Family Office

In this episode of Clear Conversations: Entrepreneurial Legacies, John Sleeting is joined by Kip Pendleton, an experienced leader in agriculture and mergers and acquisitions, for a candid discussion about what it takes to grow, optimize, and transition a business.

Drawing on his recent work with Cox Family Holdings, Kip guides listeners through how strategic planning, thoughtful board structures, and the right external advisors can shape a company’s future.

During their conversation, John and Kip delve into the key ingredients that drive successful M&A work, particularly in the context of family-owned businesses. From balancing organic growth with acquisitions to knowing when to bring in industry-specific investment bankers, Kip offers insights that can help business owners prepare for what is next.

This episode offers practical advice and highlights the importance of relationships built during pivotal moments, which matter just as much as the deal itself.

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be regarded as personalized investment advice or relied upon for investment decisions and is not intended to provide legal or tax advice. John Sleeting is an employee of Clearwater Capital Partners. All opinions expressed by participants are solely their own opinion and do not reflect the opinion of Clearwater Capital Partners. Mr. Pendleton is not a client of Clearwater Capital Partners. No compensation was provided to Mr. Pendleton in exchange for his participation or comments. Mr. Pendleton has no other material conflict of interest relating to his relationship with Clearwater Capital Partners.

In this episode of Clear Conversations: Entrepreneurial Legacies, John Sleeting sits down with Garry Krum, founder and chairman of Agora Consulting. Together, they delve into the strategic aspects of building, growing, and eventually transitioning a business.  

With years of hands-on experience in mergers and acquisitions, Garry provides a practical and insightful perspective on how to prepare a company for its next chapter. 
Their discussion covers all aspects of business planning, highlighting that early-stage strategy is as crucial as exit strategy. They explore ways to create long-term value and outline the steps business owners can take to become more attractive to potential buyers or partners.  

Garry also shares his insights on assembling the right team and relying on trusted advisors, highlighting the crucial roles that investment bankers and advisory boards play in ensuring a successful transaction. This episode is full of insights, offering a grounded perspective on how thoughtful planning can lead to better outcomes for business owners and the legacies they leave behind. 

Disclosure:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be regarded as personalized investment advice or relied upon for investment decisions and is not intended to provide legal or tax advice. John Sleeting is an employee of Clearwater Capital Partners. All opinions expressed by participants are solely their own opinion and do not reflect the opinion of Clearwater Capital Partners.

In this episode of Clear Conversations Entrepreneurial Legacies, host John Sleeting is joined by Joe Kuchta, a seasoned leader in the advertising and marketing space, to share his path from corporate life to entrepreneurial success.

Joe reflects on the pivotal moment he left a stable role at a large corporation to join a smaller agency—an early leap that would ultimately lead to long-term growth and leadership.

Together, John and Joe explore the evolution of the business, from organic expansion to strategic acquisitions. Joe offers candid insights into the complexities of mergers and acquisitions, including the lessons learned through both challenges and wins. The conversation also touches on internal succession planning and the emotional nuances of leadership transitions, especially when stepping away from a business you’ve helped shape.

For those navigating growth while aiming to preserve culture and purpose, this episode offers a thoughtful perspective on balancing strategy, people, and identity through each phase of entrepreneurship.

Disclosure:

This podcast is for informational purposes only and should not be regarded as personalized investment advice or relied upon for investment decisions and is not intended to provide legal or tax advice. John Sleeting is an employee of Clearwater Capital Partners. Joseph Kuchta is a member of the Board of Directors for Clearwater Capital Partners. He is compensated for his role as a Board Member. Joseph was not compensated for his statements or participation in this podcast. All opinions expressed by participants are solely their own opinion and do not reflect the opinion of Clearwater Capital Partners.