<![CDATA[LeverUp®️]]>LeverUp® is a podcast for operators, deal-makers, and entrepreneurs who want to build wealth by owning businesses, not just working in them. Host Paul Swaney brings in private equity investors, founders, and industry executives for unfiltered conversations on deals, leadership, business acquisition, and what it actually takes to build something that lasts.

No courses. No fluff. Just real talk on inorganic entrepreneurship and the path to business ownership.

]]>https://swaneygroup.com/Riverside.fm (https://riverside.com)Wed, 03 Jun 2026 15:45:27 GMTSun, 24 May 2026 04:06:55 GMT60Paul W. Swaney III<p>LeverUp® is a podcast for operators, deal-makers, and entrepreneurs who want to build wealth by owning businesses, not just working in them. Host Paul Swaney brings in private equity investors, founders, and industry executives for unfiltered conversations on deals, leadership, business acquisition, and what it actually takes to build something that lasts.</p><p>No courses. No fluff. Just real talk on inorganic entrepreneurship and the path to business ownership.</p>episodicPaul W. Swaney IIIpaul@swaneygroup.comno<![CDATA[The Fast Eat the Slow: What Matters in Business - Laurence Haughton]]>Many companies experience a stall in growth, with 66% of them never recovering. CEOs need to have a bias towards action and growth to protect the green shoots of success.

Takeaways

  • Stalling companies often fail to recover
  • CEOs need a bias towards action and growth

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Challenge of Stalled Growth
]]>b88f9d7b-dfc6-469a-9aa9-b5566d0e9f3eMon, 01 Jun 2026 05:30:00 GMT<p>Many companies experience a stall in growth, with 66% of them never recovering. CEOs need to have a bias towards action and growth to protect the green shoots of success.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Stalling companies often fail to recover</li><li>CEOs need a bias towards action and growth</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Challenge of Stalled Growth</li></ul>no00:59:55The Fast Eat the Slow: What Matters in Business - Laurence Haughtonfull<![CDATA[Finding Success with Integrity in PE with Ryan Heckman]]>The conversation covers the personal and professional journey of Ryan Heckman, Co-Founder of Rally Day Partners, and his unconventional path into private equity: from competing in two Olympic Games as a ski jumper to landing his first PE job at 22 after a chance conversation on a plane with George Gillette (then-owner of Vail Ski Resort). It also delves into the unique approach of Rally Day Partners in the private equity industry, emphasizing leadership over management. The conversation covers post-closing architecture, CEO expectations, leadership development, private equity board meetings, advice for young professionals, and impactful books.

 

Takeaways

 

• An unconventional path into private equity: Olympic ski jumping, a chance meeting on a plane, and building a business from $700K to $14M EBITDA before founding Rally Day Partners

•  Leadership over management in private equity

• Post-closing architecture focuses on purpose, strategy, cultural gaps, and leadership development

• CEO expectations at Rally Day emphasize a multi-stakeholder lens and a focus on supporting employees

• Investing in personal purpose and serving others is crucial for career success and fulfillment

• The book The Greatest Salesman in the World had a profound impact on Ryan's life

 

Chapters

 

00:00 Ryan's Background and Path Into Private Equity

18:06 Founding Rally Day Partners

23:06 Leadership vs. Management

28:41 Private Equity Board Meetings and CEO Tools

36:13 Advice for Young Professionals

45:05 Impactful Books and Personal Growth

]]>b08e3a9a-506e-47ed-885f-460192063133Tue, 02 Jun 2026 04:30:00 GMT<p>The conversation covers the personal and professional journey of Ryan Heckman, Co-Founder of Rally Day Partners, and his unconventional path into private equity: from competing in two Olympic Games as a ski jumper to landing his first PE job at 22 after a chance conversation on a plane with George Gillette (then-owner of Vail Ski Resort). It also delves into the unique approach of Rally Day Partners in the private equity industry, emphasizing leadership over management. The conversation covers post-closing architecture, CEO expectations, leadership development, private equity board meetings, advice for young professionals, and impactful books.</p><p> </p><p><b>Takeaways</b></p><p> </p><p>• An unconventional path into private equity: Olympic ski jumping, a chance meeting on a plane, and building a business from $700K to $14M EBITDA before founding Rally Day Partners</p><p>•  Leadership over management in private equity</p><p>• Post-closing architecture focuses on purpose, strategy, cultural gaps, and leadership development</p><p>• CEO expectations at Rally Day emphasize a multi-stakeholder lens and a focus on supporting employees</p><p>• Investing in personal purpose and serving others is crucial for career success and fulfillment</p><p>• The book The Greatest Salesman in the World had a profound impact on Ryan's life</p><p> </p><p><b>Chapters</b></p><p> </p><p> 00:00 Ryan's Background and Path Into Private Equity</p><p> 18:06 Founding Rally Day Partners</p><p> 23:06 Leadership vs. Management</p><p> 28:41 Private Equity Board Meetings and CEO Tools</p><p> 36:13 Advice for Young Professionals</p><p> 45:05 Impactful Books and Personal Growth</p>no00:47:34Finding Success with Integrity in PE with Ryan Heckmanfull<![CDATA[Mastering Business Restructuring with Lars Vaule]]>The conversation delves into Lars' experience in turnarounds and restructuring, highlighting the challenges of day one at a restructuring asset, the importance of stabilizing the team and operations, and the balance between urgency and strategy. Lars shares impactful books and reflects on mistakes made early in his career, emphasizing the value of initiative and the pitfalls of perfectionism. The conversation also explores the measurement of success in restructuring and the significance of creating opportunities for growth within the organization.

Takeaways

  • Turnarounds and restructuring involve stabilizing demoralized teams and addressing financial and operational challenges.
  • Success in restructuring is measured by creating opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization.
  • Initiative and problem-solving skills are key attributes that get noticed by senior team members.
  • Perfectionism can hinder progress, and the ability to take small steps and make quick decisions is crucial in a restructuring environment.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Introduction and Background
  • 05:52 Stabilizing the Team and Operations
  • 29:37 Impactful Books and Mistakes in Career
]]>cf648bc1-0e17-430e-b835-daf2682de18dMon, 01 Jun 2026 13:00:00 GMT<p>The conversation delves into Lars' experience in turnarounds and restructuring, highlighting the challenges of day one at a restructuring asset, the importance of stabilizing the team and operations, and the balance between urgency and strategy. Lars shares impactful books and reflects on mistakes made early in his career, emphasizing the value of initiative and the pitfalls of perfectionism. The conversation also explores the measurement of success in restructuring and the significance of creating opportunities for growth within the organization.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Turnarounds and restructuring involve stabilizing demoralized teams and addressing financial and operational challenges.</li><li>Success in restructuring is measured by creating opportunities for growth and advancement within the organization.</li><li>Initiative and problem-solving skills are key attributes that get noticed by senior team members.</li><li>Perfectionism can hinder progress, and the ability to take small steps and make quick decisions is crucial in a restructuring environment.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Introduction and Background</li><li>05:52 Stabilizing the Team and Operations</li><li>29:37 Impactful Books and Mistakes in Career</li></ul>no00:38:09Mastering Business Restructuring with Lars Vaulefull<![CDATA[Smarter, Leaner, Faster: The Rise Of AI-Driven Startups With Claudia Richoux]]>Claudia Rishu shares her journey from a military brat to a CEO, discussing her background in STEM, cryptography, and blockchain security research. She delves into the founding of Supply Co, a company focused on marketing and sales software for the industrial segment. The conversation explores the impact of AI on software engineering, the changing landscape of tech jobs, and the challenges and strategies of fundraising and sales. The conversation covers topics such as the challenges of selling a product that does not fully exist, the impact of tariffs on businesses, the qualities of people to look for when hiring for a startup, and the emotional and spiritual journey of a founder. The conversation also delves into the importance of customer feedback, the pitfalls of startup glamour, and the impact of spirituality on the founder's mindset.

Takeaways

  • STEM Background
  • Impact of AI on Software Engineering Selling a product that does not fully exist requires convincing prospects and selling the future.
  • The impact of tariffs on businesses can lead to uncertainty and stress, affecting supply chains and consumer outcomes.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Journey to CEO
  • 18:44 Challenges of Fundraising and Sales
  • 24:02 Selling the Future
  • 36:06 The Emotional and Spiritual Journey of a Founder
]]>061042ee-9adf-4248-af93-6868cf5f05d5Sun, 31 May 2026 02:41:47 GMT<p>Claudia Rishu shares her journey from a military brat to a CEO, discussing her background in STEM, cryptography, and blockchain security research. She delves into the founding of Supply Co, a company focused on marketing and sales software for the industrial segment. The conversation explores the impact of AI on software engineering, the changing landscape of tech jobs, and the challenges and strategies of fundraising and sales. The conversation covers topics such as the challenges of selling a product that does not fully exist, the impact of tariffs on businesses, the qualities of people to look for when hiring for a startup, and the emotional and spiritual journey of a founder. The conversation also delves into the importance of customer feedback, the pitfalls of startup glamour, and the impact of spirituality on the founder's mindset.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>STEM Background</li><li>Impact of AI on Software Engineering Selling a product that does not fully exist requires convincing prospects and selling the future.</li><li>The impact of tariffs on businesses can lead to uncertainty and stress, affecting supply chains and consumer outcomes.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Journey to CEO</li><li>18:44 Challenges of Fundraising and Sales</li><li>24:02 Selling the Future</li><li>36:06 The Emotional and Spiritual Journey of a Founder</li></ul>no00:48:02Smarter, Leaner, Faster: The Rise Of AI-Driven Startups With Claudia Richouxfull<![CDATA[Stewardship Over Showmanship: What Client First Actually Looks Like with Richard McWhorter]]>The conversation covers the transition to independence as a financial advisor, the dynamics of client relationships, the financial challenges faced by athletes and entertainers, and the experience of starting a new venture. It delves into the complexities of managing client finances and the unique challenges faced by individuals in the sports and entertainment industry. The conversation delves into the importance of building human connections through non-business activities like poker and golf, the sterility of business relationships, navigating investment products, understanding the impact of policies, advising creative types, and the cost of trust and critical thinking in financial advisory. It emphasizes the significance of meaningful connections and the balance of critical thinking and non-emotional, numbers-driven advice in advising creative types.

Takeaways

  • Financial Advisor Independence
  • Client Relationship Dynamics Building relationships through non-business activities like poker and golf can lead to meaningful connections.
  • Advising creative types requires a balance of critical thinking and non-emotional, numbers-driven advice.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Transition to Independence
  • 05:51 Financial Challenges of Athletes and Entertainers
  • 34:59 Starting a New Venture
  • 41:46 Navigating Investment Products
  • 53:42 Understanding the Impact of Policies
  • 59:48 Advising Creative Types
  • 01:07:40 The Cost of Trust and Critical Thinking
]]>7db39f44-9c77-42e8-94fd-acf15c0a51c0Sun, 31 May 2026 02:12:31 GMT<p>The conversation covers the transition to independence as a financial advisor, the dynamics of client relationships, the financial challenges faced by athletes and entertainers, and the experience of starting a new venture. It delves into the complexities of managing client finances and the unique challenges faced by individuals in the sports and entertainment industry. The conversation delves into the importance of building human connections through non-business activities like poker and golf, the sterility of business relationships, navigating investment products, understanding the impact of policies, advising creative types, and the cost of trust and critical thinking in financial advisory. It emphasizes the significance of meaningful connections and the balance of critical thinking and non-emotional, numbers-driven advice in advising creative types.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Financial Advisor Independence</li><li>Client Relationship Dynamics Building relationships through non-business activities like poker and golf can lead to meaningful connections.</li><li>Advising creative types requires a balance of critical thinking and non-emotional, numbers-driven advice.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Transition to Independence</li><li>05:51 Financial Challenges of Athletes and Entertainers</li><li>34:59 Starting a New Venture</li><li>41:46 Navigating Investment Products</li><li>53:42 Understanding the Impact of Policies</li><li>59:48 Advising Creative Types</li><li>01:07:40 The Cost of Trust and Critical Thinking</li></ul>no01:10:31Stewardship Over Showmanship: What Client First Actually Looks Like with Richard McWhorterfull<![CDATA[Jackie Hirsch - How to Beat Private Equity From a Broker That Sold 400 companies]]>The conversation covers the entrepreneurial journey of Jackie Hirsch, challenges in business valuation, preparing a business for sale, maximizing business value, and the role of independent sponsors vs. private equity in business transactions. The conversation covers challenges in deal operations, red flags in deal dynamics, positive valuation surprises, engaging with founders in the 1-10 EBITDA range, and the debate between generalist and specialist funds. Key takeaways include the importance of self-awareness in diligence, the value of preserving the magic in a business, and the benefits of cross-pollinating ideas across industries. The conversation delves into the topics of business ownership, self-awareness, transition and succession planning, and the impact of books on healing from trauma. It explores the importance of self-awareness in business ownership, the challenges of transition and succession planning, and the profound impact of books on personal healing and growth.

Takeaways

  • Business Valuation
  • Entrepreneurial Journey Self-awareness in diligence
  • The importance of preserving the magic in a business
  • The value of cross-pollinating ideas across industries Business Ownership and Self-Awareness
  • Transition and Succession Planning
  • Impactful Books and Healing from Trauma

Chapters

  • 00:00 The Entrepreneurial Journey
  • 05:50 Preparing a Business for Sale
  • 11:48 Independent Sponsors vs. Private Equity
  • 28:59 Challenges in Deal Operations
  • 34:00 Positive Valuation Surprises
  • 39:59 Engaging with Founders in the 1-10 EBITDA Range
  • 51:10 Generalist vs. Specialist Funds
  • 58:28 Business Ownership and Self-Awareness
  • 01:19:04 Impactful Books and Healing from Trauma
]]>a08ad2e8-9d42-413b-83c6-00bbe48db973Tue, 26 May 2026 02:56:32 GMT<p>The conversation covers the entrepreneurial journey of Jackie Hirsch, challenges in business valuation, preparing a business for sale, maximizing business value, and the role of independent sponsors vs. private equity in business transactions. The conversation covers challenges in deal operations, red flags in deal dynamics, positive valuation surprises, engaging with founders in the 1-10 EBITDA range, and the debate between generalist and specialist funds. Key takeaways include the importance of self-awareness in diligence, the value of preserving the magic in a business, and the benefits of cross-pollinating ideas across industries. The conversation delves into the topics of business ownership, self-awareness, transition and succession planning, and the impact of books on healing from trauma. It explores the importance of self-awareness in business ownership, the challenges of transition and succession planning, and the profound impact of books on personal healing and growth.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Business Valuation</li><li>Entrepreneurial Journey Self-awareness in diligence</li><li>The importance of preserving the magic in a business</li><li>The value of cross-pollinating ideas across industries Business Ownership and Self-Awareness</li><li>Transition and Succession Planning</li><li>Impactful Books and Healing from Trauma</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 The Entrepreneurial Journey</li><li>05:50 Preparing a Business for Sale</li><li>11:48 Independent Sponsors vs. Private Equity</li><li>28:59 Challenges in Deal Operations</li><li>34:00 Positive Valuation Surprises</li><li>39:59 Engaging with Founders in the 1-10 EBITDA Range</li><li>51:10 Generalist vs. Specialist Funds</li><li>58:28 Business Ownership and Self-Awareness</li><li>01:19:04 Impactful Books and Healing from Trauma</li></ul>no01:23:47Jackie Hirsch - How to Beat Private Equity From a Broker That Sold 400 companiesfull<![CDATA[American Operator - A Conversation Will Fry - Keeping Main Street Local]]>The conversation covers the founding of American Operator and its mission to preserve small businesses in local communities, challenges in manufacturing and succession planning, the mission to prevent private equity from acquiring small businesses, the process of selecting and transitioning business operators, and the value creation and integration process for business success. The conversation covers investment strategy, underwriting, broker dynamics, challenges with brokers, independent sponsors, issues with brokers and sponsors, broker miscommunication, broker behavior, feedback for brokers, private equity structures, talent acquisition, ownership, and challenges of starting a business. The conversation covers entrepreneurial ventures, challenges, and the journey of a pepper spray company. It also delves into advice for entrepreneurs, acquisition and succession planning, influential books, family values, and the relationship between private equity and entrepreneurship.

Takeaways

  • Preserving small businesses is vital for local communities
  • Succession planning and operator selection are critical for business continuity and success. Investment strategy and underwriting are key to conservative growth.
  • Broker dynamics and exclusive contracts pose challenges in deal management. Optimizing for the most amount of learnings per day is crucial for success.
  • Finding a mission that matters and getting started is key for entrepreneurs.

Chapters

  • 00:00 Preserving the American Dream on Main Street
  • 11:12 Stopping Private Equity from Eating Main Street
  • 18:02 Selecting and Transitioning Operators
  • 25:28 Value Creation and Integration
  • 31:05 Brokers and Brokerage Categories
  • 36:06 Independent Sponsors and Search Funders
  • 41:30 Feedback and Improvement for Brokers
  • 48:18 Challenges of Starting a Business
  • 59:05 Acquisition and Succession Planning
  • 01:06:05 Private Equity and Entrepreneurship
]]>97a35d99-39e7-418e-8d79-7d60b85ee24cWed, 27 May 2026 13:15:00 GMT<p>The conversation covers the founding of American Operator and its mission to preserve small businesses in local communities, challenges in manufacturing and succession planning, the mission to prevent private equity from acquiring small businesses, the process of selecting and transitioning business operators, and the value creation and integration process for business success. The conversation covers investment strategy, underwriting, broker dynamics, challenges with brokers, independent sponsors, issues with brokers and sponsors, broker miscommunication, broker behavior, feedback for brokers, private equity structures, talent acquisition, ownership, and challenges of starting a business. The conversation covers entrepreneurial ventures, challenges, and the journey of a pepper spray company. It also delves into advice for entrepreneurs, acquisition and succession planning, influential books, family values, and the relationship between private equity and entrepreneurship.</p><p></p><p>Takeaways</p><ul><li>Preserving small businesses is vital for local communities</li><li>Succession planning and operator selection are critical for business continuity and success. Investment strategy and underwriting are key to conservative growth.</li><li>Broker dynamics and exclusive contracts pose challenges in deal management. Optimizing for the most amount of learnings per day is crucial for success.</li><li>Finding a mission that matters and getting started is key for entrepreneurs.</li></ul><p></p><p>Chapters</p><ul><li>00:00 Preserving the American Dream on Main Street</li><li>11:12 Stopping Private Equity from Eating Main Street</li><li>18:02 Selecting and Transitioning Operators</li><li>25:28 Value Creation and Integration</li><li>31:05 Brokers and Brokerage Categories</li><li>36:06 Independent Sponsors and Search Funders</li><li>41:30 Feedback and Improvement for Brokers</li><li>48:18 Challenges of Starting a Business</li><li>59:05 Acquisition and Succession Planning</li><li>01:06:05 Private Equity and Entrepreneurship</li></ul>yes01:10:05American Operator - A Conversation Will Fry - Keeping Main Street Localfull