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Slade Kobran
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Recent Posts
The Data Visibility Gap
The New PE Value Creation Playbook: Part Four
The Data Visibility Gap
In the previous blog, we explored the need for trusted data to run a commercial engine. This article will dive into it deeper because it’s that important.
The interesting challenge is that many portfolio companies have more data than ever. And yet, they have less clarity than they need.
The Anatomy of a Durable Commercial Engine
Jul 14, 2026, 10:47:31 AM — Executive Takeaways Growth without a system is just activity. A durable commercial engine makes results repeatable. Market insight isn't academic — it determines where capital, leadership, and sales effort should go. Sales and marketing alignment is a system requirement, not a culture fix. AI amplifies a strong commercial system. Layered onto a weak one, it creates noise. The New PE Value Creation Playbook: Part Three The Anatomy of a Durable Commercial Engine "Private equity firms will have to work harder in order to deliver superior returns." — Bain & Company If private equity firms want portfolio companies to create durable value, they need to look beyond individual growth tactics and assess the commercial engine itself. Most portfolio companies are not standing still.
Value Creation with Repeatable Commercial Systems
Jun 11, 2026, 3:37:42 PM — Executive Takeaways Fragmented growth activity creates movement but not repeatable value. The risk isn't lack of effort. It's lack of system. At exit, buyers don't reward busy. They reward predictable. Before the next growth initiative, ask whether the infrastructure underneath it will make the results last. The New PE Value Creation Playbook: Part Two Value Creation with Repeatable Commercial Systems In our last post, we made the case that PE firms are increasingly turning to commercial growth as the primary value creation lever during the hold period. The question now is whether the growth activity underway in portfolio companies is actually building toward something durable. Most portfolio companies are not standing still.
The Operational Pivot Has Reached Commercial Growth
May 20, 2026, 8:45:42 AM — Executive Takeaways Leverage, timing, and multiple expansion are no longer enough to drive returns. Hold periods are stretching past 7 years — operational value creation is now the mandate. A growth system connects insight, strategy, execution, and measurement. A campaign does not. Buyers are not evaluating historical performance. They are evaluating the system behind it. The New PE Value Creation Playbook: Part One Series Introduction Private equity value creation has entered a new era. For years, firms could rely on leverage, market timing, and multiple expansion to help drive returns. That environment has changed. Capital is more expensive, exit timelines are less predictable, and buyers are applying greater scrutiny to the quality, durability, and repeatability of portfolio company growth.
PE Value Drivers #22, Josh Schwartz, Operating Principal, Growth Factors
Jul 18, 2024, 4:05:14 PM — In this episode, I’m joined by an experienced operating executive with a decade-long track record of success in the private equity world. Our discussion touched on the differences between operational and advisory roles, acclimating entrepreneurs to the PE experience, and the importance of trusted partnerships.