Off-duty: The Jordan Co. chief Rich Caputo on coaching high school sports, Lou Reed

Buyouts’ Off-duty provides a snapshot of top investors, including a few details about what they do when not chasing deals.

Rich Caputo, CEO of The Jordan Company, joined the firm in 1990, prior to which he worked in high-yield at Prudential-Bache. TJC is one of the oldest PE firms in the business, having started as a private investment partnership in 1982. It raised its first institutional capital in 1986 and its Fund I in 2002.

In 2012, Caputo became co-CEO alongside founder Jay Jordan, who retired in 2016.

Where is your hometown?

Wilkes-Barre, Pennsylvania.

If you weren’t in PE, what job would you like to have?

Coaching high school sports or doing something with my kids.

How do you relax when you’re not working?

Binge-watch TV series with my wife, workout, golf and share laughs with good friends and family.

What book are you reading right now?

Nothing right now.

What is your favorite song, album, performer or music genre?

Lou Reed.

What is your favorite place for a vacation, sanctuary or a place to explore?

Anywhere warm and sunny with my family.

Who in your career do you regard as a mentor?

Every partner I’ve ever worked with at TJC over the past 32 years as well as numerous CEOs we’ve partnered with during that time. Our firm has been built on a culture of mentorship and developing talent from within. Outside of TJC, my father was an incredible mentor in every regard.

Professionally, what was your toughest moment?

Dealing with the illness and ultimate loss of two partners and friends, Tom Quinn and Adam Max. Both died way too soon.

Professionally, what was your most rewarding moment?

That moment is right now, seeing what we’ve built at TJC. It’s the best team I’ve ever been part of, and I’ve never been happier doing what I do. Our best days are in front of us.

What PE buzz words or jargon do you hate most?

“What keeps you up at night?”

What advice would you give a young person interested in a PE career?

When looking for a job in PE do not obsess about a firm’s brand or AUM. Find a firm with good people, low turnover and a growth mindset, where you can see yourself ultimately making an impact and having a long term career. And don’t be afraid to take a little risk for that type of opportunity.

What word or phrase best describes you?

Passionate.