Microcap Moments

Hosted by Shore Capital Partners

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Aug 2026

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A podcast that captures the key issues, successes, challenges, and lessons learned in the microcap space through in-depth interviews with high-level leaders across Shore Capital and our portfolio companies.

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41 recent

August 20, 202630 min

The Network Effect: Building H2O Care Partners

In this episode, Keith Caldwell, CEO of H2O Care Partners, and Sarah Longstreet, the company's Chief Marketing Officer, share the story of building a national water treatment platform. It began in 2021 when Keith met Mark St. Hilaire, founder of H2O Care in Massachusetts, and saw an opportunity to combine doing good with the growth potential of a fragmented, family-run industry. Today the platform spans more than thirty brands across nearly twenty states, supported by a Boston-based resource team of over forty across marketing, finance, hiring, technology, and operations. Keith and Sarah reflect on the network effect that emerges when great local businesses come together, how each new partner brings superpowers that get shared across the platform, and why preserving local brands, community ties, and long-tenured teams is central to how they scale. They also discuss what makes the right partner, from founders approaching retirement to those just getting started, and what's next as the platform continues to grow. Key Takeaways: Great partnerships start with people. Keeping the local name, the team, and the reputation intact is what makes strong family businesses open to joining a platform. The network effect is real. Every new partner brings a superpower that can be captured in playbooks and shared so the whole platform gets better. Scaling doesn't have to cost you culture. Centralize what lifts everyone, like marketing, finance, and technology, and keep brands, community ties, and daily decisions local. The right partner comes down to mindset: teams and customers first, a strong reputation in the industry, and a genuine desire to grow. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 02:57 – The Origin of H2O Care Partners 07:54 – The Network Effect 11:04 – Scaling Culture, Not Just Operations 14:16 – Finding the Right Partners 18:01 – Driving Organic Growth 25:44 – What's Next Listen to our podcasts at: https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts You'll also find other Microcap Moments episodes, alongside our series Everyday Heroes and Bigger. Stronger. Faster. , highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique. Other ways to connect: Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/ Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

June 17, 202627 min

Building Trust at Scale: Joe Rice and the CXponent Story

In this episode, Joe Rice, CEO of CXponent, shares how watching his father run a business sparked a lifelong pull toward entrepreneurship and building something of his own. He describes how CXponent cuts through the overwhelming noise of technology vendors and AI tools to help mid-market companies make better decisions, and why trust, not technology, remains the foundation of every client relationship. Joe reflects on his first company, what he learned from that exit, and what drew him back to build again. He talks candidly about what founders should weigh before joining a platform, the importance of readiness and timing, and why Shore's focus on stacking talent and investing in organic growth made it the right fit. Throughout the conversation, Joe makes clear that even in a market being reshaped by AI, the work still comes down to people, presence, and being a partner clients can count on. Key Takeaways: The technology landscape has never been more crowded. The advisors who win are the ones who cut through the noise and bring clients certainty, not just options. You cannot fake trust. Building the kind of client relationships that lead to board-level work takes time, expertise, and a willingness to get into the details. Joining a platform is not an exit. It is a choice to go further, faster, with peers who are still building. Once you get a taste of creating opportunity and space for other people, you are probably forever addicted. The best founders are not looking for a way out. They are looking for a way to keep going. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 10:05 – Joe's Origin Story 11:28 – Building CXponent with Shore 14:29 – Founder Readiness and Timing 19:40 – What's Ahead for CXponent Listen to our podcasts at: https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts You'll also find other Microcap Moments episodes, alongside our series Everyday Heroes and Bigger. Stronger. Faster. , highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique. Other ways to connect: Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/ Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

May 14, 202629 min

From Bulldog to Skycrest Roof: Ryan Burke on Founding, Growing, and Partnering

In this episode, Ryan Burke reflects on his journey from selling roofs in Colorado Springs to founding Bulldog Roofing at 23 and partnering with Shore Capital to help build Skycrest Roof. He shares how frustration with bad actors in the industry and a belief that customers and employees deserved better pushed him to take the leap and start the business out of his living room. Ryan discusses the rapid growth that followed, the chaos that came with it, and the hard lessons of moving from hustle to structure as the business scaled to sixty people and $30M in revenue. He talks candidly about his initial fears around private equity, why protecting his team of family and friends was his top priority, and how meeting the people at Shore shifted his perspective on partnership. Ryan highlights the importance of readiness, the value of building real processes and resilience into a business, and what Skycrest is looking for in the next generation of founders as it continues to grow. Key Takeaways: Frustration with bad actors and a belief that customers and employees deserve better can become the foundation for building a business with real integrity and lasting culture. Moving from hustle to structure is the hard but necessary work of scaling, where documented processes, defined roles, and clear procedures turn chaos into resilience. Readiness to partner is not just about age or financial outcomes, but about understanding what you want, knowing your team, and finding a buyer who treats your people and your legacy with care. The right partnership brings creativity to the deal, expertise to the table, and a shared commitment to growing the business without losing the culture and people that built it. Chapters: 00:00 – Introduction 02:51 – Founding Bulldog Roofing 05:49 – From Hustle to Structure 08:39 – Readiness and Finding Shore 17:40 – Evolving as a Leader 21:14 – Building Skycrest Roof Listen to our podcasts at: https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts You'll also find other Microcap Moments episodes, alongside our series Everyday Heroes and Bigger. Stronger. Faster. , highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique. Other ways to connect: Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/ Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

March 4, 202630 min

Doubling Down on Growth: The Freestone Insurance Story

In this episode, Ben Hayes, Nick Baxter, and Austin Bockwinkel share how Freestone Insurance Group is building a nationally recognized insurance platform rooted in relationships and entrepreneurial drive. Ben reflects on his journey from professional golf to founding a full-service brokerage, and how an unplanned conversation with Shore Capital opened his eyes to what Freestone could become. The team discusses why they chose partnership over exit, how investing in talent and technology transformed their business, and what they look for in agency owners ready to join the platform. They talk about preserving the brands and cultures entrepreneurs have built, why the most exciting time to join is at the beginning, and how insurance remains a people-first industry where Freestone's future will be defined by the partners who choose to be part of the story. Key Takeaways: Entrepreneurial drive and trusted relationships form the foundation of durable growth in a people-first insurance industry. Investing early in specialized expertise and operational infrastructure frees leaders to move from working in the business to building the business. Choosing partnership over exit unlocks talent, technology, and strategic resources that accelerate scale without sacrificing culture or control. The most compelling platforms preserve brand, legacy, and entrepreneurial identity while aligning incentives to create long-term shared value. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 03:49 - A People-First Business 06:10 - Investing in Talent and Infrastructure 09:46 - Partnership Over Exit 18:28 - Preserving Legacy and Driving Growth Listen to our podcasts at: https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts You'll also find other Microcap Moments episodes, alongside our series Everyday Heroes and Bigger. Stronger. Faster. , highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique. Other ways to connect: Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/ Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

December 17, 202531 min

Building the Future of Clinical Research with PhaseWell | Carsten Bick

In this episode, Carsten Bick shares his path from building healthcare services businesses to leading PhaseWell Research. He reflects on what drew him to clinical research, the opportunity to expand patient and physician access in a fragmented industry, and why people remain central to creating a successful platform. Carsten discusses scaling clinical trials through thoughtful partnerships, why culture and trust matter as much as process and technology, and how Shore Capital’s people-first approach aligned with his vision for long-term growth. He underscores the responsibility of building alongside experienced founders, staying close to patients, and letting purpose guide PhaseWell’s strategy and leadership. Key Takeaways: People-first leadership comes first, shaping how teams are built, decisions are made, and care is delivered throughout the organization. Expanding access to clinical research requires engaging more physicians and patients in a highly fragmented industry. Trust, culture, and experienced partnerships enable growth while preserving quality, integrity, and alignment with mission. Long-term success is driven by staying close to purpose, investing in people, and building platforms alongside partners who share a long-term vision. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 05:57 - Expanding Access in a Fragmented Industry 17:17 - People-First Leadership 20:27 - Building Trust Through the Right Partnerships 24:57 - Purpose, Scale, and Long-Term Growth Listen to our podcasts at: https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts You'll also find other Microcap Moments episodes, alongside our series Everyday Heroes and Bigger. Stronger. Faster. , highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique. Other ways to connect: Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/ Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

December 4, 202548 min

Inspiring the Next Generation: Jordan Baltimore’s Vision for RISE

In this episode, Jordan Baltimore reflects on his unlikely path from volunteering to rake a baseball field to founding New York Empire Baseball and leading RISE. He shares how passion, curiosity, and a belief in what young athletes deserve shaped his vision for elevating youth sports. Jordan discusses why culture, coaching, and community sit at the heart of his model, how transforming coaching from a gig into a profession changes lives, and why Shore’s commitment to scaling culture, not just business, was the deciding factor in their partnership. He highlights the power of inspiration, the responsibility of shaping young athletes’ experiences, and how staying true to purpose continues to guide every decision he makes. Key Takeaways: Passion for people, community, and the joy of the game creates the foundation for meaningful growth in youth sports. Elevating coaching from a gig to a profession strengthens culture and ensures every athlete receives consistent, inspiring development. Great experiences come from focusing on the core of youth sports, connection, learning, and life lessons, not just technology or metrics. The right partnerships are built on shared values, a commitment to culture, and a clear vision for scaling without losing what makes the work special. Inspiration thrives when leaders stay curious, invest in development, and create environments where young athletes and coaches can learn, grow, and belong. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 06:22 - Passion for Community 12:40 - Building Sustainable Coaching 21:25 - Finding the Right Partner 34:59 - The Future of RISE Listen to our podcasts at: https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts You'll also find other Microcap Moments episodes, alongside our series Everyday Heroes and Bigger. Stronger. Faster. , highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique. Other ways to connect: Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/ Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

November 20, 202529 min

From Grandma’s Kitchen to Market Maker: The Story Behind SDC Nutrition

In this episode, Devenee Schumacher shares her journey from her grandmother’s kitchen to founding and building SDC Nutrition into a leading manufacturer in the health and wellness industry. She reflects on how her love of food, curiosity for science, and commitment to quality turned a homegrown idea into a company built on integrity and innovation. Devenee discusses how honesty and persistence guided her through the challenges of scaling a new market, why investing in people and doing what’s right creates lasting impact, and how true growth comes from staying grounded in purpose and passion. Key Takeaways: Purpose and passion often begin with humble roots where love for craft and family spark lifelong curiosity and drive. Integrity and quality build trust in products, partners, and people and form the foundation of lasting success. Resilience and innovation thrive when leaders stay true to their values, adapt to change, and keep improving what they create. True fulfillment comes from doing what’s right, investing in others, and leading with honesty, purpose, and heart. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 05:16 - Humble Roots and Lifelong Curiosity 07:40 - Turning Passion into a Product 14:07 - Integrity and Innovation in Manufacturing 22:10 - Growth, Partnership, and Purpose Listen to our podcasts at: https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts You'll also find other Microcap Moments episodes, alongside our series Everyday Heroes and Bigger. Stronger. Faster. , highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique. Other ways to connect: Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/ Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

November 13, 202529 min

From Family Farm to Fortune 500 | Ken Meyer

In this episode, Ken Meyer shares his journey from growing up on a family farm to leading at Whole Foods and beyond. He reflects on how hard work, humility, and a people-first mindset shaped his 24-year career and guided him through major transitions from building teams to leading Whole Foods’ sale to Amazon. Ken discusses how trust, transparency, and empowerment drive lasting culture, why great leaders learn through failure, and how success comes from focusing on purpose, staying curious, and never losing sight of what matters most. Key Takeaways: Lasting leadership begins with hard work, humility, and curiosity that keep growth grounded in purpose. Empowering people through trust, transparency, and context creates a culture where teams thrive and leaders emerge. Successful transformations happen when leaders build trust, communicate openly, and stay true to shared values. Fulfillment comes from focusing on what matters most, helping others grow, and creating impact that endures. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 03:45 - Lessons from the Farm 09:30 - The Power of Trust and Empowerment 15:11 - Leading Through Transformations 22:44 - Purpose and Fulfillment Listen to our podcasts at: https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts You'll also find other Microcap Moments episodes, alongside our series Everyday Heroes and Bigger. Stronger. Faster. , highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique. Other ways to connect: Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/ Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

November 5, 202530 min

Empowering People, Driving Growth, and Leading with Grit | Tara Conger

In this episode, Tara Conger reflects on her journey from athletics to executive leadership and how the lessons of great coaches shaped her approach to business. She shares how building trust, investing in people, and leading through change helped her guide Tandem HR through growth and a successful exit. Tara also discusses what makes private equity leadership unique, the importance of balancing impact with effort, and why resilience and culture are at the heart of every great team. Key Takeaways: Lessons from the field to the boardroom show that teamwork, preparation, and accountability turn potential into lasting success. Investing in people and culture creates the foundation for growth, where engagement and purpose drive performance. Great leadership grows from trust and resilience, guiding teams with clarity and empathy through transformation and uncertainty. True impact comes from focusing energy on outcomes that matter, not just the effort behind them. Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 04:40 - Lessons from the Field to the Boardroom 09:41 - Building Culture Through Clarity and Connection 13:51 - Leading Through Change with Empathy and Resilience 22:53 - Focusing on Impact, Not Effort Listen to our podcasts at: https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts You'll also find other Microcap Moments episodes, alongside our series Everyday Heroes and Bigger. Stronger. Faster. , highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique. Other ways to connect: Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/ Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.

October 29, 202533 min

Caring at Scale: The PRO-spectus People-First Story

In this episode, Amy Madden, Chief People and Culture Officer, and Suzanne Norman, Vice President of Patient Services at PRO-spectus, share how the company is evolving from a patient first culture to a people first growth strategy. They reflect on PRO’s rapid expansion, founder led roots, and the importance of staying scrappy while scaling. Amy and Suzanne discuss how investing in leadership development, performance management, and shared ownership is helping PRO grow by growing its people, and how an intentional, values driven culture remains the foundation of everything they do. Key Takeaways: Culture becomes a catalyst for growth when a patient first mission expands into a people first mindset that empowers performance and purpose Intentional connection sustains culture in a remote world, where engagement, transparency, and care keep teams aligned through rapid growth Leadership development drives scale when managers grow with intention, build consistency, and create environments where others can succeed Shared ownership turns accountability into motivation, aligning personal success with the company’s mission and collective results Chapters: 00:00 - Introduction 06:22 - Culture as a Catalyst for Growth 11:46 - Intentional Connection in a Remote World 14:02 - Leadership Development That Drives Scale 22:54 - Shared Ownership and Accountability 30:09 - Preserving Culture Through Growth Listen to our podcasts at: https://www.shorecp.university/podcasts You'll also find other Microcap Moments episodes, alongside our series Everyday Heroes and Bigger. Stronger. Faster. , highlighting the people and stories that make the microcap space unique. Other ways to connect: Blog: https://www.shorecp.university/blog Shore University: https://www.shorecp.university/ Shore Capital Partners: https://www.shorecp.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/shore-university This podcast is the property of Shore Capital Partners LLC. None of the content herein is investment advice, an offer of investment advisory services, or a recommendation or offer relating to any security. See the “Terms of Use” page on the Shore Capital website for other important information.