Owner to Owner spring issue 2026

March 20, 2026
  • Capital Partners
In this issue of Owner to Owner, we review the business environment entering 2026, revisit the five Cs of credit, and learn about Tom Ripley’s journey from the Marine Corps to CEO of Ames Watson. We also discuss how U.S. history offers valuable lessons for today with author and historian Jon Meacham and explore how to attract and retain senior-level executives in a closely held business.

The business environment Q1 2026

Michael Conti, Will Mooney, and Christy Hourihan provide an overview of the business environment on three fronts: the overall economy, the credit markets, and the private equity and mergers and acquisitions markets.

Plus ça change: The five Cs of credit and why character still counts

From covenant-lite loans to artificial intelligence underwriting, credit analysis has changed. The foundations of good credit haven’t. In this issue’s feature article, Partner Lewis Hart revisits the five Cs of credit and discusses why the first C – character – remains essential.

From sea to C-suite: Tom Ripley’s journey from U.S. Marine Corps to CEO

Partner Lewis Hart sits down with Tom Ripley, CEO of Ames Watson and former infantry and special operations officer in the Marine Corps, to discuss how his military experience shaped his approach to leadership, mission, and responsibility in the business world.

Curiosity, candor, and empathy: A conversation with historian Jon Meacham on the U.S. at 250

Jon Meacham, Pulitzer Prize-winning author and historian, explores what 250 years of U.S. history can teach us about progress vs. perfection and leadership in today’s politics, business environment, and society.

Attracting and retaining executives in a closely held business

John Secor and Kyle Gordon examine attracting and retaining professional executives in a closely held business. They discuss both the “softer” areas of focus that lead to success in hiring and retaining executives, as well as short- and long-term compensation structures.
Stock market or forex trading graph in graphic concept
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The business environment Q1 2026

Michael Conti, Will Mooney, and Christy Hourihan provide an overview of the business environment on three fronts: the overall economy, the credit markets, and the private equity and mergers and acquisitions markets.

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