The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection

Episode Summary Paul Brennan, PE-backed CFO, shares lessons from exiting Lindsay Precast (sold to The Jordan Company), covering exit prep, value creation, and integration.⏱️ Key Timestamps00:00 – Intro & Background CFO experience across PE, public, and family-owned businesses.01:23 – Common PE Mistake Lack of clarity on why data requests matter → impacts alignment.03:13 – Exit Preparation 👉 Prepare every quarter Update data room  Review QoE  Avoid last-minute pressure 05:07 – Data Insight Customer profitability analysis revealed hidden value drivers.06:03 – Sale Process 👉 Management must own the narrative Review CIM as an outsider 07:46 – Final Exit Lesson Working capital & closing estimates need tighter focus.08:44 – Key Win CRM rollout improved pipeline visibility and buyer confidence.11:08 – Acquisition (Dutchland) 👉 Weekly integration + team collaboration drove success.13:57 – Finance Transformation Built FP&A + BI tools  Real-time data for better decisions 14:51 – Standardisation Unified processes improved scalability and exit readiness.🔑 Key Takeaways Align teams by linking actions to value creation  Always be exit-ready  Data visibility = competitive advantage  Own your story in a sale  Integration requires structure and consistency  Strong FP&A drives performance Raw Selection partners with Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies to secure exceptional executive talent. We focus on de-risking executive recruitment through meticulous search and selection processes, ensuring top-tier performance and long-term success.🔗 Connect with Alex Rawlings on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrawlings/ 🌐 Visit Raw Selection www.raw-selection.comLooking to grow your team? Check out our Hiring Guidesfor proven strategies, templates, and best practices to make smarter hires. 

In this episode, Alex Rawlings speaks with Robert Irving, CEO of Buffalo Growth Partners. Robert shares his journey from building and selling a fire & life safety business to scaling within private equity and launching his own independent sponsor firm.⏱️ Timestamps & Key Topics00:00 – Introduction Robert’s journey across founding, exiting, and re-entering private equity.00:30 – Building & Selling a Business Grew to ~80 technicians and exited at 29  Joined a PE-backed roll-up, completing 100+ acquisitions 01:21 – Biggest PE Mistake: People Misalignment of talent and roles  Importance of matching personal goals with business needs 02:42 – Off-Market Sale Process Relationship-driven deal (~18 months)  Shared vision and timing were key 03:40 – Why Sell? Rapid growth (3M → 12M revenue)  Opportunity to scale within a larger platform 06:57 – Winning Deals Human connection over price  Understanding seller motivations (legacy, growth, people) 09:18 – Scaling a Roll-Up Leadership staying close to frontline teams  Challenges of tech and data integration 10:47 – Key Lessons Retaining founders drives value  Equity rollovers create alignment 12:14 – Frontline Reality Change fatigue is real  Strong leadership needed during integration 14:13 – Founder Retention Tailor roles to individuals  “Right person, right seat” approach 16:36 – Buffalo Growth Partners Focus: service businesses (“guys in trucks”)  Operator-led investment model 18:30 – Off-Market Strategy Dedicated outreach + industry credibility  Aim to be the “first call” when owners sell 21:21 – Recommendations Brad Jacobs (M&A & scaling)  Alpine Investors (people-first PE)  Bill Gurley – Running Down a Dream🔑 Key Takeaways People alignment is the biggest driver of success  Trust and credibility win off-market deals  Retaining founders unlocks long-term value  Execution and integration are critical  Operator-led PE is gaining momentum Raw Selection partners with Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies to secure exceptional executive talent. We focus on de-risking executive recruitment through meticulous search and selection processes, ensuring top-tier performance and long-term success.🔗 Connect with Alex Rawlings on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrawlings/ 🌐 Visit Raw Selection www.raw-selection.comLooking to grow your team? Check out our Hiring Guidesfor proven strategies, templates, and best practices to make smarter hires.