In today’s episode, you’ll hear from Rick Rule, now the former President and CEO of Sprott US Holdings. Rick is outspoken to say the least, but still seems to consider every word carefully. His entrance into the finance industry is a story worth listening to twice. Also, the people he learned from can be credited with leading the frontiers of the Canadian venture capital industry.
In the first part of this interview, Rick says, “I look forward to being useful.” This seems like a bit of a dismissive remark at first. However, as you’ll hear, Rick’s career has been built on doing exactly that: being useful and creating value for his clients. There is almost a purity to his approach and how it ties into his libertarian beliefs. When it comes to business building and financing companies, Rick doesn’t mince his words. He is very clear on the expectations he has for those who come and pitch to him for money. Furthermore, he articulates his expectations in a way that is in line with the other highly successful people you’ve heard from on this podcast.
To draw an analogy, his expectations are major league. However, when most people pitch for money, they do it with a minor league understanding of their project and its potential. Rick speaks about capital raising in the early stages of a company and makes the point that, in your early rounds, you should be raising allies and not money. In other words, put that stock in the hands of investors who are capable of being there for the long haul and not just going to turn you out for a quick and easy double.
There is so much to learn from this interview, so make sure to tune in today!
KEY POINTS FROM THIS EPISODE:
Learn a bit about Rick’s background and his career in the capital markets.
Hear some of his stories from the early days of the Vancouver stock exchange.
Rick reflects on the incalculable value of having what he calls spectacular mentors.
The characteristic traits of his successful mentors, including innate curiosity and hard work.
His transition from the bar industry into the capital markets in the 1970s, what Rick calls the halcyon era for natural resources.
Find out about the restlessness that led him to start Global Resource Investments (GRI).
Hear more about Sprott’s acquisition of Global Resource Investments in 2011.
Rick shares his opinions of the brokerage industry: the money originates with the customer.
Why Rick says that you’re only as good as your last deal and your first shouldn’t be your own.
Why it’s vital to learn from the A players; the benefits of becoming part of a successful team.
It’s easy for negative price action to disillusion you of what was a positive plan and narrative.
Early on in your capital raising journey, Rick explains why he says raise allies, not money.
What you can learn from Frank Giustra, including selecting directors with large networks.
Issuers and narrative; what Rick wants to hear from a pitch, including who, where, and how.
Hear the very explicit expectations he has of those that pitch to him for money, such as understanding the unanswered question.
Rick’s thoughts on post-COVID market conditions: don’t plan your life around fiction.
Why Rick takes a long-term perspective in his investment strategies to justify his time.
While he understands monetizing perception, greed, and ignorance, he never falls for it.
Find out what is next for Rick, including the educational channel he is building.
Final thoughts for young entrepreneurs : the surest way to make money is to become indispensable for others.
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