Episode 1336: How to Double or Triple EBITDA
0 views · November 9th, 2026
A great business strategy is only the beginning. Real value comes when the right people, processes, and systems execute it. In this episode of Sharkpreneur, Seth Greene interviews Eric Wiklendt, Managing Director at Speyside Equity, who shares how his hands-on experience as a CEO and operator has shaped his approach to private equity and to creating business value. He explains how his firm identifies manufacturing and value-added distribution businesses where operational improvements, growth initiatives, and stronger management teams can significantly increase profitability. Eric also breaks down his “fix and build” approach, the importance of human capital, and why clear, consistent communication is critical to transforming a company. Key Takeaways: → Hands-on operating experience can provide investors with deeper insight into how businesses create value. → Private equity value creation can come from improving EBITDA, reducing debt, or increasing the business’s exit multiple. → The “fix and build” approach first focuses on creating a scalable operational foundation, then on accelerating growth. → Assessing whether a management team has the human capital to execute a value-creation plan is an important part of the acquisition process. → Sustainable private equity growth requires balancing the desire to scale with the need to maintain investment quality and protect long-term reputation. Eric Wiklendt is a Managing Director at Speyside Equity, where he sources, executes, manages, and exits investments. Eric has previously held senior leadership and operational roles, and he currently serves on the Boards of several portfolio companies. Before joining Speyside Equity, Eric was President & CEO of Kelix Heat Transfer Systems. Prior to that, he held leadership roles at Eaton and Hilti Corporation, where he oversaw M&A activities, established a manufacturing plant in Mexico, managed a large marketing team, and directed industrial sales operations. A graduate of the University of Notre Dame, Eric obtained his MBA from the Wharton School at the University of Pennsylvania. Connect With Eric: Website: http://www.speysideequity.com/ LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/speyside-equity/ All expressions of opinion provided in this podcast are subject to change without notice and are not intended to be a forecast of future events or results. There is no assurance that the trends highlighted in this podcast will occur in the future or that the projections, if any, will be met.
