Geoff Faux, Partner at Clearview Capital, shares the principles that shape his approach to private equity investing, from evaluating management teams and industry dynamics to navigating adversity when deals go sideways. He reflects on lessons forged through competitive athletics, a career built inside one firm, and a defining portfolio company crisis that tested every assumption about value creation. Geoff also explains Clearview’s first-in institutional playbook and how focus, prioritization, and people decisions drive durable outcomes. This is a grounded, hard-earned perspective on what it really takes to build winning businesses—hit play.

Episode Highlights:
1:01 – How elite swimming shaped Geoff’s discipline, focus, and investing mindset
4:17 – Growing up around lower middle market deals and choosing private equity early
13:02 – The four variables that matter most in private equity investment decisions
19:55 – Why industry stability and baseline management strength are non-negotiables
24:21 – A first deal gone wrong—and the crisis that nearly broke the investment
28:35 – Rebuilding through COVID and turning a near-zero into a top portfolio performer
47:29 – Advice to Geoff’s 22-year-old self on teams, people judgment, and resilience

LISTEN HERE