In this episode, host Alex Rawlings speaks with Eric Wiklendt, Managing Director at SpeySide Equity, a private equity firm focused on lower middle-market manufacturing businesses.

Eric shares his “fix and build” value creation strategy, the key elements of successful human capital alignment, and why cost accounting is the hidden killer in many portfolio companies. With deep operational experience, Eric offers a grounded perspective on how to avoid overcomplicating PE value creation.

🔍 Key Highlights:

Fix & Build Framework: Phase 1 focuses on EBITDA improvement; Phase 2 drives growth.
Top Phase 1 Levers:
- Aligning and incentivizing management
- Rationalizing the revenue portfolio
- Optimizing the operational footprint
Biggest Friction Point: Getting the people side right—human capital alignment and talent quality.
Always an Issue: Poor cost accounting systems that impact pricing and margins.
Hiring Better Leaders: SpeySide’s edge comes from having “been there, done that” as former operators.
Walk-Away Red Flag: Dishonesty or lack of transparency in due diligence.
Industry Mistake: Relying on too many value levers—hope is not a strategy.

📚 Eric Recommends:

Books on economics, behavioral psychology, and sociology to better understand how people think and make decisions.

💼 Connect with Eric:

LinkedIn: Eric Wiklendt
Website: www.speysideequity.com

Raw Selection partners with Private Equity firms and their portfolio companies to secure exceptional executive talent. We focus on de-risking executive recruitment through meticulous search and selection processes, ensuring top-tier performance and long-term success.

🔗 Connect with Alex Rawlings on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/alexrawlings/

🌐 Visit Raw Selection: www.raw-selection.com

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An investors value creation plan for $100M+ revenue companies

The Private Equity Podcast, by Raw Selection

An investors value creation plan for $100M+ revenue companies