executive sessions

On MiddleGround’s twenty-fifth episode of Executive Sessions, John Stewart, our Founding and Managing Partner, joins industry experts John Miller and Victor Roos to explore the relationship between purchasing and sales, and why alignment between these two functions is critical to every manufacturing operation. This episode covers: 1. How communication between purchasing and sales impacts margins and performance 2. Why leadership alignment sets the tone for collaboration across teams 3. The advantages and challenges of driving alignment in both small and large companies 4. How trust and shared KPIs create faster, better decisions across the supply chain 5. What it takes to turn two historically separate functions into one cohesive driver of results Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/4452SCA Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/  Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/  Follow John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/  Find John Miller on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-miller-730495/ Find Victor Roos on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/victor-roos-672ba08/  *Revenue at 17:53 rounded to the nearest 100,000.

On MiddleGround’s twenty-fourth episode of executive sessions, John Stewart, our Founding and Managing Partner, sits down with Kelly Myers, Managing Director on our Financial Operations Team, and Greg Ramfos, CEO of Dura-Shiloh, to explore one of the most essential and complex aspects of leadership: developing strong teams. This episode covers: 1. How to build alignment and trust from the top down 2. Using data to drive clarity and improve decision-making 3. Why transparency and communication matter more than ever 4. What it means to lead with consistency and empathy 5. How to turn belief into performance across a team Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3JAaHsV Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ Follow John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/ Find Kelly Myers on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kelly-faerber-myers-239b633/  Find Greg Ramfos on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gregramfos/ 

On MiddleGround’s twenty-second episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with Ryan McComb, our Managing Director on the Transaction Team, and Dan Stoettner, CEO of A. M. Castle & Co. This episode covers:  Strategic Benefits of Company Mergers  Culture Alignment in Mergers Effective Merger Communication and Integration Overcoming Merger Challenges Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3Ry8BdE Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/  Find Ryan McComb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-mccomb-1b512663/ Find Dan Stoettner on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dan-stoettner-928a77/

On MiddleGround’s twenty-first episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with John Dotson and Miles Anderson from MiddleGround’s Automation. This episode covers:  Automation as a response to labor shortages  How to identify tasks to automate Ensuring success: training, ROI, and culture Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3Ry8BdE Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/  Find John Dotson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/john-dotson-5ab9142a/ Find Miles Anderson on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/miles-anderson-155a694/

On MiddleGround’s twentieth episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with Nate Wheeler, Founder of marketing agency weCreate, and Leanne Walmsley, Communications & Marketing Manager at our portfolio company, Xtrac. This episode covers: Developing an effective marketing strategy  The importance of digital marketing in B2B manufacturing Leveraging cost-effective marketing for growth  Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/  Find Nate Wheeler on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/nathan-wheeler-91920622/ Find Leanne Walmsley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/leanne-walmsley/

On MiddleGround’s nineteenth episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with John Stewart, MiddleGround’s Founding Partner, and Steve Myers, former operations leader at Parker Hannifin. This episode covers: Innovation process and customer-centric development Challenges and risk management Success factors for innovation  Check out our company blog recapping the episode: [LINK] Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/ 

On MiddleGround’s eighteenth episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with Bill Krueger, President of Global Manufacturing Operations at The Greenbrier Companies. This episode covers: Transitioning from automotive to rail  Key differences between automotive and rail manufacturing Developing ESG practices in a new industry Check out our company blog recapping the episode: [LINK] Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/  Find Bill Krueger on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/william-bill-krueger-3916803/

On MiddleGround’s seventeenth episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with MiddleGround's very own Ryan McComb, Managing Director and Infrastructure Thesis leader, and David Walden, Director, from the Transaction Team. This episode covers: Trends driving growth in the sector How aging infrastructure creates pressure to innovate Strategies for overcoming hurdles such as labor shortages and rising costs Emphasizing our thesis-driven approach  Check out our company blog recapping the episode: [LINK] Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/  Find Ryan McComb on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ryan-mccomb-1b512663/ Find David Walden on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dwwalden/

On MiddleGround’s sixteenth episode of executive sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with MiddleGround portfolio CEOs Ron Lindsay of Lindsay Precast and Tom Brockley of Arrow Tru-Line. This episode covers: Creating an Engaged Workforce Strong Management, Communication, and Trust Adapting to Labor Market Challenges Check out our company blog recapping the episode: [TO BE ADDED] Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/  Find Tom Brockley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/tombrockley/

In episode 15 of Executive Sessions, we explore practical approaches to cutting energy usage in manufacturing with MiddleGround Capital’s Director of Operations, Jason Jacob, and Director of ESG, Madelyn Tutewiler. In this episode, they explore: 1. Strategies for improving energy efficiency with case studies from across the MiddleGround portfolio  2. Common barriers to implementation 3. Creating a culture of sustainability 4. How sustainability can impact the bottom line

On MiddleGround’s fourteenth episode of Executive Sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with MiddleGround Founding Partner, Scot Duncan, Managing Director of our Transaction Team, Ryan McComb, and CEO of Attala Steel Industries, Gary Kessinger. This episode covers: Responding to a Critical Equipment Failure Lessons Learned from the Disaster Managing Crisis Situations in Manufacturing

On MiddleGround’s thirteenth episode of Executive Sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with MiddleGround Founding Partner, Scot Duncan, and our Vice President of Operations, Zach Jackson. This episode covers: Building a Diverse and Resilient Team Practical Tips on How to Manage Diverse Teams Proactive Problem-Solving Case Study 

On MiddleGround’s twelfth episode of Executive Sessions, Clayton Gullet leads discussions with MiddleGround Founding Partner, Scot Duncan, and our Managing Director of Operations, Stan Stanford. This episode covers:   1. Importance of Simple Technological Solutions in Manufacturing 2. Bridging the Experience Gap in Manufacturing 3. Real-time Shop Floor Management

On MiddleGround’s eleventh episode of Executive Sessions, Clayton Gullet leads a discussion with our Director and Head of NA Business Development, Dyana Baurley, recapping her interview with David Bookbinder on the “Behind the Numbers” podcast. This episode covers: 1.     Private Equity as a Liquidity Strategy 2.     Factors Making a Company Investable 3.     Aspects of Selling a Business 4.     Overcoming Misconceptions about Private Equity Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/  Find Dyana Baurley on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/dyanabaurley/ Find "Behind the Numbers" on Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/@behindthenumbers Find Dave Bookbinder on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/davebookbinder/

Under the leadership of our Founding and Managing Partner, John Stewart, we have carved out a unique and successful niche in the competitive world of private equity. On MiddleGround’s tenth episode of Executive Sessions, John meets with Sean Mooney, BluWave’s Founder, and CEO, sharing his journey and lending insight into the differentiated approach that has led us to success. 1. From the Factory Floor to Private Equity 2. MiddleGround’s Differentiated Approach If you like this episode, check out BluWave’s “Karma School of Business” podcast dedicated to exploring private equity, best business practices, and real-time trends  Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3UV756w Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/  Find John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/ Find Bluwave on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/bluwave-lp/ Find Sean Mooney on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mooneysean/ Chapters: (00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction (00:01:40) From starting out at Toyota to today (0011:19) Getting to know John (00:16:21) Overcoming adversity and celebrating success (00:28:51) Operational value creatopm (00:37:39) What matters is actual cashflow and EBITDA (00:43:12) Working more efficiently with technology

On MiddleGround’s eighth episode of Executive Sessions, Clayton Gullett leads discussions with MiddleGround Founding Partner, John Stewart, and the Dean of the University of Kentucky’s Gatton College of Business and Economics, Dr. Simon Sheather to talk all things AI. This episode covers: 1. AI Opportunities and Benefits 2. Setbacks and dangers of AI 3. AI in Manufacturing and Private Equity Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3Q4O8wv Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/  Find John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/ Chapters: (00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction (00:02:22) AI's capabilities (00:09:45) Limitations of AI (00:14:35) Malicious uses of AI  (00:19:20) AI/Automation and human workforces (00:25:25) Practical uses for AI  (00:29:38) Data privacy and AI  (00:35:40) AI in developed vs. emerging economies  (00:41:14) Data: dashboards and targeting  (00:47:16) Utilizing AI in the financial and manufacturing words

On MiddleGround’s eighth episode of Executive Sessions, Clayton Gullett leads discussions with MiddleGround Founding Partner, John Stewart, and Head of our Transaction Team, Justin Steil. This episode covers: The United Auto Workers Strike Electric Vehicles 2017-2024: A New Normal Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3HFyoLX Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/  Find John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/ Chapters: (00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction (00:03:42) Overview of the UAW strike (00:06:45) Impact of strike - MGC and wider auto industry  (00:17:40) The changing automotive industry  (00:26:23) Limitation to EV adoption

On MiddleGound’s sixth episode of Executive Sessions, Clayton Gullett leads discussions with MiddleGround Founding Partner, John Stewart, Managing Director of our European Transaction Team, Alex Van Der Have, and Head of EU Business Development, Anthony Denaix. This episode covers: Considerations of European Expansion The Importance of Hiring Locally Differences in strategy between the US/EU Challenging Economic Environments Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/47pnZil Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/  Find John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/ Find Alex van der Have on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexander-van-der-have-2926889/ Find Anthony Denaix on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/anthonydenaix/ Chapters: (00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction (00:13:32) Steps to expanding internationally  (00:19:58) Importance of hiring locally  (00:26:06) What we look for in EU platforms (00:33:28) Current events impact on European market (00:40:48) Decision making (00:43:40) Deals we wouldn't consider

On MiddleGound’s sixth episode of Executive Sessions, Clayton Gullett leads discussions with MiddleGround Founding Partner, John Stewart, Managing Director of our European Transaction Team, Alex Van Der Have, and Head of EU Business Development, Anthony Denaix. This episode covers: Considerations of European Expansion The Importance of Hiring Locally Differences in strategy between the US/EU Challenging Economic Environments Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/47pnZil Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/  Find John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/

On MiddleGround’s fifth episode of Executive Sessions, Clayton Gullett leads discussions with MiddleGround Founding Partner John Stewart and his brother, Co-Partner of Banner Industries, David Stewart. This episode covers: 1. Building a Bootcamp 2. Creating and Maintaining Cooperative Change 3. Lean Manufacturing Requires Standardization 4. The Impact of Bootcamps Check out our company blog recapping the episode: https://bit.ly/3Ptj6NE Learn more about MiddleGround Capital: https://middleground.com/ Follow MiddleGround Capital on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/middlegroundcapital/  Find John Stewart on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnstewartky/ Find Banner Management Consulting on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/banner-management-consulting/ Chapters: (00:00:00) Podcast and guest introduction (00:06:52) Bootcamp 101 (00:10:40) Gaining buy-in (00:18:15) Building a Bootcamp  (00:27:22) The importance of manufacturers (00:36:58) Impact on the portfolio (00:43:49) The value of teaching lean manufacturing basics (00:48:47) Simple, cheap solutions yield results  (00:53:54) Standardization in manufacturing