Shore University

“At the core of our human existence is the desire to have authentic, meaningful relationships.” That’s what Michael Burcham reminded us during our What Makes a Great CEO mini series on the Bigger Stronger Faster podcast. It’s easy to focus on functions like marketing, operations, and data. But those are just outcomes of something deeper. Great companies are built on great relationships. When trust and connection come first, best-in-class performance tends to follow. Listen on Spotify or your favorite podcast platform: https://lnkd.in/gtfpHpTs Shore University: Anderson Williams Jackson Sprayberry Ben Gilbert Austin Johnson #ShoreUniversity #BiggerStrongerFaster #WhatMakesAGreatCEO #PrivateEquity #Leadership

🧠 The foundation of leadership? Grit, humility, and doing the hard things well. JAMES FORREST shared two powerful lessons from his father that shaped his approach to business and leadership: 🔹 Keep showing up—because persistence opens doors that no resume can. 🔹 No job is beneath you—if it’s worth doing, it’s worth doing right. Today, Jim is a trusted voice in the boardroom. His early experiences still guide how he leads, advises, and helps build exceptional companies. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, or find Microcap Moments on your preferred podcast platform: https://lnkd.in/g7GnK4ga Shore University: Michael Burcham Anderson Williams Jackson Sprayberry Ben Gilbert Austin Johnson #ShoreUniversity #MicrocapMoments #PrivateEquity #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #CompanyBuilding #Grit #Humility

✨ Live from the Leadership Academy Kickoff in Nashville! ✨ We’re back for Day 2 of our Multi-Company Leadership Academy cohort, continuing an important six-month journey focused on growing leaders across Shore Capital’s portfolio. With representation from 20+ portfolio companies across all four investment verticals, this program brings together a dynamic mix of voices, experiences, and perspectives—all focused on the same goal: becoming more intentional, more effective leaders. Today’s sessions are digging into some of the most meaningful shifts leaders can make: • Moving from Captain to Coach • Learning to step back so your team can step up • Understanding the importance of checking in with your emotions, rather than checking them at the door • Exploring the difference between leading vs. managing We’re also thrilled to have our newest faculty member, Jackson Sprayberry, facilitate several of today’s sessions and bringing fresh insight and energy to the group. We’re just getting started, and we can’t wait to see how this cohort continues to grow! Michael Burcham Anderson Williams Ben Gilbert Austin Johnson Jackson Sprayberry #LeadershipDevelopment #LeadershipAcademy #ShoreCapital #ShoreUniversity #Microcaps Participating Companies: OMS360 Great Lakes Dental Partners Empower Aesthetics Point C AA Medical Agentis Longevity Southern Orthodontic Partners Renstar Medical Research C2Dx, Inc. CG Life Assembly Health SDC Nutrition Inc. | Powder, Capsule & Tablet Supplement Manufacturer in Pittsburgh, USA Sweetmore Bakeries Whetstone Distribution H2O Care Partners Prominence Advisors Courser Strongpoint Partners Dynamic Connections Ackerman Plumbing, LLC

🚨 New Episode of Microcap Moments 🚨 Great leaders aren’t born—they're built through grit, curiosity, and the relentless pursuit of better. In our latest episode, JAMES FORREST shares the story behind the story: 🔹 From bagging groceries at age 6 to becoming a respected Chairman 🔹 Lessons from early failures that shaped a customer-first mindset 🔹 The power of process, culture, and boardroom dynamics 🔹 How asking better questions builds better businesses We’re incredibly grateful to have Jim’s wisdom, humor, and steady hand guiding our journey. This episode captures just a fraction of the impact he’s had on how we think about leadership, strategy, and building great companies. 🎧 Listen now: https://lnkd.in/gQBxPE-x Shore University: Michael Burcham Anderson Williams Jackson Sprayberry Ben Gilbert Austin Johnson #ShoreUniversity #MicrocapMoments #PrivateEquity #ShoreCapital #Leadership #ProfesionalJourney

✨ What’s one of the most underrated traits in a great leader? The ability to truly see the people around them. In our latest episode of Everyday Heroes, Larry Lawson PT, DPT, CSCS, shares how his leadership philosophy was shaped not in a boardroom, but through years of real-world experience, reflection, and small acts of kindness. 🔹 Can you act in a way that makes someone’s day better? 🔹 Can you invest in people before they fully believe in themselves? 🔹 Can you create consistency not through control, but through care? Larry didn’t start his career in physical therapy, but in every step since, he’s shown how consistency, curiosity, and care can transform teams, patients, and culture from the inside out. 🎧 Listen to the full episode on Spotify, or find it on your preferred podcast platform: https://lnkd.in/dHVXfBVv #ShoreUniversity #PrivateEquity #EverydayHeroes #EmpathyInAction #PeopleFirst #PhysicalTherapy

🎯 Live from our first CXO Fellows Summit of 2025! We’re spending the day with our incredible CXOs, diving deep into the theme of Organizational Alignment—a crucial skill for scaling high-growth, microcap businesses. It's been amazing to hear the perspectives and insights of our CEOs and investment team leaders on this topic, especially for our portfolio companies. A few key takeaways already emerging from today’s sessions: 🔹 A strong data strategy doesn't happen overnight. Building the right infrastructure, defining meaningful metrics, and creating clarity around what you measure—and why—takes time. The most effective leaders start small, stay consistent, and focus on data that drives decisions, not just reporting. 🔹 Without systems and processes, scale becomes chaos. CEOs must proactively design how the business runs—from communication to decision-making to team management. These structures aren't just operational—they’re cultural, and they create the conditions for sustainable growth. 🔹 Strategy only sticks when it's anchored in your mission, vision, and values. These shouldn't just be words on a slide or a wall—they're the compass that helps teams prioritize, stay focused, and make decisions when things move fast. Aligned teams understand the “why” behind the work and know how they contribute to the overall success of the business. Grateful to have Ross Koenig, Will Cook, Tom Smithburg, and Keith Caldwell with us today sharing their lessons from the field and helping anchor the conversation in their real-world experience. #CXOFellows #OrganizationalAlignment #PrivateEquity #ShoreUniversity #microcaps

🚨 New Episode of Everyday Heroes 🚨 Some leaders don’t follow a straight path—they build their impact through purpose, empathy, and lived experience. That’s exactly what Larry Lawson PT, DPT, CSCS brings to the table. In our latest episode, Larry shares his unexpected journey: 🔹 Found physical therapy at 39—after years in teaching, landscaping, and managing massage clinics 🔹 How his background in philosophy shaped his leadership style 🔹 Why valuing every team member—regardless of title—builds stronger clinics 🔹 The student training initiative he’s building to support the next generation of PTs If you’re leading teams in healthcare—or rethinking your own path—this episode is packed with practical wisdom and heart. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, or find the episode on your preferred podcast platform: https://lnkd.in/dHVXfBVv Greater Therapy Centers: Dena Aitken Shore University: Michael Burcham Anderson Williams Jackson Sprayberry Ben Gilbert Austin Johnson #ShoreUniversity #EverydayHeroes #PrivateEquity #Leadership #Healthcare #PhysicalTherapy #PeopleFirst

🤝 The most important tool in a searcher's toolkit? Relationships. Michael Aubrey shared a powerful insight: success in search rarely comes down to spreadsheets or pitch decks. It comes down to trust. 🔹 Can you sit across from a founder—and their spouse or partner—and earn the right to carry their life’s work forward? 🔹 Can you communicate your vision with enough clarity and conviction that advisors, employees, and stakeholders choose you? The best searchers aren’t just operators. They’re relationship builders. 🎧 Listen now on Spotify, or find the episode on your preferred podcast platform: https://lnkd.in/gTeRTnuc Shore University: Michael Burcham Anderson Williams Jackson Sprayberry Ben Gilbert Austin Johnson #ShoreUniversity #MicrocapMoments #PrivateEquity #SearchFund #Entrepreneurship #Leadership

🚨 New Episode of Microcap Moments 🚨 Search funds aren’t just about finding the right deal—they’re about becoming the kind of leader who can grow and transform a business. In our latest episode, Michael Aubrey shares his full-circle journey: 🔹 From parking cars in Detroit to a successful 11x search fund exit 🔹 Turning around Mission Veterinary Partners—from 18 hospitals to 330+ 🔹 Why investing in people and culture drives long-term success 🔹 And how Shore Search is redefining what it means to support searchers If you're thinking about launching a search or leading a newly acquired business, this one is packed with hard-earned wisdom. 🎧 Listen now: https://lnkd.in/gTeRTnuc Shore Search: Jeffrey S. Jeff Smith Jacob Balley Adam Behringer Kathy Wanner Shore University: Michael Burcham Anderson Williams Jackson Sprayberry Ben Gilbert Austin Johnson #ShoreUniversity #MicrocapMoments #ShoreCapital #SearchFund #Entrepreneurship #Leadership #PrivateEquity

🎯 The Power of Focus in Leadership 🎯 Leadership isn’t about doing everything yourself—it’s about directing your focus where it matters most. Joshua Everts, DDS, MD, FACS shared a powerful mindset shift: success comes not from having more time, but from using it wisely. 🔹 Strategic Focus – Investing time in high-impact work and empowering others to excel. 🔹 Leadership Maturity – Recognizing when to step back and trust your team’s expertise. 🔹 Confidence vs. Control – Understanding the balance between self-assurance and delegation. Great leaders don’t just execute—they create environments where their teams thrive. We drive efficiency, growth, and lasting impact by shifting focus and embracing collaboration. Michael Burcham Anderson Williams Jackson Sprayberry Ben Gilbert Austin Johnson #ShoreUniversity #PrivateEquity #Leadership #Focus #GrowthMindset