We interviewed Steve Cook, Executive Managing Director at LFM Capital, about his journey from the military into manufacturing and then finally into private equity. After his time as a Navy pilot, Steve was looking to create value in the world, not just working his way through a bureaucracy. He found this in a role as a leader in charge of Dell Computer’s manufacturing out of Tennessee. He quickly dedicated more and more of his time and energy towards this endeavor.

And then a natural disaster hit and it fundamentally shifted how he approached his work and his life.

Major market disruptions — such as the Great Recession or the current pandemic — create opportunities for companies to improve their position. Stephen Cook, executive managing director at LFM Capital, likens times such as these to short track speed skating — nobody passes on the straightaways, but there's a lot of passing that occurs on the corners.

In today’s episode, Frances Brunelle speaks with Jessica Ginsberg, Director of Business Development at LFM Capital. LFM is a private equity investment group focused on niche manufacturing and industrial service businesses.

LFM Capital’s Steve Cook on investing in manufacturing and industrial services businesses: “If you come to town in a private jet, you’ve already lost.”