The Power of Asset Ownership W/Michael Crow
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Episode Description
Welcome to the On The Rise Podcast! In this episode, Jeremy Dyer sits down with Michael Crow, CEO and CIO of MC Enterprises, to unpack why owning assets—not just earning income—is the foundation of long-term wealth. Michael shares his journey from corporate banking and consulting into real estate, private equity, and acquiring small businesses through permanent capital structures. They explore the difference between Wall Street and Main Street investing, the rise of entrepreneurship through acquisition, and why incentives, tenacity, and alignment matter more than timing markets. This episode offers a clear framework for investors and operators looking to build durable wealth outside traditional financial systems.
Summary
Tip #1: If You Don’t Own It, You Don’t Control It
“If you don’t own it, you don’t control it.”
Michael explains how losing his corporate role after a bank merger reshaped his philosophy around ownership and wealth creation.
Tip #2: Main Street and Wall Street Require Different Strategies
“You can be active or passive, but you can’t pretend they’re the same.”
Main Street investing rewards focus, alignment, and operator quality, while Wall Street emphasizes broad diversification.
Tip #3: Fewer Great Investments Beat Many Average Ones
“I’d take five great positions over fifty average ones.”
Concentration with the right people often outperforms excessive diversification.
Tip #4: Permanent Capital Changes Decision-Making
“Family offices think in multiples, not IRRs.”
Michael explains why long-term capital prioritizes compounding over short-term exits.
Tip #5: Velocity of Money Is Overrated
“Timing markets creates friction, not wealth.”
Transaction costs and missed rebounds often erode returns more than patience ever will.
Tip #6: Small Business Acquisition Is Gaining Momentum
“You’re paying four or five times cash flow, not ten or twelve.”
Compared to real estate, small businesses often offer stronger cash-on-cash returns today.
Tip #7: The Jockey Still Matters Most
“I want people who have something to lose too.”
Michael looks for operators with real capital at risk and incentives fully aligned.
Tip #8: Tenacity Is the Differentiator
“Owning businesses means solving problems every day.”
Durability comes from grit, not spreadsheets.
Tip #9: Failure Is Inevitable—Make It Small
“You want to fail quickly and inexpensively.”
Success comes from correcting small mistakes before they compound.
Tip #10: The Future Belongs to Asset Owners
“You need to own things—not just save money.”
Michael predicts Main Street business ownership will become a core portfolio allocation over the next decade.
Resources and Links
Website
https://rezyservices.com/
Social Media
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/michael-crow-ny/
