Raise & Exit Podcast: Episode 14 Kurt Winter & Kevin Salquist

🎙️ Episode 14 is live! This time we sit down with Kurt Winter and Kevin Salquist, co-founders of Big 7 Ventures, to talk about why essential industrial businesses remain the backbone of the economy — and how continuity-focused investing differs from traditional private equity.If you’re a founder or owner thinking about succession, this episode offers a clear-eyed perspective on what really drives value in small and mid-market businesses.What do we cover?1. Resiliency reveals strength — businesses that weather downturns like 2008 or COVID prove competence and durability, and investors see that as validation.2. Essential means irreplaceable — plumbing parts, industrial services, and other unseen products are critical no matter the cycle. AI can support operations, but it can’t replace infrastructure.3. Exhaustion is often the trigger — most owners don’t sell due to lack of vision, but because they’re tired of day-to-day operations. The right partner lets them get back to creativity.4. Pick partners, not just price — a slightly lower valuation can be worth it if it ensures your people, culture, and business continuity thrive post-sale.Kurt and Kevin also share how they think about deal structures, culture preservation, and why clean, simple books matter more than polished banker decks.🎧 Tune in for an operator’s view of continuity investing — and what it means for owners ready to transition without leaving their legacy behind.