According to the latest U.S. census, there are 16. 2 million veterans in the U.S., with more than four million under the age of 55. A number of them come back from deployment with a whole life ahead of them and savings ripe for investment. So where and how does this new life begin? Our guests today show you the way.

In honor of November’s Veterans Day remembrances, we welcome LDR Growth Partners to the podcast. This veteran-founded, people-focused investment firm was built from the ground up over the last decade. We learn from those who made LDR’s success: Rich Sexton and Will Brame. Rich co-founded the firm in 2013, with two other veterans, after serving as an Airborne Ranger and an Infantry Officer overseas for several years. Meanwhile, Will’s background is in finance; he worked at JP Morgan for over a decade, before joining LDR as a partner in 2015.

In this episode, Rich and Will give us a lesson in business ownership. They look back on the early days of LDR and its inception in Casper, Wyoming, to reveal how they found their space in the private equity market. With inspiring authenticity, they discuss their passion for family-owned companies. They show us how they collaborate with the businesses they acquire, and bring their focus on people, first and foremost. And at every turn, you’ll hear how military leadership informs their business philosophy.

So join Patrick, Rich and Will on the front line, for a story of grit and determination that will leave you inspired!

Read the full show transcript.

Meet the Host

Patrick Pacheco, Executive Vice President, President of Cadence Asset Management & Trust, has more than 25 years’ experience in wealth management, in addition to the designing and implementation of tax and related planning strategies.

Pacheco’s background includes years of legal practice and multiple degrees, including an LLM* Taxation from University of Houston, a JD from Southern Methodist University, and both an MBA and BS in Economics from University of Texas at Arlington.

He is also board certified in Estate Planning and Probate law by the Texas Board of Legal Specialization.

Meet the Speakers

Rich Sexton

Richard “Rich” Sexton leads operations, operational finance, and key leader management across LDR’s portfolio. He particularly loves the early-stage of vetting potential acquisitions and working with founders, sellers, and new key leaders to establish high-potential tactical management plans and goals post-transition in collaboration with other LDR team members and stakeholders. Rich’s passion centers on small business operations and efficiency which leverages his special knack for identifying value through simplicity, always with an eye towards returning value to the business and its investors.

Will Brame

William “Will” Brame leads financial management and planning across the investment firm and oversees finances across LDR’s portfolio, including strategic planning, capital allocation, and new business development. His work frequently involves identifying unique organic and inorganic growth opportunities via value-enhancing partnerships and bolt-on acquisitions. Given Will’s extensive professional experience in financial services, many of these core strategic initiatives are financially driven and geared at driving margin expansion and profitability growth.

This podcast is provided as a free service to you and is for general informational purposes only. Cadence Bank and its affiliates make no representations or warranties as to the accuracy, completeness, or timeliness of the content in the podcast. The podcast is not intended to provide legal, accounting or tax advice and should not be relied upon for such purposes.

To the extent that this podcast includes predictions about the economy, these predictions are subject to a number of variables and you should confer with your legal, accounting and tax advisors for their input regarding the possible outcomes of any economic subject matter discussed herein. Predictions are forward-looking statements that reflect current views with respect to, among other things, future events. Forward-looking statements are not historical facts, and are based on current expectations, estimates and projections, many of which, by their nature, are inherently uncertain and beyond the control of any person or entity. Accordingly, please be aware that any such forward-looking statements are not guarantees and are subject to risks, assumptions and uncertainties that are difficult to predict.

The views and opinions expressed by the host and guests in this podcast are solely their own current opinions regarding the subject matter discussed in the podcast and are based on their own perspectives. Such views, perspectives and opinions do not reflect those of Cadence Bank or any of its affiliates, or the companies with which any guest is, or may be, affiliated. The production and presentation of this podcast by Cadence Bank does not imply the expression of any opinion on the part of Cadence Bank or any of its affiliates.