Episode 35

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Published on:

14th Oct 2025

Brendan Anderson, Founder & Managing Partner of ScaleCo Capital

Today we’re joined by Brendan Anderson, Founder & Managing Partner of ScaleCo Capital. We kick things off with his jump from banking to buying his first company as we dig into what gave him the courage to make the move and how he made that first deal happen. From there, Brendan breaks down what ScaleCo looks for and how they partner with “lifestyle businesses” to professionalize and grow them without losing the owner’s DNA. We also dig into why, for many entrepreneurs, buying a business can be a smarter on-ramp than starting from scratch. And yes, we wrap with the story behind the T-shirt he owns but can never wear. Thanks for listening and we hope you enjoy this episode with Brendan Anderson.

Connect with Brendan here:

Brendan Anderson LinkedIn 

Host Matt McLaughlin, CFA, CAIA, is a Portfolio Specialist at Diamond Hill Capital Management. He is a Past President and Board Member of the CFA Society of Cleveland. Connect with Matt here: 

Matt McLaughlin LinkedIn


We'd like to thank the CFA Society Cleveland's 2025 Annual Sponsors First Trust, Invesco, State Street Global Advisors, BlackRock, Man Group, Avantis Investors and ScaleCo. We'd also like to that our University Partners the Case Western Reserve Weatherhead School of Business and University of Akron School of Business. The support from these partners and others helps the Society bring engaging content like the Guardians of Finance podcast and other in-person events. We welcome you to attend an event in the future to network, learn, and stay involved with the investment community in Northeast Ohio.  

Show artwork for Guardians of Finance with Matt McLaughlin

About the Podcast

Guardians of Finance with Matt McLaughlin
Guardians of Finance will provide you with a chance to foster deeper connections and know what is getting the attention of Clevelands’s Investment community.
Ready to connect with the investment community here in Cleveland? Want to learn about the people, events, projects, and firms that are making a difference? Want all of that but feel like you don’t have the time? This is the show for you.



Welcome to Guardians of Finance.



Brought to you by the CFA Society of Cleveland and hosted by Matt McLaughlin, CFA, CAIA and Portfolio Specialist at Diamond Hill Capital Management, Guardians of Finance will provide you with a chance to foster deeper connections and know what is getting the attention of Clevelands’s Investment community.



Subscribe to the podcast on your favorite podcast platform and head to Guardiansoffinance.com where you can connect or reconnect with the CFA Society of Cleveland and attend an educational or social event, and find volunteer opportunities.

About your host

Profile picture for Matthew McLaughlin

Matthew McLaughlin