Read to the end for the relevance of the image... A couple weeks ago, Thrasio declared bankruptcy. The largest Amazon aggregator, it raised over $3 billion of debt and equity at a valuation that was rumored to be approaching $10 billion. Blue chip investors led … Continue reading Hype Cycles / Bad Consolidation Theses: Thrasio Goes Bust
If you can’t join them, beat them.
Thoughts on motivation, talent, fund spinouts, and "the chip" “If you can’t join them, beat them” is a phrase I think about a lot. Motivation can come from a lot of places, and I don’t think there’s anything wrong with going through life with a … Continue reading If you can’t join them, beat them.
If you come for the King, you best not miss.
Another news day in restaurant / franchise land with an ETA angle – you know I’m there. Restaurant Brands International (“RBI”), franchisor of Burger King, Popeye’s, and Firehouse Subs, announced today that it was acquiring Carrol’s, its largest franchisee with over 1,000 BK lounges Burger … Continue reading If you come for the King, you best not miss.
2023 Goals Review and 2024 Goals
At the beginning of the year, I wrote three simple goals in my notebook. For the sake of accountability, here’s my end of year assessment on each of them: Figure out whether Colorado is a long-term or short-term move Verdict: Denver is “above the bar” … Continue reading 2023 Goals Review and 2024 Goals
Serendipity –> Dipping Fries into Frosty’s – The Flynn Story
While stuck in traffic on my way home on Friday, I listened to this excellent interview of Joel Peterson on Think Like an Owner, one of the best entrepreneurship-through-acquisition (ETA) podcasts out there. I had the privilege of having dinner last year with Alex Bridgeman, … Continue reading Serendipity –> Dipping Fries into Frosty’s – The Flynn Story
What do Sriracha and Accountants Have in Common?
Over the last few years, we’ve seen unexpected shortages of formula, Sriracha, and eggs, all of which have been highly observable on grocery store shelves. Less observable but still impactful to the American economy has been the shortage of accountants. As fewer students study the … Continue reading What do Sriracha and Accountants Have in Common?
Bubbles and Suds: The Rise and Fall of Anheuser-Busch’s Craft Beer Ambitions?
Like many people, I used business school as an opportunity to have conversations with alumni who took interesting career paths. One of the most memorable conversations I had was with the CEO of an independent craft beer brand, who noted that an increase of HBS … Continue reading Bubbles and Suds: The Rise and Fall of Anheuser-Busch’s Craft Beer Ambitions?
Deal Of the Week: Only Some Birds Keep Flying – Allbirds and La Colombe
A couple of buzzy consumer brands were in the news this week, and I’m going to one of their hometowns this week on a business trip, so I decided to dive in to see what might be generalizable about investing in fast-growing (bird-related) consumer brands. … Continue reading Deal Of the Week: Only Some Birds Keep Flying – Allbirds and La Colombe
Deal of the Week: Gibbs Takes Two (Investors, not Tires)
As I write this, I’m watching the Ally 400, the first race in the 2nd half of the NASCAR season. Once again, combining a couple interests, this week it was announced that Joe Gibbs Racing, one of NASCAR’s premier teams owned by the famed former … Continue reading Deal of the Week: Gibbs Takes Two (Investors, not Tires)
Initial Pita Offering: Cava’s IPO
Cava’s IPO combines two things I truly love: financial analysis and chicken with greens and grains. Over a decade ago, when I was a lowly entry-level consultant, I was blessed with an early location of Cava and Sweetgreen within a short walk from my office. … Continue reading Initial Pita Offering: Cava’s IPO
Danny McBee 