Adaptive Operational Strategies for Varied Ownership Part I; Pick Your Poison: Private, PE, or Publicly Traded
What kind of company should you bet your career on—and how do you win once you’re in? If you’re an engineer, operations leader, or consultant with ambition, this isn’t just a casual question—it’s the key to finding where you thrive and avoiding career missteps. The ownership structure—private, private equity (PE), or publicly traded—shapes the game you’re playing: the pace, the stakes, and the culture. Choose poorly or operate in a way that doesn’t work for the business, and you’re setting yourself up for disappointment. Choose wisely and execute tailored strategies that stand the test of time, and you’re the one driving success. Having worked in all three of these ownership structures, I want to share my experience and case studies to help anyone succeed in these ownership structures. This series is your straightforward guide to figuring out where you might best fit and how to excel. Let’s get started.
The Ownership Breakdown: Know the Players
Private Companies: These are the marathon runners, like H-E-B, the Texas grocery leader. No Wall Street pressure—just a tight-knit team (often family or founders) focused on the long term. They’re building legacies, not chasing short-term gains. Think stability, control, and a deep commitment to customers. H-E-B’s been vertically integrating since the 1930s—warehouses, milk plants, and more. If you enjoy crafting something lasting and can handle a steady pace, this is your space.
Private Equity (PE) Firms: Welcome to the sprint. PE outfits like Elevate Textiles aim for quick turnarounds—buy low, optimize fast, sell high in 3-7 years. It’s a high-energy world of cost-cutting, process tweaks, and “let’s make it happen” momentum. Elevate’s been stacking small wins—refining textile ops for maximum efficiency. If you thrive on urgency and can deliver results fast, this is your chance to shine.
Publicly Traded Companies: Big leagues, big spotlight. Think Jabil, the manufacturing giant that earned its spot on the S&P 500. Shareholders watch closely, quarterly reports rule, and innovation drives growth. They’ve got resources, scale, and a global reach—but every step’s under review. Jabil’s tech focus turned a small repair shop into a $30B leader. If you love high stakes and can balance bureaucracy with creativity, this is your platform.
Your Move: Pick a Lane, Then Own It
You need to know your strengths to choose the right path. Here’s the clear breakdown—plus how to succeed once you’re there:
Private Companies: This is about strategy, not speed. Success takes persistence and time. H-E-B didn’t just stock shelves during COVID—they built a supply chain powerhouse with own-label products and in-house logistics while others struggled. Win by aligning with their vision (customer-first, always) and earning leadership’s trust. You’re not just working; you’re laying foundations. Use data to support your ideas—like a logistics tweak that cuts delivery costs by 5%—and your impact will grow. Note: If you dislike gradual progress, you might lose interest. Even if the big moves are slow, identify what is important to stay fast at and do it faster than anybody.
PE Firms: Speed is everything. Elevate Textiles didn’t hesitate—PE owners pushed them to cut waste and boost output like it was a race. You succeed by finding quick wins fast: a production bottleneck? Solve it now. Data’s your friend—show how a 10% uptime boost adds $2M, and you’re set. Teamwork is essential; silos don’t survive here. Note: Burnout’s a risk, and long-term thinking isn’t the focus. Stay adaptable and don’t sweat sudden big changes.
Public Companies: You’re in the big leagues—step up. Jabil stays ahead by innovating; they’ve got 3D printing labs running while others lag. Success means using data smartly (like predictive maintenance stats that save millions) and pitching ideas past the red tape. Partnerships—inside or with vendors—boost your influence. You’re not just part of the machine; you’re a key player. Note: Politics and shareholder focus can slow you down if you don’t stay sharp. Make a name for yourself early and often and think inside and way outside the box.
Decoding the Culture: Your Cheat Codes
Every ownership type has its unwritten rules. Master them, and you’ll stand out:
Private Companies: Loyalty matters most. H-E-B’s leaders don’t leave—they’re committed for life and live the company’s values. Prove you’re invested—take on that overlooked warehouse project—and you’ll earn real responsibility. Patience builds influence, identify opportunities no one else is seeing to find room to grow in the now.
PE Firms: Results matter more than words. Elevate’s PE approach focused on measurable gains—like cutting downtime 15% in six months. Be the one who delivers, not the one who hesitates. Data-driven and quick detailing the results with a bow on it? You’re their go-to person.
Public Companies: Vision sets you apart. Jabil’s not resting—they’re investing in AI and robotics. Pitch big, support it with numbers (like a 20% efficiency gain from a new tool), and build the right support. You’re not just keeping up; you’re leading and doing things that have literally never been done before.
Extra Ammo: Real-World Wins
H-E-B (Private): During COVID, they didn’t just keep shelves full—they built a supply chain fortress. Own-label products, in-house trucking—while rivals struggled, H-E-B strengthened its core. Lesson? Depth beats haste.
Elevate Textiles (PE): After a buyout, they turned a quiet textile firm into a lean operation. One plant cut energy costs 12% by adjusting shifts. Lesson? Small changes, big results.
Jabil (Public): They grew from circuit boards to tech solutions—like Apple’s supply chain. One engineer’s automation idea saved $10M yearly. Lesson? Innovate or fall behind.
The Stakes—and the Payoff
This isn’t about an easy job. Private companies trade speed for endurance. PE firms trade calm for intensity. Public companies trade flexibility for scale. Match your skills to the challenge—patience for private, hustle for PE, vision for public—and you’ll come out ahead. Parts II, III, and IV dive deeper: H-E-B’s private strength, Elevate’s PE push, Jabil’s public drive. Each one’s a lesson in winning your way. So, what’s your next step? Find your fit, then make it yours.
