logo
episode-header-image
May 2024
40m 9s

Private Equity Spotlight: Building Futur...

BluWave
About this episode

In this episode of the "Karma School of Business Podcast," host Sean Mooney engages in a captivating discussion with Bob Belke, Managing Partner at Lovell Minnick Partners. From a small town in Northern Wisconsin to the forefront of the private equity industry, Bob shares his unique journey and the lessons learned along the way. This conversation delves deep into the evolution of private equity, the significance of specialized focus, and the art of value creation in today's competitive landscape.

Episode Highlights:

  • 1:06 - Bob's Path into Private Equity: Tracing Bob's steps from his beginnings in a small town to his pivotal role in shaping Lovell Minnick Partners, this segment explores the motivations and challenges that defined his entry into the private equity world.

  • 4:33 - Tenacity and Vision: Bob reflects on the importance of persistence and having a clear goal, emphasizing how determination has been key to his success in the private equity industry.

  • 6:00 - An Unexpected Achievement: Bob shares a surprising personal milestone - winning the state of Wisconsin spelling bee and participating in the National Spelling Bee, underscoring the value of hard work and preparation.

  • 9:46 - Identifying Potential in Companies: Bob discusses what Lovell Minnick Partners looks for in potential investments, highlighting the importance of a focused strategy, operational potential, and the transformative impact of private equity partnership.

  • 15:03 - Empowering CEOs and Building Teams: Insights into how Lovell Minnick Partners collaborates with CEOs and management teams to unlock growth and drive success, emphasizing the transformative changes that often occur within portfolio companies.

  • 19:46 - Technology and Finance Function: Bob elaborates on the critical roles of technology and finance in value creation, sharing how Lovell Minnick Partners leverages expertise in these areas to enhance portfolio companies' growth and operational efficiency.

  • 22:20 - The State of the Private Equity Industry: Bob offers his perspective on the current state and future challenges of the private equity industry, including the importance of value creation and the potential impact of shifting capital flows.

  • 33:35 - Life Lessons and Book Recommendations: Bob shares impactful book recommendations, including "Die With Zero" and "The Monk Who Sold His Ferrari," offering insights into living a fulfilling life and the power of positive thinking.

For more information on Lovell Minnick, go to www.lmpartners.com.

For more information on Bob Belke, go to www.linkedin.com/in/robert-belke-a480a74a.

For more information on BluWave and this podcast, go to www.bluwave.net/podcasts.

This episode provides a comprehensive look into Bob Belke's journey and the strategic insights that have guided Lovell Minnick Partners through the evolving landscape of private equity. Whether you're an investor, an entrepreneur, or someone interested in the dynamics of successful business growth and personal development, Bob's story and the wisdom shared in this conversation offer valuable lessons and inspiration.

Up next
Nov 19
Private Equity Sourcing, Culture, and Data Discipline at Monomoy
<p>Renn Iaboni, Managing Director at Monomoy Capital Partners, joins Sean to discuss how disciplined sourcing, cultural alignment, and a 15-year proprietary data engine shape Monomoy's approach to private equity. He shares how engineering training, relationship-driven BD, and res ... Show More
32m 37s
Nov 5
Drew Meyers on Value Creation at Seaport
In this episode of Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney interviews Drew Meyers, Partner at Seaport Capital. Drew shares how his unconventional path—from off-track betting to M&A integration—shaped his approach to lower middle-market private equity. He breaks down Seaport's focus ... Show More
40m 8s
Oct 22
Private Equity in Q3 2025: Moving from Defense to Offense
In this special edition of the Karma School of Business, Sean Mooney, Founder and CEO of BluWave, breaks down key findings from BluWave's Q3 2025 Private Equity Insights Report. Drawing parallels between his son's fencing lessons and today's economic climate, Sean explains how th ... Show More
29m 1s
Recommended Episodes
Jun 2024
How To Due Diligence Your Most Important Asset in Private Equity With Dan Cremons
<p>Welcome to The Private Equity Podcast! In this episode, host Alex Rawlings chats with Dan Cremons, Founder of Accelera Partners, and discusses the integration of human capital into Private Equity value creation, emphasizing proactive talent management. He shares insights on op ... Show More
42m 27s
Oct 2024
E103: Alex Hormozi - Private Equity’s Next Billionaire?
Alex Hormozi, entrepreneur and founder of Acquisition.com, joins David Weisburd to share his journey of building a $150 million net worth. He discusses the lessons learned from losing his fortune twice, the importance of controlling revenue streams, strategic risk-taking in busin ... Show More
58m 18s
Dec 2024
A $2.5B Exit and The Risks Nobody Talks About
<p>What happens when wealth pushes your relationships to the limit?</p><p>Navigating life after a massive financial windfall isn’t easy—it can transform your life, your marriage, and your happiness in unexpected ways.</p><p>Our guest, Chuck, shares his story of selling his compan ... Show More
35m 4s
Mar 2025
How Tommy Mello Became a Billionaire Painting Garage Doors (And How He Shares the Wealth)
<p><strong>What does it take to turn a blue-collar business into a billion-dollar empire?</strong></p><p>For Tommy Mello, the answer is simple: relentless competition, strategic investing, and an unwavering commitment to winning. From painting garage doors to building A1 Garage D ... Show More
30m 47s
Aug 29
Ep 39. with Noor Sweid Conviction Capital: Lessons in grit, growth and globalisation
<p><a target="_blank" href="https://www.buzzsprout.com/twilio/text_messages/2397343/open_sms">Send us a text</a></p><p><b>In this scintillating episode of Money Majlis, host Suvo Sarkar sits down with Noor Sweid, the trailblazing founder and Managing Partner of Global Ventures. K ... Show More
48m 28s
Dec 2024
E117: What Will Family Offices Invest into in 2025? w/Hansen Ringer
Hansen Ringer, Managing Director at Sepio Capital sits down with David Weisburd to discuss the asset class that delivers equity-like returns without the market risk, what distressed credit reveals about market cycles and investor behavior, and what happens when stocks and bonds m ... Show More
42m 10s
Sep 2022
KKR, Pete Stavros – Employee Ownership at C.H.I. Overhead Doors (PE Deals EP. 1)
Pete Stavros from KKR dives into C.H.I. Overhead Doors. Pete is the Co-Head of Americas Private Equity at KKR, the legendary firm founded in 1976 that today is a public company managing around $500 billion in assets. Pete previously led KKR’s Industrials team, where he pioneered ... Show More
47m 25s
Sep 29
583 – Scaling a Software Startup with Joshua Talbert
Engineer-turned-entrepreneur Joshua Talbert shares his journey from defense contractor to tech startup founder and CEO of MySherpas.ai. Show Notes Page: https://www.thehowofbusiness.com/583-josh-talbert-software-startup/ In this episode, Henry Lopez interviews Joshua Talbert, co- ... Show More
42m 10s
Feb 2025
Elon Musk's Acquisition Made Me $50M, But Fatherhood Redefined My Life
<p>What if the key to success wasn’t grinding harder—but learning to let go?</p><p><br></p><p>Chris Bakke made 10s of millions selling two companies, including one to Elon Musk’s Twitter. But after years of chasing big wins, something changed: he had kids. And suddenly, the drive ... Show More
46m 31s
May 2025
Growth Equity vs. PE vs. VC: What Founders Need to Know Part 1 with Stew Campbell
Stew Campbell, Partner at The Chernin Group In this episode of M&A Science, host Kison Patel sits down with Stew Campbell to explore how growth equity supports founder-led companies beyond just capital. Stew shares lessons from his career helping businesses scale while preserving ... Show More
45m 34s