My primary role is Portfolio Manager and Research Analyst. I also serve as Chief Operating Officer. As an early member of the ZCI team, I’ve been a ‘business builder’ for over 25 years. While daily responsibilities have changed, our mentality hasn’t: pursue growth and stay agile, transparent, and efficient.

Our portfolio typically holds about 30 to 40 companies. A narrow focus lets us spend more time listening to management. It helps us determine how business is going and what they’re experiencing in the marketplace. I also ask about growth and its drivers; unit growth, pricing, and the addressable market.

We have open dialogue on our team. It gives us the opportunity to voice concerns and make a collective decision. This helps us feel more confident about companies we own and the decisions we make.

My dad gave me some great advice. Over twenty years ago, I was working for a bank. There was job security; I was climbing the corporate ladder. Nancy approached me with this job, and my dad just said, “Take the risk.” It proved great advice.