Meet Shaun Gordon | Investor & Entrepreneur

We had the good fortune of connecting with Shaun Gordon and we’ve shared our conversation below.

Hi Shaun, how do you think about risk?
From the earliest days of my childhood, building things fascinated me. Be it an intricate Lego structure or the expansive realm of a make-believe world, I was drawn to the idea of creation. I fondly remember the countless hours I spent, block by block, creating complex structures, each a testament to my imagination and adventure-seeking spirit.

By the age of 12, I knew finance and asset management was my calling. But when it came time to decide my professional path after graduating from NYU in just three years, I was at a crossroads. It was 2002, and most of my peers were flocking to the prestigious world of big banks like Morgan Stanley, JP Morgan, and Goldman Sachs. While these institutions offered the allure of security, high salaries, and illustrious names, I yearned for the thrill of building something from scratch.

There’s a quote that resonated with me: “By not taking risks, sometimes you risk everything.” When an opportunity presented itself to help launch a hedge fund with professionals I deeply admired, I saw it not just as a job, but as an adventure. Despite not having the security blanket of a big bank, this was my chance to be part of creating something monumental. Just like with my Legos, I was drawn to the idea of constructing something significant, piece by piece.

The path of an entrepreneur and investor is riddled with bumps and setbacks. It’s not always financially rewarding, but the richness of the journey, the lessons learned, the challenges faced, and the victories celebrated – all contribute to an unparalleled educational adventure. Over my 21-year career span, I’ve come to view risk as an essential component of growth. It’s like a muscle that you train – the more you exercise it, the stronger it gets. I’ve had my fair share of scraped knees and elbows, but each scar has taught me something invaluable. And, as I evolved, my perspective on risks matured, turning challenges into opportunities.

Today, my investment focus has shifted primarily to private equity – a realm where liquidity is scarce, and you’re often “stuck” with the decisions you make. But here’s the thing – every risk I’ve taken, every challenge I’ve faced, has shaped my approach. Meeting with entrepreneurs, understanding their stories, and buying new businesses isn’t just about financials; it’s about recognizing the potential in risks and turning them into opportunities. The countless setbacks I’ve faced have, over time, transformed into insights that now guide me in my decisions. And just like those childhood days with Legos, every venture is a new adventure waiting to unfold.

Alright, so for those in our community who might not be familiar with your business, can you tell us more?
At its core, Astria Group stands as a beacon of support for small to middle-market enterprises, especially when it comes to transaction advisory and M&A. While the world often gets caught up in numbers and statistics, we see beyond that. We recognize the stories of lifelong dedication, passion, the nightly grind, and the myriad challenges that entrepreneurs grapple with every day. This deeper connection to their journey is our distinguishing mark.

But this isn’t just professional empathy; it’s personal. As an entrepreneur and operator myself, I’ve walked the tightrope of business uncertainties. I’ve been on both sides of the table, buying and selling, understanding the intricate dynamics and emotions involved. This firsthand experience has shaped Astria’s ethos and approach. We staffed our company with this unique perspective in mind – to serve as the first institutional touchpoint for these businesses entering unfamiliar territory. We aim to be more than just advisers; we’re translators, bridging the gap between what these businesses know and the often-confusing world of M&A. By supercharging their innate capabilities with our expertise, we deliver favorable outcomes.

Every business has its tale, its triumphs, and its tribulations. Astria Group champions these unsung heroes – the SMEs – which form the sturdy backbone of our economy and drive significant job growth. These hardworking business owners and their teams know their craft, their industry, and their company’s heartbeats. Yet, when it comes to the intricate dance of Mergers and Acquisitions, they might feel like they’re navigating unfamiliar territory. That’s where Astria steps in.

In an ecosystem where larger corporations often receive the lion’s share of attention, capital, and resources, smaller businesses can sometimes feel overlooked or underserved. Astria fills this gap, leveraging our vast experience in building companies and executing transactions to ensure SMEs aren’t just another number in a ledger but a success story waiting to be written.

We often get described as M&A specialists, but we strive to be much more. We take the position of partners and fellow travelers on a journey with our clients. We have a team whose roots lie in varied yet interconnected domains – from seasoned entrepreneurs and operators to astute investment bankers and private equity investors. With billions in successful transactions under our belt, we don’t just aim to meet expectations; we strive to surpass them. I will even share one of our greatest secrets that is quite simple — preparing early matters. That means before you think you are even ready to do M&A, regardless of whether you are buying or selling — getting started with ample time to prepare and position the company for the upcoming journey can make a significant difference on the outcome.

Who else deserves some credit and recognition?
When I reflect upon my journey, I’m acutely aware that the path to success is seldom a solo endeavor. While individual drive and determination are paramount, the guiding light often comes from those who stand by you during the most challenging times. For me, the anchors in the storm have been my close friends who’ve been more like family: Mike and Kamran. Both are remarkable individuals with inspiring stories of their own, but my indebtedness to them transcends mere words. In life’s most tumultuous phases, when I found myself grappling with overwhelming odds, it was their steady presence, encouragement and analytical wisdom that provided clarity. Their perspectives always reminded me that with the right mindset and support, even the most formidable adversity can be turned into an opportunity.

Through existential business challenges, daunting personal decisions, or those unpredictable episodes that life throws at us, Michael Naft and Kamran Moghtaderi have been my unwavering pillars. Their support and insights have not only helped me navigate through storms but also shaped the way I approach challenges today. Their influence on my life is rich with meaning and I dedicate this shoutout to them with immense gratitude and respect.

Website: www.astriallc.com

Linkedin: linkedin.com/in/shaunrgordon