Rick Nagel, Managing Partner at Acorn Capital

What drives a seasoned engineer to become a leader in private equity, and how can a company transform its identity to align with a new strategic vision? Join us as Rick Nagel, Managing Partner at Acorn Capital, shares his compelling journey from technology to leading a major rebranding effort in the aerospace and defense investment sector. Discover how Acorn Capital evolved from focusing on early-stage investments to middle-market buyouts, and learn about their extensive rebranding process.

Ever wondered what it’s really like when private equity firms buy out companies? Rick sheds light on the realities, dispelling myths about job security and revealing the hidden opportunities that arise during such transitions. He emphasizes the importance of transparency and clear communication. He highlights the growth opportunities that can emerge for employees post-acquisition, offering a fresh perspective on the benefits of private equity involvement. Plus, you’ll hear Rick’s hiring criteria, which favor humility, perseverance, and learning from failure. The time for dreaming big and pushing past limitations is now! Key points throughout include:

The why and how of Acorn Capital’s strategic rebrand
An unconventional career journey from engineer to PE executive
Starting out in private equity and challenging the misconceptions
Job security advice: Addressing employee concerns during acquisitions
Safeguarding critical systems in the aerospace sector
COVID-19’s triple whammy: The devastating impact on the aerospace industry
Navigating economic downturns: The power of readiness and long-term vision
Essential skills and traits required for effective leadership
The value of implementing 360-degree feedback loops
Acorn’s transparency strategy: Employee profit-sharing and financial insight
Rick’s top advice for aspiring leaders

“I have found that the formula of folks that have been successful have been tested, have failed and reinvented themselves and found success again to be a winning formula.” – Rick Nagel.

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Get connected with Rick Nagel:

https://www.linkedin.com/in/rick-nagel-12929611