Shows
Beer Stories for Private EquityEpisode 22: Beyond the J-Curve: Leading Boldly in Private EquityThis podcast is powered by MonogramGroup (https://www.monogramgroup.com/).
Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our 22nd episode, we are, again, joined by Kris Kluver to conclude our special two-part episode.
Among their beer stories, Scott and Kris Kluver challenge conventional private equity thinking by rejecting the slow-growth “J-curve” model and advocating for rapid ROI and clear, collaborative performance goals post-acquisition. They also explore how leaders can create greater impact by stepping away from operational minutiae to focus on vision, strategic relationships, and subconscious innovation.
We know you’ll enjoy their...2025-07-0821 min
Beer Stories for Private EquityEpisode 21: Disrupt or Be DisruptedThis podcast is powered by MonogramGroup (https://www.monogramgroup.com/).
Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our 21st episode, we are joined by Kris Kluver for a special two-part episode.
Among their beer stories, Scott and Kris Kluver discuss why growth requires discomfort, how leaders can break through personal and organizational barriers, and what it really takes to scale companies like Exodus through audacity and clarity.
We know you’ll be engaged by their convo.
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Thank you for listening to our episode today. If you’re inter...2025-06-2425 min
Beer Stories for Private EquityEpisode 20: Deal Economics, in Real Time.This podcast is powered by MonogramGroup (https://www.monogramgroup.com/).
Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our 20th episode, Reed Van Gorden, Managing Director at Deerpath Capital, joins us again.
In a first for Beer Stories, Scott and Reed just riff on the impact on the lower middle market from the day-to-day political and economic developments being implemented by the Trump administration.
We know you’ll be engaged by their convo.
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We are receiving great responses to our podcast, and have several guests scheduled for upcoming epis...2025-04-2827 min
Beer Stories for Private EquityEpisode 19: Landing & Expanding in Europe: Insights on Transatlantic Growth & CapitalThis podcast is powered by MonogramGroup (https://www.monogramgroup.com/).
Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our 19th episode, we are joined by Stephen Kelly, Co-Managing Partner at Ivy Capital in Dublin.
Among their beer stories, Scott and Stephen discuss Stephen’s early journey—from his time at Trinity College and experiences traveling through Australia, New Zealand, and Southeast Asia to founding Ivy Capital with a unique transatlantic approach. They explore how the firm supports a diverse range of American companies in entering the European, UK, and Irish markets, unpack the “secret sauce” behind t...2025-04-1523 min
Beer Stories for Private EquityEpisode 18: Decoding PE Talent: A Founder's Journey in Search & Market InsightsThis podcast is powered by MonogramGroup (https://www.monogramgroup.com/).
Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our 18th episode, we are joined by Alex Rawling, Founder and Managing Partner at Raw Selection, an executive search firm based in Leeds, UK.
Among their beer stories, Scott and Alex discuss Alex's journey in founding Raw Selection focusing on PE, the key differentiators of his firm, including their proprietary data-driven approach and 100% refund policy, and his perspectives on future trends in private equity and critical attributes for successful portfolio company executive hires.
We know...2025-04-0125 min
Beer Stories for Private EquityEpisode 17: The Growth Formula: Scaling, Strategy & Brand EquityThis podcast is powered by MonogramGroup (https://www.monogramgroup.com/).
Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our Season 2 premiere, we welcome our friend Tim Brackney, CEO of Springline Advisory, a portco of Trinity Hunt Partners.
Among their beer stories, Scott and Tim discuss Tim’s upbringing in Bangladesh, his journey scaling Resources Global Professionals (RGP) from $100M to over $800M in revenue as President and COO, and how he’s aligning with Trinity Hunt’s thesis and is building brand equity at Springline Advisory.
We know you’ll enjoy their convo.
-2025-02-2523 min
Beer Stories for Private Equity"Go Fungal" Takeover: From Branding to Growth: PE’s LinkedIn FlywheelThis podcast is powered by MonogramGroup (https://www.monogramgroup.com/).
Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In this special "Go Fungal" Takeover episode, our friend and podcast production partner, Matt Cornelison from Fungi Media, flips the script—taking over as guest host and putting Scott in the hot seat.
Among their beer stories, Matt and Scott dive into Fungi’s marketing expertise, best practices for LinkedIn, how private equity firms can craft a strong digital strategy, the critical connection between branding and marketing, and how PE-owned portcos can create a LinkedIn flywheel effect.
We...2025-02-1122 min
Mind Your Own Marketing BusinessBuilding Brands in the Brave New World of Private Equity with Scott Markman from the Monogram GroupIn this episode, host Joe Barsness sits down with Scott Markman, President of MonogramGroup, a brand agency with a unique history and deep expertise in the private equity sector. Join Joe and Scott as they navigate a conversation that spans from Scott's early fascination with logos to the evolution of MonogramGroup over 35 years, including a fascinating nine-year journey working with companies in China.
Get ready for a candid discussion about the true meaning of "brand"—it's not just a logo!—and how it differs from a website. Scott shares invaluable insights into the intricacies of branding for both private equity firm...2025-01-0636 min
Unleashed - How to Thrive as an Independent Professional593. Scott Markman, Conducting a Brand DiagnosticShow Notes: Scott Markman, founder of MonogramGroup, discusses his journey as an entrepreneur and the challenges he faces in the private equity sector. Scott kicks off the conversation with a quick introduction to his podcast, "Beer Stories for Private Equity," which focuses on issues related to the firms, companies they own, and consultants. About the Agency Scott founded the agency, MonogramGroup, in 1990. The agency has evolved from a design firm to a full-fledged agency, with a focus on brand expertise and deliverables. Services include research, insights, positioning strategy, ideation around who or what i...2024-12-2347 min
Beer Stories for Private EquityEpisode 16: Brand Value Creation: Go Big or Go Home.This podcast is powered by MonogramGroup (https://www.monogramgroup.com/).
Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our Season 1 finale, we are joined by John Bova, an Independent Operating Partner based in Connecticut.
Among their beer stories, Scott and John discuss business transformation through brand, finance, operations, technology and marketing, focusing on how brand creates significant value in portcos. They also discuss MonogramGroup’s Brand Value Financial Model, the first-ever in determining predictive factors for maximum value creation at exit from brand considerations.
We know you’ll enjoy their convo.
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2024-10-1732 min
Beer Stories for Private EquityEpisode 15: Deal Matchmaking: Creating Value and 2024 Deal TrendsThis podcast is powered by MonogramGroup (https://www.monogramgroup.com/).
Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our 15th episode, we are joined by Derek Zacarias, Director of DAK Group.
Among their beer stories, Scott and Derek discuss his personal journey into investment banking, DAK Group’s expertise in helping founders connect with the right PE firms, MonogramGroup’s parallels to DAK Group in partnering with portcos to build value, and notable deal trends in 2024.
We know you’ll enjoy their convo.
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We are receiving great responses to our...2024-09-1724 min
Beer Stories for Private EquityEpisode 14: Answering a Calling: Building a Mission-Critical Rollup into a National PlatformThis podcast is powered by MonogramGroup (https://www.monogramgroup.com/).
Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our 14th episode, we are joined by Harry Gray, CEO of Kelvin Group.
Among their many beer stories, Scott and Harry discuss his military background and how it translates to the business world, his experience as a leader in private equity, the ins and outs of Kelvin Group as a national rollup, and what differentiates the platform from its competitors. They also examine the importance of culture and teamwork, the significance of brand and its value creation...2024-08-1325 min
Beer Stories for Private EquityEpisode 13: Comfortable being Uncomfortable: Managing Professional Growing PainsThis podcast is powered by MonogramGroup (https://www.monogramgroup.com/).
Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our 13th episode, we are joined by John Signa, CEO of E78 Partners.
Among their many beer stories, Scott and John discuss the early days after starting his firm, the significance of brand identity as a key driver to scaling an enterprise, and how he handled the rapid expansion of E78 Partners. They also examine the importance and challenges of establishing a cohesive company culture and their mutual loyalty to Chicago.
We know you’ll enj...2024-07-0925 min
Beer Stories for Private EquityEpisode 12: ESG & Brand: Crafting a recipe for excellenceThis podcast is powered by MonogramGroup (https://www.monogramgroup.com/).
Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our latest episode, we welcome our friend and client Amy Silverstein, Partner at e2p as our guest.
Among their many beer stories, Scott and Amy discuss her substantive career shift from
Deloitte partner to PE partner, the profound role of ESG within food investing, and the power
of personal branding and relationships. In addition, they discuss the importance of brand building in tangible value creation.
We know you'll enjoy their convo.
2024-05-2240 min
Beer Stories for Private EquityEpisode 11: Inventing a Platform: The How & Why of the road less traveled in value creation.This podcast is powered by MonogramGroup (https://www.monogramgroup.com/).
Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our latest episode, we welcome our friend and client Jarrett Turner, Founding & Managing Partner at Soundcore Capital Partners as our guest.
Among their many beer stories, Scott and Jarrett discuss his career path and deciding to
create his own PE firm in his early 30s, with a quite different and thoughtful approach to
investing and value creation. He also shares a few insights about prerequisites to pursuing PE as a career, including an appetite for...2024-04-0924 min
Beer Stories for Private EquityEpisode 10: The Private IPO: The Wisdom of Being Horizontally Focused.This podcast is powered by MonogramGroup (https://www.monogramgroup.com/).
Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our tenth episode, we welcome a new friend in the business (and podcast competitor) Charlie Gifford, Senior Partner at New Heritage Capital, as our guest.
Among their many beer stories, Scott and Charlie discuss Boston and Chicago, his career
path, being a generalist in a world of specialist PE firms (The Private IPO), leaning into brand
and the cadence of effective marketing, and amazing travel experiences.
We know you'll enjoy their convo.
2024-03-1926 min
Beer Stories for Private EquityEpisode 9: A Love of Learning (and Putting It to Work in PE).This podcast is powered by MonogramGroup (https://www.monogramgroup.com/).
Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our ninth episode, we welcome our friend and client Jim Parmelee, Managing Director at Hamilton Robinson as our guest.
Among their many beer stories, Scott and Jim discuss his career path and joining the firm he has called home for seven years. Jim also shares a few insights about how his love of learning was shaped in undergrad and b-school studies, and how that's been instrumental in his PE career. We talk a little Red Sox/Yankees...2024-02-2723 min
Beer Stories for Private EquityEpisode 8: The Antares Origin Story (and Other Stuff): Making a vision come alive.This podcast is powered by MonogramGroup (https://www.monogramgroup.com/).
Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our eighth episode, we welcome our longtime friend and former client Dave Swanson, one of the founding partners of Antares Capital, as our guest.
Among their many, many beer stories, Scott and Dave discuss his career path and being a part of the building process of the premier middle market credit provider. Dave also shares a few juicy insights about entrepreneurship, business cultures, and enjoying retirement.
We know you'll enjoy their convo.
-2024-01-2421 min
Beer Stories for Private EquityEpisode 7: The Cool Side of Credit: Why choosing this side of PE makes a great career.This podcast is powered by MonogramGroup (https://www.monogramgroup.com/).
Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our seventh episode, we welcome our friend and client Reed Van Gorden, Managing Director and Head of Originations at Deerpath Capital as our guest.
Among their many beer stories, Scott and Reed discuss his career path and being a part of the building process of one of the premier middle market credit providers. He also shares a few insights about how dual majoring at Northwestern shaped his interests and career arc, as well as a few words...2024-01-1620 min
INspired INsider Podcast[Top Agency Series] Branding in the Private Equity Sector With Scott MarkmanScott Markman is the Founder and President of MonogramGroup, a global brand consulting and creative agency. MonogramGroup specializes in serving middle-market B2B companies and private equity firms. With over 30 years of experience, Scott has managed clients in consumer, B2B, and NFP sectors including consumer products, industrial and tech products, retail, financial and professional services, and the arts. He has lectured about brands and marketing worldwide, and his work has been featured in many publications including The Wall Street Journal, Advertising Age, ARD German TV, Chicago Tribune, and more. In this episode… Running a pri...2024-01-0443 min
Beer Stories for Private EquityEpisode 6: Human Capital Essentials: THE critical requirement for deal successThis podcast is powered by MonogramGroup (https://www.monogramgroup.com/).
Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our sixth episode, Scott is joined by MaryJeanne (MJ) Scott, a Managing Partner at JM Search in Philadelphia.
The two engage in a stimulating convo focused on why smart, effective recruiting for C-suite talent is a must for all PE deal execs, and how JM Search uniquely approaches this process for optimal results. They discuss what skills and experience go into effective search and on-boarding for A-level leadership talent, as well as MJ’s personal journey regarding th...2023-11-1625 min
Beer Stories for Private EquityEpisode 5: Change is Hard: PE’s Kaizen-led Firm on Founders, Families and FootballThis podcast is powered by MonogramGroup (https://www.monogramgroup.com/).
Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our fifth episode, Scott is joined by George
Pilafas of Continuim Equity Partners for a very rousing discussion.
Among their many beer stories, Scott and George share a great discussion about PE's Kaizen-led firm, Continuim, whose name is derived from Continuous Improvement. They talk about applying Kaizen to Pennsylvania manufacturing companies and Pittsburgh's legendary NFL team; how success starts at the shop floor rather than the C-suite; insights for young professionals entering private equity; and which P...2023-10-2437 min
Beer Stories for Private EquityEpisode 4: A Family (office) Affair: Arkansas values, tech sector PE deals, and being a muggle in a duck blindThis podcast is powered by MonogramGroup (https://www.monogramgroup.com/).
Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our fourth episode, Scott is joined by Aaron Clark of Stephens Group for a great show.
Among their many beer stories, the two share some laughs, mixing in some thoughtful commentary on working for a family office. Aaron has been Managing Director since the firm's founding in 2006; advising partners across internet infrastructure, technology-enabled services and business software. It's no surprise that 13 of his 15 deals as Lead Partner derive from the tech sector. They also discuss Arkansas values, m...2023-10-0924 min
Beer Stories for Private EquityEpisode 3: Leaps of Faith: Prospect’s 8 P’s, Pre-Middle Market, and Partnering with a Packers fanThis podcast is powered by MonogramGroup (https://www.monogramgroup.com/).
Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our third episode, Scott is joined by Brett Holcomb of Prospect Partners for a great show.
Among their many beer stories, Brett and Scott discuss Brett’s two decades of experience across a wide range of industries, focusing on Brett’s 14-year tenure as a partner, as well as the ‘8 P’s’. They also chat about taking leaps of faith in pre-middle market, private equity collaboration, partnerships across football fandom, and advice for those early in their career. 2023-09-2633 min
Beer Stories for Private EquityEpisode 2: The Funniest Man in Private Credit: Lower Middle Market Trends: Independent Sponsors, Interest Rates, and Peer-to-Peer idea sharingThis podcast is powered by MonogramGroup (https://www.monogramgroup.com/).
Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our second episode, Scott is joined by his friend of over 20 years, Joe Gaffigan of O2 Sponsor Finance (often referred to as the “funniest man in private credit”).
Among their many beer stories, Scott and Joe discuss Joe’s successful career of more than 30 years of financial entrepreneurship and leadership experience. Joe also offers his insights on rising trends, such as the rise of independent sponsors or the impact that interest rates have on deal flow. Joe talks...2023-08-3124 min
Beer Stories for Private EquityEpisode 1: The Rotunda Way, Spaghetti Map, Entrepreneurial Success (and the Baltimore Ravens)This podcast is powered by MonogramGroup (https://www.monogramgroup.com/).
Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity! In our first episode, Scott is joined by John Fruehwirth, Managing Partner of Rotunda Capital Partners.
Among their many beer stories, John shares the origins of how he founded his firm in 2009. The pair chat about The Rotunda Way, a strategic framework affectionately dubbed the Spaghetti Map, entrepreneurial successes, company culture, and their mutual admiration for the Baltimore Ravens.
We know you’ll enjoy their convo.
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If you would like to be...2023-08-0323 min
Beer Stories for Private EquityTRAILER (1 minute)This is Beer Stories for Private Equity.
Time moves slowly, but it can pass rather quickly. It explains why the oldest (and perhaps the best) ways of measuring time is through stories. Stories are what give us inspiration. Make life more meaningful. And it's stories that help us cultivate relationships with those around us. Which is why over the past four decades, I've adopted a business philosophy:
Do business with people I can sit down and have a beer with, sharing stories.
My name is Scott Markman, and Welcome to Beer Stories for Private Equity.
On...2023-08-0201 min