A Different Perspective on Private Equity

Private equity is often misunderstood. Many business owners view private equity through the lens of headlines and misconceptions. In this episode, Lamar Stanley, Managing Director at Highland Rim Capital, discusses how private equity can be a tool for business succession, leadership continuity, and growth, helping owners transition out of their companies while preserving the legacy they've built. The conversation highlights an approach focused on supporting the management team already in place, giving them the resources and strategic guidance to build upon the owner's success and lead the business into its next chapter. Whether you're planning for retirement, considering a future ownership transition, or simply thinking about what's next for your business, this episode offers a valuable perspective on the role private equity can play.

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In this episode, Jenny Lezon Norris, Market Growth Director, North America of Navigator Global breaks down what it really looks like for companies to take their products beyond the U.S. and tap into international markets. The conversation highlights how global growth often starts smaller than many business owners realize, often sparked by a single inquiry. Jenny shares practical advice on navigating regulations, choosing the right market strategy, spotting red flags, and building trusted relationships abroad, while also explaining why face-to-face connections still matter in international business. The episode offers a look at the opportunities available to companies that may never have considered exporting before and the resources that can help make it possible.

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Hiring, Leading, and Retaining Talent When AI Enters the Equation

This episode features John Weidner, Founder and Managing Partner of Cornell Global, LLC, a human capital strategy consulting firm. Drawing on decades of experience, he explains that the core challenges for leaders remain consistent: attracting the right people, developing them effectively, and creating an environment where they can succeed. While AI is influencing recruiting and performance management, these tools can distance decision-makers from candidates and often overlook the soft skills that signal strong cultural fit but don’t show up clearly in data.

Ultimately, culture and leadership, not technology, determine long-term success. The next generation of leaders will need to be more empathetic and hands-on, balancing data-driven insights from AI with a nuanced understanding of people. As organizations face pressure to move faster with fewer resources, those that invest in strong, engaged management and thoughtful talent development will be better positioned to adapt and grow.

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In this episode, Mediator, Negotiation Consultant, and Conflict Coach Scott Loring, Principal at Cooperative Coaching & Mediation, shares his expertise on navigating the complex and often deeply personal conflicts that arise in family businesses. Drawing on decades of experience resolving disputes, he explains how blurred boundaries, unclear expectations, and the overlap of family identity with business roles can create tension especially during pivotal moments like leadership transitions or business exits.

He highlights how unresolved issues, sometimes rooted in childhood dynamics, resurface and impact not only relationships but overall workplace health, from employee turnover to morale. Loring emphasizes that while solutions to conflict may be straightforward, they are rarely easy, requiring honest, productive communication and a willingness to move toward understanding rather than agreement with a shared desire to improve.

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In this episode, Deborah sits down with John SantaCroce, who last year acquired Minore’s Meats, a third-generation family business. John shares a firsthand perspective on how acquiring a family-owned business can create control over your future while unlocking opportunities to improve operations, modernize systems, and drive growth. He highlights what it really takes, from defining clear acquisition criteria and building the right advisory team, to navigating challenges during the deal process and leading a people-first culture post-close. He brings a unique perspective on balancing tradition with innovation as he positions Minore’s for its next chapter.

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Environmental Regulations Are Changing: What Business Owners Should Understand

In this episode, environmental attorney Deborah Brancato, Partner at Carmody Law, discusses major changes in Connecticut’s environmental regulatory framework and what they mean for business owners. With the Transfer Act sunsetting, she explains how the new approach is designed to encourage environmental cleanup while creating clearer expectations around environmental responsibility and property use. Deborah also shares practical insights on how environmental issues can arise during normal business operations, property ownership, and transactions, and why it’s important for business owners to understand potential risks and plan ahead. Deborah also shares insight from her involvement in developing the new program and what it means for business sales going forward.

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In this episode, Jeff Weiner, President and CEO of HKM Associates discusses his unique approach to insurance brokerage. Now entering his 45th-year serving businesses ranging from as few as 2 up to 100s of employees. Licensed in 42 states, Jeff is known for his “white glove” service model.

Some key take aways:

1. Don’t assume your current benefits plan is “fine.” There are often hidden gaps, inefficiencies, or better pricing options in the market. A fresh review can uncover what you don’t know you don’t know, especially around networks, billing issues, and plan design
2. Switching plans to save money doesn’t have to mean forcing employees to change doctors. Thoughtful plan design built around how your team actually uses healthcare can reduce friction and increase buy-in.
3. You have more flexibility than you think. Group health plans are generally month-to-month, PEOs can offer pooled buying power, and there are multiple ways to structure benefits creatively depending on your goals.

With no-fee analysis, direct employee access to his cell phone, and a strong community-driven approach to networking and philanthropy, Jeff focuses on making a meaningful impact for both employers, their teams and the community.

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In this episode, Janice O’Reilly, CPA, CGMA, Partner at AAFCPAs, discusses what financial readiness really means for business owners when the time comes to sell their business. With the day-to-day demands of running a company, many owners focus on their financials primarily for tax purposes, often without realizing how those same numbers will be viewed by a potential buyer.

Janice explains the key financial data points buyers focus on during a transaction, including how revenue is recorded, expenses are allocated, working capital is assessed, and liabilities or accruals can surface late in the process.

By engaging advisory support early, business owners can better understand their financial picture, set realistic expectations, navigate the complexity of a transaction, and reduce the likelihood of unexpected issues as a deal progresses.

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