Why Relationships Are Still the Most Powerful Deal Sourcing Tool in Private Equity | Lee Livingston

Most private equity firms compete on price. Trident Equity Group competes on something most firms cannot replicate — relationship, legacy, and community. 🎙️ In this episode of the Growth Xperts Podcast, host Derek Colin spoke with Lee Livingston, Partner at Trident Equity Group, about what it really takes to source quality deals, navigate sellers with cold feet, and build a PE firm that people actually want to do business with. From his concept of Code Connecting to his approach to walking sellers through unrealistic valuations with honesty and respect, Lee brings a refreshingly human perspective to a world that often feels purely transactional. In this episode, you'll discover: Why more companies are coming to market right now, but fewer of them are actually ready — and what that means for buyers and sellers navigating today's ambiguous economy. How Lee's concept of Code Connecting turns cold conversations into warm relationships faster than any pitch or deck ever could. Why Trident Equity does not compete on price and what they offer sellers instead, which keeps the door open even when a deal does not close. If you are a business owner thinking about an exit or a PE professional looking for a different way to build relationships in a noisy market, this episode will give you a completely different playbook to work from. 🌐 Connect with Lee Livingston: 🔗 Website: tridentequitygrp.com 💼 LinkedIn: Search Lee Livingston on LinkedIn 🎙️ Growth Xperts Podcast — Hosted by Derek Colin Subscribe for weekly conversations with world-class investors, operators, and growth experts. 🚀