Ed Barton, and Emily Sander break down a recent Wall Street Journal article titled "The Crazy Math Confronting Everyday Investors in Private Markets." If you’ve ever wondered how private equity and private credit funds actually value their portfolios and whether those numbers are real or just subjective "engineering," this episode is your backstage pass. What we cover in this episode: Private Credit vs. Private Equity: The fundamental differences between lending assets and ownership stakes.The "Squishy" Valuation Game: Why private equity valuations are like Olympic figure skating scores: highly subjective, beautifully modeled, and sometimes massaged to protect management fees.Impairments & "Loss Harvesting": How managers strategically offset massive home runs by dumping underperforming assets at the exact right time.Non-Traditional Structures: The truth about escalators, profit participations, and structured notes that traditional banks won't touch.Sound Smart in Your Next Meeting: The exact questions to ask your fund managers to find out if their deck is based on fundamental analysis or GAAP accounting.Takeaway: Don't count your dollars before they hit the bank! In a volatile market, your portfolio values might swing by 20% or more. Proceed with caution. If you enjoyed this deep dive, make sure to LIKE, SHARE, and SUBSCRIBE wherever you get your podcasts! Got questions about your private market investments? Drop a comment below or hit up Ed and Rory! ============================== 🎙 Podcast – Strategies, PE 101 & witty banter 📚 Book – On‑Ramp to Exit, full deal life cycle 🛠 Resources – Free templates, guides, tools 🔗 LinkedIn – Follow us for fresh PE insights ================================ Who Are We? Three insiders. One mic. All things private equity — explained. Hi 👋 We’re Ed, Rory, and Emily — a CEO, a CFO, and a Chief of Staff — here to demystify the world of private equity. Between us, we’ve sat in the founder’s chair, run PE‑backed companies, and worked on the deal side, so we know the wins, the pitfalls, and the jargon (and we’ll explain it). Through the Private Equity Experience Podcast, our book On‑Ramp to Exit, and a library of free tools and templates, we share real‑world stories, practical strategies, and insider insights to help you navigate every stage of the PE journey — whether you’re leading a portfolio company, joining a deal team, considering PE, or just PE‑curious. 🔗Connect with Ed 🔗Connect with Emily 🔗Connect with Rory

    39분
  5. 5월 8일

    Inside Saudi Arabia’s PIF: Liquidity Pressure, LIV Golf, and the Future of Private Equity Investments

    Saudi Arabia’s Public Investment Fund (PIF) once positioned itself as an unstoppable financial powerhouse, backing massive projects like LIV Golf, NEOM, and global sports investments. In this episode, the hosts break down why the $900 billion sovereign wealth fund is now facing liquidity pressure and what it reveals about risk, cash flow, and long-term investment strategy in Private Equity. The conversation explores how ambitious “empire-building” investments can clash with the fundamentals of disciplined capital allocation, especially when projects prioritize branding and global influence over financial returns. The team also examines whether investments like LIV Golf were strategic moves or costly ego-driven bets with no clear monetization plan. Listeners will gain insight into how Private Equity firms manage illiquid assets, the importance of diversification, and the tough decisions investors face when deals underperform. From sovereign wealth funds to traditional PE strategies, this episode offers a practical and engaging look at what happens when even the biggest investors need to slow down and rethink the playbook. ============================== 🎙 Podcast – Strategies, PE 101 & witty banter 📚 Book – On‑Ramp to Exit, full deal life cycle 🛠 Resources – Free templates, guides, tools 🔗 LinkedIn – Follow us for fresh PE insights ================================ Who Are We? Three insiders. One mic. All things private equity — explained. Hi 👋 We’re Ed, Rory, and Emily — a CEO, a CFO, and a Chief of Staff — here to demystify the world of private equity. Between us, we’ve sat in the founder’s chair, run PE‑backed companies, and worked on the deal side, so we know the wins, the pitfalls, and the jargon (and we’ll explain it). Through the Private Equity Experience Podcast, our book On‑Ramp to Exit, and a library of free tools and templates, we share real‑world stories, practical strategies, and insider insights to help you navigate every stage of the PE journey — whether you’re leading a portfolio company, joining a deal team, considering PE, or just PE‑curious. 🔗Connect with Ed 🔗Connect with Emily 🔗Connect with Rory

    33분
  6. 4월 16일

    High-Performance Teams vs Family Businesses in Private Equity

    In this episode, the hosts explore a fundamental question in Private Equity: should you build a high-performance team of top external talent, or rely on trusted family members to run the business? Through real-world stories, they unpack the trade-offs between trust, competence, and scalability– especially during high-stakes moments like PE transactions. The conversation dives into the complexities of family dynamics, including trust gaps, role misalignment, and the emotional ties that can both strengthen and hinder performance. They also highlight how outside executives, especially in roles like Chief of Staff, can help bridge gaps and drive alignment. Ultimately, the episode reveals that there’s no one-size-fits-all answer. The key is aligning the right people to the right roles at the right stage of the business, while balancing performance with trust to maximize long-term value. ============================== 🎙 Podcast – Strategies, PE 101 & witty banter 📚 Book – On‑Ramp to Exit, full deal life cycle 🛠 Resources – Free templates, guides, tools 🔗 LinkedIn – Follow us for fresh PE insights ================================ Who Are We? Three insiders. One mic. All things private equity — explained. Hi 👋 We’re Ed, Rory, and Emily — a CEO, a CFO, and a Chief of Staff — here to demystify the world of private equity. Between us, we’ve sat in the founder’s chair, run PE‑backed companies, and worked on the deal side, so we know the wins, the pitfalls, and the jargon (and we’ll explain it). Through the Private Equity Experience Podcast, our book On‑Ramp to Exit, and a library of free tools and templates, we share real‑world stories, practical strategies, and insider insights to help you navigate every stage of the PE journey — whether you’re leading a portfolio company, joining a deal team, considering PE, or just PE‑curious. 🔗Connect with Ed 🔗Connect with Emily 🔗Connect with Rory

    35분
  7. 4월 2일

    Why Small Business Owners Are Saying No to Private Equity

    In this episode, the hosts unpack a growing trend of small business owners rejecting private equity offers, highlighted by a plumber who repeatedly turned down buyout opportunities. They explore how PE firms identify and target fragmented industries, and why roll-up strategies remain a core playbook. The conversation dives into the real reasons behind founder resistance, from preserving legacy and culture to concerns about control and financial risk. Listeners will gain a balanced perspective on whether private equity is misunderstood or simply not the right fit for every business owner. ============================== 🎙 Podcast – Strategies, PE 101 & witty banter 📚 Book – On‑Ramp to Exit, full deal life cycle 🛠 Resources – Free templates, guides, tools 🔗 LinkedIn – Follow us for fresh PE insights ================================ Who Are We? Three insiders. One mic. All things private equity — explained. Hi 👋 We’re Ed, Rory, and Emily — a CEO, a CFO, and a Chief of Staff — here to demystify the world of private equity. Between us, we’ve sat in the founder’s chair, run PE‑backed companies, and worked on the deal side, so we know the wins, the pitfalls, and the jargon (and we’ll explain it). Through the Private Equity Experience Podcast, our book On‑Ramp to Exit, and a library of free tools and templates, we share real‑world stories, practical strategies, and insider insights to help you navigate every stage of the PE journey — whether you’re leading a portfolio company, joining a deal team, considering PE, or just PE‑curious. 🔗Connect with Ed 🔗Connect with Emily 🔗Connect with Rory

    33분
  8. 3월 19일

    The $1.3 Billion Hook: Did Private Equity Ruin the World’s Best Fishing Brand?

    In this episode, we dive deep into the fascinating (and sometimes salacious) business of fishing. 🌊 We explore the journey of Simms Fishing, the iconic brand that went from a family-owned boutique in 1980 to a $1.3 billion private equity play. What happens when a brand built on craftsmanship and "Mom and Pop" loyalty scales for the masses? We discuss the recent retail boycott by small fly shops, the impact of the COVID-19 outdoor boom, and why professional guides are starting to ditch their favorite gear. In this episode, you’ll learn: The Evolution of Simms: From specialized craftsmanship to a $1.3B valuation. 📈Private Equity vs. Quality: How "roll-up" strategies and PE ownership can change a brand’s complexion and alienate its core customer base.The Big-Box Shift: Why Simms moved away from small shops to cater to giants like Bass Pro Shops and Cabela’s. 🛒Market Strategy: The "Louis Vuitton" model of addressing different market segments without cannibalizing them.Personal Fails: Emily shares her hilariously embarrassing fishing excursions, including catching a glove and—ouch—her own arm. 🩹Whether you're a business strategist, a private equity enthusiast, or just an angler wondering why your waders feel different, this deep dive into the outdoor industry is for you! ============================== 🎙 Podcast – Strategies, PE 101 & witty banter 📚 Book – On‑Ramp to Exit, full deal life cycle 🛠 Resources – Free templates, guides, tools 🔗 LinkedIn – Follow us for fresh PE insights ================================ Who Are We? Three insiders. One mic. All things private equity — explained. Hi 👋 We’re Ed, Rory, and Emily — a CEO, a CFO, and a Chief of Staff — here to demystify the world of private equity. Between us, we’ve sat in the founder’s chair, run PE‑backed companies, and worked on the deal side, so we know the wins, the pitfalls, and the jargon (and we’ll explain it). Through the Private Equity Experience Podcast, our book On‑Ramp to Exit, and a library of free tools and templates, we share real‑world stories, practical strategies, and insider insights to help you navigate every stage of the PE journey — whether you’re leading a portfolio company, joining a deal team, considering PE, or just PE‑curious. 🔗Connect with Ed 🔗Connect with Emily 🔗Connect with Rory

    37분

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Demystify the world of private equity with insider knowledge. Join hosts Ed Barton, Rory Liebhart, and Emily Sander - seasoned professionals who have worked from all angles as C-suite leaders, private equity managing directors, and investors. In this podcast, they break down complex private equity concepts into everyday language. You'll gain a clear understanding of the PE landscape, key players, and market dynamics. Expect practical insights on deal-making, growth strategies for founders and management teams, and exit strategies. Plus, hear real-world examples and real-time breakdowns of trending news stories. Whether you're a seasoned pro or just starting out, considering selling your company to a private equity firm, or simply curious about this lucrative world, this podcast will help you navigate the private equity landscape with confidence.

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