In a landscape where financial expertise meets entrepreneurial opportunity, Levi Pettit has established himself as an insightful voice on both Lower-Middle Market Private Equity (LMMPE) and career development in finance. Currently pursuing his MBA at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, Pettit brings a unique perspective shaped by his experience as both an analyst and investor.
The Power of Continuous Learning
“I know that you just graduated, and you think that you have a college degree and know everything now; but that’s not the case,” Pettit recalls his first boss telling him. This philosophy of continuous learning has defined his career trajectory, from earning his CFA® charter through more than 600 hours of dedicated study to his current pursuit of an MBA.
As a magna cum laude graduate of The University of Texas at Dallas with degrees in Finance and Economics, Pettit’s academic excellence was matched by his leadership as captain of the men’s golf team. “In Division III, there are no athletic scholarships,” he explains. “There’s no professional aspirations; everybody who’s playing is really just there because they love the game.”
Finding His Path in Private Equity
Pettit’s journey through the financial sector led him to discover his passion for private equity, particularly in the lower-middle market space. “LMMPE is generally defined as companies generating revenues between $1 – $40 million. This encompasses 99.9% of businesses in the USA,” he explains, drawing from his experience as an Investment Associate at a single-family office.
His role there focused on “dealing more with alternative investments, private equity, venture capital, commercial real estate,” including both direct investing and fund allocation. This hands-on experience shaped his understanding of LMMPE’s unique advantages and challenges.
The Future of Finance: Remote Work vs. In-Person Learning
Despite the growing trend toward remote work, Pettit advocates strongly for in-person experience, especially for young professionals. “Entry-level job seekers really should be looking for opportunities where they can be face-to-face with people every single day. That’s where I learned the most — and how I grew the most.”
Advice for Rising Financial Professionals
Pettit emphasizes the importance of tangible demonstrations of skill. “Companies may wonder, ‘Do you have the ability to produce a product that is going to be on par with what we expect?'” He advises bringing concrete work samples to interviews and consistently expanding one’s skill set through additional training and courses.
Perhaps most importantly, he stresses the value of mentorship and networking. “You have to put yourself out there. Find mentors — I would definitely not be where I am today if it wasn’t for the mentors I have in my life.”
The LMMPE Opportunity
Looking ahead, Pettit sees significant potential in the LMMPE sector, particularly as technology transforms small business operations. “Small businesses and public sector entities are not naïve. They know they will have to incorporate artificial intelligence into the infrastructure of their business to survive and grow over the next decade,” he observes.
This perspective, combined with his experience in risk management and investment evaluation, gives Pettit a unique view on where the industry is heading. While acknowledging that “LMMPE has historically generated significant returns and is poised to continue to do so,” he maintains that success requires careful evaluation and strategic thinking.
Through his journey from college graduate to CFA® charterholder and MBA candidate, Pettit exemplifies the combination of continuous learning and strategic thinking that he advocates for others. His insights into both LMMPE and career development offer valuable guidance for those looking to succeed in today’s dynamic financial landscape.