Over the last several years, private equity has continued its rapid expansion, reshaping the landscape of business ownership and investment. What was once limited to a small circle of institutional investors now reaches into 401k portfolios, making PE an increasingly dominant force in our economy. While this growth has fueled opportunity for many, it also poses new challenges for Evergreen® companies whose long-term, purpose-driven approach stands in sharp contrast to private equity's short-term return model.

Dave Whorton, Founder and CEO of Tugboat Institute®, revisits his 2019 talk, "The Rise of Private Equity," to explore how the private equity landscape has evolved and what its growing influence means for Evergreen leaders today. He reaffirms that private equity remains kryptonite to Evergreen businesses yet highlights examples of Tugboat Institute member companies that have found unconventional ways to engage with private equity and strategic capital while staying true to their Evergreen values.

Listen and gain perspective on how to navigate the shifting capital landscape without compromising the purpose and principles that define Evergreen companies.

Mark Steele is the president and owner of Craftsmen Industries and a former turnaround specialist for private equity firms. Early in his career, he stepped into struggling businesses and made the tough calls others avoided.

In this Tugboat Institute® talk, Mark shares how the opportunity to lead family-owned Craftsmen Industries sparked a profound shift in his career and business philosophy. He explores how leading the company, and ultimately becoming its owner, led him to embrace an approach to leadership and ownership grounded in Evergreen® values.

Listen and be inspired by Mark's journey from turnaround expert to Evergreen leader.

Adam Echter is a partner at Simon-Kucher and a global expert in pricing strategy. A thought-leader and consultant, Adam brings decades of experience helping companies shape strategies that drive both profit and purpose.

In this Tugboat Institute® Summit talk, Adam challenges the myth that purpose and profit are mutually exclusive. He lays out actionable pricing strategies that align with Evergreen® values, helping leaders create lasting value for customers while sustaining healthy margins. Through case studies and practical tools, Adam demonstrates that pricing, done well, is not just a financial lever but a strategic expression of purpose.

Listen and be inspired to rethink pricing as a pathway to strengthen both your impact and your bottom line.