In this episode of Poised for Exit, we sit down with Ben Axelrod, Managing Director at Borgman Capital,to explore what business owners should truly understand before partnering with private equity. With a background spanning M&A advisory and investment leadership, Ben offers a thoughtful perspective on how financial buyers approach transactions and long-term partnership.

We discuss common misconceptions about private equity, including concerns around loss of control, cultural disruption, and the belief that all firms operate the same way. Not all private equity groups are interchangeable. Alignment, vision, pace of change, and approach to leadership matter just as much as valuation. We also examine the emotional side of transitions, including identity, legacy, and the complexities that often arise in family-owned businesses.

This episode provides practical insight into what to look for in a partner and what questions to ask before moving forward. A business sale is more than a financial event. It is a strategic and personal transition, and understanding that distinction can shape the outcome in meaningful ways.

Contact Ben Axelrod here

Learn more about Borgman Capital here

Learn about the Trusted WISP tool for today’s professionals here

Connect with Julie Keyes, Keyestrategies LLC
Founder, Consultant, Author, Pod-caster and Instructor