In this episode, host Nick Santhanam, CEO of Fernweh Group, welcomes Darron Ash, CEO of Sammons Enterprises and Sammons Industrial. The Sammons portfolio of companies includes businesses operating in financial services, industrial equipment, real estate investment and infrastructure across five countries. Darron shares his perspectives on the Sammons story, its unique approach to investing and partnering with companies, its singular focus on people and culture and how the firm is positioned for success in the coming decades. Headquartered in Dallas, Texas, Sammons was established in 1938 and now is one of the largest privately held companies in the US, with approximately $7 billion in annual revenues and over $118 billion in assets. In 2022, Sammons placed 44th on the Largest Privately Held Companies in the US list.

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Darron has been with Sammons since 2006 and joined the company with 17 years of experience in the public accounting, private equity, consumer products manufacturing, and professional services industries.  He served as Chief Financial Officer for Sammons Enterprises for nine years prior to accepting the role of President and Chief Executive Officer for Sammons Industrial.  Darron has been a member of the Executive Committee and the Sammons Enterprises Board since 2015.

• Sammons values long-term partnerships, decentralized management, and strong culture.
• Organic growth emphasized, strategic M&A for adjacent opportunities across verticals.
• Sammons prioritizing disciplined capital allocation amid economic volatility.
• Pivot to equipment rentals during pandemic for enhanced customer value.
• Utilizing advanced tech accelerates business growth and profitability.
• Key enablers for long-term success: right people, talent, and culture.