The latest episode of The Elevator Pitch features an engaging conversation between our founder Hugh Williams and Bob Fix, a distinguished partner at William Blair who has helped shape the firm's legacy over his remarkable 47-year tenure. Fix shares his inspiring journey from humble beginnings as a caddy in Cleveland, where a chance encounter with a 24-year-old Arnold Palmer in 1954 left an indelible impression, to becoming one of the founding fathers of KWILL Merchant Advisors.
Fix eloquently describes the mentors who influenced his career, particularly Ned Janat, the visionary merchant banker who orchestrated the legendary Sanford acquisition (creator of the Sharpie marker) that generated an astounding 30x return for investors. With characteristic wisdom, Fix emphasizes the transformative power of surrounding yourself with creative, dynamic individuals who elevate everyone in their orbit. When asked to define himself in the elevator's closing moments, Fix reveals the core values driving his success: "I really want to project love... because I think if one person does that, we can all start to get rid of the hatred in this world."
