Combining his expertise as a CFA® charterholder with his current pursuit of an MBA at Pepperdine Graziadio Business School, Levi Pettit offers unique insights into both Lower-Middle Market Private Equity (LMMPE) and career advancement in finance. His journey from college athlete to investment professional illuminates key strategies for success in today’s dynamic financial landscape.

A Foundation in Excellence

After earning dual degrees in Finance and Economics from The University of Texas at Dallas, graduating magna cum laude, Pettit demonstrated early on his commitment to combining academic achievement with practical leadership. As captain of the UTD men’s golf team, he learned valuable lessons about dedication without external rewards. “In Division III, there are no athletic scholarships,” he explains. “Everybody who’s playing is really just there because they love the game.”

The Path to Private Equity

Early career experiences proved transformative for Pettit’s professional direction. “I really didn’t understand what a family office was at the time [I interned in one], and I fell in love with it,” he recalls. This insight led to his role as an investment associate at a first-generation, single-family office, where he developed expertise in alternative investments and private equity.

Understanding LMMPE Opportunities

Drawing from his experience managing private equity portfolios, Pettit sees unique potential in the lower-middle market. “LMMPE is generally defined as companies generating revenues between $1 – $40 million. This encompasses 99.9% of businesses in the USA,” he explains, identifying a vast landscape of opportunity.

The technological transformation of small businesses presents particularly compelling prospects. “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.

The Value of Continuous Learning

Pettit’s pursuit of the CFA® charter exemplifies his commitment to professional development. “Nobody required it of me,” he notes of the certification, which demanded over 600 hours of study. “It was a lot of evenings and weekends studying.” This dedication reflects advice he received early in his career: “You need to realize that you will need to continue learning for the rest of your career.”

Keys to Early Career Success

For young professionals entering finance, Pettit strongly advocates for in-person work environments. “Entry-level job seekers really should be looking for opportunities where they can be face-to-face with people every single day,” he advises. “That’s where I learned the most — and how I grew the most.”

He emphasizes the importance of demonstrable skills, suggesting that job candidates bring concrete work samples to interviews. “Companies may wonder, ‘Do you have the ability to produce a product that is going to be on par with what we expect?'” he explains.

The Critical Role of Mentorship

Perhaps most importantly, Pettit stresses the value of building professional relationships. “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,” he says, highlighting how guidance from experienced professionals has shaped his career.

Looking Forward

While acknowledging LMMPE’s strong historical returns and future potential, Pettit maintains a balanced perspective informed by his background in risk management. His approach combines optimism about market opportunities with careful attention to due diligence and strategic evaluation.

Through his own career progression and analysis of LMMPE opportunities, Pettit demonstrates how combining technical expertise with relationship building and continuous learning creates a foundation for success in finance. His insights offer valuable guidance for those seeking to navigate both the challenges and opportunities in today’s financial markets. Levi Pettit can be found on Bluesky.