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PODCAST

ETA Insider Podcast

Polsky Center for Entrepreneurship and Innovation

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.

business

All Episodes

00:26:45

Redefining ETA in the Public Markets

ETA Insider Podcast ·

2025/10/31

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

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00:32:03

Hard Lessons, Resilience, and the Future of ETA

ETA Insider Podcast ·

2025/09/29

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

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00:32:27

When Search Meets Real Life

ETA Insider Podcast ·

2025/08/29

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

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00:30:41

Operating in the White Space of ETA in Mexico

ETA Insider Podcast ·

2025/07/30

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

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00:26:57

Cracking the Code on a Non-Traditional ETA Journey

ETA Insider Podcast ·

2025/06/30

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

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00:29:01

How a Recovering Attorney Built a Healthcare Empire

ETA Insider Podcast ·

2025/05/30

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

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00:28:54

The Art of ETA and High-Quality Revenue

ETA Insider Podcast ·

2025/04/25

This month’s episode of the ETA Insider Podcast welcomes Christine Koval, founder of Next Haven Group. Christine shares her journey from successful start-up Chewy to search entrepreneurship. She reflects on the strategic reasons for the e-commerce success story, the lessons learned from emotionally driven consumer businesses, and why she now prioritizes revenue quality in service-based industries. Christine also discusses how the ETA landscape has shifted, emphasizing the importance of storytelling,

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00:29:05

Entrepreneurial Lessons of Grit, Growth, and Giving Back

ETA Insider Podcast ·

2025/03/28

In this episode of the ETA Insider podcast, we are joined by Michael Aubrey, Partner at Shore Search Partners. Michael shares his compelling entrepreneurial journey which has resulted in the creation of billions of dollars of equity value. The discussion begins with a heart-wrenching family story that ignited his entrepreneurial spirit, moves through his early days raising a search fund with his college classmate, and ultimately dives into scaling businesses in the medical products and veterinary

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00:27:55

Building ETA Boards and Deals

ETA Insider Podcast ·

2025/02/27

This month’s episode of the ETA Insider Podcast welcomes Anthony Walker, MBA ’14, an influential figure in the ETA investment space. Anthony brings a wealth of experience from his diverse career path, having started on Wall Street at Morgan Stanley, followed by roles at Lehman Brothers, Citadel, and Millennium. He now leads the efforts at Next Coast Legacy, focusing on investment strategies and working closely with management teams. Tune in to hear Anthony discuss his journey, the importance of

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00:30:53

Peace Corps to Self Funded Search

ETA Insider Podcast ·

2025/01/31

In this month’s episode, we sit down with Mark Jackson, MBA ’11, Co-Founder of Centennial Investment Partners, and operator to several business he acquired through ETA. Mark talks about his journey into acquisition and lessons he's learned along the way. From transitioning out of investment banking to building a self-funded portfolio, Mark shares the challenges, strategies, and key insights that have shaped his approach to acquiring, growing and starting businesses. He also dives into the importance

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00:30:24

The Power of a Business Thesis in Entrepreneurship...

ETA Insider Podcast ·

2024/12/26

In this episode of the ETA Insider Podcast, we speak with Brian Wolfe, who co-led a self-funded ETA search, which he and his partner sold to Alpine Investors, and who now teaches courses on private equity and ETA at Washington University in St. Louis and the University of North Carolina. They discuss Wolfe's transition from being a PE M&A attorney at a leading law firm, and Wolfe’s insights regarding the importance of a business thesis, the criteria for choosing acquisition targets and the evolving

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00:27:47

Balancing Business, Family, and ETA

ETA Insider Podcast ·

2024/12/03

In this month’s episode, Marcela Fernandez, founder of Olive Ridge Partners, discusses her journey into ETA alongside her husband, Andrew. Originally from Monterrey, Mexico, Marcela transitioned from biotech engineering and running a cidery to attending Stanford Graduate School of Business. The couple pursued ETA to stabilize their lives and quickly acquired Colorado Home Services, focusing on multi-trade residential services, achieving significant growth. They brought on a third partner to help

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00:34:11

Opportunity in ETA

ETA Insider Podcast ·

2024/10/25

In this episode of the ETA Insider Podcast, host Brian O'Connor sits down with Gabe Barkley, former CEO of MHW. Gabe acquired and led MHW through an impressive growth trajectory in an ETA effort. They discuss Gabe’s journey into ETA, key factors that contributed to his success, and the operational learnings that shaped his tenure and eventual exit. Gabe also shares his future plans and insights for aspiring entrepreneurs in the ETA space.

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00:33:29

Search Fund Lifecycle Unveiled: Navigating ETA with...

ETA Insider Podcast ·

2024/09/27

In this episode of the ETA Insider Podcast, join host Brian O'Connor as he sits down with Ryan Turbes and Clay Brownlee, partners at Boulay, a Top 100 CPA firm and financial consultancy specializing in the lower middle market. They discuss how searchers and entrepreneurs considering ETA can work with firms like Boulay throughout their lifecycle. From early engagement to post-close services and beyond, Ryan and Clay provide valuable insights on navigating the accounting, tax, and finance needs in the

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00:24:37

The Evolution of Search Funds

ETA Insider Podcast ·

2024/08/30

This month’s episode features Lacey Wismer, Founder and Managing Partner of Hunter Search Capital and Co-Founder of the Women's Search Network. In this episode, we explore her journey in the ETA landscape, with a spotlight on search funds. Lacey delves into her personal experiences, the evolution of the search fund model, and the impactful initiatives like the Women's Search Network that are driving diversity in the field. Tune in to gain a comprehensive understanding of the past, present, and

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00:36:33

Realizing Growth and Vision through Transforming...

ETA Insider Podcast ·

2024/07/26

This month’s episode features Reyes Florez, MBA ’14, CEO and Founder of the Platform Accounting Group, a private equity-backed business services company. Discover the compelling journey from acquiring a small family-owned tax firm to leading a nationwide group of professional services firms. Listeners will gain valuable insights into the strategic approaches used for successful acquisitions and the importance of fostering relationships within the industry. Join us for an engaging conversation that

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00:39:26

Exploring ETA in New and Emerging Markets

ETA Insider Podcast ·

2024/07/01

This month’s episode features Rob LeBlanc, Co-Founder & Managing Partner at ambit partners. The discussion highlights the growing momentum of ETA in various countries and delves into fund deployment, geographic investment distribution, and the potential for ETA in major economies outside of North America. The conversation also underscores an optimistic perspective for ETA's expansion into new and emerging international markets, with an emphasis on establishing precedent and cultivating local

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00:27:07

Fostering Collaboration and Mentorship for Success

ETA Insider Podcast ·

2024/05/31

This month’s episode features Sara Rosenthal, partner at TTCER Partners and co-founder of the Women's Search Network, who shares her journey in the search fund ecosystem and her efforts to promote diversity and mentorship. Brian and Sara discuss the culture of search funds, fostering leadership qualities, evolving models in the industry, and the need for structured mentorship programs.

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00:35:32

Finding Success in the Pacific Northwest: Acquiring a...

ETA Insider Podcast ·

2024/04/30

This month’s episode features Chris Richling, MBA ’14, owner of a franchise business in Seattle. Chris shares his entrepreneurial journey from search fund pursuits to self-funded acquisition. He discusses the challenges faced, the transition to a management program, and ultimately acquiring a franchise. Chris reflects on lessons learned, emphasizing the importance of relationships, adaptability, and navigating personal dynamics in entrepreneurship. Released April 30, 2024

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00:48:17

Live from the Harper Center: Acquiring for Long-Term

ETA Insider Podcast ·

2024/04/01

This month’s episode features a live recording from the Harper Center with Aizik Zimerman, MBA ’23, CEO of J Blanton Plumbing, a business he acquired during his second year at Booth. Unlike many ETA students focused on quick exits, Zimerman is dedicated to long-term growth, aiming to build the business into the nation's largest home services company. Influenced by his family's immigrant background and entrepreneurial success, Zimerman brings a wealth of experience from investment banking, private

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88 results

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