Private equity is about the outsider who can see the situation with greater clarity. Ever notice that the best movies portraying a country’s cultures are often made by directors who are outsiders? The award winning American Beauty was done by Sam Mendes, a Brit. Room with a View, the popular British historic drama was by Ismail Merchant, an Indian. It’s much the same with the investor partner who recognized the market power of the seed company’s brand name and created a new alliance, the business of Sassy Seed container gardening.

Having outside intervention was rather unsettling but Bob could console his ego because his 25% stake was bringing him far better returns than when he owned the whole shebang. How could he not like that cash? But Bob still fretted, confiding to his wife, “I can’t help but feel I’m John Lennon with Yoko Ono yanking my chain. These guys just don’t know how I come up with what to do. It’s instinctive for me. They want it on paper.”

She nodded, “Sweetie, you’re used to be being the top dog—it’s hard for you to learn how to look at your baby from other people’s angles. Of course you’re going to feel growing pains. But I can see all this disruption is good for you. It’s got you acting years younger. More vigourous, you know. Just like the early days…”