Brett Hickey shares how the discipline he gained as a national-level speed skater fuels his success leading Star Mountain Capital. He explains the firm’s flexible capital model that provides loans, minority stakes, or majority buyouts for companies with 20 to 200 million dollars in annual revenue. Data-driven planning, strict risk management, and broad employee ownership underpin Star Mountain’s strategy. Brett details the sectors they favor (business services, healthcare, education, and niche logistics) and why they avoid highly cyclical or vice-related industries.

He closes with practical steps owners should take years before seeking private-equity money.

What You’ll Discover Today

• How athletic grit translates into private-equity resilience
• The three capital structures Star Mountain offers and when each fits
• Why lower-middle-market firms can out-perform bigger deals
• Key filters the firm uses to pick industries and reject others
• The role of data, technology, and alignment in protecting investor capital
• Actionable advice for founders on de-risking and succession planning

Key Topics Discussed

• Building a flexible capital solution for growth, recapitalization, or buyouts
• Aligning incentives by giving every employee equity participation
• Creating a dynamic business plan that balances short-, mid-, and long-term goals
• Importance of diversified revenue, long-term contracts, and low customer concentration
• Systematic sourcing: local deal teams in more than 20 U.S. cities and centralized underwriting
• Using acquisitions to turn fragmented sectors into higher-valued platforms
• Risk categories you can control versus those you cannot (commodity prices, etc.)
• Preparing for private equity: robust systems, clear succession, and documented processes

Call to Action

Ready to position your company for transformative growth? Call us at (305) 692-5531 to discuss how the Inside BS team can help you craft a compelling plan and connect with the right capital partners.

In this episode, Dave Lorenzo reveals the secret to getting powerful client testimonials without the cringe. From when to ask to exactly what to say, Dave breaks down the process so it feels natural and authentic. If you want more referrals, better credibility, and a stronger reputation, it starts with mastering the testimonial ask.

Key Topics Discussed:

• Why professionals struggle to ask for testimonials
• The connection between asking for testimonials and referrals
• A simple, effective script to request testimonials
• When to ask clients for testimonials (timing is everything)
• Why video testimonials are more powerful than written ones
• How to follow up if a client delays sending the testimonial
• Three perfect times to use testimonials in your sales process
• How to showcase testimonials on your personal website and LinkedIn

Call Us:
(305) 692-5531

In this powerful episode of the Inside BS Show, Dave Lorenzo sits down with entrepreneur and author Brittany Anderson to explore how personal adversity can become a driving force behind a life of impact and fulfillment. Brittany shares a pivotal story from her childhood that shaped her entrepreneurial journey and her commitment to building a life of abundance and meaning. Together, Dave and Brittany dive deep into the importance of niche marketing for financial advisors, the true meaning of value creation, and how to transform retirement into a vibrant new chapter of purpose and passion. Brittany also introduces the “Dream Architect” process—a revolutionary approach to legacy planning and living fully beyond traditional retirement. This conversation is a must-listen for anyone seeking clarity in their personal or professional path.

Key Topics Discussed:

• How childhood adversity fueled Brittany’s drive for success
• The difference between chasing money and creating value
• Why niche marketing creates deeper client relationships
• The “Dream Architect” process for meaningful life transitions
• How to redefine retirement as a new beginning, not an end
• Creating a scalable coaching business by living your brand values

Call to Action:
To connect with Brittany Anderson and learn more about the Dream Architect, call 507-235-5587 or email her at brittany@sweetfinancial.com. Visit SweetFinancial.com to explore their approach to helping professionals live with intention and impact.

📞 Call Us: (305) 692-5531