Inner Circle
Sign In Join Inner Circle
← Back to Library
To The Point - Home Services Culture

Inside the $2.5B Blackstone Deal with Champions Group

📅 April 28, 2026 ⏱️ 32:29 🎤 Chris, Frank DeMarco, Leland Smith, Wyatt

Chapters

Click to jump to section

  • 0:00
    Introduction to the Deal
    Chris introduces the episode, highlighting the upcoming discussion with Frank DeMarco and Leland Smith about their recent Blackstone deal.
  • 1:45
    The Blackstone Deal Details
    Frank DeMarco shares details of the $2.54 billion Blackstone acquisition and the journey of building Champions Group.
  • 4:46
    Focus on People and Culture
    Frank emphasizes that Blackstone's investment was primarily in the people and culture of Champions Group, not just its brand or systems.
  • 7:45
    Consistency Over Uniqueness
    Frank explains that Champions Group's success wasn't about doing unique things, but about consistent and excellent execution of standard industry practices.
  • 16:37
    The Value of Memberships
    Frank discusses how their 150,000 memberships created significant value for Blackstone, offering stable revenue and cross-selling opportunities.
  • 22:43
    Leland Smith's Wisdom
    Leland Smith shares his core philosophies: being the 'dumbest in the room' to learn, getting into groups with larger companies, and hiring people smarter than yourself.
  • 25:29
    Managing Debt and Fear
    Frank addresses concerns about managing debt in large acquisitions and the importance of being fearless in leading a business.
  • 28:49
    Future Outlook and Growth
    Frank speculates on the future of the industry, anticipating further consolidation and aggressive growth for Champions Group under Blackstone.

Speakers

C
Chris
Host
F
Frank DeMarco
CEO of Champions Group
L
Leland Smith
Founder
W
Wyatt

Key Takeaways

✦

Prioritize your people: Blackstone invested in Champions Group primarily because of its strong culture and dedicated team. Taking care of your employees fosters loyalty and attracts investors.

✦

Be consistent in execution: Rather than seeking unique strategies, focus on consistently and excellently performing fundamental tasks. This steady growth is highly valued by private equity.

✦

Build a robust membership model: A large base of recurring revenue from memberships makes your business more resilient to market fluctuations and highly attractive to investors seeking stability and cross-selling opportunities.

✦

Embrace learning from others: Actively seek out and engage with owners of larger, more successful companies. Learn from their challenges and solutions to accelerate your own growth.

✦

Hire smarter than yourself: Don't be afraid to bring in individuals who are more skilled or knowledgeable than you in specific areas. This empowers your team and drives overall company growth.

✦

Overcome fear in leadership: Be fearless in making strategic decisions and entrusting your team. A clear vision and confidence inspire loyalty and drive your business forward, even in the face of challenges.

✦

Maintain clean financials: Having meticulously kept financial records with minimal adjustments makes your business more appealing and transparent during due diligence, potentially leading to better valuations and financing terms.

Want the full experience?

Join the Inner Circle for full access to every episode, AI-powered insights, personalized coaching, and a network of industry leaders.

Join Inner Circle →
POWER100

Inner Circle Membership Portal © 2026 Power100. All rights reserved.

power100.io