Two powerful themes defined this year’s Operating Partners Summit; Linking Gross Profit, EBITDA, and Valuation and Managing Cash Flow During Challenging Times.
From November 3–6, 2025, leaders from across Newlook Capital’s Industrial and Infrastructure Services Fund III gathered in Birmingham, Alabama, to explore these themes through collaboration, strategy, and shared learning. Hosted at The Valley Hotel in Homewood, the Summit brought together our portfolio company executives and the Newlook Capital team to align on performance, growth, and long-term value creation.
A Warm Southern Welcome
The Summit opened with a reception hosted by Living Water Utilities, who extended an incredible welcome to Birmingham. Guests enjoyed authentic southern BBQ from Jim ‘N Nick’s, setting the tone for an engaging and collaborative week ahead. The evening was filled with meaningful conversations and a sense of shared purpose that carried through the entire event.
Strategy, Performance, and Market Insight
The following morning, Newlook’s leadership team shared firm-wide updates, including a strategic outlook and IISF III performance review. Elroy Gust (CEO), Abbas Osman (CIO, Partner), and Tony (CFO, Partner) provided a detailed look at portfolio performance and discussed Newlook’s continued focus on disciplined growth and operational excellence heading into 2026.
Further sessions included an update from Danielle and Luke on the 2025 Finance Leadership Summit, as well as a discussion on the state of the capital markets led by Elroy and Abbas. The morning concluded with a guest presentation by Michael Thomason, Partner at Bradley Arant Boult Cummings LLP, who offered an informed perspective on legal and market considerations in today’s investment landscape.
Themes in Action
Afternoon sessions brought the Summit’s central themes to life. Through interactive breakout discussions, participants examined how linking gross profit, EBITDA, and valuation can directly influence enterprise value, and how optimizing cash flow can build resilience during market fluctuations. These sessions sparked open dialogue, knowledge-sharing, and actionable insights among operating partners.
Connection and Collaboration
Following the formal items in each day’s agenda, conversation and connection continued over dinner and group activities. The relaxed settings allowed partners to strengthen relationships and exchange ideas beyond the boardroom; a reflection of the deep collaboration that defines the Industrial and Infrastructure Services Fund III.
On the final day, participants presented their group takeaways and discussed how they plan to apply these strategies within their respective businesses, reinforcing the Summit’s purpose: to create alignment, drive performance, and build sustainable value for the IISF III.
We Are Invested in Partnership and Performance
The 2025 Operating Partners Summit captured what sets Newlook Capital apart; a deep commitment to partnership, operational excellence, and long-term value creation.
At Newlook Capital, We Are Invested – in our companies, in our partners, and in the enduring businesses that keep industries and infrastructure moving forward.
Learn more about the Newlook Capital Industrial and Infrastructure Services Fund III and how we’re building long-term value in essential service sectors at https://newlookcapital.com/industrial-infrastructure-services-fund/.
