Letter from the founder

The Idea: I have founded and served as a solo business owner two times now. In both cases, I wished that I had a group of unbiased peers – business owners – whom I could turn to for unvarnished, honest, candid, forthright advice and counsel. Since the most significant business decision after starting the company is the decision to sell it, I decided to focus on business owners who are contemplating a sale, an exit, a liquidity event.

Here is what I have learned along the way:

  1. There are very, very few other independent support resources (those not trying to make money from you in the process)
  2. The need for collaboration, brainstorming, support and networking is much wider and deeper than I originally realized.
  3. I know a tremendous amount about the private equity industry. Selling to PE can create “generational wealth,” and can be a great decision for some. But it can also be the worst mistake that some business owners make. I know I can help; I know many others who can help. And this advice is free.

The Vision: To empower owners in their decision making about selling their companioes, by enabling them to find the answers they need (without feeling foolish or being sold to). This peer community can also help you achieve your financial objectives more efficiently and effectively than would otherwise be possible.  

The Operators Community exists as an online forum or community platform (a confidential space) and as a series of peer advisory groups that meet over Zoom. Thirdly, we invite expert speakers to lead discussion with you, for you, but they will not be selling to you.

Join our community
"Love the idea and the pro athlete analogy. Also applaud a platform for those who actually are the tip-of-the-spear in PE value creation."
"Appreciate the invitation and just submitted to join. Love the idea and look forward to joining the group conversations whenever I can!"
"I'm looking forward to the Strategic Growth Council. Thank you for your efforts. I hope you feel great about what you're building here."
"This is a fantastic concept. Thanks for stepping up to the plate. We need this!"
"I thought I was the only one who had these sorts of interests. It's good to know I'm not alone!"
"Thanks for putting this together; I've already had several productive meetings and calls as a result."
"Just so you know, we (PE-Backed Executives) are networking with one another on our own, as you intended! It's great!
"Very helpful. I am in contact with several of the Operators you introduced us to. This is the very natural and obvious way to do this."
"Worked great for me...Pretty impressive, actually. It was amazing. People showed up to meet with me and they were great fits."
"Really unique idea, and such an obvious need Thanks for inviting me."

Independent Sponsors Council

The Independent Sponsors Council exists to enable small Private Equity Groups known as Independent Sponsors to help one another out in aspects of running their businesses where they have less experience. Independent Sponsors must find ways to perform the functions that whole staffs of business development, LP relations, deal teams, operating partners, and administrative team members conduct, and more, in traditional private equity funds. You therefore are responsible for numerous areas of responsibility, some areas of which you are clearly masters at, and some areas of which you are, perhaps, in a little over your head. You may want to ask for advice, support, guidance, best practices, introductions or to find answers to dilemmas. Your best sources of insight may very well come from other Independent Sponsors, some of whom will have expertise in the areas in which you may feel less comfortable. The purpose of this group is to enable such networking and collaboration.

This group meets on the First Friday of each month, from 11-1230 Eastern.

Middle Market M&A Ecosystem Council

The Middle Market M&A Ecosystem Council is for smaller trusted advisors serving private equity groups and portfolio companies. We brainstorm on best practices in business development, marketing and outreach and we solve cases relating to strategic growth dilemmas. The Middle Market M&A Ecosystem is composed of hundreds of small professional services firms, trusted advisors who would make business decisions more effectively and efficiently if they had a dedicated, recurring cadre of peers serving the same end market: Middle Market Private Equity Group and their portfolio companies. Here are several ways that being a part of the Ecosystem Council may create value for you:This group meets monthly on the second friday of the month from 1030AM-12N.

  • 1. Be better informed and aware of developing M&A trends.
  • 2. Have access to peers who serve as an alternative board to vet ideas, weigh in on potential opportunities, solve problems, develop solutions to your challenges and concerns, and generally support you with insights, wisdom, perspectives, and unfiltered advice.
  • 3. Gain access to networks of your peers for business development opportunities, and ask for help penetrating specific prospects.
  • 4. Take advantage of networking opportunities with groups of PE-Backed Executives.
  • 5. Share and access content, educational materials, tools, and other resources in a shared drive.
  • 6. Search our database of other trusted advisors, PEG, Operators, and more (coming).

Career Transition Council

Career transition situations serve as the most significant motivator for members to join the community of operators at large. This group is composed of more than 75 Operators in some stage of career transition.The Group meets every two weeks on a recurring basis, Wednesdays at 11-12 Eastern. We discuss best practices in the Career transition process, network, introduce, solve dilemmas with/for one another, and celebrate progress individually and collectively.

Strategic Growth Council

The only peer advisory council specifically for PE-Backed Operators. We focus on solving strategic growth dilemmas. Benefit from our community of C-level executives to act as your informal advisors — and you as theirs — in a confidential environment you can trust. We match you with the best peer group for you and provide you with experienced moderating in a proven format.

This group meets on the third Thursday of the month from 11:30AM until 2PM Eastern.