Member Spotlight | Mike Mack

ACG WI Member Since: 2018 ACG WI Involvement: Board Member (since 2020), Membership Committee Member, Former ACG WI NextGen Member

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Why did you join ACG?
PS Capital and ACG go together like peanut butter and jelly. My partners Paul Stewart and Paul Sweeney were among the first private equity members and have been avid supporters of ACG over the past three decades. They spoke highly of the organization and its members and encouraged me to participate.

How has ACG WI helped you in your career?
ACG WI members are hand selected, curating the highest caliber group of Wisconsin middle market M&A professionals. When I first joined it was through the NextGen program, which is a group of rising stars at ACG member organizations. There I developed professional relationships and friendships that will likely last a lifetime. As I started attending the formal chapter events, eventually becoming a full member myself, I was able to meet and learn from seasoned M&A leaders. Everyone has been friendly and happy to connect. The network I have developed is invaluable.

How do you get the most out of ACG?
Event programming is always very well done, but the networking before and after events is without question the most valuable time for me.  And it is most rewarding when I am deliberate about it. Do I need to catch up with a banker or attorney on an ongoing deal? Do I want to meet a particular new member or prospective member? Do I simply want to catch up with someone I have not seen in a while? Everyone in the room has a busy schedule, but this is time everyone is willing to share. I do my best to take advantage of that.

What lessons have you learned during the pandemic that you think you will carry over in the long term?
ALWAYS know when your camera is on. Also, the value of face-to-face collaboration. Everyone has been forced to adapt to a virtual world, but I will no longer take for granted the benefit of spontaneous idea sharing and discussion without the need to schedule a zoom meeting or conference call.

What do you think are the biggest challenges your industry will face in the next 5 years, and what actions is your business taking to position it for success in the future?
There continues to be growth in both the number of private equity investors and amount of capital earmarked for private investment. While we believe there will be enough opportunities for everyone, relationships and reputation will be more important than ever.

What do you do for fun?
I grew up playing golf and hockey and can fortunately still play both. My men’s league hockey team was even able to win a couple titles over the years.

If you could learn anything, what would it be?
My wife Melanie and I have been trying to learn more about wine. We have not gotten very far but are enjoying the process.

What is the best TV series you have watched this past year?

After finally checking the box on Game of Thrones, we just started watching Yellowstone. We are hooked.

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